How To Maintain A Reverse Osmosis System

Reverse osmosis systems are used to purify drinking water by removing sediments, minerals, and other potential contaminants using a semipermeable membrane. These systems are a highly effective way to make your drinking water safer and improve its taste, and they work well in both residential and commercial applications.

If you have a reverse osmosis system at home or at your workplace, it’s important to maintain it so that you continue to have access to clean, safe drinking water. Reverse osmosis maintenance isn’t difficult, but it does need to be done at regular intervals to keep your water flowing efficiently. Here’s what to do to maintain your reverse osmosis system.

Sediment Filter

A reverse osmosis system has multiple filters in addition to the semipermeable membrane. The first of these is a sediment filter, which removes any larger dirt and sediment molecules from your water before it flows through the rest of the system. Because the sediment filter is the most likely to get clogged, it needs to be changed the most often. The sediment filter should be changed at least every 12 months, although many recommend changing it at least every six months.

Carbon Filter

Reverse osmosis systems also contain a carbon filter before the membrane. This helps filter out pesticides, chlorine, and many other contaminants. RO systems also may contain a second carbon filter that is placed after the membrane, which helps improve the taste of the water. These filters also need to be changed at regular intervals to keep the system clean. Carbon filters should be changed every six to 12 months depending on how dirty your water is.

Reverse Osmosis Membrane

In addition to the filters, the semipermeable reverse osmosis membrane also needs to be changed at regular intervals. Since the sediment filter and the carbon filter essentially protect the reverse osmosis membrane, this doesn’t need to be done as often. Reverse osmosis filters only need to be changed every 2 to 3 years.

It can be difficult to tell exactly when the filters in your reverse osmosis systems need to be changed. The most effective way to ensure that your filters are changed regularly is to set reminders for yourself.

In addition to changing the filters, it is important to clean the reverse osmosis system itself. To do this, remove the filters and the membrane from their housings, and then reconnect the housings to the system. Then, pour one cup of hydrogen peroxide into the first stage of the housing, making sure to wear protective equipment while doing so. Allow the system to run through at least twice, replace the filters, and then let the tank refill and fully drain before using again.

Looking to install a reverse osmosis system in your home or business in south Florida? Atlantic Coast Water Clinic offers reverse osmosis systems as well as a variety of other water treatment and filtration solutions. Give us a call at 772-283-4767 or contact us
online to schedule an appointment.