Replace the filter by twisting the old one counterclockwise until it comes free, then screwing the new one clockwise until it is snug

A PUR water filter cartridge twists onto the pitcher or faucet mount the same way a lightbulb screws in. You do not need tools, and the whole job takes about five minutes. The filter head stays in place; only the cartridge itself comes out.

Before you start, have the new filter ready and know which PUR system you own — pitcher, faucet mount, or under-sink — because the cartridge size differs. Check the original packaging or the PUR website product finder if you are unsure.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the old filter counterclockwise by hand until it releases from the mount, then twist the new one clockwise until snug — do not force it.
  • Run water through the new filter for 5 to 10 seconds before drinking to rinse out loose carbon particles.
  • PUR pitcher filters screw onto the top of the pitcher; faucet-mount filters attach directly to your tap; under-sink filters thread onto the cartridge housing below the sink.
  • Replace the filter every two to three months or when water flow slows noticeably, whichever comes first.
  • Keep the old filter's packaging or note the installation date so you remember when the next replacement is due.

Replacing a PUR pitcher filter

Lift the filter head — the plastic piece at the top of the pitcher — straight up and out of the pitcher. It pulls free without twisting. Empty any water still in the reservoir above the filter.

Locate the threaded cartridge hanging down from the filter head. Grip it firmly and turn it counterclockwise. It will come free after a few turns. Discard the old cartridge.

Screw the new cartridge clockwise onto the same threads until it is snug. You should feel slight resistance; do not over-tighten. Place the filter head back into the pitcher, fill the reservoir with water, and let it run through once before using.

Replacing a PUR faucet-mount filter

Turn off the water at your tap. Locate the filter cartridge on the side of the faucet mount — it is the cylindrical piece that sticks out perpendicular to the tap.

Grip the cartridge firmly and turn it counterclockwise. It will unscrew after a few turns. Some water may drip; have a cloth ready. Screw the new cartridge clockwise onto the threads until snug.

Turn the water back on and run it for 10 seconds to flush the new filter. You may see black specks in the water for the first few seconds — this is normal carbon dust from the new cartridge.

Replacing an under-sink PUR filter

Locate the filter housing under your sink. It is a white or clear plastic cylinder connected to the water line. Place a bucket underneath to catch drips.

Grip the cartridge housing with one hand and turn the filter cartridge counterclockwise with the other. It will unscrew after several turns. Water will drain into the bucket.

Screw the new cartridge clockwise onto the housing threads until snug. Wipe away any spilled water. Turn on the tap and run water for 10 to 15 seconds to flush the new filter before using it for drinking or cooking.

Why water flow slows and when to replace

A PUR filter slows down because sediment and minerals build up inside the cartridge over time. This is normal and does not mean the filter is broken — it means it is working and has reached the end of its life.

Most PUR filters last two to three months with normal household use. If you have hard water or high sediment in your tap water, yours may need replacement sooner. If you notice water trickling instead of flowing at normal speed, that is a sign the cartridge is clogged and should be replaced.

Do not try to clean or rinse a used cartridge to extend its life. The filter media inside cannot be restored, and a clogged filter can harbor bacteria if left in place too long.

Storing and tracking replacement dates

Keep new filter cartridges in a cool, dry place. They do not expire, but storing them in direct sunlight or heat can degrade the filter media over time.

Write the installation date on the new filter with a permanent marker before you screw it in. This makes it straightforward to remember when the next replacement is due. Alternatively, set a phone reminder for two months from the installation date.

If you buy filters in bulk, store the extras in a cabinet away from moisture. Do not open the packaging until you are ready to install.

Troubleshooting a stuck or leaking filter

If the cartridge will not turn, do not force it. Grip the filter head or housing firmly with one hand so it does not rotate, then try the cartridge again with a steady, even pressure. If it still will not budge, wrap a dry cloth around the cartridge for better grip and try once more.

If water leaks from where the cartridge screws in after you install a new one, the cartridge may not be seated properly. Turn it counterclockwise a quarter turn, then screw it back in slowly, feeling for the threads to catch. Tighten until snug but not hard.

If water leaks from the filter head or housing itself, the seal may be worn. This is rare, but if it happens, contact PUR customer service — the filter head or housing may need replacement rather than just the cartridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a PUR filter from a different model on my pitcher or faucet?

No. PUR makes different cartridge sizes for pitchers, faucet mounts, and under-sink systems. Using the wrong size will not fit the threads and could damage the mount. Check your product manual or the PUR website to confirm which cartridge fits your model.

What are the black specks in my water after I install a new filter?

Those are loose carbon particles from the new cartridge. They are harmless. Run water through the filter for 10 to 15 seconds before drinking to rinse most of them out. If specks persist after the first pitcher or two, contact PUR — the cartridge may be defective.

Do I need to turn off the water before replacing a pitcher or faucet filter?

For a pitcher filter, no — just empty the reservoir. For a faucet-mount filter, yes, turn off the water at the tap to prevent spraying. For under-sink filters, you do not have to, but placing a bucket underneath is a good idea to catch drips.

How do I know if I have a PUR pitcher, faucet mount, or under-sink system?

A pitcher filter sits at the top of a water pitcher and looks like a small plastic funnel. A faucet-mount filter attaches directly to your kitchen tap and sticks out to the side. An under-sink filter is a white or clear cylinder under the sink connected to the water line. Check your original packaging if you are unsure.

Can I reuse an old PUR filter if I rinse it out?

No. Once a filter is saturated with sediment and minerals, rinsing does not restore it. The filter media inside cannot be cleaned, and a clogged filter can trap bacteria. Always replace with a new cartridge.