It is important to understand how long activated carbon water filters can last. This will help you maintain the water quality and save money on buying a new filter. This guide will help you understand activated carbon’s life cycle and what you can do to extend its lifespan.

Activated carbon water filters last about six months after they are first used. Some activated carbon water filters can be protected with other filters and may last up to 12 months. Poor quality tap water and frequent use can reduce activated carbon’s life expectancy.

Activated carbon filters are not meant to last forever. Many things can reduce the lifespan of activated carbon filters. Continue reading to find out everything you need.

How Long Can Activated Carbon Filters Last In Water Filters?

Activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal, is used to make most water filters. It’s used to reduce harmful contaminants as well as improve the taste. To ensure your safety and effectiveness, it is important to understand how long these filters can last.

While some companies give information about the expected life expectancy of activated carbon filters, others only provide one. These numbers are not provided by most companies, regardless of how long water filters should last.

“The filter’s life expectancy can vary depending upon the water quality and how frequently you use it.”

They are correct. An activated carbon filter cannot be placed without a date stamp. The water contaminants will affect the carbon’s life expectancy. If activated carbon is used often, it will last longer.

Lifespan Is Determined By The Number Of Months

All water filter systems have an expiry date. It is crucial to replace activated carbon filters within the recommended timeframes. It doesn’t really matter how long a water filter has been in use, but it is crucial to know when it should need to be replaced.

One of them expires FIRST.

Activated carbon filters are capable of removing contaminants from water. There are over 150 types of manufactured activated carbon. Each type is unique and has its own properties, such as:

  • Surface area
  • Pore size distribution
  • Catalytic properties refer to the ability to alter certain contaminants at the carbon surfaces.
  • Absorption
  • Adsorption (How contaminants stick to carbon).

These properties are what make activated carbon stand out from other forms of filtration. These properties include a high degree of porosity, a large surface area, which allows chemical reactions to take place, and, most importantly, adsorption.

In just a few moments, I will talk more about adsorption.

Activated carbon’s lifespan is not known at this time. This can vary from one household to the next.

Manufacturers tend to be conservative in estimating the expected lifespan. Manufacturers need to be realistic about the rate at which activated carbon will age from absorbing impurities in different areas. It is also important to consider when water quality will be unacceptable.

Activated carbon can last up to six months longer than what is suggested, but it may also last much shorter. Activated carbon’s lifespan depends on where you live and how often you use it. It also depends on the quality of your tap water.

Activated carbon filter material should be able to last at least six months before it needs to be replaced.

Activated carbon can still provide effective filtration. Your activated carbon filter will expire after six months.

Lifespan Is Determined By The Number Of Gallons

Let’s take a closer look at how many gallons the activated carbon filter can handle before it has to be replaced.

Water is only partially filtered by activated carbon filters. First, we need to understand how activated charcoal filters work and why they “fill up”.

This post was written by a water treatment expert at Pure Blue H2O. At Pure Blue H2O we are the providers of the best ro filter replacement! We know that the best product comes from the best materials. They offer whole home water solutions such as reverse osmosis systems, shower head filtration, filter replacements, and a variety of similar products. Their focus is to provide Americans with safe and clean water throughout the home.