Usually, Brita filters are known for their effectiveness in removing the vast majority of water pollutants. But there are a few warning signs that something could be going wrong. One of these is the water filtering through too quickly. You may be wondering – why is my Brita filtering so fast?
If your Brita filter is filtering faster than normal, it usually means it is not connected properly. Other causes of rapid flow include a crack inside the filter housing or use of a third-party filter, either of which can allow water to leak through the filter. Filtering too fast is a sign that the Brita filter is not working properly and should be replaced.
There are a few reasons why your Brita could be filtering water quickly. Once you know what is causing the problem, you’ll be able to solve the issue. Keep reading to learn more about what causes your Brita to filter too fast and what you can do.
Read my article: What Does a Brita Filter Remove – Is Your Drinking Water Safe?
Table of Contents
Why Is My Brita Filtering so Fast?
Looking at the filtering speed of your Brita can tell you if there is something wrong with your device. If the water is going through the filter too quickly, it can cause problems, including:
Problem 1 – Not removing contaminants from tap water properly
When the water goes through too quickly, it doesn’t leave enough time for the filter to work properly. Faster filtration typically results in less effective treatment. So, you could still be drinking harmful pollutants.
Problem 2 – Poor taste or quality filter water
If your filter is too fast, you will still be able to taste the chemicals and impurities.
There are a few reasons why these issues might be occurring:
Reason 1 – The filter isn’t properly installed
This is the most common problem. Because of this, the water might not be going through the filter at all, which is why it runs so quickly into the container. For my Brita, this is the number one problem. I find that all I really need to do is slow down and take my time when I’m replacing the spent filter.
Read my article about how to change a Brita filter.
Reason 2 – The filter is defective
There are two potential issues in this category. First, the filter might not be made properly, so it doesn’t have the materials needed to remove water impurities. At other times, there will be a broken component, which provides a gap for the water to flow through and bypass the filter.
Reason 3 – Using an expired filter
Technically, a Brita filter won’t expire. But you will need to make sure that the pouch is undisturbed. If you open the package but don’t use the filter, it can create an opportunity for bacteria to grow.
The good news is that these issues are fairly common, and you can fix them very easily. Often, you will be able to do it yourself.
What To Do When a Brita Is Filtering Too Fast?
If you have a Brita machine that is filtering your water too fast, there are a few quick fixes that you can try.
Attaching the filter properly
Putting in a new Brita filter is a fairly straightforward process. But if it’s done incorrectly, it will cause problems.
There is an easy way to check if the filter is the cause of the problem. Simply, see if you move the filter. It should feel solidly attached and shouldn’t have any give. If you do feel it shifting, you should remove it and put it in again.
Here are the steps to follow when installing a filter:
- Remove the old filter.
- Wash the pitcher. You should take this opportunity to clean out the pitcher. You will need to use some dish soap and warm water to clean the container out.
- Slide the filter into place. You should feel it slot into the groove. If not, you should try rotating it slowly until you feel it line up. You might need to apply a little pressure to make sure that it fits into place properly. If you have the Stream model, you will need to insert the filter into the cage, then twist the cage into place over your tap.
- Reset the filter timer. You will need to hold down the filter timer button. This will let you accurately track the life of the filter.
Another thing to consider is the type of filter you are using. It will need to fit with your Brita model. If you don’t have the right one, it won’t fit into the slot properly.
The good news is that it’s easy to find the right type of filter for your machine. You can:
- Visit the Brita website. This categorizes filters based on the type of models you have.
- Reading the owner’s manual. This will tell you what type of filters are compatible with your device.
Checking the filter for damage
Sometimes, the problem is that your filter is defective or damaged. There are a few steps to take to troubleshoot.
Finding a defective filter
The best way to see if this is the problem is by inspecting the filter carefully. Sometimes, you might be able to spot a crack in the side of the filter. It’s surprising how often a faulty or expired filter is the cause of these issues.
Another option is to put the filter into the machine and run some water through it. Sometimes, you might be able to notice it trickling out a crack or getting through a weak seal at the top of the filter.
If you do discover one of these problems, you should be able to send it back to the manufacturer. You should be able to get a refund or get a replacement part.
At other times, you might have broken the container when you were trying to install the filter. In this case, it’s best to take a picture of the damage. You can then send this to the Brita customer service team to see if they can offer any solutions. If they can’t, you might need to pay for a new container.
Signs of an expired filter
If you notice the pouch was already open, the filter might have expired. Here are some of the signs you should be looking for to confirm this suspicion:
- Odd water color; it can appear to be muddy
- Unpleasant taste
- Off-putting smell. Sometimes, it will smell like bleach
If you see these signs, it means that bacteria are in your water filter. You shouldn’t drink any of this water, as it can be damaging to your health. You should also throw away the filter and replace it with a new one. Fresh filter media will give you the best results.
Considering where the filter came from
There are two ways that you can buy a filter for your Brita machine. You can either:
- Buy it from the manufacturer
- Go through a third party
Sometimes, the issue will arise when you go through a third party. These might not have the same high standards that are placed on the manufacturer. As a result, they might not use the same filtration system. This means that the water will flow through faster, as it isn’t going through the carbon filters that Brita use.
