5 Common Problems with Water Filtration Systems (with Solutions)

Water filtration systems are important when it comes to minimizing the amount of hard water coming into your home. And just like every other device, water filtration systems can run into problems over time. But it’s not a time for panic; it’s a time for solutions.

We here at Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric have been in business since 2007 and have worked with thousands of water filtration systems and have helped customers just like you identify the most common problems with their water filtration systems. We will admit that being able to spot and address issues with your water filtration system can seem like an intimidating task, but you can do it!

By the end of this article, you will be able to stare the problems with water filtration systems in the eye and laugh because you got this!

Common Problems with Water Filtration Systems

Some water filtration systems are used to improve the quality of water by filtering out contaminants to make it appropriate for a specific end-use; in this case, it’s the water being used in the home.

Other water filtration systems, like whole-house water softeners or whole-house carbon filters, can also protect your home, as well as the piping fixtures, from hard water. And if you live in Los Angeles, hard water is incredibly common.

Check out this article here to learn more about hard water and its effects on your plumbing fixtures.

Just like anything else in your home, water filtration systems can run into issues. If left untended, small problems can turn into larger ones, ultimately decreasing your water’s quality.

Most issues with water filtration systems stem from cartridges or filters. The cartridges inside the water filtration systems have to be changed on a regular basis to maintain clean water. If you don’t swap out cartridges regularly, they may become clogged or fill up, preventing them from working effectively.

While a cartridge or filter may be the majority of the issues with water filtration systems, other more common problems arise with water filtration systems. Some of the most common problems with water filtration systems are:

1. Dirty Filter: An issue you’ll likely experience with a water filtration system is a simple dirty filter. A dirty filter can’t filter out the chemicals and heavy metals they should catch, which means they end up in your drinking water. There are different types of water filtering systems, each of which has its requirements for maintaining the filter. A dirty filter may sound scary, but some filters can be cleaned and reused, while other filters have to be replaced on a specified date. We recommend that you are mindful of the maintenance needs of your filter and call a certified technician if you experience any issues.
   • Solution: Clean and reuse the current filter or replace the filter if the current filter is expired. If you are handy, you can clean or replace the water filter yourself. However, if you are not, we recommend that you call a certified technician for help.
2. Mold: Water filtration systems are also prone to gathering mold. Because filters can be moist and warm, they’re susceptible to cold spore growth. Mold can form if the water filter hasn’t been cleaned or replaced on the manufacturer-set schedule, meaning you’ll want to stay on top of maintenance.
   • Solution: Replace the water filter yourself or call a certified technician. Replacing a moldy water filter is a must since you could become ill or have some other reactions when exposed to mold.
3. Clogs: As filters age, they become filled with particles from the hard water. If they are not changed regularly, this buildup can become excessive and can begin to reduce the flow speed and strength of the water. This excessive buildup will cause water pressure will increase in the pipes and fixtures in your home.
   • Solution: Change the water filter yourself or call a certified technician. If you are handy, you can change the filter yourself, otherwise, we recommend that you call a professional for help. When the water pressure rises to a very high level, it could cause the pipe to burst.
4. Water Quality Change: If there is a change in the quality of the water in your area, this also can affect the water that comes into your home. We already know that Los Angeles is notorious for having hard water, but if you already have water filtration installed and the water quality begins to shift for the worst, then it may be a bigger issue with the quality of water.If your water is cloudy or has an odd taste or smell, your water quality may not be up to snuff. If this is the case, your water filter may not be able to filter out a new contaminant. You could get a new water filtration system or change the filter but we recommend that you contact a certified technician on how to tackle your specific problem.
   • Solution: Call a certified technician or plumber. Because cloudy or discolored water could be caused by several things, we recommend that you call a professional for help to diagnose the problem.
5. Drainage Issues: Drainage issues are another common problem with filtration systems. If you have a reverse osmosis system, you may experience drainage issues in the form of a dip in water pressure that causes the system to drain.
   • Solution: A pressure pump, repair, or replacement of the filtration system can be used to take care of any issues and get your clean water back up to speed. However, we do recommend that you contact a certified technician for help and to get a better idea of what the best next steps are for your specific situation.

Closing Out Problems with Water Filtration

Water filtration systems are important for filtering out contaminants from the water coming into your home but just like every other device, water filtration systems are bound to run into problems. Whether it is a dirty filter, mold, or a change in the quality of your water, these common problems can arise but they also have common fixes.

While you can, in some cases, fix the problems yourself, we recommend that you contact a certified technician to help you say ‘goodbye’ to hard water and ‘hello’ to clean, drinking water.

Unsure if you have contaminants in your water? Want to know more about the different kinds of water filtration systems? Check out the links below as we guide you through the steps on how to test for contaminants like chlorine and chloramine, as well as the different types of water filtration systems, along with their benefits to help you decide which one (if any) are right for you.

The 5 Steps of a Water Chlorine and Chloramine Test

Water Filtration: What is it? Why is it important?

We here at Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric want to help you make the best decision for you and your home. If you live in the Los Angeles area and are ready to see what water filtration looks like for your home, click the ‘Book’ button below. Or if you have any other questions regarding water filtration repairs or general information, call us at (818) 213-1773, and one of our call center representatives would be happy to help you.