9 Reasons Why Your Brita Filter Is So Slow? And How To Fix The Problem


A Brita filter can be a great way to remove contaminants like lead, asbestos, and other particulate matter from tap water. However, sometimes the filtration rate on Brita filters may be too slow. Here are the main reasons why your Brita filter (including Brita faucet filters) may run slow.

Brita filters may be slow because of aeration from your tap water, bubbles trapped in the filter, high sediment levels, faulty installation, low water pressure (for Brita faucet filters), or an old filter.

There are 9 specific reasons why your Brita filter could be too slow, and each one has its own solution – read on to find out how to speed up your Brita filter and get it working properly again.

9 Reasons Why Your Brita Filter Is Too Slow

Brita filters come in five types, this post is for anyone who owns one of these filters:

  • Standard – removes mercury, copper, chlorine, cadmium, zinc
  • EliteTM – removes lead, mercury, benzene, chlorine, cadmium, asbestos
  • Stream – removes chlorine, particulates, trichlorobenzene
  • Bottle – removes chlorine, particulates
  • Faucet – removes lead, mercury, chlorine, benzene, asbestos, particulates, trichlorobenzene, TTHMs 

While each type of Brita filter has a slightly different method of filtration, there are a few common causes of why they are slower than usual. So, let’s explore each one.

1. Air blocks in the filter

Sometimes, air bubbles may be trapped within the filter of the pitcher, leading to a slower rate of filtration. You can check if your filter has bubbles trapped inside by dropping it in a water-filled sink or jar. If the filter floats, it means there is an air block.

To remove the air block, soak it upright in cold water for 15-20 minutes. Then, rinse the filter under running water for 20 seconds and reinstall.

If this doesn’t work, tap the filter gently against the side of sink while holding the filter under water to release the bubbles. Check again to see if it will sink and then place the filter back in the pitcher.

Water Purification Guide has more information about how trapped air bubbles can make your Brita filter leak available here.

2. Not Replacing the Brita Filter on time

Delaying the replacement of the Brita filter may cause a decrease in the rate of filtration. Watch the filter change indicator on your Brita device to monitor the filter life. Replace your filter based on the reading of the filter change indicator.

Keep in mind that you must program the setup for the particular filter yourself – there are different setups for standard, EliteTM, and Stream filters. Here is a quick checklist for how often you should change your Brita filter:

Brita Standard Filter2 months (every 40 gallons)
Brita EliteTM Filter6 months (every 120 gallons)
Brita Stream Filter2 months (every 40 gallons)
Brita Bottle2 months (every 40 gallons)
Brita Faucet4 months (every 94 – 100 gallons)

3. High sediment levels

If your tap water contains too many sediments – be it clay, minerals, pollutants, sand, or rust – this can cause particles to clog the filter. While Brita EliteTM filters usually take 10-15 minutes to filter the reservoir, this may be delayed by clogged particles.

If you have tap water with high sediment level, it is advisable to install an additional filtration system before using the Brita Filter.

To check if your tap water has too many sediments, simply fill a glass of water straight from the tap and leave it undisturbed on the counter for 30 minutes. If you find a muddy deposit on the bottom of the glass, it is an indication that your water needs additional filtration.

Brita recommends that you replace filters more frequently if your tap water is hard, as hardness is one of the main causes of high sediment in the water.

4. Aeration from the faucet

Aeration may slow filtering because of increased agitation, especially while filling the reservoir of your filter. If this is the case, avoid opening the faucet to a full stream. Fill your reservoir gently, with a slow and steady stream. This should ensure that the filtration process is uninterrupted.

Do not let the stream of water fall directly on top of the filter. Brita affirms that their EliteTM Filters filter even highly aerated water.

5. Particles lodged in the filter

In case you notice any particles lodged in the filter, gently spray water directly into the filter in the opposite direction to dislodge the sediments. Keep in mind that doing this too often may damage your Brita filter.

As a rule of thumb, let the water filter the reservoir completely before refilling the reservoir or pouring it.

