Replacing a Brita faucet filter takes about five minutes and requires no tools

A Brita faucet filter screws directly onto your kitchen tap and filters water as it comes out. When the filter cartridge stops working well — usually after three to six months of use — you unscrew the old one and screw a new one on. The process is straightforward enough that you do not need a plumber or any special equipment.

The filter sits between your faucet and the water stream. When water pressure drops noticeably or the water tastes off, the cartridge inside has reached the end of its life. Brita sells replacement cartridges at most grocery stores, drugstores, and online retailers for roughly $25 to $35 each, though prices vary by retailer and whether you buy a single cartridge or a multipack.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn off the water at the shut-off valve under your sink before you start, so you do not spray water everywhere when you unscrew the filter.
  • Grip the faucet body with one hand to keep it steady while you unscrew the filter cartridge with the other, turning counterclockwise.
  • Rinse the new cartridge under cold running water for about 15 seconds before you screw it on to flush out loose carbon particles.
  • Screw the new filter on by hand until it is snug — do not use a wrench or pliers, which can crack the plastic housing.
  • Turn the water back on and let it run for 30 seconds to clear air from the line before you use the filtered water.

Turn off the water before you unscrew anything

Look under your sink for the shut-off valve — a small knob or lever on the water line that feeds your faucet. Turn it clockwise (or flip the lever sideways, depending on the type) until it stops. This prevents water from spraying out when you unscrew the old filter.

If you cannot find a shut-off valve under your sink, or if it does not work, you can still do the job — just be ready for water to drip. Have a towel or small bucket ready to catch it. Do not turn off the main water valve to your house; that is unnecessary for this task.

Unscrew the old filter cartridge

Grip the faucet body (the part that stays attached to your sink) firmly with one hand. With your other hand, grip the filter cartridge — the cylindrical part that sticks out below the faucet — and turn it counterclockwise. It will unscrew like a jar lid.

If the cartridge is stuck, wrap a dry cloth around it for better grip and try again. Do not use pliers or a wrench; the plastic housing cracks easily under that kind of pressure. Once it comes loose, finish unscrewing it by hand and set it aside.

Rinse the new cartridge before installation

Take the new Brita cartridge out of its packaging and hold it under cold running water for about 15 seconds. Let the water run over the top and sides. This rinses away loose carbon dust that can cloud your water for the first few uses.

You do not need to soak it or do anything elaborate — just a quick rinse under the tap. Once it drains, you are ready to install it.

Screw on the new filter by hand

Align the new cartridge with the threaded opening below your faucet and begin turning it clockwise by hand. Turn until it is snug — you should feel resistance, but you should not have to strain. Hand-tight is the right tightness; over-tightening can damage the plastic threads or crack the housing.

If you are not sure whether it is tight enough, try turning it a quarter turn more. If it becomes hard to turn, you have gone far enough.

Turn the water back on and flush the line

Turn the shut-off valve counterclockwise (or flip the lever back) to restore water pressure. Turn on the faucet and let the water run for about 30 seconds. This clears air bubbles from the line and ensures the new filter is seated properly.

The water may look slightly cloudy or discolored for the first few uses — this is normal and harmless. It is just residual carbon particles. After a few glasses, the water will clear and taste normal.

When to replace your filter

Most Brita faucet filters last between three and six months, depending on how much water you use and the mineral content of your tap water. The filter will not stop working suddenly; instead, you will notice the water pressure drops or the taste changes.

Some Brita models have a small indicator light on the filter that turns red when replacement is due. If yours has one, replace the cartridge when the light changes. If not, replace it when you notice a change in flow or taste, or every six months as a precaution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need to rinse the new cartridge?

Yes. The cartridge contains loose carbon dust from manufacturing. Rinsing for 15 seconds under cold water removes most of it. You may still see slight cloudiness in your first glass or two, but rinsing reduces it noticeably.

What if water leaks from where the filter screws on?

The cartridge is probably not screwed on tightly enough. Turn off the water, unscrew the filter a quarter turn, and screw it back on a bit tighter. If it still leaks after that, the rubber seal inside may be damaged — unscrew the filter and check that the seal is seated properly in the opening.

Can I use the faucet without a filter installed?

Yes. If you unscrew the filter and do not replace it when ready, water will flow normally from the faucet. However, you lose the filtering benefit. Do not leave the faucet without a filter for more than a few hours, because dust or debris can enter the opening.

How do I know which replacement cartridge to buy?

Check the model number on your faucet filter or look at the original packaging. Brita makes different cartridges for different faucet models. Buying the wrong one will not fit. When in doubt, take a photo of your filter to the store or search your faucet model number online.

Is there a way to clean and reuse the old cartridge?

No. The cartridge contains activated carbon that becomes saturated over time and cannot be restored by rinsing or soaking. Once it stops filtering well, it needs to be replaced. Reusing it will not improve water quality.