Because of this, you should always be careful when you are buying a filter from a third party. Make sure to read some reviews, so you know you are buying from a reputable company. If you haven’t purchased a high-quality filter, you should return it and try to get a refund.
Brita stream issues
Some Brita stream users have reported that the filter may filter water too fast, which can lead to a reduction in its overall effectiveness. The problem with rapid filtering is that it may not allow the filter media enough time to capture and remove impurities from the water.
This means that the water may not be as thoroughly filtered as it would be with a slower filtration rate. Additionally, a rapid filtration rate may put extra strain on the filter cartridge, leading to a shorter lifespan and more frequent replacements.
Most of the time, this will have solved the problem. But if you are still having issues, you might want to call in a professional. They will be able to inspect the Brita more thoroughly and discover any flaws that you might have missed.
What Is the Ideal Brita Water Filtering Speed?
There are a few elements that might affect how quickly your Brita is filtering water. These can include:
- The Brita model you have. Larger models can hold more water. As a result, it might take a little longer for them to filter it.
- The quality of your tap water. This is one of the most important elements to consider. If the tap water in your area contains a lot of pollutants, it will take longer for the filter to remove the contaminants. You might also need to change the filter more frequently.
- Life of the filter. As we’ll discuss later, if the filter is nearing the end of its life, it can slow the filtering process.
- Age of your Brita. Each Brita model has a higher filtration speed than the one before.
The good news is that Brita water filters tend to work very quickly. Because of this, it should be able to filter the water within 10 to 15 minutes. Though this is a ballpark figure. If your pitcher fills a little slower or faster there is no cause for alarm. But if it’s significantly outside these ranges, you might want to investigate and make sure that it’s working properly.
There is a way you can test if your filter is working properly. You can get a water testing kit from your local hardware store. Then, you can test the water from your tap and the water after it has been through the filter. This will let you see what contaminants, if any, have been removed.
Why Is My Brita Filter Working So Slowly?
While a fast Brita filter can indicate a problem, it’s more common for the Brita filter to be taking a long time to remove contaminants.
There are a few reasons why you might have a slow filter. Potential causes include:
- Sediment blocking the filter. When your filter is at the end of its life, it can get clogged up with sediment. This makes it harder for the water to pass through.
- Faulty filter installation. If the filter isn’t in the right position, it can be harder to filter the water properly.
- Trapped air bubbles. Air bubbles can make it harder for water to get through the filter.
- Aeration from the faucet. This is often caused when you have the tap open to the maximum speed when you are filling the Brita jug. This can cause the water from the tap to create air pockets within the filter, which the water won’t be able to get through. The good news is that this issue can be easily avoided by filling the tank a little slower.
- Failure to prepare the filter. Before you put the filter into your machine, you should flush it out. This is a simple process. You often just need to put it in water for 15 minutes. Then, rinse for 15 seconds. Though the filter should come with instructions that outline how to prepare it for use.
If you have a Brita, you will likely experience some of these issues. The good news is that they are relatively easy to fix.
How to solve a slow Brita water filter
If your Brita filter is filling too slowly, there are a few things you can try to solve the problem.
Checking for air bubbles in filter media
There is an easy way to tell if this is the cause of your problems. You simply need to put the filter into a sink and see if it floats. If it does, there are air bubbles in the filter.
To solve the issue, you will need to put the filter into cold water for 20 minutes. Then, rinse it out under running water for 20 seconds. When you put it back into the Brita, it should be as good as new.
Checking the lifespan of the filter
There is an easy way to tell if your filter is nearing the end of its life. Brita filters have an indicator light built into them. The color of the light tells you how it is faring. Here is what to look out for:
- Green light. The filter is healthy and functioning properly.
- Orange light. The filter is nearing the end of its life
- Red light. The filter needs to be replaced.
Most of the filters will last between three to six months, depending on how often you use the pitcher. Use Brita brand replacement filters to ensure you get the best quality.
What About Switching to Bottled Water?
Some people may consider switching to bottled water as an alternative to using a Brita filter. However, this option also has its drawbacks. First, bottled water can be more expensive than tap water, and the plastic bottles used for packaging can contribute to environmental pollution. In addition, bottled water may not necessarily be safer or better-tasting than tap water.
In fact, some studies have found that bottled water may contain higher levels of contaminants than tap water. Furthermore, switching to bottled water does not address the underlying issue of contaminated tap water, which affects not only the individual but the entire community. Ultimately, using a Brita filter offers a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and convenient solution for accessing clean drinking water, without the negative impacts associated with bottled water.
Final Thoughts on Filtered Water
Brita has become known for its strong filtration system, removing the clear majority of water pollutants. But for it to be effective, it has to be working properly. Sometimes, you might notice your Brita filters water too fast or too slow. The good news is that these are relatively common problems and have simple fixes. Usually, you will be able to get back to enjoying delicious, filtered water from your Brita pitcher within a few minutes.