It doesn’t matter where it comes from (a plastic bottle or directly from the tap); we all deserve to drink safe and refreshing water.
That said, of all the brands of water pitcher filters we’ve tried, we particularly enjoy Zero Water.
With unique technology that can transform ordinary tap water into safer drinking and usable water, Zero Water filters are worth the investment.
If you’re looking for an upgrade to your existing water filter or purifier, you’re probably asking, “How long does a Zero Water filter last?”
Before we talk about when you might need to consider replacement filters, let’s find out how these filters work first.
What Are Zero Water Filters?
There are different types of water filters, but many will agree that the convenience and portability of pitcher filters, like Zero Water, set them apart.
It has made them one of the most commonly preferred water filter types, especially by homeowners.
Pitcher filters can clean your drinking water and rid it of contaminants, weird tastes, and odd smells.
How Does It Work?
At their core, ZeroWater filters are designed for the same purpose as any other water filter.
However, their unique design and filtration process makes them a considerable upgrade.
Using five-stage filtration, you can transform unfiltered tap water into delicious filtered water with higher quality.
The five stages are as follows:
- Stage 1: Coarse Filter Screen
- Stage 2: Foam Distributor
- Stage 3: Multi-layer Activated Carbon & Oxidation Reduction Alloy
- Stage 4: Dual Comprehensive Ion Exchange Resin
- Stage 5: Ultra-Fine Screen & Non-Woven Membrane Layers
Together, these five stages offer two unique benefits: better-tasting drinking water and considerably reduced Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).
Not only do Total Dissolved Solids make a difference in the purest tasting water, but they can also determine how long your ZeroWater filter will last.
Another task the ZeroWater filters do is use ion exchange for water purification.
In Stage 4, the water is brought through the resin, which helps remove trace elements from the supply through ion exchange.
Instead of the elements going straight through the water filters, the tiny little beads trap the contaminants.
Interestingly, this is a similar water purification process to water softeners.
Water softeners also use a bed of resin to help remove trace elements from tap water, providing filtered water for laundry, showering, drinking, and more.
When combined with removing TDS, ZeroWater filters can considerably boost the water quality in any home.
What Are Total Dissolved Solids?
The primary difference between ZeroWater filters and other brands is removing TDS from your filtered water.
Total Dissolved Solids are non-organic compounds and impurities we find in our drinking and bathing water.
Typically, these are quantified based on the number of impurities found per water sample.
There are many different impurities found in water samples, but the primary element removed by ZeroWater filters is sodium.
Although this can help give you pure water with improved water quality, removing sodium also causes buildup on the water filters.
The more sodium the ZeroWater filter removes, the shorter its lifespan becomes.
How Long Does a Zero Water Filter Last?
Below, you will find a list that gives you a better idea of how long you can expect your water filter pitcher to last.
One of the most significant factors that affect a ZeroWater filter is the quality of your tap water.
As such, we’ve compiled a list of general guidelines to help you decide if they are worth the investment by water type.
Tap Water Total Dissolved Solids
- 002-050 (Low Impurities) – 40 gallons of water/ZeroWater filter
- 051-200 (Average Impurities) – 25-40 gallons of water/ZeroWater filter
- 201-300 (High Impurities) – 15-25 gallons of water/ZeroWater filter
- 301-400 (Very High Impurities) – 8-15 gallons of water/ZeroWater filter
Assuming the average person consumes eight ounces of water daily, that’s one gallon of drinking water.
As such, households with low impurities in their tap water can get up to 320 ounces of water per water filter.
What Affects How Long ZeroWater Filters Last?
A few factors influence the lifespan of your water filters.
From water quality to water usage, you can take specific steps to extend how long your ZeroWater filters last.
Let’s look at some of the most common factors to consider.
Water Quality
Most obviously, your filter’s lifespan depends on your tap water quality.
Municipalities with harder water than others will be putting more of a strain on the filters because more contaminants need to be removed.
Remember, the higher the number of Total Dissolved Solids, the shorter the service life of your ZeroWater pitcher.
Water Usage
Another massive factor that affects how long your filter lasts is how often you consume filtered water.
One filter has the potential to offer up to 320 ounces of clean drinking water. However, the more you consume, the more the device needs to eliminate trace elements.
With higher volumes comes more wear and tear through contaminant exposure.
Your household may require a new filter more often than low-water consuming households.
Age and Shelf Life
To save money, many homeowners might try to use the same old ZeroWater filter to make it last longer.
Unfortunately, this can cause the device to work differently due to using it beyond its means.
The older the filter, the less efficiently it will work, limiting its efforts to filter water.
When Should I Change My Zero Water Filter?
Most water filters need regular maintenance, but not the Zero Water filter. You can consider it disposable in a way.
Just use it, make the most out of it, and once it’s completely spent, replace it.
There are a few key ways to tell when it’s time to replace your Zero Water filter.
TDS Meter Readings
Zero Water filters are unique because they come with a TDS meter.
This device lets you know how well your water purification works, telling you the number of Total Dissolved Solids in the pitcher.
With a properly functioning filter, the TDS meter should always read zero. You might begin to see higher TDS numbers appear the older or more used your filter is.
In this instance, it’s time to replace your filter to avoid consuming harmful pollutants in your water.
Drinking Water Taste
One of the first things you will notice with purified water is that it tastes cleaner than tap and bottled water.
As such, the water’s taste is a reliable indicator that the filter already needs replacing. You might start to notice the water not tasting as good as it usually does.
A poorly filtered glass of water will have a more acidic taste, which could mean the ion exchange isn’t working effectively.
Filtration Speed
The final factor to look for to know when it’s time to replace your filter is how quickly it’s working.
A brand new Zero Water filter should purify an entire pitcher within a few minutes. If this process becomes two or three times longer, it could be time for a new one.
When you have a slowed flow rate in your pitcher, it’s a sign that the five-stage filtration parts are clogged with contaminants.
As expected, this can cause your water to have an unappealing smell or taste, indicating poor filtering.
ZeroWater Filters Last Longer Than You’d Think
When looking to upgrade the water quality in your home, it’s important to ask, “How long does a Zero Water filter last?”
With an average lifespan of 320 ounces, most individuals can get plenty of use over the months.
The efficiency of how a Zero Water filter removes dissolved solids is well worth the investment.