What are the Dangers of Changing a Refrigerator Water Filter Over 6 Months?

Tip: If your refrigerator water filter has been used for more than 6 months, it is a must to replace it with a new one.

What are the Dangers of Changing a Filter Over 6 Months?
Replace your refrigerator water filter over 6 months and you're going to have a bad, unforgettable experience. You'll find the water connection slows down, strange colors and tastes in the water, and low-quality ice. If your refrigerator water filter has not been replaced, you may end up with a cup of water that is recontaminated.

The Water Connection Slows Down
You may feel like it takes longer to fill a glass of water than before, because of the slower flow of water. Refrigerator water filters trap contaminants in water by means of physical filtration. As the work of the refrigerator filter prolongs, contaminants in the tap water might build up on the surface of the filter cartridge. This is especially dangerous in locations where the water quality is poor. The impurities that accumulate on the surface of the refrigerator water filter can affect the passage of the water flow will eventually lead to a decrease in the flow velocity of the water flow.

Strange Colors and Tastes
Refrigerator filters are mainly used to remove chlorine, odor, heavy metals, fluoride and other pollutants in water. Generally speaking, the life of the filter is 6 months. Once the filter has been used for more than 6 months, then the effect of the refrigerator filter will be greatly reduced. The human sense of smell and taste is highly sensitive, drinking water with a filter that doesn't work properly, you may notice strange smells and colors in the water. The strange taste in the water comes mainly from chlorine. Then you will know the refrigerator water filter needs to be changed quickly.

Low-quality Ice
When your refrigerator water filter has not been replaced for more than 6 months, then the water may contain a lot of sediment. Suppose you are used to receiving ice from your refrigerator on a regular basis, then hazy ice should be brought to your notice. If this happens, the best thing to do is to replace the refrigerator water filter with a new one.

Heavy Metals in Water
Some NSF53 certified refrigerator water filters can remove up to 99% of this heavy metal like lead and mercury. Lead has debilitating effects on the brain, heart, kidneys, and ears. Your water supply should not contain any traces of lead, so a quality filter is paramount to your health. Mercury damages the kidneys, brain, and developing fetus in pregnant women. In general, mercury cannot be found in quantities that would cause such harm in your water. But a filter will make sure to remove it completely. 

Fluoride in the Water
NSF473 certified refrigerator water filters can remove up to 96.8% of water. PFOA, PFOS has now become a new global environmental pollutant, covering fireproof films, carpets, textiles and other fields as surface protection materials. Your water shouldn't have a lot of fluoride.

Secondary Pollution
As you know, refrigerator water filters can remove contaminants from water. These contaminants are attached to the carbon block of the filter. If you haven't replaced it in more than 6 months, these contaminants may re-enter the water and reach your cup. Resulting in secondary pollution of water.

Changing the Filter Every 6 Months Would be a Wise Decision
The refrigerator water filter should be changed every six months, according to the manufacturer's instructions and the advice of some experts. Following this advise is often a good idea. That's because within 6 months, the filter can be guaranteed to work properly. Filtered water is safe and healthy. Pay attention to the flavor and texture of the water you receive, as well as the replacement indicator, to ensure that your refrigerator water filter is replaced on time.

What Kind of Refrigerator Water Filter to Choose?
An effective filter should have the most basic filtering functions, such as removing unpleasant odors, chlorine and color from the water. And certified refrigerator water filters remove harmful substances like lead, mercury, antibiotics, fluoride, and more. So you can buy NAF certified filters. If you want to remove heavy metals like lead and mercury from your water, then you can choose a filter certified to NSF53. If you want to remove fluoride from your water, a refrigerator water filter certified to NSF473 would be a smart choice.

How to Make Sure Your Refrigerator Water Filter Can Be Replaced Within 6 Months？
Some refrigerators come with a filter replacement reminder feature, so you'll easily find a reminder that you need to replace it. Generally, when you unpack a new refrigerator filter, you'll find a date sheet, and you just need to stick the filter replacement date on the filter. Remember this time, after 6 months, you need to replace your filter.