Are you concerned about the quality and safety of your drinking water? If so, you may be wondering how long do Brita filters last.
The Brita Standard and Stream filters can be used for 2 months or 40 gallons before they need to be replaced. The Brita Longlast+ filter lasts for as long as 6 months or up to 120 gallons. The Brita faucet filter lasts for as much as 4 months and 100 gallons before it needs to be replaced. . For optimal water quality, replace the filter when Brita recommends.
Brita filter can be an excellent solution for removing contaminants like chlorine and lead from tap water. To ensure you are enjoying the full benefits of Brita, it is important to check the filter and replace it at the recommended intervals.
Keep reading to learn more about how long you Brita filter lasts and the importance of changing it regularly.
Read my article: What Does a Brita Filter Remove – Is Your Drinking Water Safe?
Table of Contents
How Long Does a Brita Filter Last
Brita makes several different types of filters, and each one has a different service life. The table below summarizes the filter life and the amount of water it can treat.
| Brita Filter Model | Capacity | Filter Life |
| Standard Filter -(White) | 40 gal. | 2 months |
| Longlast Filter -(Blue) | 120 gal. | 6 months |
| Stream Filter -(Gray) | 40 gal. | 2 months |
| Bottle Filter | 40 gal. | 2 months |
| Faucet Filter Model (SAFF-100) | 100 gal. | 4 months |
| Faucet Filter Model (FF-100) | 100 gal. | 4 months |
| Faucet Filter Model (OPFF-100) | 94 gal. | 4 months |
Here’s what you need to know about how long a Brita filter lasts:
- Standard and Stream Brita filters typically last for two months before needing replacement
- The Longlast+ filter lasts up to six months
- The key factor in determining when it’s time for a new filter is the amount of water that has been run through it, not the amount of time it has been in place
It’s also worth noting that if you use more water than usual, then you’ll need to replace the filter sooner than Brita recommends (every two or six months). If your water tastes different or takes longer to filter, then it’s time to change your filter.
How long do Brita faucet filters last?
The Brita faucet filter is rated for 4 months of service. It is able to filter 100 gallons of tap water before it needs to be replaced.
It’s important to keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates. The actual time will vary depending on:
- volume of water you use
- chlorine concentration of your water
- turbidity level of your water
If you allow your filter to dry out after installing it, the filter life and volume of water it can treat will be substantially reduced.
How long do Brita bottle filters last?
Brita’s premium filtering water bottle can treat up to 40 gallons of water. It should last as long as 2 months before you need to replace the filter.
Just as with Brita’s other filters, the amount of water you use and the quality of your tap water will affect how long the filter lasts.
Finally, make sure to follow Brita’s cleaning and maintenance guidelines for an optimal filtration experience. Regularly scrubbing the bottle with dish soap and warm water can help extend its life.
How long do Brita water pitcher filters last?
Brita makes two filters for its pitcher filter system: the standard filter and the Longlast filter.
The standard filter needs to be changed about every two months and can treat as much as 40 gallons of water.
The Longlast filter will last about six months and can purify up to 120 gallons.
How Often to Change Brita Filters
Whether you’re concerned about the quality and safety of your drinking water, or just looking for a convenient way to keep your water tasting great, Brita filters are an excellent choice. By regularly replacing your filter, you can enjoy clean, filtered water anytime.
You should replace your Standard and Bottle filters every 2 months or after you process 40 gallons. The Longlast+ filter will last 6 months and as much as 120 gallons of tap water. The Brita faucet filter can be used for up to 4 months and as much as 100 gallons of water.
Remember to always refer to the replacement indicator on your pitcher or other device, as that is the most accurate gauge of when it’s time to change your Brita filter.
Read my article about how to change a Brita filter.
When Should I Replace My Brita Filter
You should regularly replace your Brita filter to ensure it is performing optimally and providing the best possible water quality without any contaminants. Brita recommends changing your filter based on the type you have.
Here are Brita’s guidelines for when to replace your filter:
- Standard filter: 40 gallons or every 2 months
- Longlast+ filter: 120 gallons or every 6 months
- Faucet filter: 100 gallons or every 4 months
What Affects the Lifespan of a Brita Filter?
One of the main factors that affects how long your water filters last is water usage. The more water you use, the faster your filter will need to be replaced. But even if you don’t use a lot of water, the quality of your tap water can also play a role in how often your filters will need to be replaced.
It is also important to note that Brita recommends changing your filters every 2 to 6 months (based on type of filter) regardless of how much water you’re using or the quality of your tap water.
