Guides / Water · Updated
How often should you change your water filter?
Intervals from each maker's own page or manual, checked November 2026. Whichever comes first, gallons or months.
Short answer
Pitcher filters last about 40 gallons, roughly 2 months (Brita Elite 120 gallons, about 6). Fridge filters about 6 months. RO pre-filters 6 to 12 months and membranes 2 to 5 years. Whole-house cartridges anywhere from 3 months to 10 years depending on the system.
By filter
| Filter | Replace | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Brita Standard pitcher | Every 40 gallons, about 2 months | Brita |
| Brita Elite | Every 120 gallons, about 6 months | Brita |
| Brita faucet (FF-100) | Every 100 gallons, about 4 months | Brita |
| PUR pitcher and dispenser | 40 gallons or every 2 months | PUR |
| PUR faucet | 100 gallons or every 3 months | PUR |
| ZeroWater | When the meter reads 006; up to about 40 gallons with normal use | ZeroWater |
| GE RPWFE fridge filter | 6 months; rated 170 gallons | GE |
| Samsung fridge filters | Every 6 months | Samsung |
| A.O. Smith HERO S1/S3 | 365 gallons or 6 months | A.O. Smith |
| iSpring RO | Pre-filters 6 to 12 months; membrane 2 to 3 years; carbon post-filter 12 months | iSpring |
| APEC ROES-50 | Pre-filters 6 to 12 months; membrane and carbon 2 to 4 years | APEC |
| Waterdrop G3P600 | Stage 1: 6 months or 550 gal; RO: 24 months or 2,200 gal; carbon: 12 months or 1,100 gal | Waterdrop |
| Culligan Aqua-Cleer RO | Filters 1,000 gallons, about 12 months; membrane 3 to 5 years | Culligan |
| 3M Aqua-Pure whole house | Every 6 months, or sooner if flow drops | 3M |
| Pentek GAC-BB whole house | 12,500 gallons or 3 months (the page also lists 12,000 gal capacity) | Pentair |
| Aquasana Rhino whole house | 1,000,000 gallons or up to 10 years | Aquasana |
Change sooner if flow slows or the taste comes back. A filter certified for lead or PFAS only meets its claim within its rated capacity, so don't stretch those.
Not sure what you need? See what water filter do I need, or check what yourRO system wastes.