How Often Replace RO Membrane? Follow This Advice for Best Water!

I’ve been using a reverse osmosis system at home for a while now. I mean, it’s a lifesaver when it comes to getting clean drinking water, right? But like everything else, it needs a bit of care. The big question I had was, “How often should I really be swapping out that RO membrane?”

So, I started digging around. Turns out, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Most folks say you should change it every one to five years. Sounds simple, but it’s a bit more involved than that.

My RO Membrane Journey

First off, I got myself a TDS meter. This little gadget measures the total dissolved solids in the water. It’s a neat way to check if the membrane is still doing its job. Initially, my tap water was showing a TDS reading of around 300 ppm. After installing the RO system, it dropped to about 20 ppm. Pretty impressive, huh?

• Checked the water quality regularly: I made it a habit to check the TDS levels every few months. This helped me keep an eye on the membrane’s performance.
• Noticed the changes: Over time, I saw the TDS reading slowly creeping up. It wasn’t a sudden spike, but more like a gradual increase. This was my first clue that the membrane might be getting tired.
• Considered the water source: I live in an area with hard water, which can be tough on RO membranes. I figured this might shorten the lifespan of mine.
• Followed the manufacturer’s advice…sort of: The manual said to replace the membrane every two years. But I wanted to see if I could push it a bit longer, you know, to save a few bucks.

The Replacement Decision

After about three years, the TDS reading had climbed to around 50 ppm. Still not terrible, but definitely a sign that the membrane wasn’t as effective as before. I also noticed that the system was taking longer to fill up the tank. That was another hint that the membrane was on its way out.

Finally, I decided it was time. I ordered a new membrane online and watched a couple of YouTube videos on how to replace it. It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. The whole process took me about an hour, and I’m no plumber!

The Result

After swapping out the old membrane, the TDS reading dropped back down to around 15 ppm. The system was also filling up the tank much faster. It was like having a brand-new RO system all over again!

So, what did I learn from all this? Well, keeping an eye on your water quality and the system’s performance is key. Don’t just rely on the calendar. Use that TDS meter, pay attention to how long it takes to fill the tank, and don’t be afraid to get your hands a little dirty when it’s time to replace the membrane. It’s worth it for that clean, crisp water, believe me!