1. Your water quality
The actual amount of service you get out of your Brita filters depends largely on the quality of your water. If your tap water contains high levels of contaminants, then your filter won’t last as long as advertised. On the other hand, if it is very clean, with little impurities, then you can expect it to last for as long as Brita recommends, possibly longer.
In any case, regularly changing out your Brita filter will help keep impurities out of your drinking water and provide optimum water treatment for you and your family.
2. How much water you use
When it comes to how long Brita filters last, the amount of water you use has a major influence on the lifespan of your filter. Depending on how much water you use, you can expect:
- If you have a small family and don’t use your Brita filter frequently, then it can last longer than advertised as fewer contaminants build up in the media.
- If you have a large family or are using your Brita filter more than five times per day, then it will likely need to be changed sooner due to the higher volume of water passing through.
3. Which Brita filter you have
The type of Brita filter you have will directly affect how long it lasts. Here’s some information about two popular Brita filters and their lifespans:
- The Brita Elite filter is made from proprietary active filtering agents and patented pleated filter media that lasts three times longer than the standard Brita Standard Filter.
- The Standard Filter is made with activated carbon granules that typically last around two months in a gravity filter.
4. Environmental factors
Temperature, humidity, and sunlight exposure can all affect the lifespan of a Brita filter. Storing your filter in a cool, dry, and dark place can help prolong its service life.
If you leave your pitcher filter in direct sunlight, you may get algae growth inside it.
How Do I Know When to Replace My Brita Filter
As we’ve discussed, Brita filters have a limited capacity to treat your water, after which they need to be replaced. We list the top seven signs it’s time to replace your filter below.
1. Your water starts to taste bad
Brita filters are great at removing contaminants that make your water taste bad. If you start to notice a change in your water’s taste, it could be a sign that your filter needs to be replaced.
2. Your water smells bad
Just like bad-tasting water, bad-smelling water can be caused by contaminants. If your water starts to smell off, it’s likely time to replace your filter.
3. Your filter flows very slowly
Brita filters are designed to dispense a certain amount of water per minute. If the flow rate noticeably drops off, it’s a sign your filter is at the end of its life.
4. Mold and algae growth in filter
Mold and algae can start to grow in your filter if it has been in service for a long time. This is especially true if you leave it in the sun – algae will grow very quickly. If you notice any signs of mold or algae, replace the filter right away.
5. The indicator light is still red
Most Brita filters have an indicator light that tells you when the filter needs to be replaced. If the light is still red after you’ve replaced the filter, it’s time to buy a new one.
6. Enough time has passed
According to Brita, their filters can last 2 to 6 months (depending on which on you have) before they need to be replaced. If your filter has been in service for longer than that, it’s time to replace it.
7. Your filter is dried out
Brita filters have to be kept moist to function properly. This is why you need to moisten it when you first install it.
If you allow your filter to dry out, it won’t be able to filter your water correctly. If you notice that the filter has dried out, replace it immediately.
Why Should I Change My Brita Filter?
You may be tempted to keep using your Brita filter for longer than you should, but this could prove dangerous. Not changing your filter can cause one or more of the following problems.
Read my article – What Happens If You Use a Brita Filter for Too Long?
Bacteria can grow in filter
The buildup of bacteria in an old Brita water filter can be a significant risk to your health. Bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella can easily grow and thrive in the damp environment that a filter provides.
If you don’t change the filter as recommended, you’re leaving your health at risk. As an extra precaution, it’s important to rinse the filter with filtered tap water before each use and replace the filter every two months or as recommended.
Stops removing contaminants
The Brita filter is made up of proprietary active agents and pleated filter media to remove a variety of contaminants from your drinking water. The activated carbon granules in your Brita can last as much as 2 months. After that, the carbon loses its ability to remove contaminants.
If you don’t change your filter regularly, the contaminants that are in your tap water – chlorine or lead – will end up in your pitcher.
Taste and odor get worse
Once you exceed the life of your filter, the impurities that give your water a bad taste and smell won’t be removed. This will lead to an unpleasant drinking experience and is a surefire sign it’s time to replace your filter.
Filter fills slowly
The standard Brita filter can last up to two months, depending on how often it is used and what type of water you are filtering. Generally, the more frequently a filter is used or the harder the water source, the faster it will need to be replaced.
One of the first indicators that your filter is spent is how long it takes to process the water. If the process is significantly slower than it used to be, your filter may need to be replaced.
Filter gets holes in it
Old filters can develop holes or tears, allowing contaminants to pass through and into your filtered water.
How to Change Brita Filters
Maintaining your Brita filter is an important part of keeping yourself, and your family healthy. Changing the filter every two months or after filtering 40 gallons of water will ensure that your drinking water is as clean and safe as possible.
