How to Sanitize a Reverse Osmosis System

Sanitation Procedures for Reverse Osmosis Systems with Standard Housings

A reverse osmosis system should be sanitized once each year. You may consider thoroughly sanitizing your Reverse Osmosis drinking water system while replacing your reverse osmosis water filters, which occurs every 6-12 months (depending on water conditions and system usage).

Your system can be sanitized with two to three tablespoons of unscented household bleach or non-bleach Sani-System sanitizer, which is proven to kill 99.99% of harmful bacteria.

VIDEO: How to use Sani-System to Sanitize RO Unit

Below is a video that explains how to use the Sani-System sanitizer.

Tips Before You Begin Sanitizing Your RO System

1. If you're sanitizing your RO system when replacing the filters, all new filters should remain in the original packaging until it is time for replacement.
2. Ensure the service area is free of any excess dirt or dust.
3. Wash hands with soap and water, and/or wear sanitary gloves.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sanitizing a Reverse Osmosis System

Below are general instructions for cleaning and sanitizing most RO drinking water systems.

1. Turn off water

Turn off the cold water supply line to the RO system.

2. Disconnect from refrigerator

If your system is connected to your refrigerator or icemaker, turn off the line going to the icemaker.

3. Open system and drain water

Open the RO water system faucet and drain all water from the system and storage tank.

4. Close RO faucet handle

Once the system is empty be sure to place RO faucet handle in the closed position.

5. Open pre-filter housing and remove the pre-filter

Open the pre-filter housing, which is typically the filter closest to the feed water line. Remove the pre-filter and discard if replacing with a new filter after sanitization process. Leave the filter housing off.

6. Remove all remaining filters and RO membrane

Remove all remaining filters and the reverse osmosis element (membrane). If you have an inline post filter on your RO filter system, leave the old filter in place. Discard old filters if installing new filters. Learn more about installing RO membrane and filter replacements.

7. Reconnect all empty housings except pre-filter housing

Reconnect all empty housings to the system, except the pre-filter housing. There should be no filters in any housings at this point.

8. Pour sanitizer into pre-filter housing

Pour entire packet of Sani System Sanitizer directly into the pre-filter housing. Or, alternatively add two or three tablespoons of bleach to the pre-filter housing (5.5% unscented bleach).

9. Re-connect pre-filter housing

Re-connect the pre-filter housing back onto the system with the sanitizer solution inside.

10. Turn on water and check for leaks

Turn on the cold water supply line for the system to fill with the sanitizing solution. Check for any leaks.

11. Fill system with water

Allow system to fill with water. Time will vary depending on water pressure. However, the system should be full within 5-10 minutes without the filters or membrane installed.

12. Turn on RO faucet

Turn on the RO faucet until water begins to flow out, then turn off the faucet.

13. Let the system set

If using Sani system Sanitizer, let system set for at least 60 seconds. If using bleach, let the system set for at least 30 minutes.

14. Flush system

After set time, flush system by turning on the RO faucet and letting water run through the system for 5 minutes, or until bleach odor is gone.

15. Turn off water and drain system twice

Turn off the cold water supply line. Turn on the RO faucet. Drain the system completely. Repeat this step twice

16. Replace or re-install filters and membranes

After draining the system completely the second time, replace or re-install all filters and membrane.

17. Turn on water and check for leaks

Turn on the cold water supply line and check for leaks

18. Refill storage tank

Allow the system several hours for the RO membrane to refill the storage tank.

RO Maintenance and Sanitizing Kit for Most Standard RO Systems MSKIT-RO

RO Service Kit INCLUDES:

1x PFW190 Filter Wrench
1x SS25RO RO System Sanitizer Packet
3x 151121 O-rings for Filter Housings*
1x 1013501 Silicon Lubricant for O-rings

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Sani-System is approved by NSF and EPA for use in RO systems. Proven to kill 99.99% of harmful bacteria, it achieves this without the need for chlorine, oxidizers, or acids, safeguarding system components. The concentrated formula within each premeasured packet efficiently sanitizes equipment within 60 seconds. Buy Sani Packet Only

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How to Clean and Sanitize a PuROTwist RO System

Because of the systems’ design, the PuROTwist Reverse Osmosis System requires a unique sanitization process.

The PuROTwist Reverse Osmosis Systems’ filter and housings are designed to make filter and membrane changes easy. Simply twist the used filter off and twist the new filter on. It's simple and quick, with no mess.

The following instructions are meant only for the PuROTwist RO System.

We recommend purchasing the RO sanitizing kit for your PuROTwist system that includes EPA & NSF approved non-bleach Sani-System sanitizer. These kits are a safe, easy, and effective method to sanitize the complete PuROTwist reverse osmosis drinking water system.

The kits listed below include everything you'll need to assist in replacing filters and sanitizing your PuROTwist RO Drinking Water System.

PuROTwist PT4000 RO Sanitizing Kit PTKIT-RO4 PTKIT-RO4

This kit includes everything you'll need to assist in sanitizing your 4-stage PuROTwist reverse osmosis system. This value kit Includes:
4x Empty Q-Series Filter Housings - REUSABLE
1x System Sanitizer Packet that Kill 99.99% of Harmful Bacterial (SS25RO)

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PuROTwist PT3000 RO Sanitizing Kit PTKIT-RO3 PTKIT-RO3

This kit includes everything you'll need for sanitizing your 3-stage PuROTwist reverse osmosis system. This value kit Includes:

3x Empty Q-Series Filter Housings - REUSABLE
1x System Sanitizer Packet that Kill 99.99% of Harmful Bacterial (SS25RO)

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Tips Before You Begin Sanitizing the PuROTwist RO

1. If sanitizing system when new filters will be installed, all new filters should remain in the original packaging until it is time for replacement.
2. Ensure the service area is free of any excess dirt or dust.
3. Wash hands with soap and water, and/or wear sanitary gloves.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sterilizing the PuROTwist Reverse Osmosis Systems

1. Turn off water

Turn off the cold water supply line to the RO system.

2. Disconnect from refrigerator

If your system is connected to your refrigerator or icemaker, turn off the line going to the icemaker.

3. Open system and drain water

Open the RO water system faucet and drain all water from the system and storage tank.

4. Close RO faucet handle

Once the system is empty be sure to place RO faucet handle in the closed position.

5. Remove filters and membrane

Remove all Q-series filters and membrane. Unscrew counterclockwise. There may be a small amount of water that will run from the unit so have a small towel available. Discard filters if replacing with a new filter after the sanitization process.

6. Remove yellow sanitary plugs

Remove the yellow sanitary plugs from one of the empty sanitizing housing canisters.

7. Pour sanitizer into housing canister

Pour entire packet of Sani System Sanitizer directly into the housing canister. Or, alternatively add two or three tablespoons of bleach to the housing canister (5.5% unscented bleach). Since the opening is small, a funnel or measuring cup with a lip may be helpful.

8. Re-connect housing

Re-connect the housing with the sanitizing agent back onto the system in the pre-filter position.

9. Remove yellow sanitary plug

Remove the yellow sanitary plug from all of the remaining empty sanitizing housing canisters and thread them into the remaining slots on the system.

10. Turn on water and check for leaks

Turn on the cold water supply line for the system to fill with the sanitizing solution. Check for any leaks.

11. Fill system with water

Allow system to fill with water. Time will vary depending on water pressure. However, the system should be full within 5-10 minutes without the filters or membrane installed.