RO filters should be replaced every 12 months. This is necessary to maintain the highest efficiency of your entire reverse osmosis system. This is to ensure that contaminants are not present in your drinking water.
Why Should Filters And Cartridges Need To Be Changed?
Filters can become clogged when they collect debris. Filters can become ineffective or completely useless due to this. One reason for this is that certain types of filters, especially carbon-based ones, eventually lose their adsorptive qualities.
The cartridges and filters should be changed on a regular basis. The frequency and time required to replace filters will vary depending on how often they are used and the “service cycle” of the cartridges. However, it is safe to replace them every 12 months to ensure your safety.
If your filter has been in service for more than a year, you should consider replacing it. You can ensure the highest level of home water treatment system effectiveness by doing this.
Why Should Professionals Replace The Filter?
While many filters may look identical, sizes and makes can vary greatly from one unit to another. It could be because of the different purposes and manufacturers of filters. You could also think that some filters have more recent versions and are better aligned with the latest standards.
Whatever the situation, it is crucial to choose the correct size and type filter. Because even the smallest differences can render the entire system useless. A slightly smaller filter, for example, will allow contaminants to pass through the filter instead of around it. The contaminants will still end up in your water, however.
Filter cartridges must be manufactured according to the manufacturer’s specifications. These specifications and instructions are well-known to professional technicians. They will determine the type of cartridges they have and then locate the parts.
What Cartridges Should You Replace And How Often?
A reverse osmosis water filter system often has more than one processor filter. Our 5-stage reverse osmosis water filter system includes the following filters:
- Sediment pre-filter
- Granular Activated Carbon filter (GAC).
- Ultrafine membrane for reverse osmosis
- Filter for prolonged contact time (PCT).
- Post filter carbon polishing
Each has a specific purpose. The sediment prefilter removes the dirt and other debris (the “big guys”). The GAC filter removes chlorine. The RO membrane is the third filter. This is where most contaminants are eliminated. The PCT filter removes small particles. The carbon polishing post-filter adds freshness to the water.
All filters, except the RO membrane, may need to be changed every 12 months. Filters don’t allow contaminants through. These substances and objects may eventually build up and make filters less effective.
Minerals can build up and block pores in the filters. The activated carbon filter may eventually lose its ability to adsorb chlorine or other particles. It is important to replace filters frequently in order to maintain the effectiveness and efficiency of a filtration system.
How Can I Make Sure Filters Are Replaced Promptly?
It’s easy to forget when the last time your cartridges were changed. Many homeowners request scheduled maintenance for their filtration system. A reminder will be sent by the maintenance company a few days prior to the scheduled maintenance. They will replace the filters and conduct pressure and flow test when the time comes.
What Happens If The Filter Problems Persist After A Year?
This is common, especially if the filters were not installed correctly or were of poor quality. Filter membranes can wear out quickly or react with water contaminants. Your water supply or pipes could also be at risk.
You should replace your filter if you suspect that there are any of these problems.
- Water can have an unpleasant or unusual odor
- Water has an unusual flavor
- Low water pressure at the tap where the filter was installed
These problems often occur slowly, which is why it’s hard to spot. If you notice any of these signs, it could be the filter system or water itself.
The water and filter system will be inspected by a professional technician. He will inspect the membranes to make sure they are in good condition. The accumulated debris could be the cause of the low pressure. After examining the possible causes, he may recommend replacing the filters or chemical analysis.
What Is The Cost Of A Cartridge Replacement?
The filter cartridges as well as the labor will be charged to your account. This is a fast job, so you can expect to pay minimal labor costs. Filter cartridges, on the other side, are more expensive. You might need to change 5 filters at once, as we discussed previously. Each one will increase the cost.
This is a relatively small investment when compared to the guarantee of safe and clean water. The RO filters are there to protect you and your family. It is important to ensure that your filters work perfectly and are in top condition.
How Can Professionals Replace RO Filters?
Technicians first determine which cartridges are best for the job. Technicians might disassemble the system to inspect the cartridges that are already in place. They may also refer to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Next, technicians will perform basic sanitation procedures. This is done to make sure that no contaminants are introduced to the filter system during replacement or installation.
The technicians will perform a flow check, pressure test, and other assessments after the filter system have been installed. This will ensure that it will function flawlessly 24/7. The entire job can be completed in under an hour if the technicians are skilled and trained.
Additional Precautions And Procedures
These instructions were simplified to make it easy for you to understand the entire process. However, the entire process of replacing a filter can be very complicated. Here are some steps that will ensure a successful replacement of your filter cartridge.
- The water supply valve must be turned off
- To release pressure, turn on the faucet
- Be careful to avoid spills during assembly and replacement
- Remove the O-rings, housings, and other parts
Depending on the type of replacement required, there might be additional steps. Technicians might perform additional procedures, especially if the filtration system has an old model. Technicians might have to replace tubing, storage tanks, and fittings.
Why Is Periodic Maintenance Important?
What is the life expectancy of RO systems? RO systems can last for 10-15 years if they are maintained regularly. The cartridges should be changed every year and all parts should be inspected regularly for problems.
Some parts can wear (e.g. Through time, some parts may wear out (e.g. storage tanks, tubing). This is normal because water and moisture react naturally with fittings, pipes, tanks, housing, and other parts in the water filtration system. This reaction can lead to cracks or leaks that could introduce bacteria or other impurities into your drinking water.
Do You Need To Replace An RO Filtration System?
Undersink RO systems can last up to 15 years, as we have already mentioned. This is only true if the system was properly installed and maintained. If problems are persistent, it is possible to just replace the entire system.
Water can smell bad, even after several replacements of the cartridges. This could indicate that the problem is not limited to the membrane.
It is possible that the technician will recommend a replacement. There are many cases. This is because replacing the system is more economical than having to do frequent repairs and maintenance. You may also find that your water filter is not working as well as it should.
This post was written by a water treatment expert at Paragon Water Systems. At Paragon Water Systems we are the Manufacturers of the best hi flow water filter! We know that the best product comes from the best materials. We manufacture home water solutions such as reverse osmosis systems, under sink water filtration systems, showerhead filtration systems, carbon cartridges, and a wide variety of other products. Our focus is to provide Americans with safe and clean water throughout the home.