RO Tank Pressure Too High? Learn How to Fix Here!

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A reverse osmosis tank relies on a certain level of pressure to operate properly.

If the pressure is too high or too low, it can lead to issues. Thus, you have to keep the tank in check regularly, and you should also be prepared to deal with situations that require immediate attention.

Here’s an overview of what to expect when the pressure in your tank is too high.

Key Takeaways

  • If the pressure in your RO tank is too high, this can cause problems like the tank not filling up or the RO system working more slowly. You might also have to deal with more wastewater than usual and lower contaminant reduction rates.
  • In order to adjust RO tank pressure that’s too high (recommended range is around 6 to 8 psi), you need to drain the entire tank and read pressure once the tank is completely empty. You can release pressure by pushing the Schrader valve.

What Happens If RO Tank Pressure Is Too High?

If the pressure in your RO tank is too high, it can cause various problems. Some of those might take some time to present themselves, so you need to keep an eye on your current situation.

RO Tank Not Filling Up

With too much pressure in the tank, you’ll have trouble filling it up. That’s because the tank causes more backpressure which triggers the RO system’s automatic shut-off valve to close ahead of time. As a result, the entire systems shuts down and no more water is being purified.

Slowed Water Purification

The system will work more slowly, too. Again, higher backpressure caused by the RO tank is the culprit. It pushes against the feed water pressure, so water moves slower through the filtration process.

Less Effective Contaminant Removal

Not only that, but the purification process itself will work less efficiently. You may see a higher concentration of leftover contaminants in your filtered water as a result.

Additional Wastewater

Reverse osmosis wastes some water as a natural effect of its operation. While certain amounts are acceptable, you should be careful with your pressure levels because you risk wasting a lot more water than you normally do with an over-pressurized RO tank.

water pressure gauge

Instructions for How to Adjust Reverse Osmosis Tank Pressure

When dealing with tank pressure levels that are too high, there are some steps you can take to relieve your system and bring the pressure down to acceptable levels. Always follow your manufacturer’s exact guidelines if they have any instructions for that, as there are small differences from one system to another!

How Much Pressure Is Right?

Ideally, you should be aiming at tank pressure levels of 6-8 psi. This measurement must be taken when the tank is completely empty. You’ll have some minor differences between tank models, so check your own model’s specifications to make sure you’re on the right track.

1. Shut off Your Water Supply

Before you begin, shut off your water supply. You don’t need to shut it off at the mains, it’s enough to cut off flow to the RO system.

2. Flush the Tank

Turn on the RO faucet and keep water running until it stops.

3. Disconnect the Tank

Disconnect the tank from the system.

4. Drain the Tank Completely

Open the tank’s valve to drain out any remaining water. At some point, you will need to add additional pressure using an air pump.

5. Check Your Current Pressure Level

You’re ready to measure the pressure level of your RO tank once empty. Use a standard pressure gauge. A properly pressurized tank should read around 6-8 psi.

6. Adjust Pressure

If you empty RO tank pressure is too high, release some of it by pushing on the Schrader valve.

7. Hook the Tank Back Up

Once everything is done, you can hook the tank back up and reconnect all tubing.

How Does a Reverse Osmosis Tank Work?

A reverse osmosis tank is a simple contraption. The internal chamber is split into two parts. One holds water, and the other holds air. A bladder separates the two parts and helps keep the pressure between them.

When you start filling the tank with water, this creates pressure by compressing the air storage. Once you want to dispense water, you just have to turn the faucet – the pressure inside the tank will do all the work without the need for any pumps.

It’s the same pressure that causes the entire reverse osmosis filter system to shut off once it reaches a certain level indicating that the tank is full.

How Long Should It Take to Fill an RO Pressure Tank?

This depends on the size of the tank and how fast your RO system operates, but you should expect it to take anywhere between 2 to 4+ hours. If it takes much longer than that, you should check for potential problems. It’s not a bad sign by default, but it could be problematic when combined with other indicators.

If you have any questions about your RO tank pressure being too high please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

About the Author Alexandra Uta

Alex is a content writer with an affinity for research and a methodical attention to detail. Since 2020, she has fully immersed herself into the home water treatment industry only to become an expert herself. Alex has been using water filters and similar products for years which has gained her lots of hands-on experience.
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