How To Replace an Elkay EZH2O Water Filter

If your office, school, gym or public area is home to an Elkay EZH2O bottle filling station, it’s important to keep it clean and in the best condition possible. Replacing the water filter is one of the easiest, and most important steps you can take. Over time, filters can get clogged with sediment, contaminants and carbon particles. This can decrease the quality of the water dispensed and slow the filling process. Replacing a filter on an Elkay EZH2O unit is easy and keeps your bottle filling station working as it should.

Why You Should Replace Your Elkay EZH2O Filter

Elkay bottle filling stations provide high-quality, great-tasting water, but they all need a working filter to stay up to standard. Elkay EZH2O filters are rated to last for about 3,000 gallons of usage, which is roughly 19,000 standard water bottles. Most facilities change their filter every 6–12 months depending on foot traffic and local water conditions.

By replacing the filter you can expect:

• Cleaner, better-tasting water
• Optimal flow rates and sensor activation
• Decreased internal component stress
• Improved consistency in high-traffic areas

If your station’s filter status light is yellow or red, or if the water seems to be flowing slower than it used to, it’s time for a replacement.

Tools and Materials Needed for Filter Replacement

Replacing a filter on an Elkay EZH2O water bottle filling station requires few tools:

• Elkay filter cartridge replacement (match your model number)
• Screwdriver for removing the lower access panel
• Torx driver for older models that need a manual filter reset
• Small bucket or cloth to catch any drips or spills
• Water shut-off valve (typically near the unit)
• Optional: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or safety glasses if in a public area

Once you have these gathered up, you’re ready to start.

Get in touch if you're unsure about any of the above.

Instructions for How to Replace an Elkay EZH2O Filter

Follow this step-by-step instructions to safely and effectively replace your Elkay EZH2O filter:

1. Remove the Lower Front Panel

Remove the four screws found under the cooler section of the Elkay EZH2O bottle filling station and gently remove the lower cover to expose the filter housing.

2. Turn Off the Water

Locate and turn off the water shut-off valve for your bottle filling station. Press the bottle filler activation sensor or the bubbler (for units with a bubbler) to release water pressure from the line.

3. Remove the Old Filter

Give the used filter a quarter turn clockwise, disengaging it from the filter head. Pull it down and away from the filter head to remove it from the bottle filling station. Dispose of it properly.

4. Install the New Filter

Remove the new Elkay filter cartridge from its packaging and peel off the red cap. Insert the cartridge into the filter head and turn it counter-clockwise until it’s locked into place. Ensure the label is facing outward.

5. Turn the Water Back On

Restore the water by turning the water shut-off valve back to the open position.

6. Flush the Filter

Dispense at least two gallons of water through the bottle filling station. This clears out any trapped air and loose carbon in the new filter.

7. Replace the Access Panel

Replace the lower cover and secure it with the screws removed earlier.

How to Reset Your Filter Indicator Light

After you install a new filter cartridge, your bottle filling station’s filter monitor needs to be reset so users can see the correct filter status.

Resetting on Newer Models

Automatic Reset - Many newer EZH2O units have an automatic filter reset when a new, correctly installed filter is detected.

Resetting on Older Models

Manual Reset - If you have an older model, you may need to reset it manually. 

1. Remove the top access panel (usually two Torx screws).
2. Locate the small program button. Press and hold for approx. two seconds until “RST FLTR” displays on the LED screen. Press the button a second time to confirm.
3. Replace the top access panel. Once reset, the filter light should turn green.

What the Filter Lights Mean

The Elkay EZH2O filter lights let you quickly see filter quality and system performance:

• Green - The filter is working efficiently
• Yellow - The filter is nearing the end of its rated life
• Red - The filter needs replacing immediately
• Flashing Red - Error (often due to a mis-installed filter or sensor issue)

Monitoring these lights helps ensure your bottle filling station always dispenses clean, reliable water.

The Importance of Maintaining Your Bottle Filling Station

In addition to providing clean, great-tasting water, regular filter replacements and maintenance help protect your investment in a bottle filling station. Proper maintenance of your Elkay EZH2O helps:

• Minimise down-time and avoid costly repairs
• Enhance user experience in high traffic buildings
• Support sustainable building initiatives by providing a reliable alternative to single-use plastic water bottles
• Maintain compliance with building hygiene and water standards

For facilities that get a lot of use every day, consider on-going scheduled filter replacements and a planned maintenance program.

Final Checklist

As a final check before you call it a day, go over this checklist:

• Install a genuine Elkay replacement filter
• Flush two gallons minimum after installation
• Reset the filter status indicator
• Record the date of the filter replacement
• Monitor the filter light regularly for any maintenance needs

If you'd prefer to leave your filter changes to the professionals, please get in touch with one of our Elkay specialists by clicking here.