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How to Change Reverse Osmosis Filters: A Step by Step Guide
Reverse osmosis water filter system has been around for a while now, and more and more people are enjoying the benefits of it. This water filtration system basically works by eliminating all the pollutants, chemicals, and other contaminants in the water through a semi-permeable membrane.
There are filters within this system that regularly need to be changed. Hence, in this article, we will give you a step by step guide on how to change reverse osmosis filters.
How to Change Reverse Osmosis Filters: Everything You Need to Know
Just like other electronic equipment you own, a reverse osmosis water filter also needs regular maintenance for a longer life. Maintenance also involves the need to change the water filter regularly.
Every reverse osmosis filter system has different parts that need to be replaced. So, the filter change schedule for each of them also differs. Below we have listed the recommended schedule to change the filter.
- Sediment Pre-filter: The sediment pre-filter needs to be changed every six to 12 months. This may be more if you live in an area where the water has a very high turbidity.
- Carbon Pre-filter: The carbon pre-filter needs to be changed every six to 12 months. By doing so, the membrane life as well as the quality of the equipment will last longer.
- Reverse Osmosis Membrane: The reverse osmosis membrane needs to be changed every 24 months.
- Carbon Post Filter: It is highly essential that you change carbon post filter every 12 months, and not wait for the water taste to change. This is important to maintain the water quality.
Any kind of reverse osmosis filter that you buy will always need periodic maintenance. This is essential to maintain the quality of the water and the filter. The best way to maintain and prolong the life of a reverse osmosis membrane is to regularly change the filters.
Before changing the reverse osmosis water filters, it is imperative that you use all the appropriate sanitation and procedure. To make this easier for you, we have listed the step by step guide to ensure that sanitation and all the service procedures are met the right way.
Before you begin:
- Use the replacement cartridges from the same brand of the water filter itself or something of a high quality.
- Do not take out any of the replacement cartridges from their packaging until you perform the replacement.
- Clean the area thoroughly and make sure that there is no rust or dirt anywhere around it.
- If you are the one performing the replacement, use a hand sanitizer before you begin or you wash your hands thoroughly with soap to prevent any bacteria from your hands to transfer on to the water filter.
- Never allow hot water inside the unit because it will damage the equipment.
Instruction in changing reverse osmosis water filters
- Before you even begin, turn off the water supply to the system and shut the ball valve on the storage tank. Once turned off, open the faucet to allow the pressure from the system to get out.
- Use a big bowl or a big tray to catch any water which may spill out from the system during the process.
- Now, remove the filter housing by unscrewing it from the filter housing cap and then remove the old and used cartridge. In some filter systems, you may find it difficult to change the filter housing, that’s why some products come with especially designed filter wrenches.
- Carefully remove O-ring. Once removed, place on a surface that’s clean. Wipe it clean and check it out for any cuts or abrasions. If there are any at all, use a new O-ring in the filter.
- The filter housing that you removed earlier can be washed with warm water and a little dishwasher liquid soap, but make sure that there’s no more soap before you reattach the new filter housing.
- Lightly lubricate the O-ring using a silicone lubricant. Insert this ring in the O-ring groove. Make sure that the filter housing cap fits perfectly in place to ensure your machine is properly sealed.
- Take the new filter out of its plastic packaging. You can measure it to make sure it is the right size and to prevent any damage to the system.
- Put in the new filter carefully. Back on to the cap of the filter housing; screw the filter housing using your hands.
- Turn the main water supply to the system back on. Keep it on for a while to check whether there are any leaks anywhere.
- If there are leaks, repeat the entire process again carefully till the system works perfectly. If there are no leaks, keep the reverse osmosis filter faucet turned on for some time until all the water that flows out of it comes out crystal clear.
- You can now turn off the faucet, and your reverse osmosis water filter system is good to go.
Conclusion
As simple as it may be, there are people who are having a hard time changing the filters by themselves. If you are one of them and you do not wish to change your own filter in the water filter system by yourself, choose a brand that can keep track of your water filter system for you.
Many brands have accredited partners who can provide assistance with your water filter system issues. They can check your machine regularly and ensure that it is in good working condition at all times.
We hope this article on how to change reverse osmosis filters has given you enough insight on how to change the filters all by yourself. We recommend that you change your water filter by yourself as it will definitely save you money rather than asking help from a water filter company.
Last update on 2023-01-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
About the Author Jack Wilson
Jack Wilson is a water treatment consultant as well as a topic researcher and post editor for all posts on bestpurifiation.com.