Cartridge changes
Sediment pre-filters and carbon cartridge filters have a limited capacity before they clog or stop removing what they're designed to remove. Replacement frequency depends on water usage, water quality, and cartridge size, so it's best to follow the manufacturer's guidance for your specific system rather than a one-size-fits-all number.
Whole house media replacement
Whole house systems that use loose filtration media (like catalytic carbon for chloramine reduction, or iron/manganese filtration media for wells) need that media replaced periodically as it becomes exhausted. Media life varies by water chemistry and usage volume, so actual replacement intervals should be based on your system's specifications and how your water tests over time.
Reverse osmosis membrane service
RO systems (NSF/ANSI 58) typically have multiple stages — pre-filters, a membrane, and often a post-filter — and each has its own service interval. The membrane itself generally lasts longer than the pre- and post-filters but still needs periodic replacement as it loses efficiency. See our reverse osmosis page for more on how these systems work.
UV lamp replacement
UV disinfection systems, often used for well water bacteria control, need their lamp replaced on a yearly basis as a general rule. UV output declines well before a lamp visibly burns out, so a lamp can look fine while no longer disinfecting effectively — which is why yearly replacement, rather than waiting for failure, is the standard guidance.
Water softener resin and salt
Softeners need regular salt refills to regenerate the resin bed, and the resin itself has a usable lifespan before it needs replacement — resin degrades gradually with use and with exposure to certain contaminants like iron. Keeping the brine tank filled and watching for signs of reduced softening (scale returning, soap not lathering as well) helps catch issues before they become bigger ones.
Service plans
// TODO(owner): describe available service plan options, what's included, and frequency once finalized. Until then, contact us directly to discuss a maintenance schedule for your system.
Repairs
Beyond scheduled maintenance, filtration systems occasionally need repair — a leaking valve, a malfunctioning control head, a cracked fitting, or a system that's no longer regenerating or cycling correctly. If something seems off, it's usually worth having it looked at rather than waiting, since a system that isn't functioning correctly may not be filtering as intended even if water is still flowing.
We service systems we didn't install
You don't need to have had your system installed by us to get it serviced. We work on a range of whole house filters, softeners, RO systems, and well water equipment, and can evaluate what maintenance or repair an existing system needs regardless of who originally installed it.
Signs it's time for service
- Water pressure has noticeably dropped
- Chlorine/chloramine taste or smell has returned
- Scale buildup, spotting, or soap not lathering well (softener-related)
- Staining has returned on fixtures (iron/manganese filtration-related)
- A system's control head is showing an error or hasn't regenerated/cycled on schedule
- It's simply been a while since the last cartridge, media, or lamp change, and you're not sure when that was
If you're not sure what state your current system is in, a free water test can help confirm whether it's still performing as expected.
Frequently asked questions
How often do water filter cartridges need to be changed?
It depends on the cartridge type, your water usage, and water quality, so we recommend following the manufacturer's guidance for your specific system rather than a single generic interval.
How often should a UV lamp be replaced?
Generally once a year, since UV disinfection output declines over time even though the lamp may still appear to be working.
Do you service systems your company didn't originally install?
Yes, we work on a range of existing whole house filters, softeners, RO systems, and well water equipment regardless of who installed them.
What are signs my softener needs service?
Returning scale buildup, soap not lathering well, spotting on dishes or glassware, or a brine tank that isn't using salt as expected are common signs worth checking.
Does reverse osmosis need regular maintenance?
Yes — RO systems have pre-filters, a membrane, and often a post-filter, each with its own replacement interval. The membrane typically lasts longer than the other filters but still needs periodic replacement.
What happens if I skip maintenance on my filtration system?
The system usually doesn't fail dramatically — it just gradually stops removing what it's designed to remove, which can be hard to notice without testing or watching for the signs covered above.
Is there a maintenance plan available?
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