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How to DIY Change a Whole House Water Filter in 7 Easy Steps

How to DIY Change a Whole House Water Filter in 7 Easy Steps

Are you tired of the hassle and expense of having a plumber come out to change your whole house, cottage, or cabin water filter? Well, you're in luck! It's an easy job that anyone can do, and I'm here to show you how.

As a water filtration expert, I want to help you conquer crappy water for your family. In this DIY tutorial, I provide 7 simple steps to change your own water filter. You'll learn when it's time to replace the filter, how to prepare for the job, and tips and tricks to make it easier for you. This video is for cottagers, cabin owners, and homeowners who want to save money and take matters into their own hands. Get ready to change your whole house water filter and enjoy clean water for you and your loved ones today!

 

 

sediment filters

BEFORE YOU BEGIN: SUPPLIES YOU'LL NEED

  • Replacement filter – if you’re not sure which filter type you need, this YouTube video of mine will help you decide! >> WATCH NOW 

  • Correct size Filter Housing Wrench or Universal Wrench

  • A bucket to catch the water

  • Some clean rags

  • Plumber’s silicone grease >> SHOP NOW 

 

WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR WHOLE HOUSE WATER FILTER CARTRIDGE

You would replace a whole house water filter cartridge whenever the water flow slows down in your home, cottage or cabin or after one year of use, whichever happens first. You don't want bacteria growing inside that filter!

PRO TIP: Prepare a bucket with clean soapy water ahead of time because once you open the filter housing you won't have access to water until you're finished. 

 

7 STEPS TO DIY WATER FILTER CARTRIDGE REPLACEMENT

  1. Turn your water supply off. You probably have a shutoff on the supply line located before the filter. If not, go to the hydro panel and turn the pump off. 

  2. Release any water pressure in the water lines before you unscrew the water filter housing. You need to turn a faucet on inside the house to release the pressure and let the water run until it stops or at least slows to a trickle. Then shut off the water after the filter housing to keep the water from the house from draining back through the open filter housing. If the filter housing is stuck, check out this video >> LEARN MORE

  3. Place a bucket under the filter housing. Unscrew the housing and take it off being careful to minimize spilling the water from inside the housing.

  4. hand tighten water filter cartridge
    Remove the old filter and clean the inside of the housing with soapy water and towels to remove any built-up debris. Check to make sure that there are no old rubber gaskets inside the filter housing.  

  5. Put some clear plumbers silicone grease on the O-ring, which will help preserve the O-ring, make it seal better and make it easier to remove the next time. Unwrap and slide the new filter into the housing and screw it back in place, slightly more than hand tight, about 1/8 to 1/4 turn. 

  6. Turn the faucet OFF that you had running to release pressure. Turn the main water supply back ON, partially. Check for leaks around the cartridge housing. If there are no leaks, open main water supply fully. 

  7. Flush the new filter with at least 3 or 4 gallons of water or until the water flowing after the filter is clear.

 

There you have it! Gary the Water Guy's 7 easy-to-follow DIY tips from a water treatment pro on how to change your whole house water filter! You'll not only save money by doing it yourself but also gain a sense of satisfaction knowing that your family is drinking cleaner, better-tasting water and your water filtration system is working to its best ability.

Whether you're a homeowner, cottage or cabin owner, don't forget to check back on our blog and subscribe to my YouTube channel here for more DIY tips and tricks. Remember, I'm Gary the Water Guy, and I'm here to help you take control of your water quality!

 

>> Looking for replacement water sediment filters? Find the ones you need right here

 

 

DIY TUTORIAL FEEDBACK

"I paid my plumber twice to change my filters, and in watching him I figured I could do this myself. Gary's great tutorial gave me the confidence to give it a try, and happy to report total success! Grateful for the additional video on how to unstick difficult filter housings (which I had). Thank you Gary for your great instruction!" ~ DIANE N.


"Thanks for the video. It really helped and I could change my filter all by myself. It saved me $250." ~ PATRICK J.


"This video is fantastic! Clear instructions and very helpful. I get anxious about doing these things myself and this allowed me to replace my filter without worries. Thank you!" ~ ARLENE R.