What maintenance do water filtration systems require?

Frequent maintenance ensures your water filtration system operates properly, keeping your water safe. My neglect in changing the carbon in my filter led to a growing population of bacteria, causing me problems in my stomach. Regular care, such as this, will eliminate these problems and prolong the equipment's operational life. Various systems require specific care to achieve optimal performance.

Create a consistent maintenance schedule. I have marked the days I replace filters on my kitchen calendar and set phone reminders. I keep track of the components using a simple spreadsheet that shows which part was installed on which date. This way, nothing can slip through the cracks, and changes will not come overdue because they were forgotten.

Recognize the early warning signs of failure before they become serious problems. Cloudy water output indicates cracked casings requiring replacement. A metallic taste indicates exhausted filters. Gurgling sounds indicate air leaks in file connections. My system often provides an audible warning that the UV bulb is failing.

Proper sanitization prevents bacteria from contaminating the entire system. Clean the pitcher reservoirs with soapy water every week. Sanitize the RO storage tanks yearly with hydrogen peroxide solution. I wipe the UV chambers once a month with isopropyl alcohol. Follow the manufacturer's directions for chemical concentrations to avoid potential damage.

Include maintenance expenses in your filtration budget. The cost of my annual filter replacements is less than three months' worth of bottled water. Keep extra cartridges for emergencies, but store them properly out of heat and moisture. Unexpected repairs, such as pump failure, require additional savings.

Read the full article: How to Filter Water: Essential Methods Explained