Reverse Osmosis Technical Help

 Your ultimate resource for Reverse Osmosis knowledge

RO Guides, FAQs, Maintenance Tips and More

Here, we provide practical tips, manuals and guides to help you make the most of your reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration system. We’ve included helpful installation and troubleshooting guides, as well as instructions on how to change out RO membranes and filters when due for replacement.

RO Troubleshooting Guide

Discover effective solutions to common reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration issues. Our troubleshooting guide provides maitenance tips and answers your RO system questions.


How to Maintain a Reverse Osmosis System

Replace Filters Regularly
Replace Filters Regularly
Generally every 6-12 months depending on quality of water to system
Sanitize and Clean System Often
Sanitize and Clean System Often
Recommend sanitizing system at time of filter changes
Monitor Performance of System
Monitor Performance of System
Watch for decreased water pressure or lower water flow at RO faucet

Here are three tips for effectively maintaining a reverse osmosis (RO) drinking water filtration system:

  1. Regular Filter Replacement: Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for replacing the various filters in your reverse osmosis system. Most RO systems have pre-filters, a sediment filter, a carbon filter, and a post-filter. These filters work together to remove contaminants. Regularly replacing them, generally every 6 to 12 months depending on quality of feed water, ensures optimal filtration performance and prevents clogs and other issues that can decrease water flow.

  2. Sanitization and Cleaning: Periodically sanitize and clean the RO system to prevent bacterial growth and maintain water quality. We recommend using the Sani-System RO maintenance kit when you change out your filters. During the sanitizing process, be careful not to damage the sensitive components. See more details below.

  3. Check Pressure and Performance: Monitor the water pressure in your RO system. Low water pressure can affect the system's efficiency and the quality of filtered water. Ensure that the pressure is within the recommended range. If you notice a decrease in water production or a change in water taste or odor, it might be a sign that the filters need replacing or the system requires maintenance, regardless of the scheduled cleaning cycle.

Remember, maintaining an RO system contributes to its longevity and ensures that you consistently receive high-quality drinking water. Always refer to the manufacturer's manual for specific maintenance instructions tailored to your RO system model. Learn more about how to maintain a reverse osmosis filtration system.

Viqua VIQUA IHS22-D4 Integrated 12 GPM UV System with Sediment and Carbon with Lead Reduction Filters IHS22-D4-
RO Sanitizing Kit

Removes odors and purifies reverse osmosis (RO) tanks, lines, and hoses. Sani System has demonstrated its ability to kill 99.9% of E. coli, E. coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and other harmful bacteria. It does not use chlorine, acids or oxidizing agents that could potentially damage equipment components.

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HOW TO SANITIZE A REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM

An RO system should be sanitized and cleaned on a regular basis to maintain its performance and ensure the quality of the purified water. Specific instructions on how to sanitize a reverse osmosis system can be found here.

General guidelines for sanitizing and cleaning reverse osmosis:

    1. Sanitization: It is recommended to sanitize an RO system at least once a year. This helps eliminate any potential bacteria, viruses, or other contaminants that may have accumulated within the system. Sanitization can be done during routine maintenance, such as when replacing filters or membranes.

    2. Cleaning: In addition to sanitization, regular cleaning of the RO system is important to prevent the buildup of sediment, scale, or other deposits that can affect its efficiency. The frequency of cleaning depends on the specific conditions of your water source. Some factors to consider include water hardness, presence of sediment or debris, and the overall quality of your feed water. Cleaning intervals can range from every few months to once a year.

It's worth noting that the pre-filters, post-filters, and membrane of the RO system may have different replacement or cleaning schedules. Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines or user manual for specific instructions regarding the maintenance and cleaning intervals for your particular RO system model.

Regular maintenance, including sanitization and cleaning, helps optimize the performance and lifespan of your RO system, ensuring that you continue to receive clean and purified water.

  • Turn off the power to your well pump before starting to work.
  • Clear the area around the well head and remove the cap. If the cap’s cracked or broken, you should replace it.
  • Double-check your calculations, mix the chlorine solution, and pour it down the well.
  • Step 5: Turn the power off on the well pump again. Close and seal the well cap and let everything sit for 12-24 hours.
  • Step 6: After 12-24 hours, flush the chlorine from the plumbing system. Open the outside faucets first, then the ones inside. Let each faucet run until you can no longer smell chlorine. It can be tough to properly flush chlorine from a hot water tank, so you may want to drain it after flushing the system.

Reverse Osmosis Tips and FAQs

How do I Install an RO Drinking Water System?

In most cases, your RO system will come with installation instructions, but we provide general instructions that will provide details on installing a Reverse Osmosis system. Under-sink RO (reverse osmosis) systems are typically installed beneath a kitchen sink or a similar area where they are easily accessible for maintenance and can provide purified water directly to a dedicated faucet. These systems are designed to fit in relatively small spaces and attach to existing plumbing under the sink.


