How to Turn Off a Reverse Osmosis System
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Last Updated: Aug 25, 2023
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Usually, there is no need to turn off a reverse osmosis system manually.
Most RO systems have an auto shutoff valve installed that closes once the storage tank is full.
If you still want to turn off your reverse osmosis system manually for whatever reason, here is how.
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Key Takeaways
Here is how to turn off a reverse osmosis system manually:
- Close the feed water valve beneath the sink.
- Or, close the storage tank valve.
- Or, look for a dedicated valve on the RO system itself and turn that off.
How to Turn Off a Reverse Osmosis System
So, how do you turn off a reverse osmosis system?
Well, you generally have three options available:
- You can shut off the feed water valve at the cold water supply line under your kitchen sink. Note that this will disable the whole water supply for the system.
- You can also turn off the tank valve on the reverse osmosis storage tank, blocking water from entering or leaving. This will also prevent the RO system itself from drawing in any water as long as the RO faucet remains closed.
- Finally, there might be a dedicated valve somewhere on your reverse osmosis system module, but this is individual for each model.
In any case, once you’ve identified the appropriate valve, all you have to do is shut it off. This works the same for all valves – it can only move in one direction, and it must be perpendicular to the body of the valve to be shut off. When the handle is running in parallel with the tubing, the valve is open.
What to Do When Your Reverse Osmosis System Isn’t Turning Off By Itself
Reverse osmosis systems are typically set up so that the system will automatically shut off once the storage tank is full. If that isn’t the case, the system might keep draining water. This can be caused by a number of problems:
- Insufficient feed water pressure: you might have to install a pump or another corrective measure to adjust the pressure to appropriate levels.
- Reverse osmosis membrane is clogged: in this case, simply swap it out. Make sure to do this regularly to ensure proper operation of your system.
- Insufficient pressure in the storage tank: this one is a bit trickier, and might require repressurizing the tank manually. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines closely.
- Ruptured bladder of storage tank: you have to replace the bladder entirely.
- Malfunctioning automatic shutoff (ASO) valve: if the system is still drawing water when the tank is full, this could indicate that the ASO valve is not functioning correctly, in which case it will have to be replaced.
- Malfunctioning check valve: this happens less often compared to issues with the ASO valve, but it’s still a possibility, and also requires a replacement of the valve in most cases.
- Malfunctioning flow restrictor: the flow restrictor is an important component of a reverse osmosis system, and its improper operation can lead to a lot more water getting wasted in the filtration process.
- Bad installation of the reverse osmosis system: especially likely if you installed the system yourself. Check for any leaks or misaligned components and fix them accordingly.
Further Reading:
If you have any questions about turning off an RO system please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
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