Is Your RO Membrane Bad? (Easy Checks and How Do I Know If My RO Membrane Needs Replacing)

Alright, folks, let’s talk about something that’s been bugging me lately – my reverse osmosis (RO) system. Specifically, figuring out when the heck to replace that membrane. Now, I’m no plumber, but I do like my water tasting clean, so I started doing some digging.

Getting Started

First off, I noticed my water pressure wasn’t what it used to be. I mean, it was taking ages to fill up a glass. That got me thinking maybe something was up with the RO system. Then, the water started tasting a little…off. Not terrible, but definitely not as crisp and clean as it normally does. These were the initial clues that I needed to investigate further.

Checking the Signs

One of the first things I did was a little test. I grabbed a TDS meter – you know, one of those things that measures the total dissolved solids in your water. I tested the water from my RO tap and then compared it to regular tap water. Usually, RO water should have way fewer dissolved solids. A significant difference usually means the system’s working fine, but you need to be careful about the exact figures.

Digging Deeper

So, I found out that if the RO water’s TDS is less than 90% of your tap water’s, you’re probably in the clear. But if it’s getting closer to that 90% mark, it might be time to think about a new membrane. Mine was getting a little too close for comfort. In other words, if your tap water reads 200 ppm (parts per million), and your RO water is supposed to be less than 20 ppm (90% reduction), but it’s creeping up to, say, 40 ppm or higher, that’s not a good sign. My readings were definitely heading in the wrong direction, which was a clear indicator that something was amiss.

Taking Action

I also noticed some other signs. Like I mentioned, the water pressure was low. Plus, I started seeing some weird discoloration in the water. Not all the time, but enough to make me raise an eyebrow. And honestly, the biggest clue was when my RO system just slowed down to a crawl. It was barely producing any water at all. It is an important sign to take seriously.

What I Learned

Turns out, those RO membranes don’t last forever. They actually last longer than the other filters in the system, but they still need replacing eventually. It’s not just about the taste and the pressure – it’s about making sure the water you’re drinking is actually clean and safe. You gotta stay on top of it by regularly monitoring those things.

So, yeah, that’s my little adventure with my RO membrane. I ended up ordering a new one and swapping it out. It wasn’t the most exciting weekend project, but my water’s back to tasting great, and the pressure is back to normal. Lesson learned – don’t ignore the signs!