Common Signs Your R.O. Needs Maintenance
Reverse osmosis (R.O.) gives you some of the cleanest drinking water possible. Like any filtration system, it needs periodic maintenance to keep working at peak performance. Most homeowners don’t realize there are clear, early warning signs your R.O. needs attention, long before it stops working altogether.
Here are the most common indicators that your R.O. system needs service, what they mean, and when to take action.
*** If you are an Environmental ProTech customer, we got you covered! You will receive a reminder when it is time for your system to be serviced! ***
1. The Water Tastes Different Than Usual
Clean R.O. water should taste:
Crisp
Neutral
Smooth
Pure
If your water suddenly tastes:
Flat
Metallic
Bitter
Salty
Like tap water
…it’s a strong sign that dissolved solids are slipping past the membrane or your carbon filters are exhausted.
Taste changes are often the first sign of reduced performance.
2. TDS Levels Are Increasing
If you use a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) meter, you may notice:
Your tap water TDS remains high (normal)
Your R.O. TDS begins rising over time (not normal)
Healthy R.O. systems should reduce dissolved solids by 90% or more.
Example:
Tap Water: 250 ppm
R.O. Water: 10–40 ppm
If your R.O. readings are creeping upward, it may mean:
The membrane is worn
Prefilters are clogged
The system is losing rejection efficiency
A rising number is the clearest indicator that service is due.
3. Slow Water Flow or Low Pressure at the R.O. Faucet
If your system takes longer to fill a cup or the flow feels weaker, it may be caused by:
A clogged membrane
Sediment buildup
Depleted carbon filters
A failing storage tank
Low feed pressure
A slow system doesn’t just affect convenience, it also reduces purification efficiency.
4. The R.O. Storage Tank Isn’t Filling Normally
If the tank runs out of water faster than usual or doesn’t seem to hold as much, it can indicate:
A worn-out bladder inside the tank
A clogged membrane
A failed automatic shutoff valve
Low system pressure
R.O. tanks last years, but not forever. Changes in tank behavior are a reliable warning sign.
5. Strange Noises From the System
Common noises include:
Gurgling
Hissing
Continuous draining
Clicking
These may indicate:
A stuck shutoff valve
An air gap leak
A problem with the drain tubing
A membrane that is no longer producing water efficiently
Unusual sounds always mean the system needs a check.
6. Residue in Kettles, Pots, or Ice Trays
R.O. water should leave no mineral residue behind.
If you begin noticing:
White film
Chalky buildup
Cloudy ice
Gritty particles
…it often means dissolved minerals are no longer being removed effectively.
7. Filters or Membrane Are Past Their Expected Lifespan
Even if your water “seems fine,” overdue filters reduce purification quality and strain the membrane.
Typical replacement timeline:
Sediment filter: every 6–12 months
Carbon filter: every 6–12 months
Post-carbon filter: every 12 months
Membrane: every 2–5 years
If your system is behind on maintenance, it’s almost guaranteed that performance has dropped.
Most RO filters in Houston need to be changed every 6-12 months. Our team can help you determine which ones you need changed and which ones can wait.
8. The R.O. Never Stops Draining
If you hear the system constantly trickling into the drain line, it may indicate:
A failed shutoff valve
Membrane backpressure
A clogged or failing flow restrictor
A constantly running R.O. not only wastes water, it also signals that the purification process is compromised.
Why Addressing These Signs Early Matters
When an R.O. system is neglected:
TDS rises
Membranes fail prematurely
Filter life shortens
Water quality declines
The system becomes less efficient
Regular maintenance extends the system’s lifespan and ensures consistent, safe drinking water for your home.
Your Reverse Osmosis is arguably the most important appliance in your home and needs to be serviced well.
Why Environmental ProTech
With more than 30 years of serving Houston homes, we know exactly how to diagnose and restore R.O. systems. We check:
Tap vs. R.O. TDS
Membrane rejection rate
Filter condition
Pressure levels
Tank function
Shutoff valves
Flow restrictors
Drain performance
We get your system running like new, fast.
Call now to schedule service and get your reverse osmosis system professionally checked, tested, and restored.
PS. We have over 30 years experience in bringing clean water to the Houston Homeowners. Our reviews speak for themselves! If you want clean drinking water from your faucet, contact us at 281-495-4420 to schedule your free water test today.
Sources & Further Reading
CDC – Home Water Treatment and Maintenance
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywaterWater Quality Association – Reverse Osmosis Membrane Care
https://www.wqa.orgEPA – Drinking Water Contaminants and Testing
https://www.epa.govUSGS – Dissolved Solids in Water
https://www.usgs.gov