Water filter cartridges: What you need to know!

Water filters for everyday use use special filter cartridges to remove any harmful substances from our Tapwater . These are containers or cartridges that consist of a special filter medium and are then inserted into a housing - the water filter. Would you like to find out more about water filter cartridges? Then you've come to the right place! 

We explain to you...

• … which water filter cartridges are available, 
• … how filter cartridges work and why you need them, 
• … how often you have to change the water cartridges,
• … how to change the cartridges 
• … and how to best dispose of the water filter cartridges.

Water filter cartridges: Which ones are there? 

There are a number of different cartridges for water filters, as each supplier works with different systems . There are cartridges on the market for: 

• Table can filter
• endpoint filter
• house entrance filter
• industrial filters

The most important for private use are table jug filters and endpoint filters. 

Table can filter

Table jug filters look like a water jug and are therefore often called table water filters. To filter, the water is simply poured into the vessel. The cartridge in the middle usually contains loose activated carbon granules , which filters the water. The water can then be poured directly from the jug. 

The big disadvantage : If you change the water filter cartridge too late, it releases the previously filtered pollutants back into the water in dissolved and concentrated form. There is also an increased risk of contamination if the water is left in the jug for several days or if the filter is exposed to direct sunlight . 

endpoint filter

Endpoint filters are installed directly at the point of use - either at the tap or under the sink . Such filters consist of a housing and a cartridge. The cartridge in turn consists of a filter medium such as activated carbon, ion exchangers or membranes. These clean the water adsorptively, catalytically or purely mechanically.

The endpoint filters from Alb Filter and other manufacturers contain a filter cartridge that uses activated carbon in block form as the filter medium. One of the advantages of this is that the water is cleaned in three ways - mechanically, catalytically and adsorptively . In this way, the filters can filter a wide variety of substances, from sand and rust particles to bacteria and germs, chlorine, pesticides and heavy metals. 

Even with activated carbon block filters, there is an increased risk of contamination if the cartridge is changed too late. However, some of these filters offer a mechanical germ barrier due to their design. However, this germ barrier only exists from a pore fineness of 0.3µ. This is because then the germs can no longer fit through the pores and are thus filtered out of the water. 

How do water filter cartridges work?

The way the water cartridges work depends on the type of filter . In principle, however, it works in such a way that water flows through the cartridges and is cleaned in the process. Depending on the type of filter, a corresponding filter material is used. Activated carbon is often used for this - either in loose, poured form or as a sintered activated carbon block . The activated carbon absorbs any pollutants and thus cleans the water.

An additional filter medium that is often found in table jug filters is synthetic resin for water softening. The chemical principle of ion exchange is used in the filtration. Magnesium and calcium ions are exchanged for sodium ions and hydrogen ions, which makes the water softer. This form of water softening may reduce limescale deposits on the coffee machine and kettle, but the higher sodium content in the water must be accepted.

Would you like to learn more about how water filter cartridges work?
Then read our Guidebook on filtration technologies and filter processes.

Why do you need filter cartridges? 

The water filter cartridges take over the actual function of the water filter . They are responsible for filtering out any undesirable substances from our drinking water. Without a filter cartridge, even the best water filter is useless because the water simply flows through an empty casing. 

Some manufacturers even offer cartridges in their range that enrich the water with additional minerals such as magnesium . 

How long do water filter cartridges last?

How long filter cartridges last depends on the filtration technology and the local water quality . For example, various table jug filters have an average lifespan of 4 weeks before they need to be changed. With activated carbon filters, depending on the quality, the activated carbon can absorb around 10 - 30% of its own mass in pollutants before it is saturated.

The ACTIVE and ACTIVE PLUS+ filter cartridges from Alb Filter must be replaced after 4 months for hygienic reasons. However, this does not mean that the activated carbon has already become saturated with pollutants. Unfortunately, there is no really practical way for an end user to assess the saturation of an activated carbon cartridge, as this would require a laboratory analysis. However, under certain circumstances, metallic tastes or chlorine can be detected in a saturated cartridge that is located in front of the filter.

With purely mechanical cartridges such as the Nano germ barrier from Alb, the flow rate decreases as the load increases. The durability therefore depends heavily on how clean the water is on the inlet side. 

Disposal: How to properly recycle water filter cartridges

Even though most filter cartridges are made of plastic, they are still disposed of in the residual waste . They do not belong in the yellow bin or yellow bag because they contain organic substances. The water filter cartridges from Alb Filter must also be disposed of in the residual waste. The reason for this is the ability of the filter cartridge to bind pollutants. Since these pollutants must not be released into the environment, the cartridge should be incinerated. 

Some manufacturers now also offer recycling programs. In such a case, you should simply return the cartridge to your manufacturer or to designated trading partners so that the individual materials can be recycled. 

Clean water thanks to water filter cartridges

Filter cartridges are the heart of every water filter . They are equipped with a wide variety of filter media and ensure that our drinking water is free from unwanted pollutants. They work according to sophisticated physical and mechanical principles and are easy to use. 

But be careful: don't forget to change your water filter cartridge in good time. This is the only way you can enjoy clean water at all times! 

FAQs

How often do you have to change the filter cartridges? 

This depends entirely on the manufacturer, the filter technology and, above all, the quality of the incoming water. The recommended usage time before changing the cartridge can be found in the operating instructions provided. 

You normally need to replace Alb Filter water cartridges after 4 months ( ACTIVE and ACTIVE PLUS+ ) or after 6 months ( NANO ). 

How do you know when the water filter cartridge needs to be replaced?

You usually cannot tell directly from the water whether the cartridge needs to be replaced. This would require a laboratory analysis. An exception to this are cartridges that filter mechanically. Here you can see a visibly reduced water flow as soon as the cartridge is exhausted. 

Some suppliers also equip their water filters with an integrated LED display . This automatically tells you when the cartridge needs to be changed. To be on the safe side, you should always follow the manufacturer's recommended instructions.

What happens if you don't change the water filter cartridges? 

If water filter cartridges are changed too late, the filter effect decreases and there is an increased risk of contamination

Can you use different cartridges for the same water filter?

There is no general answer to this. In principle, there are manufacturers who offer universal cartridges or whose filters are compatible with cartridges from other companies. At Alb Filter, all three cartridges in our range are compatible with all of our filter housings. This means that you can combine water filters and filter cartridges from Alb Filter as you wish. 

Where can I get replacement cartridges? 

You can usually get the replacement cartridges directly from the manufacturer of your water filter. Some also offer the cartridges in local stores or online through third-party sellers. Are you looking for replacement cartridges for your water filter from Alb Filter? Then take a look at our shop! 

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