How often should home water purification systems be maintained?
Written by
Gina Mason
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.Consistent maintenance of water purification systems leads to optimum performance and safety. Neglecting maintenance will decrease performance and increase contamination. Since various systems use different technologies, their maintenance requirements differ. I have seen filters fail prematurely due to improper maintenance while consulting. Establishing routines for the care of your investments will help protect them and you regarding health.
Activated carbon filters must have cartridges changed once every 3-6 months. The frequency is dependent on the specific water quality and usage rate. Lack of sufficient water flow indicates clogging of the cartridges, which must be repaired immediately. Watch for a change in taste or unusual taste, which suggests that the granular media is exhausted. Proper maintenance of the system results in optimum chemical removal.
Monitoring Protocols
- Track daily water usage in gallons
- Test output water quality monthly
- Record pressure gauge readings weekly
- Note changes in taste or clarity immediately
Cleaning Procedures
- Sanitize housing units quarterly with vinegar
- Flush systems after cartridge changes
- Clean sediment pre-filters every two weeks
- Disinfect storage tanks every six months
Replacement Indicators
- Carbon filters: 500 gallons or foul odor
- UV lamps: annual replacement regardless
- RO membranes: TDS increase >10%
- Ceramic elements: visible cracks
Ultraviolet systems require constant upkeep. Replace lamps every year, even when working properly, and clean quartz sleeves every month to provide maximum UV transmission. Check indicator lights to see if they are in proper working order. Following these steps guarantees an effective and lethal dose of UV rays for the microorganisms. Marking a calendar with replacement dates is a good idea.
Create a detailed maintenance calendar. Schedule quarterly inspections for every system. Maintain replacement parts on hand to avoid a gap in availability. Mark service dates in a logbook allocated for this purpose. All of which will greatly extend the system lifetimes. Care prevents emergencies, and emergencies are expensive.
Implement customized maintenance routines for your situation. Analyze water hardness and contaminants, factor in family size and usage. For complex systems, consult the pros. These customized approaches will ensure safe water all year long. Start your maintenance program today.
Read the full article: 9 Effective Ways to Purify Water at Home
