How to maintain your reverse osmosis system

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.

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:

1. 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.)
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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?

The RO 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.

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 to get your water tested and answer all of your water filtration questions.