Okay, don’t panic, but filters need replacing. It’s like your car needs oil changes, except way cheaper. Replacement cartridges for most systems cost $30 to $100 per year. Some fancy reverse-osmosis systems require a $100 to $200 filter swap annually.
Also, if your water is really hard or full of sediment, you might need a pre-filter (about $20 to $50) to protect the main system. Think of it like sunscreen for your investment. Better safe than sorry.
And here’s a fun twist: some systems require an extra faucet on your sink. That’s a minor $20 to $50 addition, but it makes you feel very fancy when you pour a glass of filtered water from a dedicated spout.
