How often should I replace my reverse osmosis system?

Here's a breakdown of their average lifespans: Pre-Filters and Sediment Filters: 6 to 12 months. Carbon Filters: 6 to 12 months. Reverse Osmosis Membrane: 2 to 5 years. Post-Filters: 12 months.

How long will a reverse osmosis system last?

How long will an RO unit last? Virtually forever if you service it regularly and replace parts that wear out, like the storage tank and the faucet. Typical membrane life is about 2 to 5 years, depending on the nature of the water that it's processing.

Do RO systems wear out?

The reverse osmosis membrane can last between two and five years. The other filters, however, normally need to be replaced much sooner. The RO system pre-filters might be good for six months to one year. It just depends on the water quality in your area.

What is a major problem with reverse osmosis?

Reverse osmosis will also remove healthy minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and other bicarbonates, as well as municipally-added fluoride which is good for teeth. Additionally, by removing these minerals, the pH of the treated water decreases, making it more acidic.

How do you know if your RO membrane is failing?

The number one indicator is when the RO system simply stops producing water or the flow of the RO water is weaker than it used to be. Next, if your RO system is running constantly that is another sign that it is time to replace your membrane.

Why can't you drink reverse osmosis water?

One of the main drawbacks of RO water is that it removes minerals, including beneficial ones like calcium and magnesium. While these minerals are not the sole source of nutrients, their absence in water may require alternative dietary sources.

Are there any disadvantages to drinking reverse osmosis water?

Reverse osmosis is such a powerful filtration method, that in addition to contaminants, it also removes healthy minerals. By removing good minerals from your water, it loses some of the health benefits and can also have an off taste which makes it less enjoyable to drink.

What is the average cost of a reverse osmosis?

A residential reverse osmosis system costs $150–$4,800* to purchase and have installed. The cost varies based on your filtered water system type, brand, and quality. These factors also affect labor costs. It's a big investment, but it's hard to put a price on guaranteed clean water.

What happens when a RO membrane gets old?

As these elements lose permeation, downstream membrane elements are forced to produce more water and subsequently suffer from increased fouling. The inability to restore the normalized permeate flow rate with aggressive cleaning usually indicates that all of the (first-pass) membrane elements will need to be replaced.

Is RO water banned in Europe?

No, reverse osmosis water is not banned in Europe. In fact, many European countries use RO water as a common method of water purification, and it is considered safe and effective when properly maintained and operated.

What is not removed by reverse osmosis?

Some pesticides, solvents and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) are not removed by RO.

Why is reverse osmosis so wasteful?

What's the reverse osmosis “waste water” argument? A traditional reverse osmosis filtration system uses more water than it produces of RO water. To produce a gallon of purified water, multiple other gallons of water are sent down the drain as reverse osmosis waste water. This is just a fact of the purification process.

What is the lifespan of a reverse osmosis system? (2024)

A reverse osmosis (RO) system is a popular water purification process that consists of a semi-permeable membrane that is able to remove contaminants such as sediments and chlorine from water. Once the water passes through the RO membrane, it is filtered once again so it is safe and hygienic for drinking. However, different reverse osmosis systems may be equipped with a varied number of pre-and post-filters. But do you know what the lifespan of the reverse osmosis system is? Aqua Soft Palm Beach, experts in water treatment processes and products, explain.

How long do reverse osmosis systems last?

A well-maintained reverse osmosis system can run efficiently for 10 to 15 years, providing you with clean, safe drinking water throughout its lifespan. However, it is imperative to replace each of its filters and the RO membrane as prescribed by the manufacturers.

How to maintain a reverse osmosis system?

A reverse osmosis system must be maintained on a regular basis to ensure quality and efficiency of its working. A standard RO system consists of three to five filtering stages that must be cared for.

Pre-filter or sediment filter

The pre-filter of a reverse osmosis system prevents sediments, sand or dirt from entering and must be replaced every year or after a specific amount of gallons. Sediments and larger particles can degenerate the delicate RO membrane by blocking or clogging it. It is imperative to protect the RO membrane as it is one of the most important and expensive parts of the reverse osmosis system.

Carbon filter

This stage of the filtration process removes chlorine, pesticides, lead and other contaminants that can lend a strange odor or taste to the water. This filter must be replaced every year or after a specific amount of gallons as chlorine can degenerate the RO membrane. Some factors that can adversely affect this filter are the quality of carbon passing through, levels of usage and humidity.

Reverse osmosis

This is the stage of filtration where the actual process of reverse osmosis takes place. Water is forced through the RO membrane using pressure and contaminants are detained to one side of the membrane, while safe drinking water passes through. These RO membranes must be changed every two to three years, or in some cases can last 10 plus years.

Final filtration

The final stage also consists of a carbon filter that removes any impurities, tastes or odors so the water is fit for drinking. As mentioned previously, this filter must be changed every year.

Forgetting to change the filters of the RO system can result in the production of lower levels of clean water over a period of time. If you notice a reduction in the amount of water from your RO system, it is evident that one of the filters or the membrane have undergone wear and tear. Aqua Soft Palm Beach recommends setting reminders and scheduling regular maintenance and replacement of the various parts and filters.

Aqua Soft Palm Beach also outlines the following steps you can undertake to clean and sanitize your RO system on an annual basis:

The first step is to shut off the main valve and pressure tank.
Remove all the water from the faucet of the system.
Remove the prefilter and replace it with a new one.
Remove the RO membrane (if needed)
Remove the post filter and replace it with a new one.
Remove auxiliary filters and replace them with new ones. (if applicable)
Turn the main valve on once you reattach all connections.
Turn on the valve/valves to the pressure tank.
Turn on the water at the faucet and let it run until the water is clear. (2-3 minutes)
If you replace the membrane, empty the tank and refill twice before using.

Now that you know the lifespan of the reverse osmosis system, contact Aqua Soft Palm Beach today to install your own!