Common Issues With Household Water Filtration Systems

A household water filtration system keeps tap water cleaner and safer for everyday use. Many families install one to reduce chemicals, dirt, and sediment from their water supply. It supports health at home, improves taste, and helps protect plumbing and appliances. While these systems do a lot of good, they’re not perfect. Over time, parts wear out, filters clog, or strange smells creep in. And during an intense Perth summer, small issues tend to show up faster.

We often hear from homeowners confused about poor water flow, leaks, or odd tastes. If your system has been running for a while or you’re using more water than usual, it might be time to check for early signs of trouble. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common problems people run into and what might be causing them.

Wear and Tear on Filters and Cartridges

Filter cartridges do most of the heavy lifting. They pull out chlorine, sediments, and other bits that we don’t want in the water we drink or wash with. But over time, those cartridges reach their limit.

• In the hotter months, water use jumps. Filters are handling more litres per day, especially if you’ve been keeping hydrated or using extra for gardens and showers
• Areas with hard water or high chlorine levels add pressure too. The filter becomes clogged quicker, which slows the whole system down
• If cartridges haven’t been changed on schedule, the system works less efficiently and can miss things it usually removes

You might not notice the change right away, but the water might feel different or take longer to run clearly. That’s often the first clue the filters are overdue. If neglected for too long, the entire house filtration system takes on more pressure, which wears it out faster.

Water Pressure and Flow Problems

When the water starts trickling from a tap instead of flowing freely, the filtration system might be part of the issue. Drop in water pressure can be frustrating, especially when you’re running several taps or appliances at the same time.

• Blocked filters are one of the most common reasons water slows down
• If the unit was installed with tight bends or awkward pipework, water flow can be restricted
• Older parts inside the system may expand with the heat and affect performance

Low pressure can make showers weak and cleaning more difficult, and it often makes people think there’s a plumbing fault elsewhere. It’s worth checking the filtration system first, especially if the slowdown happens after weeks of heavy use.

Leaks, Drips, and Seal Failure

Any leak around a water system should be sorted quickly before there’s damage to floors or nearby surfaces. In outdoor units, warmth can cause fittings to loosen or rubber seals to dry and crack.

• Keep an eye out for small pools of water at the base of the unit
• Dripping at pipe joints or connection points could mean the fittings have slipped or the seals no longer sit right
• O-rings and seals are often affected by extreme weather. Too much sun or sudden cool nights take a toll

Minor leaks sometimes go unnoticed for days, especially if they run only when more than one tap is in use. Eventually, they lead to pressure loss or can short out nearby devices if there’s any electrical equipment close by.

Strange Smells or Discoloured Water

Nothing turns people away from their tap quicker than cloudy water or an odd smell. If water takes on a yellowish tint, or smells earthy or metallic, the filter might not be doing its job properly anymore.

• Aged filters may let bacteria or organic matter slip through
• Smell or colour changes can happen after long exposure to sunlight or warm conditions, especially in outdoor systems
• Skipping a cartridge change can let contaminants build up inside the system where they can slowly leak into the clean water line

While colour shifts are more visible, smells tend to show up first when water’s run after sitting for a bit. Letting the tap run usually clears it for a moment, but the problem returns if the deeper issue isn’t fixed.

Poor Placement or Exposure to Heat

Where a filtration system is set up can affect how long it lasts and how well it works. Units that sit in direct summer sun, especially in Perth, often face more breakdowns than those tucked in shady areas.

• Direct heat can soften plastic fittings and cause warping
• Without proper airflow, heat builds up around the system and wears down parts faster
• Installing a unit too close to driveways or bare walls makes it more exposed to long afternoon heat

Some water systems fail earlier simply because the placement wasn’t well planned. The components were made to handle weather, but not to sit next to hot walls or reflect heat off nearby surfaces for an entire season.

Products like the Whole Home Filtration System Platinum Edition from Home Filtration Systems Pty. Ltd. feature heavy-duty, UV-resistant housings and stainless steel mounting brackets, offering better protection and durability throughout Perth’s scorching summers. These systems are designed to handle both high sediment and chlorine levels, with multi-stage filters to tackle a wide range of known water challenges.

Keeping Your System Working When You Need It Most

A household water filtration system makes tap water feel safer and cleaner day after day. When running smoothly, it supports your whole household without much effort. But when things clog, crack, warp, or break, the difference is obvious.

As Perth heads through summer, now’s the time to check how long it’s been since the last filter change, clean checkup, or sign of wear. Look for small leaks, slow taps, or cloudy water. The sooner issues are spotted, the faster they can be handled, before they grow into something more serious.

Staying ahead of seasonal stress on the system keeps water running freely and cleanly through the entire house, even in the hottest months. A bit of attention now saves time, water, and headaches later on.

At Home Filtration Systems, we design our solutions specifically for Perth homes to keep your water clean and tasting great and help protect your pipes and appliances during the times you need your system working its best. See what our household water filtration system can deliver for your entire house. For advice or help choosing the best setup for your household, reach out to our team today.