When Should I Change My Reverse Osmosis Water Filter?
A reverse osmosis system can provide your home with cleaner, better-tasting water, but like any water treatment system, it needs regular maintenance to keep working properly. One of the most important parts of that maintenance is replacing the filters and membrane when needed.
If you’re wondering how often to change reverse osmosis filters, there isn’t one replacement schedule that applies to every part of the system. Different filters do different jobs, so some need to be changed more frequently than others. Your water quality, household water usage, and the recommendations for your specific system can also affect how long each filter lasts.
How Often Should You Change Reverse Osmosis Filters?
Most systems use several stages of filtration. While you should always follow the maintenance schedule recommended for your specific system, a general guideline is:
- Sediment filter: Every 6 to 12 months
- Carbon pre-filters: Every 6 to 12 months
- Post-carbon or polishing filter: Typically every 6 to 12 months, depending on the system
- Reverse osmosis membrane: About every 2 to 3 years
These timelines can vary. A home that uses a large amount of purified water or has water with higher levels of sediment or minerals may need some filters changed more frequently.
Utah homeowners also know that hard water can be a concern. You can use Shamrock Plumbing’s hard water tool to get an idea of the water hardness in your area.
Why Do I Need to Change My Reverse Osmosis Filters?
Your reverse osmosis system works by passing water through multiple filters that help reduce sediment and other unwanted substances before the water reaches your faucet.
Over time, those filters collect the material they’re designed to remove. As they become clogged or worn, water may have a harder time moving through the system, and filtration performance can decline.
Replacing your filters when needed can help:
- Maintain the quality and taste of your drinking water
- Keep water flowing properly through the system
- Protect the membrane from unnecessary buildup
- Reduce strain on other components
- Extend the useful life of your system
Regular maintenance is a relatively simple way to protect the system you rely on for purified water.
Signs Your Filters May Need to Be Changed
You don’t necessarily have to wait for a specific date on the calendar. Your system may also give you signs that it’s time to check the filters.
Watch for:
- Changes in taste or odor: If your water doesn’t taste or smell as fresh as it normally does, one or more filters may be reaching the end of their useful life.
- Slower water flow: Clogged filters can restrict the amount of water moving through the system.
- Lower water pressure at the faucet: A noticeable decrease in pressure can be a sign that the system needs maintenance.
- It’s been longer than the recommended replacement interval: Even if the water seems normal, filters should still be replaced according to the schedule for your system.
If you’re not sure when your filters were last changed, checking your system and establishing a regular maintenance schedule can make keeping up with replacements much easier.
How Do I Change My Reverse Osmosis Water Filters?
Changing the filters may be something you can do yourself, depending on your system and how comfortable you are working with it. Because reverse osmosis systems can differ, start by checking the manufacturer’s instructions and confirming which replacement filters your system requires.
The general process usually includes:
- Make sure you have the correct replacement filters for your system.
- Turn off the water supply to the system.
- Close the storage tank valve.
- Open the faucet to relieve pressure and allow excess water to drain.
- Remove the old filter cartridges according to your system’s instructions.
- Inspect and clean the filter housings and O-rings as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Install the new filters in the correct locations.
- Reassemble the system and turn the water supply back on.
- Flush the new filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions before using the water.
Staying on top of filter changes can help your reverse osmosis system continue doing its job for years to come.
If you’d rather have a professional take care of it, Shamrock Plumbing can help with your water conditioning and purification system and answer questions about maintaining your equipment.
Keep Your Reverse Osmosis System Working Its Best
Your system works hard to provide your home with purified water, and replacing its filters is an important part of keeping it that way. Rather than relying on one replacement interval for the entire system, pay attention to each filter’s recommended schedule and any changes you notice in your water.
Not sure whether your filters need to be replaced or whether your current water purification system is working properly? Contact Shamrock Plumbing.