RO filter replacement is recommended to be performed Every 12 Months. This is to ensure the maximum efficiency of your entire reverse osmosis process. If you don’t do this, it will cause contaminants to remain present in the water you drink.
Why should cartridges and filters be changed?
First, filters build up debris that could lead to blocking. This could render the filters ineffective or even useless. A different reason could be that certain kinds that filters (especially carbon-based filtering) end up losing their properties of absorption as time passes.
Therefore, the cartridges and filters need to be replaced regularly. The timing and frequency of replacement may differ based on the use as well as the “service cycles.” However, to ensure safety and security each year is an ideal time to replace the filters.
So, if you’ve had your water filter operating for a full year now, it’s time to perform some maintenance and replaces it. This will ensure the highest efficiency of your filtering system for water.
Why should experts handle the replacement of filters?
While most filters look similar, the dimensions and the quality can differ significantly from one model in the same unit to one. Maybe it’s due to the various manufacturers and functions that the filter is used for. The issue could come because certain filters are more up-to-date and aligned with the most recent standards.
Whatever the situation it’s essential to select the appropriate size and kind of filter. This is because even the tiniest change could render the entire system ineffective. For instance, a smaller filter could cause contaminants to go through it (instead of going through it). In the end, the contaminants will end up in the water you drink.
Filter cartridges are typically controlled by the specifications of the manufacturer. Professional technicians are well-versed in the specifications and procedures. They first will determine the type and the brand of cartridges before locating the required parts.
Which cartridges need to be replaced and at what intervals?
A reverse osmosis system typically contains multiple filters and procedures. For instance, our five-stage reverse osmosis water filter contains five filters.
- Sediment pre-filter
- Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filter
- Ultrafine membrane for reverse osmosis
- PCT) filter. (PCT) filter
- Carbon polishing filtering for post
Each of them has a distinct reason for it. The sediment pre-filter is responsible for the removal of the debris and dust (“the giants”). The GAC filter is used to remove chlorine. A third filtrate (RO membrane) is where the majority of contaminants are eliminated. The PCT filter eliminates dust particles that are fine. The carbon polishing filter in the post ensures that the water produced is fresh flavor.
Each year, all filters, except for the RO membrane may require replacement. Be aware that filters do not permit contaminants to be able to pass through. These substances and objects could end up in the filters ineffective.
Minerals can build up and block the pores on the filter. This activated carbon filter could end up losing its capacity to absorb the chlorine as well as other particles. To ensure the effectiveness of a filter system it is recommended to regularly replace the filters.
How can you ensure that filters are changed on time?
It’s a fast pace and you may forget the last time that your cartridges were changed. Many homeowners ask for scheduled maintenance for their filtering system. The company that is responsible for maintenance will contact the homeowner just a few days before the scheduled maintenance. Once the time is right the maintenance will be completed. They will change the filters and inspect flow and pressure.
What happens if it’s less than a year, and the filters are already showing issues?
This is a typical situation, particularly where the filter is of poor quality or has been installed incorrectly. The membranes of the filter could be worn out prematurely or have been in contact with water contamination. Your pipes or water supply may be affected by the issue.
If you think you may have one of these problems you should replace the filter, or request an analysis by a lab of your water:
- Water can have a strange or unpleasant smell
- The water has a distinctive flavor
- The low-pressure water emanates from the tap, where the filter is situated.
They tend to develop slowly so they’re difficult to spot. However, if you observe even slight signs of any of them it could be the filter system as well as the source of water that could be the culprit.
A certified technician will inspect the water as well as the filtering system. The technician will inspect the membranes and determine whether they’re installed properly or are functioning. The low pressure may be due to the accumulation of particles. After deciding the possibilities, the expert could be able to replace the filters or even suggest an analysis of the chemical content of the water.
What’s the cost for the cost of replacing the cartridge?
You’ll be charged for the filter cartridges as well as the labor. This is a fast job, therefore expect low fees for labor costs. Filter cartridges differ. As we mentioned earlier, you may need to replace five filters at once. Each will increase the overall price.
In reality, it’s a tiny expense when you consider the security of safe and clean water. In the end, you’ve got the RO filters to safeguard yourself and your family. It is important to ensure that the filters work optimally and in good condition throughout the day.
How can professionals replace RO filters?
The first step is to determine what cartridges for filtering are required. They may remove the system and then examine the cartridges they have already installed. They may also refer to the instructions of the manufacturer for information.
The technicians will then carry out basic sanitation processes. This will ensure that there is no introduction of contamination into the filter system when the installation or replacement is in progress.
Following the installation, technicians will conduct the pressure test, flow test, and other tests to make sure that the system is working flawlessly all the time. If the experts you hire are well-trained and knowledgeable they will be able to complete the entire job within less than an hour.
Other precautions and procedures
The steps above were simplified to allow you to quickly understand the entire procedure. But in reality, the entire process of replacement process can be very complicated. Here are a few of the steps for a successful cartridge replacement:
- Shutting off the water supply valve
- The faucet should be turned on to let the pressure go out
- Be on the lookout for spills that may occur during the disassembly process and when replacing
- Removal of the O-rings, housings, and other essential parts
There could be additional steps depending on the kind of replacement that is required. Technicians may also conduct other processes, particularly if the filtering system is old. They may need to replace all tubing or storage tanks as well as the fittings.
Why is regular maintenance essential?
How long will RO devices last? They may last up to 10 years, but only if maintained regularly. This means that the cartridges need to be replaced each year, and the components are routinely checked for any signs of problems.
Certain parts can wear out (e.g. tubing, storage tanks) over time. This is normal because moisture and air slowly mix with pipes, fittings pipes housing, tanks, and other components of the water filtering system. This reaction could cause cracks or leaks that could cause the introduction of bacteria or other contaminants to your drinking water.
Should you upgrade the old RO system of filtration?
As we mentioned previously, under-sink RO systems could last as long as 15 years. This is only true if you purchase a top-quality system and it was set up properly from the beginning. In other cases, you may need to replace the entire system, especially if issues persist.
In the case of water, it always has a bad smell even after a couple of replacements in the membranes. It could be an indication that the issue extends beyond the membrane. Storage tanks or housings are already corroding, which exposes and weakens the water.
The replacement could also depend on the advice of the technician. The reason for this may be that it’s cheaper the replacement the equipment than to undergo frequent repairs and maintenance. The filter you’re using may be obsolete or too old for it to be 100% efficient in eliminating contaminants from water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Between two and five years
The membrane that reverses osmosis is able to be used for between two to 5 years. Other filtering systems, on the other hand, usually require replacement much earlier. The RO system’s pre-filters are adequate for six months or one year. It’s all dependent on the quality of the water in your locality.
Reverse the process of osmosis (RO) devices are wonderful to have in your kitchen to supply you with premium water to use for cooking, drinking, or running through the ice maker. To ensure that the system does not lose solids that have been dissolved, and to ensure that the water’s quality is maintained, RO systems require regular maintenance.
Between 10 and 15 years old
How long will reverse Osmosis systems last? A well-maintained reverse osmosis device is able to run smoothly for 10-15 years offering you safe, clean drinking water for the duration of its life. It is important to change each of its filters as well as the RO membrane in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer.
