The average life of filter media is 15 years, with a range of 10 to 20 years, depending on site-specific factors such as backwash type and frequency, operating frequency, media type and condition, and overall filter performance. Unless a severe hydraulic imbalance occurs, filter media does not simply fail. Instead, it changes properties such as size distribution, roughness, depth, and composition (solids accumulation) over time, all of which affect the filter's operating time and efficiency. Because these changes occur gradually over months or even years, it can be difficult to discern differences in operation and performance. Therefore, we recommend planning media replacement every 10 to 20 years, even if it may not seem obvious from performance alone.