How to change the Brita standard water pitcher filter
To help you stay on top of the maintenance, here are some tips for changing your Brita filter:
- Mark the day you bought your filter – A great way to remember when it’s time to change your filter is by writing down the date you bought your filter on a piece of paper or in a calendar app. That way, you can easily check back and make sure that two months have passed since then.
- Remove the spent filter – Make sure you remove the filter with care and rinse it off before disposing of it.
- Flush your new filter – Before inserting the new filter into your pitcher or faucet system, flush it out by running cold water through it for about 15 seconds. This will get rid of any extra carbon that may be stuck to the filter and help it last longer.
- Replace your Brita filter – Take the new filter, line up the grooves, and snugly insert it into the reservoir.
- Discard the first 3 pitchers of water – Brita recommends discarding the water from the initial three batches of water you treat. You can use this water for household cleaning or to water your plants.
By following these steps, you can make sure your Brita filter is always in top condition, and providing you with clean, healthy drinking water.
How to change the Brita Longlast+ filter
If you’re using a Longlast+ filter, follow these steps. Unlike the standard filter, you don’t need to flush the Longlast+.
- Mark the day you bought your filter – A great way to remember when it’s time to change your filter is by writing down the date you bought your filter on a piece of paper or in a calendar app. That way, you can easily check back and make sure that two months have passed since then.
- Remove the spent filter – Make sure you remove the filter with care and rinse it off before disposing of it.
- Replace your Brita filter – Take the new filter, line up the grooves, and snugly insert it into the reservoir.
- Discard the first 3 pitchers of water – Brita recommends discarding the water from the initial three batches of water you treat. You can use this water for household cleaning or to water your plants.
How to change the Brita Stream filter
To change the stream filter, follow steps 1 through 3 for the Standard filter. Installation is slightly more because the process involves inserting the filter into the filter cage.
- Insert the new filter into the cage with the blue ring facing up.
- Press the filter until it clicks
- Return the cage to the lid with a firm twisting motion.
Once you’ve installed the new filter, you’re ready to fill your pitcher. Remember to discard the first three pitchers of water, and always keep an eye on the filter indicator.
Can you recycle Brita filters?
Once your Brita water pitcher is spent, you need to properly dispose of it. Here are my suggestions for what to do after you change Brita filters.
- recycle Brita filters – contact Brita to arrange for recycling
- throw it in the trash – although this isn’t environmentally friendly, it is legal
FAQs
How long does a Brita filter pitcher last for one person?
Brita’s guidelines about when to change the filter is based on two people drinking water. The “average” person will drink 10 to 15 gallons of water in a month.
If one person is using the Brita filter, it should last twice as long as the guidelines. One person can use a Brita filter for as long as 4 months.
How long does a Brita filter last for two people?
A Brita water pitcher filter will last roughly two months. This guideline is based on two people using the filter. Therefore, a standard Brita filter will last 2 months with two people using it.
How long does a Brita filter last for three people?
Brita’s guidelines for changing your filter are based on two people drinking water from a Brita filter pitcher. If you have three or more people using the filter, then you should change it every month to ensure that you are getting the best quality filtered water.
How long does a Brita filter last for four people?
Your Brita filter is rated for two months of use. This timeline is based on two people drinking water. If you have four people, the service life of the filter is cut in half.
Four people drinking water from a Brita can expect one month of service. After 30 days, the water filters Brita should be replaced.
How long do Brita filters last?
Brita filters last from two to six months, depending on which filter you have. The main variables related to filter life are the amount of water you drink, the amount of chlorine in your water, and how dirty your tap water is.
Do unopened Brita filters go bad?
No, an unopened Brita filter that is properly stored has an indefinite shelf life. Brita recommends using any filter you may have within a 2-year period. After that, you should assume it’s bad and not use it. Read my article about do Brita filters expire.
Final Take on Water Filters
In conclusion, the lifespan of your Brita filter depends on how many people are using it and also if you follow all directions for installation, maintenance, and replacement. The standard Brita filter will last 2 months before it needs to be replaced. The Brita LongLast+ filter is rated for 6 months, and the Stream filter should be replaced at least every 2 months.
When your filter indicator tells you it’s time to change, make sure you follow all instructions properly so that you can enjoy clean and safe drinking water for as long as possible.
Happy filtering!
| Key Takeaways |
| Brita filters should be replaced every 2-6 months, depending on the filter type and usage. |
| Factors affecting service life include water quality, usage, filter type, and environmental factors. |
| Replace the filter when you notice signs like bad taste, slow filtration, or visible mold. |