Reverse Osmosis · Guide

Waterdrop RO Filter Replacement Guide: G3P600, G3P800 and G3

Every Waterdrop G3-series RO system uses three cartridges: a CF pre-filter, a CB carbon filter and an RO membrane. Two of them are shared across the G3, G3P600 and G3P800, and the membrane is specific to each model. Here is which part goes where, when to change it, and what it costs to keep the system running.

Waterdrop G3 series CF and CB replacement filters

Which filter fits which system

CartridgePartFitsInterval (per Waterdrop)
CF pre-filterWD-G3-N1CFG3, G3P600, G3P8006 months or 550 gallons
CB carbon filterWD-G3-N3CBG3, G3P600, G3P80012 months or 1,100 gallons
RO membrane (G3P600)WD-G3P600-ROG3P600 only24 months
RO membrane (G3P800)G3P800 RO cartridgeG3P800 only24 months
RO membrane (G3)WD-G3-ROG3 (WD-G3-W) only24 months

The RO part numbers come from the IAPMO R&T certificate of listing for these systems (file WC-13976), which names each model's certified replacement membrane. The CF and CB are certified for material safety and structural integrity when used in these three systems.

What it costs per year

ItemWaterdrop list priceHow often
CF pre-filterabout US$30twice a year
CB carbon filterabout US$30once a year
G3P600 RO membraneabout US$110every two years
G3P800 RO membranecheck current priceevery two years

For the G3P600, that comes to about US$90 a year for the CF and CB, plus about US$55 a year if you spread the RO membrane over its two-year life. That matches Waterdrop's own estimate of around US$145 a year. Waterdrop also sells a one-year combo for each model, at around US$90, and autoship subscriptions at a discount.

Prices change with promotions, so treat these as list-price references and check the current price before you buy.

Buying on Amazon

The CF pre-filter and the CF + CB two-pack are also sold on Amazon:

Check that the listing names your model (G3, G3P600 or G3P800) before ordering. Waterdrop also makes G2-series filters that look similar but don't fit G3 systems.

When to change filters early

The intervals assume typical city water. Change earlier if:

  • Flow drops noticeably. A clogged CF pre-filter is the usual cause.
  • TDS on the faucet display climbs. If TDS rises well above its usual level after a filter change, the RO membrane is the likely culprit.
  • Taste or odor returns. That usually points to an exhausted CB carbon filter.
  • You're on well water or high-sediment water. Sediment loads the CF much faster. Consider point-of-entry sediment filtration; see our well water testing guide.

How to replace a G3-series filter

  1. Turn off the water supply to the system and unplug it.
  2. Open a faucet to release pressure.
  3. Twist the cartridge counterclockwise and pull it straight out.
  4. Insert the new cartridge and twist it clockwise until it locks.
  5. Restore water and power, then flush as the manual instructs. A new RO membrane needs a longer flush than the CF or CB.
  6. Reset the filter-life indicator for the cartridge you replaced.

Choosing a system?

If you haven't bought yet, the filter costs above are part of the decision. Our Waterdrop G3P600 review and Waterdrop G3P800 review include the full cost of ownership.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I replace Waterdrop G3P600 filters?
Waterdrop specifies the CF pre-filter every 6 months (or 550 gallons), the CB carbon filter every 12 months (or 1,100 gallons) and the RO membrane every 24 months. Hard, high-TDS or sediment-heavy water shortens every interval.
Are G3P600 and G3P800 filters the same?
The CF pre-filter (WD-G3-N1CF) and CB carbon filter (WD-G3-N3CB) are shared across the G3, G3P600 and G3P800. The RO membrane is model-specific: WD-G3P600-RO for the G3P600 and the G3P800 RO cartridge for the G3P800. Using the wrong membrane changes output and the certified performance.
How much do Waterdrop G3P600 filters cost per year?
Waterdrop estimates about US$145 a year on average for the G3P600, which spreads the two-year RO membrane over both years. The CF and CB alone run roughly US$90 a year at Waterdrop's list prices.
Can I use third-party filters in a Waterdrop RO system?
Some exist, but the system's NSF/ANSI 58 certification lists specific replacement components. A non-Waterdrop membrane is not covered by that listing, so its performance is unverified.
How do I reset the filter indicator after replacing a Waterdrop filter?
The procedure depends on the model and faucet version, so follow the reset steps in your system's manual. On G3-series faucets, the filter-life display tracks each cartridge separately, so reset only the cartridge you replaced.