Is It Time for a RO Filter Replacement?

When is it time for a RO filter replacement? If you have a Reverse Osmosis Filter, regular replacement is important to keeping the system working. Knowing when the right time to make a replacement may be is not always easy, however. If you would like to know more about when you should be replacing your RO filter, read on.

What Is a RO Filter?

First of all, you need to know what a RO filter is and how it works. RO filters are very useful, and they are a requirement for maintaining any quality RO filtration system. Water in a RO filter is filtered when pressure forces the water through a semipermeable membrane. The water travels from the more contaminated side of the filter membrane to the less contaminated side of the filter membrane; this water is then clean to drink. The semipermeable membrane allows the water to travel while trapping the dirt. This trapped dirt or waste is called brine and has to be thrown. 

Until now, it has been following simple osmosis guidelines, so why is it called reverse osmosis? Well, unlike osmosis, there is no equilibrium between the two sides of the membrane. There is a block to prevent the contaminated side from mixing with the clean side again, simple, right?

When Should You Replace It?

Knowing when you need RO filter replacement is essential as clean drinking water is one of the necessities of life. Therefore, below are signs that your filter needs to be replaced.

• Time frame: Replacing the filters, cartridges, and other parts every 12 months is best as dirt and other debris accumulate in this time frame. Getting them replaced by a professional is important as different sizes and makes have to be kept in mind while doing this work.

• Low water pressure: This is also a sign that your filter needs to be checked. If the power of the flow isn’t as strong as it used to be, it means that a lot of dirt has accumulated. Replacing the filter as soon as possible is important in this case.

• Tastes funky: Not only is a reverse osmosis filter free of bacteria, metals, and minerals, but it also has no chlorine, so it should taste fresh and healthy. When the carbon filters in the RO filter need to be replaced, the water will have an unknown taste and smell.

• Always running: If your RO filter keeps on cycling through the water, it means that it is not working as efficiently as it should be. Clean filters are more efficient and work better to filter the water.

Each part has a different life span so getting your RO filter checked every year is important, so you know which part needs changing. The carbon filter and sediment filter usually need changing every year, but this can’t be a fixed number as each house has different levels of dirty water. However, the RO membrane, the most important part, doesn't need changing that often if you maintain it properly and only is changed after 2-3.

In conclusion, taking care of your RO filter can certainly extend its lifetime, and when timely replaced, it can be a great addition to your house. The good thing is that replacing these things doesn’t cost that much, so make sure to take care of your filter! Contact us today for more information.