The reverse osmosis filter does not work: the main breakdowns, causes and solutions

The reverse osmosis system is a device that filters water through several special cartridges. The liquid is purified from impurities, accumulates in a distribution tank and is fed through a separate tap. The most common problems with the system is when the water pressure from the filter is too weak, or the water does not flow at all. Sometimes the water quality does not change after the filter is installed. Let's look at the causes and features of these malfunctions.

Purified water pressure is too weak

Some causes of this:

• The polypropylene filter is clogged. It needs to be replaced. Most filter failures occur at the top of the filter. The first cartridge becomes clogged and won't let liquid through. It happens that all the cartridges are out of order.
• In the connecting pipes of the filter, may form clogs, which prevent the flow of water. They need to straighten.
• If the diaphragm tube is loose, water can leak into the sewer. The rubber diaphragm may also be leaking some of the fluid. In this case, part of the water head goes through the emergency drain into the sewer, and part goes into the storage tank and fed through the faucet. This happens if a membrane from a different reverse osmosis filter kit is installed in the system. Therefore, repair and replacement of parts is usually carried out in the service center.

The first mechanical filter clogs more than once a month

This indicates that the tap water has a lot of particles that are deposited in the filter, it is turbid. Before the reverse osmosis system, you need to put a coarse filter, which will preliminarily remove some of the coarse impurities. Then the reverse osmosis system will receive a cleaner liquid. Suitable mesh or polypropylene filter with a selectivity of 50-100 microns.

After installing the filter, the water quality did not get better

There may be several reasons for this:

• Incorrect installation. At the outlet of the membrane body, the drainage tube and the clean water supply tube are mixed up. Check the correctness of their installation.
• Service life of fifth stage filter element has expired. It must be replaced.
• Membrane module is out of order.

Is it always a problem in the filters

It happens that the water is poorly purified not because of problems with the filters themselves. The storage tank can become contaminated. Then you need to contact a service center or call a specialist who will disinfect the internal surfaces of the reverse osmosis system.

It happens that the purified water does not come through the faucet, but you can hear it flowing through the emergency drain. This may be because the water pressure at the inlet to the filter is below 2.5-3 atmospheres. Most models of reverse osmosis systems have a four-way valve that turns the water supply on and off. When enough pressure builds up in the tank where the water accumulates, the valve blocks the fluid flow and the water from the tank flows into the faucet. If the pressure is too low, the valve does not open and the excess water is discharged into the sewer through an emergency drain. In this case, no water flows into the faucet. You need to call a specialist. They will determine the pressure and properly adjust the system.

The flow restrictor may be clogged. Then the flushing on the membrane does not work and its surface loses capacity. Water stops flowing through membrane. This happens if there are poor quality filters in front of the membrane. You need to check the condition of the membrane, replace it and install filters from a reliable manufacturer.