How to Remove RO Membrane: Simple Instructions for a DIY Replacement

Okay, so, today I’m gonna share how I dealt with replacing the RO membrane in my house. You know, those reverse osmosis systems are great for clean water, but the filters and the membrane? They don’t last forever. I change the filters every year, but that membrane, well, I try to get about three years out of it.

First things first, I gotta turn off the water. I always look for the main water shut-off valve, usually close to where the water comes into the house, and then I also close the valve for the water tank, you don’t want any surprises, trust me.

Next, I get ready to deal with the housing where the membrane lives. Sometimes, it can be a pain to open. One time, I had to soak the end of it in hot water for a bit to loosen it up. This time, though, I used a pair of those big channel lock pliers, and with a little help from my neighbor, we got it open. Teamwork, right?

Once the housing cap was off, I could see the old membrane. It looked pretty nasty, all discolored and whatnot. Now, getting it out can be tricky. I’ve heard of people using pliers to grab onto that little white nipple thingy on top, but I don’t have it. This time, I just used my fingers to pull it out.

• Remove Old Membrane

I wiggled the old membrane out, it took a bit of time, but it came loose eventually. I noticed that it has a rubber seal around the top, just a little tip for you, so you know what to expect.

• Put in the New One

Then, I just put the new membrane in. I pushed it in until it wouldn’t go any further.

• Put Everything Back

Once I had the new membrane in, I screwed the cap back on the housing, making sure it was nice and tight. Then, I opened up the water valves again. All good! I checked for leaks, just to be safe. Didn’t find any, thankfully.

And that’s it! Water is flowing fine, and I’m back to having clean drinking water. I’m not a plumber, just a regular guy trying to maintain his house, but I think I did pretty well. Hope this little walkthrough helps some of you out there. Remember, regular maintenance is key! And don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially if you’re dealing with stubborn parts.