How to Change a Water Filter Cartridge (and How Often)

Used sediment filter cartridges beside a new cartridge

Most housing-style cartridges are changed by isolating the water, relieving the pressure, unscrewing the bowl, swapping the cartridge and O-ring, then flushing. Puretec’s quick-twist (valve-in-head) cartridges are simpler: there’s no need to turn off the water – you rotate the old cartridge a quarter turn, twist the new one in and flush. How often depends on the cartridge’s capacity, your water quality and how much you use, so always follow your system’s user guide.

How often should you change a filter cartridge?

Puretec notes that without regular maintenance, filters can become clogged with contaminant build-up and filtration performance suffers. Where Puretec states a capacity or interval, it is shown below:

ProductPuretec-stated capacity or interval
Z7-R (PureMix Z7)63,500 litres
Z6-R (PureMix Z6)Up to 60,000 litres
Z2-R (PureMix Z2, CR-Z2)38,000 litres
FL051 fluoride cartridgeApprox. 1,900 litres
Hybrid E series UV lampOnce a year (clean the sleeve periodically)
SF240-CH shower filterTypically 6–12 months, depending on usage and water quality

Other signs a cartridge is due include a drop in water pressure or flow, or taste, odour or colour returning. Some systems help: Puretec’s Hybrid E series has a UV lamp count-down timer and alarm, and the CR-Z2 caravan filter has an LED that turns from blue to red when the filter needs replacing.

Quick-twist (valve-in-head) cartridges

For Puretec Z series systems such as the PureMix Z6, Z7 and Z1 kits, Puretec’s replacement instructions are:

  1. Remove all packaging from the new cartridge, including any wraps.
  2. Rotate the old cartridge a quarter turn as shown on the label and remove it. Puretec’s valve-in-head design means you don’t need to turn off the water supply.
  3. Line up the points on the new cartridge with the system, insert it into the filter head and rotate until it seats.
  4. Turn on the water and check for leaks.
  5. Flush the unit for 5–10 minutes before use, or until the water runs clear.

Housing-style cartridges (whole-house and twin systems)

General steps for bowl-type housings such as WH2, FilterWall, EM2 and Hybrid systems – your user guide takes priority:

  1. Turn off the water supply to the filter (or set any bypass valve), and for UV systems switch off the power before servicing.
  2. Open a downstream tap or pressure-release button to relieve pressure.
  3. Unscrew the bowl with the correct housing spanner, such as the MPSP-G spanner for MP series housings, and remove the old cartridge.
  4. Clean the bowl, then fit a new O-ring with food-grade lubricant – Puretec care kits include both.
  5. Fit the new cartridge, refit the bowl, restore the water slowly, check for leaks and flush.

Puretec describes its pleated sediment cartridges such as the PL05MP2 as washable, but carbon cartridges are replaced, not washed. For UV systems, the lamp and quartz sleeve are separate service items.

Use genuine parts

Puretec states that using genuine Puretec replacement parts extends the longevity of your system and supports the validity of its extended manufacturer’s warranty.

Installation: connection to your water supply must be carried out by a licensed plumber, and any hard-wired electrical work by a licensed electrician.

Recommended products

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to turn off the water to change a quick-twist cartridge?

No. Puretec’s valve-in-head design on its quick-change Z series means cartridges can be replaced without shutting off the water supply.

Why do I need to flush a new cartridge?

Puretec’s instructions say to flush the unit for 5 to 10 minutes before use, or until the water runs clear, after installing a new cartridge.

What comes in a Puretec care kit?

Puretec care kits include genuine replacement cartridges plus O-rings and food-grade lubricant; Hybrid maintenance kits also include a UV lamp and quartz sleeve.

How do I find the right replacement cartridge?

Check the model code on your system or the label on the old cartridge, then see our cartridge finder pages for PureMix Z series, Hybrid G7/R2 and Hybrid E/I series – or call us with the code.

Related guides: PureMix Z series cartridges, Hybrid E and I series kits, Hybrid G7 / R2 cartridges.

Questions? Call or text 0447 203 775 or email [email protected] and we will help you choose.

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