Is It Necessary To Change The Filters In My R.O. Every Six Months?

Water EducationWater Test
Written By Kasidy Kersey

Reverse osmosis (R.O.) systems are incredibly effective at purifying drinking water, but only when they’re maintained properly. One of the most common questions Houston homeowners ask is:

“Do I really need to change the filters every six months?”

The short answer is:
Yes.

Regular filter changes are absolutely necessary to protect your water quality, your health, and the life of your R.O. system.

Here’s why the six-month guideline exists, what each filter does, and what can go wrong if they aren’t replaced on time.

Why R.O. Filters Must Be Changed Regularly

Your R.O. system has multiple filter stages, and each one plays a specific role in protecting both your water and the R.O. membrane.

1. The Sediment Filter (Stage 1)

Removes:

  • Sand

  • Silt

  • Rust

  • Dirt

  • Turbidity

If it clogs or becomes saturated, it restricts water flow and forces debris toward the membrane, shortening its lifespan.

2. The Carbon Prefilter (Stage 2)

Removes:

  • Chlorine

  • Chloramines

  • Chemicals that damage the membrane

Chlorine and chloramines — both present in Houston water — destroy R.O. membranes if the carbon filter isn’t replaced on schedule.

3. The Carbon Post-Filter (Final Stage)

Polishes the water and removes any remaining taste or odor.
Old carbon filters can release trapped contaminants back into the water.

These filters are designed to last 6–12 months, depending on usage, water quality, and household size.

What Happens If You Don’t Change the Filters on Time

Many homeowners assume that “if water is still flowing, it must still be working.”
Unfortunately, that’s not what happens with R.O.

Without regular filter changes, you risk:

  • Higher contaminant levels in your drinking water

  • Reduced removal of chlorine, chemicals, and dissolved solids

  • A damaged or failed membrane (expensive to replace)

  • Slow water flow or low tank pressure

  • Bad-tasting or cloudy water

  • Bacteria growth inside the system

  • Premature system failure

Most people only realize their filters are overdue when the water taste changes or the system slows down — but at that point, the damage may already be done.

Do Filters Really Need to Be Changed Every Six Months?

For most Houston homes:
Yes — every 6–12 months.

Your ideal schedule depends on:

  • Number of people in the home

  • Your incoming water quality

  • Whether you have a softener (greatly reduces strain on the R.O.)

  • Daily water usage

  • Age of the system

Six months is the industry standard because it ensures the carbon filter continues to protect the membrane from chlorine and chloramines.

Waiting longer than 12 months risks membrane failure.

Signs Your R.O. Filters Are Overdue

Even if you’ve lost track of time, your system will give you clues:

  • Water tastes different

  • TDS readings begin to rise

  • Flow is slower

  • Ice becomes cloudy

  • System runs constantly

  • Tank doesn’t fill

  • A metallic or musty smell develops

Any of these signs means it’s time for service — immediately.

Why Filter Changes Matter More in Houston

Houston’s water contains:

  • Chloramines instead of chlorine

  • High TDS levels

  • Sediment from aging pipes

  • Seasonal fluctuations in water chemistry

Chloramines are particularly damaging because they are harder for carbon to remove than chlorine.
This is why timely maintenance is essential in Southeast Texas.

Why Trust Environmental ProTech

We’ve serviced reverse osmosis systems in Houston for more than 30 years. We know the water, we know the systems, and we know exactly how to keep your R.O. performing the way it should.

Our service includes:

  • Filter replacement

  • Membrane inspection

  • TDS testing

  • Pressure and flow evaluation

  • Tank performance check

  • Leak and tubing inspection

You get clean, safe, great-tasting water without the guesswork.

Call now to schedule service and we’ll replace your filters, test your system, and restore your water quality to its best.

Don’t just take our word for it….

(this is just one of 200+ 5 star google reviews!!)

Call now to schedule your filter change

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

Kasidy Kersey
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Common Signs Your R.O. Needs Maintenance