6. Faulty installation of the filter

If your Brita filter has not been fit correctly in the device, it may not filter water correctly. This occurs more often while replacing the filter. Read the instruction manual carefully or ask a Brita representative to demonstrate fitting the filter correctly.

Note that the standard and EliteTM filter have different methods of installation. In both cases, listen out for a “snap and click” as you twist it into place. This indicates that the filter has been correctly installed. In addition, make sure the O-ring/gasket seal has been seated properly on your filter device.

7. Excessive usage of the filter

The more water you use, the sooner you must replace your filter. The duration to replace the filter (given in the table above) is merely an estimate – if you find yourself filtering 40 gallons within a month, for example, you should replace the filter more often (at least monthly).

Keep an eye on the filter change indicator for the best results.

There are many other signs that you may need to replace your filter, which Water Purification Guide covers in more detail here.

8. Reduced water pressure from the faucet

This applies particularly to the Brita faucet filter.

The Brita faucet filter uses pressure from the tap to pass water through two layers of filtration. If the pressure is too slow, this might not work. Check the water pressure of your tap. If it is too slow, check for leaks and sediments in your pipeline.

Make sure the pressure reducing valve is not too low. Also, clean the aerator of your faucet to remove debris. Low water pressure may also be caused by bent tubing. In this case, check for plumbing issues.

9. Incorrect flushing of the filter

Your Brita filter must be flushed before first use to optimally filter water. Fortunately, flushing a Brita filter is simple.

For the faucet filter.

  • To flush a faucet filter, turn the faucet on for a minimum of five minutes after installing your filter.
  • Do not drink this water – discard, or water plants with it.

For the Standard, EliteTM, Stream, and Bottle filters.

  • Flushing requires pre-soaking the filter in cold water for 15 minutes, and then wash under running water for 20 seconds.
  • Then, fill the reservoir and let the water drain through completely.
  • Discard this water.
  • Repeat this at least two times.
  • Do not worry if you notice carbon dust in the first few fillings – this is normal and harmless.

How long does it take for a Brita pitcher to filter water?

All Brita pitcher and dispenser filters take 10-15 minutes to purify water. Customers have also reported a faster filtering time. The Brita faucet filter offers instant purification of water from the tap. Keep in mind that the time of filtration depends on the mechanism and the type of contaminants being filtered.

Why is my Brita Elite (Longlast) filter so slow?

Your EliteTM filter (previously called Longlast) may be slow because of incorrect installation, an old filter, or high sediment levels. Monitor the filter replacement indicator carefully to make sure you don’t use an old, or broken filter. The Brita EliteTM filter can be used in both pitchers and dispensers.

Why is my Brita faucet filter so slow?

As mentioned above, the main reason for a slow faucet filter is low water pressure.

A faucet filter works by using the pressure in the tap to push water through a special nonwoven material and a tightly bound carbon block. Here, sediments and particles are caught in the nonwoven material, while the carbon block removes smaller contaminants including lead, chlorine, benzene, asbestos, and other particulates.

Therefore, if the water pressure is too low, it may not get pushed through the filter properly. Increase the water pressure of your faucet to stop this filtration delay. However, keep in mind that the efficacy of your Brita faucet filter depends on the age and condition of the filter.

How to fix a slow Brita Filter

Follow these simple steps to improve the speed of your Brita filter:

  1. If your filter has not been changed recently, monitor the filter change indicator and replace your filter.
  2. Gently tap the filter or flush it to release any trapped air bubbles.
  3. Run the filter under a spray of water to remove debris and sediments.
  4. Modify water pressure to push water through the filter.
  5. Check your water quality to make sure the water is not too dirty to pass through your Brita filter. In that case, install an additional filtration mechanism.

Theresa Orr

Theresa Orr is an Earth Scientist who specializes in determining past climates from rocks using geochemistry. Her passion for clean water drives her to breakdown the science to provide easy to understand information that everyone can read.

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