As with any appliance in your home, some light routine maintenance will help your reverse osmosis (RO) system work better and last longer. For example, water filters need to be replaced so that lingering matter doesn’t block your cleaner water from entering your home. In a similar manner, annual sanitization of the system can alleviate difficulties related to possible filtration problems.
Culligan recommends a few preventative maintenance measures to keep your reverse osmosis filtration system working properly. Your local dealer who provided and installed your system is the best resource to help ensure the longevity of your system and keep all parts working optimally.
5 tips for maintaining your reverse osmosis filter
Reverse osmosis systems deliver cleaner, better-tasting water through a multistage filtration process. To keep them performing at their best, regular maintenance is essential. The most important steps include:
- Replace the filters: Filters should be replaced regularly, based either on how long they’ve been in use or how many gallons of water they’ve treated. The specifics depend on the filters your system uses, but generally, each filter should be replaced within the year. (Culligan’s RO systems include optional two-year filter life.)
- Clean and sanitize the system: Given the amount of impurities that RO filters handle, it’s recommended to do a full system sanitization each time you do a filter change. While you can clean your RO yourself, for the best results, it’s recommended to have your local water treatment professional do this sanitization.
- RO water storage tank: The RO storage tank holds filtered water until you’re ready to use it. To keep water fresh, it’s a good idea to run the RO faucet to empty and refill the tank periodically, especially if your system isn’t used every day. This prevents stagnation and helps ensure best taste.
- Keep an eye out for issues: If your filtration system doesn’t seem to be operating efficiently — if the flow rate of your water has changed, for instance, or if there are lingering tastes and odors — it may be a sign that parts need to be replaced or that the system needs some upkeep. Call your local water professional in this instance.
- Conduct regular system checks: For the best results, schedule regular maintenance with your local water treatment professional. Culligan’s service visits typically include:
- Filter changes
- System sanitization
- RO tank pre-charge check
- Verification of TDS (total dissolved solids) reduction performance
- Flow rate check
- Drain tubing check for back-up
- Fittings inspection for any wear or damage
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How a reverse osmosis system works
Reverse osmosis systems are one of the best ways to treat your water for a wide variety of potential contaminants and concerns.* They use a multistage process that includes pushing water through a tightly-woven membrane that can filter substances as small as a single atom from your water supply.
The multistage filtering process helps to alleviate these water issues throughout each step:
- Pre-filtration: Water passes through a series of initial filters, including sediment and carbon filters.
- Reverse osmosis: Highly pressurized water is pushed through the reverse osmosis membrane in the next stage of filtration.
- Specialty filtration: Some systems add additional filtration for substances such as viruses, bacteria and pharmaceuticals.
- Drainage and storage: Waste water is drained and treated water is stored in the RO tank for your use. (Some RO systems, like Culligan’s Aquasential® Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System, include a final polishing filtration stage as well.)
Through this process, RO water filtration systems reduce the presence of common substances including:
- Lead
- Mercury
- Chromium
- Total dissolved solids (TDS)
- And more
How long does an RO filter last?
A reverse osmosis filtration system, when properly maintained and cared for, can last up to 15 years. Replacing the individual filters when necessary and performing regular maintenance check-ups on the system can help your filter work at its full potential.
Can you change reverse osmosis filters yourself?
In some cases, you can change reverse osmosis filters yourself, but we recommend working with your local Culligan water expert for the best results. Filter changes often go hand in hand with system sanitization and performance that help keep the system running as intended.
If you decide to do a basic filter swap on your own:
- Determine which filters need to be replaced.
- Shut off the water supply and disconnect the power supply (if present) to prevent any hazards.
- Carefully remove the old filter cartridge and insert the new one in the appropriate port. Ensure it is secure and properly aligned.
- Turn the water and power back on and check for leaks.
- It’s recommended to have your local Culligan technician sanitize the system at this time for optimal performance.
Reverse osmosis maintenance FAQs
How often should you change RO filters?
Most systems need filter replacements based on time in use or gallons treated. In many cases, filters are replaced within a year, though Culligan offers configurations with two-year filter options. The reverse osmosis membrane typically lasts three to five years.
Do you need to sanitize an RO system?
Yes. Sanitization helps support performance and is typically recommended when you replace filters. Culligan support is recommended for sanitization.
What are signs your RO system needs service?
Lower flow rate, lingering taste or odor, leaks or changes in system performance can signal it is time for filter changes or a maintenance check. If you have Culligan’s smart reverse osmosis system, your Culligan Connect app can alert you when service is needed. The indicator light on your Culligan faucet will also indicate when filter changes are needed.
How do you keep RO tank water fresh?
If your system is not used daily, run the RO faucet periodically to empty and refill the storage tank. This helps prevent stagnation and supports better taste.
What happens during a Culligan service visit?
Service visits can vary but can include filter changes, system sanitization, verification of TDS reduction performance, flow rate check, drain tubing inspection and fittings inspection.
Schedule your filter maintenance today
Your water filtration systems need a little care to provide you with the best water quality possible. Culligan can help you keep your water cleaner, healthier and better-tasting. Reach out today for answers to all of your water filtration questions or to schedule your next filter replacement.