RO purification systems are used to purify water and supply safe drinking water. These systems help maintain water quality standards and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.
For an RO water purifier system to run efficiently for a long, you must properly maintain it. Regular maintenance of RO water purifiers ensures clean drinking water for a longer lifetime. And if you are wondering how to maintain an RO water purifier, here is a quick guide on the maintenance of RO water purifier.
Follow this RO maintenance checklist to ensure that you are getting the most out of your RO system.
1. Maintain the RO Membrane
The water purification system requires regular maintenance. This includes replacing filters, checking the pressure gauge, and inspecting the membranes. If you notice any leaks, it is important to fix them immediately. You can do this yourself, or call a RO service technician to repair the leak.
An RO membrane filters out contaminants such as bacteria and viruses. If you don’t replace your RO membranes regularly, your water could become contaminated.
There are several methods to clean the RO membrane. One method involves rinsing the membrane with tap water. Another method uses distilled water. Both methods work well, although there are some differences between the two. Distilled water is better because it does not contain minerals that could damage the membrane. In addition, distilled water is less likely to cause corrosion.
If you use tap water, make sure that the water coming out of the faucet is clear. Clearwater is easier to filter. To test whether the water is clear enough, put a few drops of food colouring into the water. If the colour appears clear, the water is fine for filtering. However, if the water turns cloudy, it needs to be filtered again.
Inspect the membrane regularly. Look for cracks, holes, stains, or discolouration. These indicate that the membrane is deteriorating, and needs to be replaced.
2. Replace the Filters
A regular change of the filter is one of the primary steps for the maintenance of RO water purifier. It helps maintain the performance of the RO system. Regularly changing your filters and membranes will help you maintain better water quality and extend the life of your reverse osmosis (RO) system.
Changing your filtration media every six months or so will ensure that you are getting the most out of your investment.
A choked membrane or filter causes increased wastewater production. If you notice that your RO unit produces a lot of wastewater, it could mean that one of your filters or membranes needs to change.
When you replace your filters and/or membranes, you will see a decrease in wastewater production. This will also help make sure that your RO unit is operating efficiently.
There are different types of filters:
i) Sediment Filter
A sediment filter helps keep your reverse osmosis water clean and clear. But changing it every 12 months will extend the life of your RO system.
iii) Carbon Filter
Carbon filters are great for filtering out chlorine and heavy metals from your tap water. They look like little plastic bags filled with charcoal granules. You put one in each faucet, attach it to the cold water supply, and let the carbon filter do its thing. After about 10 minutes, you take it off and see how much dirt is left behind. If there’s still some, add another bag. This process continues until the water looks clean enough.
3. Clean & Sanitize the RO Tank
The average lifespan of a reverse osmosis system is 10–15 years. But it doesn’t have to end there. You can help keep your RO system running longer by regularly sanitizing the tank. By cleaning the RO tank, you’ll reduce the chance of bacteria growing inside the tank and extend the life of your RO system.
Cleaning the tank is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent clogs and blockages. If you don’t do it regularly, you’re putting yourself at risk. There are several things you can do to make sure your system stays clear and flowing.
• Check the filter. Make sure there isn’t anything stuck inside the filter. This could cause the pump to work harder, which could lead to premature wear and tear.
• Keep an eye out for leaks. Look around the outside of the tank. You might notice some dripping or seepage. These small leaks can quickly add up over time.
• Don’t forget about the pipes. As you clean the tank, check the pipes. They can become blocked due to debris or algae buildup.
• Be careful with bleach. Bleach is great for killing germs and bacteria, but it’s very caustic. So, be careful how much you use and where you apply it.
Sanitizing your tank is another key step. While chlorine is effective against many types of microorganisms, it won’t kill everything. In fact, it can actually harm certain fish species. For best results, look for products that contain both chlorine and a stronger sanitiser like hydrogen peroxide.
4. Clean the Exteriors of the RO System
The exterior of the reverse osmosis (RO) system plays an important role in keeping it working properly. If you don’t keep it clean, you could end up wasting money on repairs. Here is an RO maintenance checklist to help you maintain the outside of your RO system:
- Check the Filter Media
- Change the Water Supply Regularly
- Use Proper Drainage
- Keep the Unit Away From Direct Sunlight
- Maintain the Outside of the Unit
- Inspect Your Outlet Wires
5. Annual Maintenance of the RO System
An annual maintenance contract for water purifier is an easy way to keep your RO system running smoothly. You don’t have to worry about buying filters every month because it’s already included in the price. And since there are no moving parts, you won’t have to replace the whole unit once a year.
A good RO water filter should cost around $100-$150. If you’re looking for something cheaper, you might end up spending more money in the long run. But a high-quality filter will last longer and save you some cash.
6. Get Regular RO Servicing by a Good RO Service Technician
Regular servicing keeps your RO system working efficiently and reduces the chances that you’ll face a major problem down the road. Make sure you choose a trusted water purifier service centre for routine maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maintenance Tips for RO Water Purifiers
What is the lifespan of a RO membrane?
The lifespan of a membrane depends on how often it is cleaned. A properly maintained membrane will last about 10 years. However, if the membrane is neglected, it will deteriorate much faster. For example, if the membrane is left untreated for six months, it will lose half of its efficiency.
Do RO Purifiers Need Maintenance?
RO water purification system requires routine maintenance and service to ensure proper operation. These systems are designed to remove impurities from drinking water and failing to properly maintain these systems could result in serious health issues such as lead poisoning, bacterial contamination, and poor taste. A certified RO technician should inspect the system periodically to check for any leaks, cracks, or damage.
Why Change Filters and RO Membranes?
The filter and RO membrane system in your home water filtration system should be changed regularly for many benefits. First off, it ensures that your water is clean and safe to drink. It keeps your water flowing smoothly and efficiently, prevents bacteria growth in the pipes and tanks, reduces the amount of sediment buildup in your tank, extends the life of your water filtration system by keeping it running at peak efficiency and improves the taste of your drinking water.
What Happens when you Don’t Change the Filters?
If you fail to change the filters regularly, you may end up with high levels of chlorine in your drinking water. Chlorine is toxic to humans, and it can cause health problems such as skin rashes, nausea, headaches, and diarrhoea. High levels of chlorine can also damage pipes and plumbing fixtures.
What is the lifespan of an RO system?
A reverse osmosis system lasts approximately 15 years, depending on usage. Most systems last 10 to 20 years, but some may only last 5 years. A typical home uses 1 gallon per day, so a system that lasts 10 years should produce around 100 gallons of purified water. However, if you live in a hot climate, you may need to replace your system earlier than expected.
If you fail to change the filters regularly, you may end up with high levels of chlorine in your drinking water. Chlorine is toxic to humans, and it can cause health problems such as skin rashes, nausea, headaches, and diarrhoea. High levels of chlorine can also damage pipes and plumbing fixtures.