How to Repair a Reverse Osmosis Flow Restrictor
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Last Updated: Jul 12, 2023
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Uh oh! You have noticed a change in the water flow rate of your reverse osmosis system, and you are pretty sure it is the flow restrictor malfunctioning.
Time to repair it or replace it? In most cases, a replacement is best, but there are some situations in which it simply needs to be cleaned.
So, how do you do that? Read on.
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Key Takeaways
- In most cases, you would not repair a reverse osmosis flow restrictor, you would replace it.
- If the flow restrictor is blocked, you would need to detach it from the waterline and clear any blockages.
How to Repair a Reverse Osmosis Flow Restrictor
So, how to repair a reverse osmosis flow restrictor?
Well, usually, you would not repair your reverse osmosis flow restrictor, you would simply replace it. If the flow restrictor is clogged, you could attempt to unclog it by detaching it from the water line and clearing the blockage. In the case of other mechanical issues, you may try to repair them. However, in most instances, replacement is typically the best course of action.
Depending on which kind of flow restrictor you have, there are two different methods.
To replace an inline-style (encapsulated capillary style) flow restrictor:
- Turn off the water supply to your reverse osmosis system and close the storage tank valve to prevent water from flowing out during installation.
- Open the faucet of your reverse osmosis system to allow any remaining water to drain out, creating a dry workspace for the installation.
- Remove the old flow restrictor and asses to see if it can be repaired. If not, have your new flow restrictor ready for replacement.
- Install the flow restrictor, ensuring it’s facing the correct direction – the direction of the water flow. Connect it to the disconnected drain line.
- With the flow restrictor properly installed, turn on the water supply and open the storage tank valve. Check for leaks and ensure the system is operating correctly.
For an insert-style (capillary style) flow restrictor replacement:
- Start by disconnecting the tubing from the membrane housing reject outlet.
- Remove the old flow restrictor and see if it can be fixed by cleaning or repair. If not, procure a new flow restrictor.
- Take your insert-style flow restrictor and insert it into the fitting, ensuring it’s properly positioned and secure.
- Once the flow restrictor is in place, reconnect the tubing to the membrane housing reject outlet.
Remember, installing the flow restrictor in the correct direction of the water flow for both types is vital. If installed backward, the flow restrictor won’t work correctly and could potentially harm your reverse osmosis system.
How Can a Flow Restrictor Go Bad?
A reverse osmosis flow restrictor could go bad if it clogs with dirt or scale or if a mechanical failure leads to the restrictor coming loose, though both scenarios are not common or frequent.
How to Know If Your RO Flow Restrictor Needs Repair
A malfunctioning flow restrictor in a reverse osmosis system can exhibit certain symptoms. These can include excessive or insufficient water drainage from the RO membrane or a decline in the quality of filtered water.
If the flow restrictor blocks water flow, it could cause a backlog into the RO membrane, hampering its filtration ability. If it allows too much water through, it could lead to a pressure drop within the membrane and result in significant water wastage.
To maintain your RO system’s optimal performance, replacing the flow restrictor each time you replace the RO membrane is recommended. This is to prevent scale buildup, which can clog the capillaries. Also, if you’re switching to a different flow-rate membrane element, ensure you change the flow restrictor to the corresponding size.
Further Reading:
What Is a Reverse Osmosis Flow Restrictor and How Does It Work?
A flow restrictor serves as a mechanism that controls the rate at which water flows out of an outlet. This ensures that systems such as water filters and heaters work optimally and avoid damage. The restrictor achieves this by manipulating a two-port valve to sustain a steady water flow, irrespective of fluctuations in water pressure. This is particularly important for systems like reverse osmosis filters, which require a specific duration of contact with the water to function effectively.
In a reverse osmosis system, the flow restrictor is key in controlling the quantity of wastewater generated. It’s attached to the discharge tubing of the RO membrane to prevent the internal pressure from falling too low, which would disrupt the system’s operation. Plus, it curbs the system from generating an excessive amount of wastewater, thus keeping the required pressure on the membrane.
If you have any questions about RO flow restrictor repair please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
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