When Should I Change My Reverse Osmosis Water Filter?

It’s becoming more apparent that water filtration and purification are pretty important for our overall health and happiness. Both hard and unpurified water are difficult to deal with in our homes, which is why Shamrock Plumbing is so pleased to offer remedies for them. However, every machine needs tuning after a while. It’s important that you take care of your Reverse Osmosis purifier in order to maintain that lovely clean water you enjoy so much. As a general rule of thumb, you should change your Reverse Osmosis water filter(s) every six months. Yet, it also varies greatly on your water and even which filter you’re changing!

Why Do I Need to Change My Water Filter?

Do you have a Reverse Osmosis water purification system for your whole home or under your kitchen sink? Have you had it for a few years? Is this the first you’re hearing of the need to change the filters? We bet your water tastes a little different than it did when you first had it installed. Don’t worry! It can be rectified! It’s not difficult or expensive to change a water filter.

For a sediment, carbon, or polishing filter, change it every 12 months. Reverse Osmosis membrane should be changed every 24 months.

The main reason you will need to change your RO filter is because it catches all the contaminants in your water and leaves behind much cleaner, better-tasting water for your home. So it makes sense that after a few months or years that filter is going to be full of contaminants that make it difficult for any water to get through. Even worse the water that does get through might still have a lot of contaminants. You need to change your water filter every three to six months, but like we said it depends on the hardness of your water. Check out our hard water tool to check the levels of hardness in your area.

How Do I Change My Water Filter?

With a Reverse Osmosis water filter you can either DIY, or call Shamrock Plumbing’s professional team to come do it for you. Either way, it’s a simple task that doesn’t take a long time but has high reward. Staying up on your filter changes has the added benefit of helping your RO purifier last longer. Follow this quick step-by-step to change any of your filters, or watch the following video if you’re more of a visual learner.

1. Match up the correct replacement filter with the one you are removing.
2. Wash your hands so you don’t introduce any bacteria to the system.
3. Turn off the water supply line valve (this could either be in your basement or on the side of your home).
4. Close the ball valve of the RO storage tank.
5. Open the RO faucet and allow the excess water to drain.
6. Remove the O-rings and wipe them down.
7. Rinse out the filter housings with warm water and a small amount of soap. Rinse thoroughly.
8. Replace the O-ring into the filter-housing.
9. Remove your new filter from its packaging.
10. Place the filter in the correct filter housing and screw the filter housing back onto the cap.
11. Turn the water supply valve back on.
12. Enjoy your new, clean water!

Shamrock Plumbing is Here to Help!

ot sure if you need a water purification system? You can check how hard your water is with this tool. All water is going to have some level of hardness and contain any number of contaminants, which is why it’s important to consider a purification system. RO systems are designed to last many years with proper care. When you decide to purchase one make sure you maintain it by swapping out those filters at the appropriate time! You can also call Shamrock Plumbing at 801-505-9505 with any questions you may have!