How to Remove PUR Faucet Filter – What Actually Worked
Total cost: $0, just my time. I figured out how to remove PUR faucet filter after wrestling with it for 20 minutes. The manual wasn't clear, so I guessed. Got it wrong the first time. Here's what I learned.
I'm not a plumber. I'm just a guy who owns a house and doesn't want to call someone for every little thing. My PUR faucet is the FM-3700 model, the one with the brushed nickel finish and the clear plastic filter housing. If you've got a different model, the basics are the same.
I Was Doing It Wrong At First
The filter housing is the clear plastic tube right under the faucet head. I thought you just twist it off — counterclockwise. I gripped it, twisted hard, and nothing. It felt like it was glued on. I grabbed a pair of pliers. Bad idea. I marred the plastic a little (learned later that replacement housings are cheap, like $8 at HD). Still wouldn't budge.
Then I looked closer. On the side of the housing, near the top, there's a small rectangular button. It's gray, about the size of a pencil eraser. Pushing that releases a lock. That's the trick. You push that button while twisting the housing counterclockwise. It came right off.
The Right Way to Remove It
Here's the method that worked for me, step by step but not too formal:
- Make sure water to the faucet is off. I didn't do that at first and got a face full of spray. Lesson learned.
- Take off the aerator on the faucet spout if you can. Some models you don't need to, but it gives more room.
- Find the release button on the filter housing. It's usually marked with a small arrow or the word "push." On mine, it was subtle.
- Press and hold that button with one thumb.
- With your other hand, twist the housing counterclockwise. It should turn smoothly. If it doesn't, you're not pressing the button hard enough.
- Once it's loose, pull it straight down. The filter cartridge will stay inside the housing. That's fine, you'll replace it.
Total time after I knew the trick: 30 seconds. First time took way longer because I didn't know about the button.
What If It's Still Stuck?
If you're pressing the button and it still won't turn, a few things could be going on. Maybe the housing is cross-threaded from a previous install. Maybe there's mineral buildup. I've seen posts online where people used a strap wrench (like the kind for oil filters) to get extra grip without damaging the plastic. That would cost you maybe $10 at an auto parts store. Or you can use a rubber jar opener for grip.
Another thing: check if your model has a second lock. Some PUR faucets have a tab on the back. Look for a small notch near the button. I've seen that on the FM-9400B model. If you have that, you might need to push the tab inward with a flathead screwdriver while pressing the button and twisting. It's a pain, but it works.
If none of that works, you can remove the entire faucet head. There's usually a set screw holding the head on. That's a bigger job, but then you can work on the housing on the counter. I haven't done that, but I've read it's possible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
After helping a few neighbors with their filters, I noticed patterns. One big mistake is using too much force without pressing the button. That can damage the housing or strip the threads. Another is forgetting to turn off the water, leading to a wet shirt. Also, don't twist the housing clockwise thinking it'll loosen. That tightens it more. And don't use metal tools if you can avoid them. A plastic prying tool or a rubber strap wrench is safer. If you have hard water, soak the housing in white vinegar for 20 minutes to dissolve mineral deposits before trying to twist. That trick saved me once.
How Much Did It Cost?
Like I said, the removal cost nothing but my time. The replacement filters aren't expensive. I bought a three-pack of PUR FM-3700 cartridges at Home Depot for $29.97 plus tax. That's about $10 per filter, and each lasts three months. So about $40 a year to keep the water tasting clean. If you just want to clean the filter (not replace), you can rinse it under warm water and scrub with a soft brush. That costs nothing.
Final Thoughts
If you're stuck trying to figure out how to remove PUR faucet filter, just find that button. I swear, 90% of the frustration is not knowing it's there. Don't force it, don't use tools you don't need. Push the button, twist, done. I wish I'd found a clear explanation before I started. That's why I'm writing this — so you don't make the same mistake.
Did I overpay for filters? Anyone tried a generic brand that fits the same housing? Let me know. I'll probably stick with the official ones, but if you've saved a buck, I'm listening.