How long does a Mechanical Filter Pad last?

[5x5]

I'm curious how long a Mechanical Filter Pad is supposed to last?

I have a wet/dry filter with a bay up top for a filter pad (before the Bio Ball Chamber). When I buy a new one, it works great for the first week, but then I notice water overrun on the sides. To me this indicates that the water is not absorbing fast enough through the pad and therefore overrunning.

I was always under the impression these pads would last for months. Am I mistaken?

 

[mfdrookie516]

You need to rinse them off when they get like that. Once you rinse it out, it will be good for another week.