Installing a new Longlast filter takes a couple of minutes, and a couple of the steps below directly affect how well the filter performs afterward — worth doing in order rather than skipping ahead.
Before You Start
Unlike some older Brita filters, the Longlast/Elite design uses a pull-top cap and does not require presoaking — you can go straight from packaging to installation.
Installation Steps
- Remove the old filter (if replacing one) by pulling it out of the reservoir, holding it by the top.
- Rinse the new filter briefly under cold running water for about 15 seconds, holding it top-down, to clear any loose carbon dust from manufacturing.
- Check for trapped air bubbles. Hold the filter under running water and gently tap the bottom — this helps release any air pockets in the filter media, which is one of the most common causes of a newly-installed filter running slower than expected.
- Insert the filter into the reservoir, lining up the notch on the pitcher with the groove on the filter.
- Press down firmly until you feel it seat fully — a proper seal here matters for both filtration performance and preventing water from bypassing the filter media.
- Fill the reservoir with cold tap water and let it filter through completely before drinking.
- Discard (or use for plants) the first pitcher or two of filtered water. Some carbon dust is normal and harmless in the first few fillings as the filter settles in — it’s not a sign of a problem.
How to Know When It’s Time to Replace
- If your pitcher has a filter-change indicator, that’s the most reliable signal — see our guide to how the indicator actually works if yours seems inconsistent.
- If it doesn’t, track by date or usage: the Longlast filter is rated for about 6 months or 120 gallons, whichever comes first, for a typical household.
If Flow Seems Slow After Installing
That’s a separate, very common issue with a few specific fixable causes — see our full troubleshooting guide rather than assuming something went wrong with installation itself.
Deciding Between Longlast and Standard
If you’re installing a Longlast filter for the first time and aren’t sure it’s the right choice for your household, see our Longlast vs. Standard comparison — the two are certified for genuinely different things, not just different lifespans.