Reverse osmosis units have multiple filtration stages to remove even the toughest water contaminants. Chlorine, lead, and other heavy metals are essentially blocked from your tap—so you only get delicious drinking water. These filtration systems are extremely powerful, but they still need regular maintenance to run properly. This checklist can help you care for your RO system month-to-month and year-to-year.

1. Change RO Filters

Your reverse osmosis system might have anywhere from three to five distinct filtration stages. Each one uses its own type of filter. It’s important to change these filters regularly to get the best water from your system. A dirty filter won’t perform as well and can significantly reduce your water quality. Older filter membranes can also take longer to treat your water.

If you notice changes in your filtration rate, it might be time to replace them. Another indicator is if you water starts to smell like chlorine. That “swimming pool” odor should be taken care of with the unit’s carbon filters. Depending on your usage, those filters need to be changed every 6 months or so.

2. Dump RO Tank

Reverse osmosis systems use special reservation tanks to store your filtered water. That way you don’t need to wait for an entire filtration cycle just to fill up your water glass. What a lot of homeowners don’t realize though, is that this tank should be dumped once a week to keep your water fresh.

If your RO water is losing its clean taste, consider draining the tank. All you need is a large bucket. Just turn off the tank’s water supply valve (to stop your system from filtering any more water) and place your container under the reverse osmosis tank. Then carefully open the system’s faucet and allow the tank to drain completely. Dump the water, and you’re done! When you turn the water supply valve back on, you’ll have a fresh reserve of RO water.

3. RO Repair Service

Regularly replacing your filters can help keep your system running smoothly, but sometimes your unit can get damaged in other ways. Some signs that you might need a technician to repair your RO unit include noticing a drop in your water production.

If it’s taking longer and longer for the tank to fill, or you’re running out of filtered water, you might need to call in the experts for some other RO repairs. Especially if you’ve already replaced your filters. Your local water treatment professional can also help you with your RO unit’s annual cleaning. Sanitizing your system every year is an important part of maintaining your water quality.

Whenever RO water starts to have an odor or you notice a chlorine taste, the system isn’t working as it should. With the right care and maintenance, your RO system ought to last for many years to come. And if your system ever starts to act up, you can always call on Indy Soft Water. Our techs will work to diagnose your water problems and check on your water systems. Caring for your RO unit is easy when you have the right team on your side!