RO FAUCET SYSTEMS


How Does RO Compare to Bottled Water?

Looking at cost alone, RO systems generally cost less than 30-cents per day to own and operate for a family of four. From a cost-savings perspective, since most Americans spend $100/year on bottled water translating to $400/year for a household of four. An RO system would save nearly $300/year as it operates for roughly $100/year. Environmental impact of bottled water should also be considered.

The number crunching doesn’t reveal anything about the health benefits of RO. Reverse Osmosis systems can remove harmful contaminants such as pesticides, fluoride, chlorine/chloramines, lead and arsenic.


Is A Reverse Osmosis System Noisy?

reverse osmosis water filter systemNo, reverse osmosis systems are generally not noisy. The main components, such as the membrane and filters, operate quietly. However, you may hear some noise during the water filtration process, like the sound of water flowing or a faint hum from the system's pump. Overall, the noise level is minimal and should not be a significant concern.

Non-air gap faucets tend to be quieter thank air-gap faucets. Non-air gap faucets make no gurgling sound since the drain line from the RO membrane flows directly into the sink drain line. Learn more about the difference between “Air Gap” and a “Non-Air Gap” faucet.

If you hear other sounds, such as a “hissing” noise, immediately call your local water treatment professional as there may be a problem with water pressure, the air gap or a leak.


Is Reverse Osmosis Water Safe to Drink?

Yes, reverse osmosis (RO) water is considered safe to drink. RO systems are highly effective at removing a wide range of contaminants from water, including sediment, chemicals, heavy metals, and dissolved solids. The RO membrane acts as a barrier, allowing only pure water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities.

The removal of contaminants through RO filtration helps improve the overall quality and safety of the water. It can significantly reduce the presence of harmful substances, such as pesticides, fluoride, chlorine/chloramines, lead, arsenic and other potential contaminants.

However, it's important to note that while RO filtration provides a high level of filtration, it may not remove all types of contaminants. Bacteria and viruses are better addressed through ultraviolet water disinfection.

Overall, RO water is considered safe for drinking and can provide clean, great-tasting water for your daily consumption.


Does Reverse Osmosis Remove Beneficial Minerals From Water?

RO filtration is effective at removing various contaminants, including minerals, from the water. While minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium are essential for our health, they are primarily obtained through food rather than water. Our bodies can absorb minerals from food more readily than from water, especially when they are in an inorganic state. Drinking RO-filtered water does not pose a risk of mineral deficiency because the minerals in water are not the primary source for meeting our mineral requirements. A well-balanced diet provides the necessary minerals for our bodies to remain healthy.

how reverse osmosis works

Does the Reverse Osmosis Filtration Process Waste Water?

Typically, for every gallon of clean, filtered water produced by an RO system, around 3-4 gallons of water are discarded as waste. This is because the RO process uses water to "wash" away impurities, and the rejected contaminants, along with some water, are flushed out of the system.

While the water waste may seem significant, it's important to consider the trade-off for obtaining purified water. The focus is on removing contaminants and ensuring the quality of the water you consume. Learn more on this topic. 



Should I Install A Whole-House Reverse Osmosis System?

Deciding whether to install a whole-house reverse osmosis (RO) system depends on your specific needs and circumstances. But generally we don't recommend whole-house RO system.

Consider the following factors:

  1. Cost: Whole-house RO systems are typically more expensive upfront, considering the larger capacity and installation requirements. However, long-term cost savings may be achieved by eliminating the need for individual filters at each point of use.
  2. Space and Installation: These systems require adequate space for installation, including space for storage tanks and plumbing modifications. Ensure you have enough room and assess installation feasibility in your home.
  3. Water Waste: RO systems generate wastewater during the filtration process. The volume of wastewater produced to provide purified water for an entire home could be significant, so you should consider the environmental impact and potential water usage implications.
  4. Maintenance: Whole-house RO systems require regular maintenance, including filter replacements and system sanitization. Ensure you are willing to commit to the necessary maintenance tasks.

Ultimately, it is recommended to consult with your local water treatment professional to assess your water quality, specific needs, and budget before making a decision about installing a whole-house reverse osmosis system.


How do I Troubleshoot Issues With My Reverse Osmosis System?

We created an extensive Reverse Osmosis "Troubleshooting Guide" to walk you through almost any issue you're experiencing. From a leaking faucet to a noisy drain/faucet, we provide answers.

Reverse Osmosis Technical Tips

How to Change RO Filters

Learn how to replace your RO systems' filters and membrane with step-by-step instructions.
Read More>

How to Install a Reverse Osmosis System

Clear, concise instructions on how to install an under-sink reverse osmosis filtration system yourself.
Read More>

How to Connect an RO System to Fridge or Ice Maker

Tips for connecting your RO system to a refrigerator water dispenser or ice maker. Get step-by-step guidance for optimal results.
Read More>

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