When to Do Big Blue Whole House Water Filter Replacement? Here Is the Answer!

Okay, so, the other day, I had to deal with my big blue whole house water filter. Thing was due for a change, you know? They say you should swap these filters out about once a year, but honestly, it depends on how crappy your water is and how much you’re using it.

I remember first noticing something was off when the water pressure started dropping. Like, taking a shower felt like standing under a dripping faucet. Not fun. Plus, the water started tasting a little… funky. Not exactly what you want when you’re trying to stay hydrated, right?

So, I figured it was time. I’m not exactly Mr. Handyman, but I’m not totally useless either. I mean changing water filter, how hard could it be? First thing I did was shut off the main water supply to the house. You definitely don’t want to forget that part, unless you’re going for an indoor pool situation, it is a big deal. I found the valve out near the street, turned that sucker off, and then opened up a few faucets inside to relieve any pressure left in the lines.

Next, I grabbed my tools. Luckily, the filter housing came with this big plastic wrench thingy specifically for loosening it. I placed a bucket under the filter housing to catch the water and filter.

• A bucket
• The big plastic wrench

I tell you, getting that housing off was a bit of a workout! It was on there tight. After a few grunts and maybe a couple of choice words, I finally managed to unscrew it. Water splashed out, of course, but the bucket did its job. And man, that old filter? It looked nasty. All gunked up with sediment and who knows what else. It was definitely time for it to go.

Putting the new filter in was a breeze. I just popped it into the housing, making sure the O-ring was properly seated. That O-ring is important, it is the key to prevent leaking, so don’t mess that up. Then, I screwed the housing back onto the filter head, using the wrench to tighten it up. Not as tight as it was before, though. Just snug enough to prevent leaks.

Almost Done

Finally, I turned the main water supply back on. Slowly at first, just to check for any leaks. Once I was sure everything was good, I opened it up all the way. I let the water run for a few minutes to flush out any air in the lines and any loose bits from the new filter. And wouldn’t you know it, the water pressure was back to normal! Plus, the water tasted clean and fresh again. Success!

Honestly, the whole process was easier than I thought it would be. It took a little bit of time and effort, but it was totally worth it. And I saved myself a bunch of money by not calling a plumber. So, yeah, if your water’s acting up, don’t be afraid to tackle that filter yourself. You might just surprise yourself.