Published Jul 28, 2025 · 4 Min Read

What are water filter cartridges?

Water filter cartridges are the important, replaceable parts within your water purifier that actively remove impurities. These cartridges contain various filtration media designed to remove specific contaminants as water passes through. This critical part ensures your purifier continues to deliver clean, safe, and healthy drinking water for your home.


Getting a new water purifier is now budget-friendly. Simply browse the selection of water purifiers on Bajaj Mall. Alternatively, visit any of Bajaj Finserv’s 1.5 lakh partner stores in 4,000 cities in India. Choose the product that you like and get Easy EMI and zero down payment offers exclusively with Bajaj Finserv’s financing options. Check your loan eligibility and convert the cost of your new water purifier into Easy EMIs.

Types of cartridges and their functions

Cartridge typeFunction
Sediment filterIt removes larger particles such as dirt, sand, and rust, effectively protecting subsequent filters.
Activated carbonIt eliminates chlorine, organic chemicals, and significantly improves your water's taste and odour.
RO membraneIt removes Total Dissolved Solids, heavy metals, dissolved chemicals, and various microorganisms.
MineraliserIt adds essential minerals back into the purified water, enhancing its health and balanced taste.

Smart shopping starts here: Explore exclusive offers and pair them with affordable Easy EMIs for a rewarding shopping experience.

Cartridge lifespan and maintenance

Sediment filter:

  • Lifespan and replacement: This filter typically lasts 3 to 6 months, depending heavily on your water's sediment levels. Replace it promptly.
  • Maintenance importance: Timely replacement ensures larger particles like dirt and rust are removed, protecting your other, more expensive filters from premature clogging.
  • Impact of neglect: Failing to replace can significantly reduce water flow and damage downstream purification stages, compromising overall system performance.

Activated carbon filter:

  • Lifespan and replacement: Carbon filters generally require replacement every 6 to 12 months. This maintains effective removal of chlorine and organic impurities.
  • Maintenance importance: Regular replacement ensures your water remains free from unpleasant tastes and odours, and effectively removes harmful chemicals.
  • Impact of neglect: An expired carbon filter allows contaminants to pass through, affecting water quality and potentially overloading subsequent filters.

RO membrane:

  • Lifespan and replacement: The RO membrane is highly durable, lasting 1 to 3 years. Replace it when your purified water's Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels rise.
  • Maintenance importance: Its effectiveness relies on well-maintained pre-filters. Regular replacement ensures consistent removal of dissolved solids, heavy metals, and microbes.
  • Impact of neglect: A worn membrane results in high TDS in your drinking water and can severely reduce the purifier's output flow.

Mineraliser (Post-RO Filter):

  • Lifespan and replacement: Typically, mineraliser cartridges last 6 to 12 months. Ensure timely replacement to maintain mineral content.
  • Maintenance importance: It re-adds essential minerals like calcium and magnesium to your purified water, enhancing its taste and health benefits after the RO process.
  • Impact of neglect: Skipping replacement means your water will lack these beneficial minerals, potentially affecting taste and perceived health benefits.

Are cartridges brand-specific?

Water filter cartridges are often brand-specific, designed to fit particular purifier models. Manufacturers typically use proprietary designs to ensure optimal performance and maintain warranty. While some universal cartridges exist for standard housings, always verify compatibility. This guarantees effective filtration and avoids damage to your system.

How to choose the right cartridge for your purifier

  • Identify your purifier model: Always check your purifier’s model and brand. Cartridges are often brand-specific, ensuring correct fit and performance.
  • Assess your water quality: Refer to your water test report. Choose cartridges (e.g., RO for high TDS, activated carbon for chlorine) to address your water’s specific contaminants.
  • Consider lifespan and genuineness: Evaluate the cartridge’s expected life and replacement cost. Always opt for certified, genuine products to ensure effective filtration and maintain your warranty.

Looking to buy a water purifier on Easy EMIs? Use the store locator to find our partner stores.

Get your water purifier on Easy EMIs with Bajaj Finserv

Bringing home a new water purifier is now hassle-free with Bajaj Finserv’s flexible financing options. Follow these simple steps to buy your preferred water purifier on Easy EMIs:

  • Explore models on Bajaj Mall: Browse through a wide selection of water purifiers on Bajaj Mall. Compare different models and their features to find the one that meets your needs.
  • Visit a partner store: Once you have shortlisted a model, head to any of Bajaj Finserv’s 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 Indian cities. View the product in person and take expert help if needed before making a final decision.
  • Choose the Easy EMI Loan option: At checkout, opt for the Bajaj Finserv Easy EMI Loan. Get financing of up to Rs. 5 lakh and convert your purchase into affordable EMIs. Select models may also be available with zero down payment.
  • Check your loan eligibility online: To make the process smoother, check your pre-approved loan limit online by entering your mobile number and OTP. This gives you clarity on how much you can borrow before visiting the store.
  • Use the EMI Network Card for purchases up to Rs. 3 lakh: If you own the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Card, use it to split payments of up to Rs. 3 lakh into monthly instalments—no paperwork, no delays.

FAQs

Can I buy a water purifier on EMIs?

Yes, you can purchase a water purifier with Bajaj Finserv’s Easy EMI options. 

If you are an existing user of the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card: 

  • Explore a wide range of water purifiers on Bajaj Mall
  • Choose the preferred model and visit a Bajaj Finserv partner store to check it out in person
  • Use your EMI Network Card and avail of Easy EMIs for affordable monthly payments
  • Enjoy your new water purifier on Easy EMIs

If you do not have one, there is no need to worry. Check your Insta EMI Card eligibility and take the first step towards enjoying the affordability and convenience of Easy EMIs.

What are water filter cartridges used for?

Water filter cartridges are the core components within your purifier that remove impurities from water. Each cartridge contains specific media to trap contaminants like sediment, chlorine, dissolved solids, or microbes. They are essential for ensuring your purifier consistently delivers clean, safe, and healthy drinking water for your home.

How many types of cartridges are there?

There are several types of water filter cartridges, each serving a specific purpose in purification. Common types include sediment filters, activated carbon filters, RO membranes, and mineralisers. Various purifiers combine different cartridges in stages to provide comprehensive removal of diverse contaminants from your water.

When should I replace the cartridge?

You should replace cartridges based on manufacturer guidelines, typically every 6 to 12 months, though RO membranes can last longer. Your water quality and usage also influence lifespan. Many purifiers feature filter change indicators. Timely replacement is crucial to maintain water purity, taste, and system efficiency.

Are cartridges universal across brands?

No, cartridges are generally not universal across brands. Many water purifier manufacturers use proprietary designs, meaning their cartridges fit only specific models. While some standard-sized universal cartridges exist, always verify compatibility with your purifier's model. This ensures effective filtration and protects your warranty.

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