Why Reverse Osmosis Water Flow is Slow

CLOGGED RO MEMBRANE
If you forget to change your reverse osmosis membrane, with time your system will produce less and less water. Reverse osmosis membranes are fragile and can become fouled if not changed often. Generally, RO membranes only need to be replaced every 24 months. Trying to fill your water storage tank with a clogged membrane may take 4-6 hours, rather than the usual 2-4 hours. We suggest setting a calendar reminder to buy a reverse osmosis replacement membrane.

RUPTURED TANK BLADDER
If you only get about one cup (8 oz) of water out of your RO faucet at normal water pressure, and then the water promptly trickles down to a very small stream, this typically is a sign the air bladder in the storage tank has ruptured. Unfortunately, the air bladder cannot be repaired and the only way to resolve the issue is to replace the storage tank. Replacement tanks can be found here.

LOW RO TANK PRESSURE
Slow water flow rates might be a result of low pressure inside the RO tank. Reverse Osmosis tanks should have pressure of 7 to 8 psi without any water in the tank. To check your pressure, locate the valve (typically covered by a blue plastic cap) on the side of the tank near the bottom. After removing all the water from the tank, use a pressure gauge to determine the pressure in the tank. If low, add air with a pump until you have 7-8 psi. Be careful to only add a small amount of air at a time, as too much pressure can rupture the air bladder.

CLOGGED RO FILTERS
Replacing your water filter on schedule is crucial to having healthy, delicious drinking water. If your RO filtration system is producing water slowly, you probably need to change your carbon block, sediment, or GAC polishing filters. In fact, clogged filters are probably the most common reason for reverse osmosis water flow to be slow. Filters should be changed annually, unless water conditions and contaminants present require more frequent filter changes (like every six months instead of 12).

KINK IN WATER LINE
Make sure there are not any kinks in the water line, which would slow water production. And while you're inspecting your reverse osmosis drinking water system, double check that the water supply line valve is in the fully open position.

LOSS OF WATER PRESSURE
You may have temporary loss of water pressure. An RO system needs a minimum of 40 psi to operate properly, but preferably 60 psi. If all your household faucets seem to have low water pressure, it may be a temporary issue with your local water utility company. If higher water pressure does not resume, report the issue to your local water utility company. You might also want to read up on how to properly maintain your reverse osmosis system.