How to Prep Your Reverse Osmosis System for Fall: Maintenance Tips That Matter
As summer comes to an end, now is the time to give your reverse osmosis (RO) system care. Seasonal maintenance keeps your water clean, fresh, and free from issues that may arise due to temperature changes. Just like your car needs servicing and your outdoor plants need care, your RO system also requires a little seasonal care.
The Importance of Fall Maintenance
With the colder months ahead, water usage patterns can change and the water generation demands on your RO system can also increase. If the system hasn’t been cleaned for some time or the filters are clogged, it can cause slower water flow, odd-tasting water, and even system damage. This is why it’s essential to periodically maintain your RO system to ensure it provides a constant supply of pure, great-tasting water throughout the winter.
Replacing Your Filters
Water filtration in RO systems happens in multiple stages and each stage plays an important role in the purification process. Pre-filters are the first stage, which help remove sediments, dirt, and chlorine before water reaches the delicate RO membrane. Over time, with regular use, these filters get clogged and become less effective. They can even cause damage to the RO if left unchanged, which is why they should be replaced periodically, depending on your water quality and usage and the manufacturer’s recommendation.
The RO membrane is responsible for removing dissolved solids and contaminants that may affect the taste and safety of water. It usually lasts for two to three years, but if you have a hard water supply or your water has high amounts of impurities, it may need replacement earlier.
Post-filters, (which are typically made of carbon) give the water a fresh, clean taste. They usually need to be replaced once a year to keep your water tasting its best. Fall is an excellent time to check your filters. By changing to new filters, you can improve RO performance and also increase the lifespan of your system.
Cleaning the System
Every year, your RO system needs to be thoroughly cleaned to prevent bacterial growth and keep everything running efficiently. For this, the water supply needs to be shut off and the system needs to be depressurized. The filters should be removed, followed by cleaning the housings with an approved sanitizer or mild bleach solution, ensuring every internal surface is disinfected. After this, rinsing thoroughly is vital to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
Once the filters are reinstalled and the system is flushed, you will notice a difference in both taste and water flow. By doing this in the fall, you can ensure your system stays in top-notch condition in the coming months.
Caring for the Storage Tank
Your storage tank holds purified water, so that you can use it whenever you need it, but it also needs seasonal attention. Draining it completely helps remove stagnant water and checking it for leaks ensures you face no issues in the coming months. The air pressure inside the tank should also be checked.
Contact Rabb Water
This fall, connect with Rabb Water for professional RO system maintenance. We offer comprehensive maintenance solutions for water filtration in Lafayette, so that you get high-quality water throughout the year. Visit our website today to learn more about our services.
