Dangers of Not Changing Your Refrigerator Water Filter

Refrigerator water filters are always in use in the home, but most people give little or no thought to them. Your water filter ensures that your tap water is free from even the tiniest impurities, making clean and fresh water available for you to drink and for other purposes. Since your water filter is always working, it requires changing at regular intervals, and the dangers of not changing your refrigerator water filter are numerous.

Although the effect of not changing your water filter may not be life-threatening, you may end up drinking harmful substances into your body in the long run. However, you can always have clean and fresh drinking water provided you remember to change your drinking water filters for the fridge at the right time. 

As your water filters work, they remove dirt and other contaminants, including lead, from the tap water. Over time, the removed contaminants accumulate in the water filter, making the filter less effective and exposing you to previously removed contaminants. 

When your refrigerator filters are due for changing, you may notice your water running slowly and having a bad taste and odor due to the accumulated contaminant. 

What happens when you do not change your water filters for refrigerators?

When you do not develop the habit of changing the refrigerator water filter in your home at the right time, the following may happen.

Intake of harmful chemicals

A new water filter removed up to 99% of contaminants and harmful chemicals such as mercury, cysts, lead, asbestos, harmful bacteria, and pesticides from your drinking water. Research has shown that most systems supply people with water that does not meet the standards designed for protecting health. Common contaminants removed from your drinking water include the following. 

Lead

Lead usually sips into the water from old lead pipes that supply the water. It can lead to health, behavioral, and neurological issues in adults and children. Using a water filter significantly reduces the lead in drinking water.

Asbestos

Asbestos, which is primarily found in insulation and construction materials, can get into water through several means, such as pipe erosion, industrial waste, and atmospheric pollution. Asbestos can cause different health issues, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Mercury

High mercury levels can harm a developing fetus, damage the kidneys and brain. Generally, the levels of mercury in water cannot cause serious health issues, but using a filter eliminates the possibility of any health issues resulting from mercury.

Pathogens

Viruses, bacteria, and parasites can get into your drinking water in different ways, predisposing you to waterborne diseases, which are quite common. 

Waste

Radioactive contaminants, chemical waste, and by-products can enter your drinking water from improper waste storage and leaks. Production of energy and radioactive waste can also contaminate your water supply with radioactive waste. Pharmaceutical and medical waste can also get into your drinking water, which may cause different health issues.

The Refrigerator Ages Faster

The harmful substances an old water filter accumulates can damage your refrigerator even as they harm your health. Failing to change your refrigerator filter builds up deposits and causes scaling in your water and ice machine. This slows down the refrigerator's water output and affects the flavour of your water negatively. 

Bad Water Taste

The dangers of not changing your refrigerator water filter also extend to the taste of your water. Particles not filtered by your old water filter can make your water have sulphuric, metallic, and an all-around bad taste. 

The best way to prevent an old and ineffective water filter's adverse effects is to change the water filter at the right intervals. Drinking lots of water daily is vital for optimum health and having clean water in your home makes drinking water more appealing.

How often do water filters need changing?

The frequency of changing your drinking water filters depends on factors such as the quality of your tap water, ice features in the appliance, how often you use water, the model and make of the refrigerator.  Refrigerator manufacturers have different recommendations for changing the filters. Some recommend three months and others six months. 

Bottom Line