How to tell if a Brita filter needs to be replaced

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a German study, bacteria colony counts in filtered water from an old filter can be up to 10,000 times higher than in tap water. Understanding how to tell if a Brita filter needs to be replaced is crucial for health and to ensure you are getting the clean, filtered water you expect.

Quick Summary

An old Brita filter compromises water quality and can breed bacteria, making it essential to know the signs of an expired cartridge. Watch for taste changes, slow flow rate, or a flashing indicator light to determine when a filter change is overdue. Ignoring these signals results in less effective filtration and potential health risks.

Key Points

Check the Indicator: Most modern Brita pitchers and dispensers have an electronic indicator (light or bar display) that signals when the filter is nearing or has reached its end of life with yellow or red flashing lights.
Taste and Odor Changes: The most direct sign of an expired filter is the return of unpleasant tastes, like chlorine, or odors to your water, indicating the filter's carbon is saturated.
Slow Filtration Speed: As a filter becomes clogged with sediment and contaminants, the water will pass through it noticeably slower, which is a clear sign that it's time for a replacement.
Visible Contaminants: If you see black flecks (carbon dust) or other visible particles consistently in your filtered water, the filter may be degrading and needs to be replaced immediately.
Filter Type and Usage: The recommended replacement schedule varies by filter type (e.g., Standard vs. Longlast) and your household's water consumption; heavy use may require more frequent changes.
Don't Risk Bacterial Growth: Continuing to use an expired filter can lead to bacteria and other trapped contaminants being released back into your water, posing a potential health risk.

Your Filter Replacement Guide: More Than Just a Light

While many Brita products feature a handy filter change indicator, this electronic light is not the only sign it's time for a new filter. In fact, relying solely on the indicator can be risky, especially since it doesn't account for heavier-than-average use or poor local water quality. For truly clean water, pay close attention to several key performance metrics.

Obvious Signs: The Taste, Smell, and Speed Test

One of the most reliable indicators that your Brita filter is nearing the end of its life is a noticeable change in your water's quality. This is a direct sign that the activated carbon and ion exchange resins are saturated and can no longer effectively remove impurities.

Return of Unpleasant Tastes and Odors: The primary purpose of a Brita filter is to improve taste by reducing chlorine. If you start to notice the familiar chlorine taste and smell returning, your filter is likely expired. Other off-putting flavors, like a musty or metallic taste, are also red flags.
Slower-Than-Normal Filtration: A properly functioning filter allows water to pass through at a consistent rate. As the filter clogs with trapped contaminants and sediment, the flow rate will slow down significantly. If you notice your pitcher or dispenser takes much longer to fill than it used to, it's a strong indication of a saturated filter.
Visible Particles in the Water: While seeing a few black flecks of carbon dust is normal when you first install a new filter, it's not a good sign later on. If you start seeing black specks or other visible impurities in your filtered water, the filter's structural integrity may be failing, allowing trapped contaminants to seep back out.

The Brita Filter Indicators Explained

For those with a model that includes an electronic reminder, it's important to understand how they work and what each signal means. There are a few different types of indicators, including the older 'MEMO' style and newer 'SmartLight' versions.

The SmartLight Indicator: On many newer pitchers, a single LED light signals the filter's status every time you pour.
- Green: The filter is working correctly.
- Yellow: The filter is getting full and should be replaced soon.
- Red: It is time to change the filter.
The Sticker Indicator: Some basic models come with a simple sticker that you can set to remind you of your next replacement date, typically based on a 2-month or 4-month schedule.
The Memo Indicator: Older models track the filter life in four-week intervals, with bars disappearing from the display over time. A flashing empty icon or a red light means a replacement is needed.

How to Determine the Best Time for a Change

While a standard filter's recommended life is 40 gallons or two months, this is a general guideline. Consider these factors for a more accurate replacement schedule:

Water Hardness and Quality: If you live in an area with hard water or higher levels of contaminants, your filter will reach capacity faster. Checking your local water quality report can help you determine if you should change your filter more frequently.
Household Usage: A busy household that refills the pitcher multiple times a day will exhaust a filter much quicker than a single person. You may need to change your filter sooner than the two or six-month recommendation if your water consumption is high.

Brita Filter Comparison and Replacement Schedule

Knowing your filter type is crucial for predicting its lifespan. Different Brita models use different cartridges, each with its own capacity and recommended replacement timeline.


Filter Type	Capacity (Approximate)	Replacement Frequency	Key Contaminants Reduced	Usage Notes
Standard (White)	40 gallons (151 liters)	Approx. every 2 months	Mercury, Copper, Chlorine (taste & odor)	Most common, standard performance.
Longlast+ / Elite (Blue)	120 gallons (454 liters)	Approx. every 6 months	Lead, Mercury, Benzene, Chlorine (taste & odor)	Extended lifespan, higher filtration.
Stream (Gray)	40 gallons (151 liters)	Approx. every 2 months	Chlorine (taste & odor)	Designed for faster filtration.
Faucet System	100 gallons (378 liters)	Approx. every 4 months	Lead, Chlorine (taste & odor), Cysts, Benzene, Mercury	High capacity, attaches directly to faucet.

The Risks of Not Replacing Your Filter

Failing to replace a filter isn't just about bad-tasting water; it can have more serious implications. An old, saturated filter ceases to be an effective purification device and can turn into a breeding ground for bacteria. The trapped contaminants can eventually be released back into your water, potentially at a higher concentration than your unfiltered tap water. Drinking this can cause gastrointestinal issues and other health problems, making timely replacement a vital safety measure.

Conclusion: Stay Attuned to Your Water's Quality

To ensure you and your family are drinking clean, great-tasting water, it is important to pay attention to your Brita filter's performance, not just the manufacturer's timeline. While electronic indicators offer a helpful reminder, your own senses are the ultimate tool. Watch for changes in taste, smell, and flow rate to know for sure when a replacement is needed. Consistent replacement, guided by both observation and your filter's specific recommendations, is the best way to maintain optimal water quality and prevent the risks associated with an expired filter.

For more information on water filtration standards and quality, consult the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

You should replace a Brita Standard filter approximately every two months, or after filtering 40 gallons of water, whichever comes first.

A flashing red light on your Brita pitcher's indicator means that the filter has reached its capacity and it is time for a replacement.

Using an expired Brita filter is not recommended, as it can stop filtering effectively and may even release bacteria and trapped contaminants back into your water, posing potential health risks.

A slow filtration speed is a common sign that the filter is clogged with contaminants and sediment, signaling that it is time for a replacement.

No, rinsing a filter does not reset its capacity or remove the trapped contaminants. A filter must be replaced to be effective again.

To reset the electronic indicator, press and hold the 'STATUS' or 'RESET' button on the lid for several seconds after installing a new filter. The specific button and duration depend on your model.

If your water still tastes strange after a new filter, it could be due to a faulty filter, improper priming, or because your tap water contains contaminants that a Brita filter is not designed to remove.