A reverse osmosis system that has been cared for properly can easily last for a decade or more. However, maintenance is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to getting the best results and getting the most longevity possible. Below you’ll find some of our best tips to maintain your reverse osmosis system and keep it in top shape for years to come.
What Is a Reverse Osmosis System?
In order to understand how to maintain your reverse osmosis system, you first need to understand how the process works. Unlike other types of filtration and treatment, a reverse osmosis system works by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. Inside of your system, there is a thin semi-permeable membrane with incredibly small holes. The holes are so small that larger molecules, like contaminants and chemicals, cannot fit through them. Instead, the only thing that can safely pass through is water.
When it is moving through your system, the water will be moving through a series of filters and membranes thanks to external pressure that forces it. Without the pressure, it would take a very long time for water to make it through your semi-permeable membranes! Reverse osmosis technology has been around for years, and it is used in professional capacities to create purified water for decades. Today, many homeowners are investing in reverse osmosis systems to enjoy clean, safe and fresh water at home.
Always Replace Your Filters
Check the filter change schedule in your reverse osmosis system manufacturer’s manual and pay close attention to it. Some RO systems have three stages while others have four or five, so you need to understand precisely what filters are included in your system and when each one will need to be replaced. You can set a calendar reminder in your phone to remind you when it’s time! Because some filters, like the reverse osmosis membrane, only need to be replaced every two years, keeping track is important to maintain your reverse osmosis system.
- Sediment Filters: This filter needs to be replaced every year. It primarily works by keeping dirt, silt and sediment from your water, and it is very important to change it to prevent silt from slipping through an old filter and reaching the membrane instead of your system. This will lead to the RO membrane becoming clogged and needing replacement earlier than necessary.
- Carbon Filters: There might be a carbon block filter and/or polishing filter that will need to be replaced every 6-12 months. The lifespan of the filter will depend mainly on the current contamination level of your water. If your water is very dirty, you should plan on replacing these every 6 months.
- Reverse Osmosis Membrane: This membrane is semi-permeable and a critical piece of your RO system. This should only need to be replaced every 2-3 years depending on how well you maintain your reverse osmosis system.
- Polishing Filter: This is the final filter and it’s known as a post filter, as it is mainly used to remove any residual odor or taste from your water. Change it every 6-12 months depending on how strong of a taste or odor your water has before treatment.
Clean and Sanitize
Another key part of taking time to maintain your reverse osmosis system is taking time to sanitize and recharge your system. You should check your manufacturer’s owner’s manual before you start the process to make sure that you know what you are doing, or you can contact Atlantic Blue Water Services for more information. The cleaning and sanitization process is extensive and involved, so you should always read through the instructions ahead of time, check to ensure that you have all of the supplies necessary and then get started.
You should also drain your reverse osmosis storage tank fully about every two weeks. By draining the tank completely, you can rest assured that all of the water coming out of it is fresh and healthy. This also helps to ensure that pressure is maintained in the system for your reverse osmosis membrane to work correctly. You can use the water leftover in the tank to water your garden, water any plants around your house or do anything else that you need water for. The water inside of the tank is clean and safe to use, it just needs to be discarded as part of the process to maintain your reverse osmosis system.
Call Atlantic Blue Water Services to Maintain Your Reverse Osmosis System
Atlantic Blue Water Services is here to help homeowners, home sellers, home buyers and business owners in need of a quality water test and answers to their frequently asked questions. If you have concerns about the contents of the water at your home or business, we can complete a wide range of water tests and help you find the right water quality solution for your home. Finding the right water filtration solution does not need to be hard with help from us. Call us today to schedule your water testing at 410-840-2583.