Installing a whole-house water filtration system is one of the best upgrades you can make for your home in Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River or Augusta. But like any system that’s protecting your health, plumbing, and appliances, it needs proper care to keep working at its best.
The good news? Whole-home filter maintenance is simple — especially compared to dealing with clogged showerheads, stained glass, or replacing kettles and washing machines damaged by hard water and sediment.
Here’s everything you need to know about maintaining your system so you can keep enjoying water that loves you back from Water Wellness.
Why Maintenance Matters More in the South West
The South West’s water sources aren’t like Perth’s desalinated supply — they’re mostly groundwater and aquifers. That means higher levels of:
- sediment
- hardness minerals
- chlorine
- organic material (in rainwater/mains blend homes)
These won’t harm you, but they will wear out your filters faster than in metro areas.
Good maintenance ensures:
- consistent water pressure
- clean taste and smell
- longer appliance life
- effective chlorine reduction
- no bacterial growth in tank/mains setups
A filter system is only as good as the cartridges inside it.
How Often Should You Replace Whole-Home Filters?
General rule:
➡ Replace your filters every 12 months.
But depending on your town and water use, here’s what we see locally:
Bunbury / Busselton
- Higher hardness
- Higher chlorine
- More sediment from groundwater
Recommendation: 10–12 months
Dunsborough / Margaret River / Augusta
- More rainwater/mains blending
- Less chlorine
- More organic material
Recommendation: 9–12 months with optional UV servicing
If you’re a family of 4–5, your system will work harder, so the upper stages may need slightly sooner replacement.
What Happens If You Don’t Replace Filters?
Skipping a filter change doesn’t just reduce performance — it can actually reverse the benefits.
Old filters can:
- cause pressure drop
- release trapped contaminants
- allow chlorine taste and odour back into the water
- increase sediment in appliances
- grow bacteria (in tank water homes)
- damage your carbon filter due to clogging
Replacing filters on time keeps your system efficient and safe.
The Three Filter Stages and Their Maintenance
1. Sediment Filter (Stage 1)
This one catches sand, rust, silt, and pipe debris.
Replace every 9–12 months.
Signs it needs replacing:
- Water starts looking cloudy
- Pressure drops slightly at taps
- Shower flow feels weaker
2. Carbon Filter (Stage 2)
This stage removes:
- chlorine
- chemical compounds
- pesticides
- VOCs
- bad taste and odour
Replace every 12 months.
Signs it needs replacing:
- Water starts tasting “flat” or chlorinated
- Water smells earthy or metallic
- You notice dryness after showering
3. Specialty Cartridge (Stage 3)
This varies depending on your setup:
- Scale-control cartridge: Keeps minerals from sticking
- Heavy metal reduction: Removes lead/copper
- Advanced carbon block: Targets PFAS/pesticides
Replace every 12 months unless your specific model says otherwise.
Signs it needs replacing:
- More spotting on shower screens
- Kettles scale faster
- Water feels “harder” than usual
Do You Need to Maintain the Housing?
Yes — once a year when changing filters.
During annual service:
- clean the housings
- replace O-rings if worn
- lubricate O-rings with silicone grease
- tighten housings to correct torque
- flush lines to remove carbon dust
Most homeowners let us handle the annual service because we check pressure, seals, bypass valves, brackets, and mounting integrity.
If You Have an RO System Too…
Under-sink RO systems have separate maintenance:
- Sediment & carbon prefilters: every 12 months
- RO membrane: every 2–3 years
- Post-carbon polishing filter: every 12 months
- Optional remineraliser: every 12–18 months
We can sync your RO service with your whole-house filter change so everything stays fresh for the year ahead.
Signs Your Whole-House Filter Needs Attention
If you notice any of these, it’s time for a change (even if it’s earlier than expected):
- Lower water pressure
- Chlorine taste coming back
- Showers feel harsher on skin
- Kettle scale increasing
- Water smells earthy or metallic
- Laundry feels stiff after washing
Your filter is telling you it’s getting full.
Can You Change the Filters Yourself?
Yes — if you’re handy with basic plumbing tools.
But most homeowners prefer to let Water Wellness handle their annual service because we:
- safely depressurise the system
- check all seals
- replace all three stages correctly
- flush lines thoroughly
- test for leaks
- check water pressure
- ensure cartridges match your water type
It’s simple, quick, and keeps your warranty protected.
FAQs for Local Homeowners
Do I need UV with my filter system?
Only if you use rainwater or a tank/mains blend (common in Margaret River & Augusta).
Do filters last longer if I live alone?
Yes — less water volume means slower clogging. You may get 14–15 months between changes.
Is it bad to leave a filter too long?
Yes. Once carbon is exhausted, contaminants pass straight through and bacteria can grow.
Will new filters improve water pressure?
If clogged filters caused a slowdown, new cartridges will restore pressure instantly.
The Takeaway
Maintaining your whole-home water filter is simple — but crucial.
A yearly filter change keeps your water clean, fresh, chlorine-free and gentle on your skin and appliances.
Whether you’re in Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River or Augusta, Water Wellness can perform your annual service so you never have to think about it.
Clean water, softer showers, better appliances — and truly water that loves you back.
