RO Auto Shut-Off Valve Vibrating? Here Is What to Do!
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Last Updated: Aug 15, 2023
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Weird sound coming from your RO system? Like a buzzing or vibrating?
It could be your ASO valve, and there could be several reasons why it is making this annoying noise.
Most of the issues are an easy fix at home, especially with this troubleshooting guide!
Contents
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Key Takeaways
Here’s why your RO auto shut-off vale could be vibrating and how to fix it:
- Air inside the RO membrane – You will need to purge the air from your RO membrane by removing the flow restrictor from the drain line.
- Air inside the system – You will need to purge air from the system by tilting it while opening the RO faucet.
- Your ASO isn’t properly connected – You may need to contact the manufacturer or try to reinstall it yourself.
- There’s dirt in your auto shut-off valve – You will need to disconnect the ASO valve and clean it.
- Your ASO is broken – You will need to replace your ASO valve.
- The check valve is broken – You will need to replace your check valve.
Why Your RO Auto Shut-Off Valve Is Vibrating
There are several reasons why your RO auto shut-off valve might be vibrating. These are:
Air Inside the RO Membrane
If the vibrating has started after a membrane change, air has likely become trapped in the membrane. When this happens, the air is being purged out of the membrane where it meets the ASO. Here, the air compresses and expands, causing vibration. This can also occur if a fitting is leaking and drawing in air, so be sure to check all your fittings to ensure they are sealed correctly.
Air Inside the System
Air inside the system itself can be another reason for vibration, especially if you have recently changed any of the pre-filters. It is essential to make sure all filters are securely closed and air-tight and that there are no leaky fittings.
Your ASO Isn’t Properly Connected
It is possible that the auto shut-off valve has been installed incorrectly. This happens occasionally and is likely to be a manufacturer issue, so it is best to contact them about it, or you can disconnect and reconnect the ASO and see if that helps.
There’s Dirt in Your Auto Shut-Off Valve
If dirt is trapped in your ASO valve, it can cause vibration. This could be dirt from the manufacturing process. To fix this, you will need to clean out the valve and make sure that it is entirely free of dirt before re-installing it.
Your ASO Is Broken
If nothing else works, your ASO may simply be broken and needs to be replaced.
The Check Valve Is Broken
Occasionally, the issue will not even be your ASO valve but your check valve. If this is the case, and your check valve is broken, you will need to replace it.
How to Fix a Vibrating Reverse Osmosis Auto Shut-Off Valve
Once you have figured out the most likely culprit for your vibrating ASO valve, then it’s time to try a few things to fix it!
How to Purge Air Out of a Reverse Osmosis Membrane
First, remove the flow restrictor from the drain line. Allow the RO system to run freely for several minutes, ensuring all air is flushed out. It may even be necessary to reposition the membrane so that the exit side is on top, as air is lighter than water and more likely to expel that way.
Alternatively, you can wait a couple of days to see if the issue subsides on its own, as it might resolve without intervention.
How to Purge Air Out of a Reverse Osmosis System
- Turn off the tank ball valve.
- Position the RO system at a minimum 45-degree angle, ensuring only the stage 1 filter housing touches the floor. This inclination helps eliminate accumulated air bubbles.
- While maintaining the system’s tilted position, switch on the faucet and allow water to flow for 1 minute before turning off the faucet.
- Repeat the previous step 3-4 times with a 30-second break between each time.
You may also try tapping or shaking the ASO valve itself, which can help clear any trapped air. You can also adjust the angle of the system, moving it up and down while attempting to release the air, ensuring that the outflow from the valve faces upward.
How to Properly Connect an ASO
- Shut off the water supply: Before servicing your RO system, make sure to turn off the water supply. Also close the storage tank valve.
- Drain your RO system by running the faucet until the flow stops.
- Locate the ASO valve and identify which tubes correspond to the water supply inlet, outlet, permeate in, and permeate out lines. These tubes are often color-coded.
- Disconnect everything.
- Reconnect the water supply inlet and outlet tubes – Insert the water supply inlet tube into the ASO valve’s ‘in’ port and connect the water supply outlet tube to the ‘out’ port. Do the same for the permeate water lines.
- Gradually turn on the water supply to the RO system and examine the ASO valve connections for any leaks. If leaks are found, shut off the water supply and reseat the tubing connections before retesting.
How to Clean an RO Auto Shut-Off Valve
- Turn off the water supply and storage tank.
- Open the faucet connected to your RO system to drain any remaining water.
- Locate the shut-off valve in your RO system and carefully disconnect it from the tubing connections.
- Disassemble the shut-off valve by unscrewing the housing and removing any internal components.
- Soak all disassembled parts in a solution of warm water and mild dish soap for 10-15 minutes. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub away any buildup or debris.
- Thoroughly rinse all the components with clean water to remove any soap residue. Allow the parts to air dry completely.
- Carefully reassemble the shut-off valve by placing the internal components back into the housing and screwing it back together. Make sure everything is seated correctly and securely.
- Reattach the shut-off valve to the appropriate tubing connections in your RO system, ensuring the tubes are correctly inserted and secured.
- Turn on the water supply to the RO system and check for leaks at the shut-off valve connections. If leaks are detected, turn off the water supply and reseat the tubing connections before retesting.
How to Replace a Broken ASO Valve on an RO System
- Before servicing your RO system, make sure to turn off the water supply
- Drain the RO system.
- Disconnect the old ASO from its connection ports.
- Connect the tubes to the new ASO port in the appropriately labeled outlets.
- Check the tubing is secure.
- Turn on the RO system to check for leaks.
Further Reading:
Replacing the Check Valve
If nothing has helped, it may be worth replacing the check valve to see if that has been causing the issue. To do so:
- Turn off the water supply: Locate the water shut-off valve for your RO system, typically found under the sink or near the cold water supply line, and turn it off.
- Close the storage tank valve.
- Drain the system: Open the faucet connected to your RO system to drain any remaining water from within.
- Locate the check valve: Identify the check valve in your RO system components. It’s usually directly connected to the RO membrane’s permeate line.
- Disconnect the tubing from the check valve: Press down on the collet and gently pull the tubing out.
- Remove the old check valve: Carefully remove the old check valve from the tubing connections.
- Install the new check valve: Insert the new check valve into the tubing connections, making sure to maintain the correct orientation for water flow.
- Secure the connections: Ensure the tubing connections are properly inserted and secured in the new check valve.
- Turn on the water supply: Turn on the water supply to the RO system and check for leaks at the check valve connections.
If you have any questions about your RO auto shut-off valve vibrating please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
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