Just like your car, furnace, or other mechanical items around your home, your Reverse Osmosis system requires maintenance to keep it running properly. Following a few simple maintenance rules will ensure that your family has access to clean, clear water for many years to come.
The amount of water your family uses, and the installation of pre-treatment equipment can affect how often your Reverse Osmosis System will need to be serviced. Here are some general guidelines for proper maintenance.
Filter Replacement
A Reverse Osmosis System uses a series of filters and a reverse osmosis membrane to purify water by reducing harmful chemicals and other contaminants. A system can have 3 or more filters, each performing a different function.
The first filter is generally a pre-filter designed to trap dirt, silt, sand, and other sediments. If this filter is not properly maintained it will become clogged, reducing water flow and quality, and adversely affecting the reverse osmosis membrane. The pre-filter should be changed every 9-12 months.
The next filter in line is frequently a carbon filter, designed to reduce chlorine, taste and odour. Chlorinated water will damage your reverse osmosis membrane and this filter should be replaced every 9-12 months.
Your system’s RO membrane is where the actual reverse osmosis phase takes place. Water is forced through the membrane and pure, RO water comes out the other side. Contaminants are not able to go through the membrane and are redirected down the drain. Typically an RO membrane will require replacing every 3-5 years.
To finish off the process, there is generally a carbon polishing filter that removes any remaining taste or odours from the water. To ensure you always have great-tasting water, you should replace this filter every 12-14 months.
In addition, system sanitation should be completed every year.
What Will Happen if I Don’t Perform Regular Maintenance?
If you do not change the filters and membrane as required, your system will become clogged and will produce less and less water. This decrease in water production is a warning sign that your filters need to be changed. Eventually, your system will stop producing water altogether. However, if you follow scheduled service and maintenance, your RO system should last 10 to 15 years.
Preventative Maintenance Packages
Water Depot offers Preventative Maintenance packages for every piece of water treatment equipment we sell, bringing you peace of mind for your investment. With our Reverse Osmosis package one of our water treatment experts will come to your home to take care of the following:
- Operational assessment/testing
- Filter replacement
- Sump cleaning
- System sanitization
Water Depot
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