Reverse Osmosis Maintenance Schedule
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Last Updated: Sep 1, 2023
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Though reverse osmosis systems have significantly lower maintenance requirements than most other water treatment options, they still require some work to keep things running optimally.
The best way to approach this is to break things down into components and work according to their individual schedules.
Here’s an overview of how often you need to clean and maintain different parts of your reverse osmosis system.
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Reverse Osmosis Maintenance Schedule
Here’s our reverse osmosis maintenance schedule in form of a simple table that gives you an idea of how often you need to perform the different maintenance tasks.
| Biannual Tasks | Annual Tasks | Every 2 to 5 Years |
|---|---|---|
| Replacing pre-filters | Replacing pre-filters | |
| Replacing post-filter(s) | ||
| Replacing RO membrane | ||
| System cleaning/sanitizing | ||
| Checking storage tank pressure |
How Often to Replace RO Filter Elements
The different filters used in your reverse osmosis system will come with their own separate replacement schedules. The reverse osmosis membrane itself lasts the longest. You will have to replace it every 2-5 years, depending on the quality of your water and how much of it you consume. Under harsher conditions – like a severely contaminated water supply – you may need to replace it every 1-2 years instead.
Most pre-filters need to be replaced once every 6-12 months. Carbon and sediment pre-filters should be swapped out every 6-9 months for the best results. Post-filters can last longer, especially carbon ones – those can last for up to two years. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for each filter you’re using to be sure you’re on the right track.
System Cleaning and Sanitizing
While you don’t have to pay too much attention to cleaning and sanitizing your reverse osmosis system, you should still do it at least once a year to stay on the safe side. To simplify things, you can align that with your filter replacements. Once you stop the system to swap out one of its filters, use the opportunity to clean it as well.
Tips for How to Maintain a Reverse Osmosis System
Maintaining a reverse osmosis system in a good condition is mostly about following the appropriate replacement schedule for each component, and watching out for signs of issues like leaks or inconsistencies with the pressure. Here are the most important points to consider.
Filter Replacements
Replacing each filter stage on time is the most important aspect of maintaining a reverse osmosis system. Start by checking the system’s manual for replacement instructions, and familiarize yourself with the steps as best as you can. Take the time to check if the manual mentions any other maintenance tasks that should be performed regularly as well.
Here is a brief rundown of what you need to do to replace your system’s filters. Note that some steps may be slightly different in your case, so definitely refer to the system’s manual as well!
- Shut off the water supply.
- Close the valve of the storage tank.
- Open the RO faucet and keep it running to allow the system to depressurize.
- Take out the filters that you’re replacing – it should be simple to remove them from their housing by simply unscrewing them.
- Inspect the O-rings, and lubricate them if necessary.
- Insert new filters into their housing and screw them in tightly.
- Turn the water back on.
- Reopen the storage tank valve.
- Open the RO faucet and keep it running for a few systems to allow the system to properly flush.
- Inspect the whole system for leaks. Pay special attention to fittings, valves, and tubing pieces.
- Close the RO faucet and let the storage tank fill completely.
- Drain the tank and refill it again. Repeat this a couple of times.
Cleaning/Sanitizing
Sanitizing your reverse osmosis system is something you shouldn’t have to do often, but it’s still a good idea to set aside some time in your calendar for that too. Always check your owner’s manual for specific instructions, as your system will likely have unique individual requirements. Here is a general overview of the process:
- Shut off your water supply.
- Open the RO faucet and keep it running to allow the system to depressurize.
- Take out all filters from their housing, as well as the reverse osmosis membrane.
- Add some unscented household bleach into the first stage’s housing.
- Close all housings.
- Turn the water supply back on.
- Open the RO faucet and keep it running until you see water coming out, then close it.
- Inspect the system for any leaks.
- Keep the system running until the storage tank fills completely. Keep it that way for 30-120 minutes.
- Flush the system.
- Refill the tank and flush it out again.
- Shut off your main water supply.
- Open the RO faucet and depressurize the system again.
- Install all filters and the membrane back into their places.
- Turn on the water supply.
- Open the faucet and keep it running for a couple of minutes to let the system flush.
- Inspect the system for leaks.
- Turn off the faucet and let the tank fill completely.
- Flush and refill the tank a couple of times before using the system again.
You can also use the time to clean your reverse osmosis membrane while waiting for one of the above steps. This requires soaking it in a special chemical solution, and is something you should absolutely verify with your owner’s manual before attempting.
Storage Tank Pressure
Your RO storage tank will last a long time by default, but it will eventually start to give away. The best way to know that this is coming is to keep its pressure in check. You don’t have to do this often – once a year should suffice in most cases.
Make sure the tank is completely drained when measuring its pressure. Disconnect it from the system as well. You can use a simple low-pressure gauge to take the reading. Ideally, it should be in the 6-8 psi range. The ideal range could be different for your model though – check the manual for more details. Note that your tank will likely lose about 1 psi of pressure per year, and that’s to be expected.
Storage Tank Pressure Draining
If water sits in the storage tank for too long, it will eventually develop a stale taste. You also run the risk of having your water contaminated again. Thus, if you haven’t used your RO system in a while, you should drain its storage tank. To do that, simply disconnect it from the reverse osmosis system, take it to a suitable location – like your bathtub or garden – and open the valve. Water will rush out at a high pressure at first, and the flow will slow down over time. Once water stops leaking out on its own, you’ll need to add some pressure manually to drain the rest – you can use a bicycle pump or an air compressor, for example.
Further Reading:
Why Is It Important to Maintain an RO System Properly?
Maintaining your reverse osmosis system is crucial for its long-term operation and performance. Without proper maintenance, you risk having your water contaminated and not even knowing. You might also notice a gradual decline in the taste and/or smell of your water, or it could start coming out more slowly than usual. And if it’s been a while since you last replaced the filters in your system, you might have to drain and sanitize it completely before it’s safe to use again.
Another problematic factor that can be exacerbated by poor maintenance is the amount of wastewater generated in the process. Without regular filter replacements, the system will eventually start wasting a lot more water than it should.
If you have any questions about our RO maintenance schedule please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
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