How to Troubleshoot Common RO System Issues?
A reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration system is one of the best investments you can make for improving your home’s water quality. But like any complex appliance, RO systems can develop issues over time that hamper performance. Before calling in costly repairs, there are several basic troubleshooting steps DIYers can take to diagnose and fix many typical RO problems.
With some hands-on maintenance and component replacements, you can often have your RO system back to producing clean water in no time. Let’s review some of the most common RO problems and troubleshooting tips for DIY repairs.
Slow or No Water Production
The most frequent complaint with RO systems is slowed output or no water being produced. Causes include:
- Clogged prefilters: Sediment and carbon prefilters capturing contaminants will gradually restrict water flow. Try replacing these filters first.
- Fouled membrane: Scale, particles, or chemical buildup on the RO membrane surface prevents water passage. Use a membrane cleaner to remove buildup.
- Low water pressure: Household water pressure must be above 40 psi for proper RO operation. Boost inlet pressure if needed with a booster pump.
- Crimped tubing: Kinked tubes or tight bends disrupt flow. Check and realign all tubing connections.
- Faulty check valve: Worn or stuck check valves fail to close properly allowing backflow. Replace any faulty check and flow restrictor components.
- Leaking connections: Water leaks decrease net output. Tighten any loose tube fittings; replace leaking or cracked fittings.
Bad Tasting Water
Unpleasant tastes from your RO water like chlorine, dirt, or chemicals may be caused by:
- Depleted prefilters: Exhausted carbon filters stop removing bad tastes. Swap out prefilter cartridges.
- Contaminated storage tank: Sanitize tank to eliminate built-up tastes and odors. Drain, clean, and disinfect before refilling.
- Low TDS: Water with very low mineral content tastes flat. Add a remineralization filter or mineral drops to restore beneficial TDS.
- Post-filter issues: If water tastes fine initially but deteriorates in storage, the post-filter may need replacing.
- Poor quality feed water: Extremely contaminated source water may require pretreatment prior to the RO system.
Milky or Cloudy Water
Cloudiness in RO water is typically caused by air bubbles. Causes include:
- Low water pressure: Inadequate feed pressure can’t keep bubbles pressed through membranes. Increase pressure with a booster pump.
- Restricted flow: High TDS, fouling, or crimped lines allow bubbles to form. Clean or replace filter components and straighten tubing.
- Leaking O-rings: Air sucking through leaks in filter housing O-rings creates bubbles. Lubricate or replace worn O-rings.
- RO membrane damage: Tiny holes or cracks in an RO membrane suck air into the purified stream. Replace faulty membrane.
Noisy RO System
Loud noises like banging or humming can be caused by:
- Water hammer: Abrupt valve closing sends pressure waves through pipes. Install a water hammer arrestor.
- Loose parts: Check filter housings, brackets, tubing connectors and tighten anything rattling or vibrating.
- Chatter from sediment prefilter: As the particulate filter clogs, pressure variations make it vibrate. Replace sediment prefilter.
- Booster pump noise: Malfunctioning booster pumps may scream or whine. Repair or replace the pump.
- Restricted flow: High backpressure from fouled filters causes component and tubing walls to vibrate. Clean or replace filters.
Keeping Spare Parts on Hand
Having a few critical spare parts for your RO system on hand allows you to quickly troubleshoot and fix issues as they arise:
- Sediment and carbon prefilters
- RO membrane
- Post filters and any remineralization filters
- Filter housing O-rings
- Tubing, clamps, and fittings
Catching problems early and performing basic maintenance like filter changes can optimize performance and extend the service life of your RO system. But when unexpected issues arise, a little DIY troubleshooting can typically get your reverse osmosis unit back up and running cleanly.
Netsol Water is Greater Noida-based leading water & wastewater treatment plant manufacturer. We are industry's most demanding company based on client review and work quality. We are known as best commercial RO plant manufacturers, industrial RO plant manufacturer, sewage treatment plant manufacturer, Water Softener Plant Manufacturers and effluent treatment plant manufacturers. Apart from this 24x7 customer support is our USP. Call on +91-9650608473, or write us at enquiry@netsolwater.com for any support, inquiry or product-purchase related query.
