When you're looking for a whole-home water filtration system, one of the ones that are frequently recommended is a reverse-osmosis system. Like any other water filtration system, you need to maintain your reverse-osmosis system properly to keep it functioning at its best. Understanding the basic maintenance requirements for these filtration systems is an essential part of ensuring that your home's water is clean and safe to drink. Here's a look at what you need to know to keep your reverse-osmosis water filter running at its best.

Pre-Filter Care

Reverse-osmosis systems have multiple filters in the system. The pre-filter units are usually sediment filters and carbon filters. The sediment filter is typically the first one that water passes through. It removes particulates that are in the water to keep them out of the subsequent filters. The carbon filter reduces the chlorine content since chlorine will cause deterioration of the third-stage membrane filter much sooner. 

The better condition you keep these filters in, the less wear the core membrane filter will suffer. These filters should be replaced at least twice a year. The more water your home relies on, the more frequently you'll need to replace the filters.

Membrane Filter Care

Your membrane filter is an essential part of the filtration structure. It removes any remaining contaminants in the water. This filter will periodically need attention as well. In fact, you'll need to clean it at least once a year and replace it every couple of years. When you notice water pressure dropping, that's a sign that your membrane filter needs to be cleaned.

To clean your membrane filter, you'll need specialty cleaning products. These are typically provided by the same company that installed your reverse-osmosis system. Make sure that you follow the cleaning instructions that they provide you to ensure that the filter works as it is intended.

Then, once every couple of years, you should replace the membrane filter. This filter will break down over time, so it's important that you replace it in a timely manner.

Post-Filter Care

The post-filter stage of your reverse-osmosis system is a final processing to create the fresh, clean-tasting water that you enjoy from this system. Since the post-filter unit gets water that's been processed through the other filters, it doesn't experience as much wear. It does, however, still need to be replaced every six months or so to keep it working at its best.

Tank Care

The storage tank should be completely drained every couple of weeks to allow the system to refill the reservoir with fresh water. The water you drain can be used for outdoor irrigation, so it doesn't have to be wasted. And, once a year, you should sanitize that storage tank when you drain it. Your filtration system contractor can provide you with a sanitizing solution to use.

Keeping your reverse-osmosis filter working at its best is important for clean water. Follow these tips and talk with your home filtration system contractor for more help. Contact a water filtration treatment service for more information.