Reverse Osmosis: How To Clean Water Filter Tank

After long inactivity or downtime, water filtering systems must be flushed, sanitized, and cleaned. It’s critical to wash your water filters properly before resuming filtration. That’s why we should all learn how to clean water filter tank properly.

Water filtration systems are made for regular usage. When these systems are not in use, there is always the risk of microbial growth in the filters. Bacteria can grow on membranes and filter cartridges after long periods of inactivity, especially if the filters have been soaked in water.

Why is it required to clean the water tank of your RO system?

Sanitizing a RO storage tank isn’t required, especially if your RO water filter maintains a neutral pH level (pH 7). However, suppose this isn’t the case, and your mains water supply is acidic. In that case, some chemical reactions may occur in your water tank over time, resulting in strange tasting water, debris, or dirt build-up, which is why it’s best if you clean it regularly.

Why should your reverse osmosis storage tank be sanitized?

Sanitation of a RO system, like cartridge replacement, is essential at least once a year to prevent fouling from becoming a severe problem.

The following are some of the advantages of knowing how to clean water filter tank and sanitizing an RO system:

• Removes biofilm, organic debris, and other contaminants
• Reduces the likelihood of performance difficulties
• Improves the system’s water quality

Changes in the feed water content, including biological contamination of the feed water, build-up of debris and other particles that precipitate, and failure to flush the system after shutdown, can all create fouling in the RO system.

Turn on the designated filtered water faucet on a reverse osmosis filter as the storage tank holds filtered water that will be dispensed when you switch on the dedicated filtered water faucet.

Experts recommend cleaning the water filter tank at least once every 12 months when replacing the 12-monthly filter cartridges, even if it isn’t always necessary.

How to flush your water filter if unused for less than seven (7) days?

If you haven’t used your reverse osmosis system in seven days or less, you’ll need to flush the membrane and filters. Empty the RO storage tank first. It’s a good idea to drain the filter tank before turning off your system if you know it’ll be inactive for a long time. Continue to empty the tank until the reverse osmosis system’s water supply pump comes on.

After turning on the pump, flush the RO system for 10 minutes to enable all the water to drain before returning to normal operation. You can disconnect the air gap faucet’s outlet and send the tubing to a specified drainage area. If your RO system has many outlets, make sure to flush each one for at least 10 minutes.

How to flush your water filter if unused for more than seven (7) days?

It’s a good idea to change all of the filtration components in your water filtration system if you haven’t used it in more than seven days. Pre-filters for reverse osmosis, carbon filters, membranes, and cartridges are all included. Although the length of time a system can be idle before requiring full filter replacement varies by manufacturer, it’s common knowledge that once filters have been inactive for more than a couple of weeks, it’s time to change them.

After weeks of inactivity, there’s a good chance that water has become stagnant within the filter medium, and microbiological growth has begun. You don’t need a replacement for the kitchen’s under-sink RO system parts or your carbon block filter if you’ve only been gone for a two-week vacation. But, if your water filtration system has been idle for a month, it’s not a good idea to restart it with the same filters.

After all, the purpose of filtering water is to remove impurities and offer you and those you serve clear, clean water. Filters with increasing microbial development completely negate the aim of water filtration. The filters will need replacement. It will clean the filtration system after such a long outage.

Reverse Osmosis: How To Clean Water Filter Tank

You’ll Need:

• Dry, clean cloth
• Funnel
• Sponge
• Dry Rags
• Bottle Brush
• Dishwashing Soap
• Wrench
• Pliers
• Cleaning Solution

#1 – Disconnect RO Water Filter Tank

This procedure does not necessitate the use of any special equipment. You’ll need to disconnect the RO tank before you can clean it. To begin, shut off the water supply to the tank by closing the shut-off valve under your sink.

Locate the incoming water line that leads to the RO tank next. Prepare some rags under the tank and in the surrounding areas to sponge up any spilled water. Use a plier or wrench to unscrew the plastic nut that secures the incoming water line and releases the waterline.

Disconnect the water tank. Strong hooks connect reverse osmosis tanks to the wall, allowing you to clean the tank properly without unhooking it.

#2 – Clean the Tank

You’ll need a cleaning solution to clean the tank thoroughly. The best option is to use a reverse osmosis sanitizer from a store. You might also use non-toxic alternatives like hydrogen peroxide or Milton tablets. This approach is not only effective, but it is also safe.

You can also opt to use white vinegar can be used to clean in a non-toxic, organic manner. In a bucket, combine a few cups of white vinegar with three gallons of water. Combine the contents and place a funnel in the tank’s opening. Fill the funnel with the cleaning solution. Allow the solution to make its way around the inside of the tank. In the meantime, gather a sponge and prepare to clean the tank’s exterior surfaces. Combine dish soap and water to make a cleaning solution. Clean the tank’s outside with a sponge dipped in this solution. Clean the insides of the tank with a bottle brush now. Scrub the insides of the tank lightly with the brush.

To clean your tank, use a funnel to pour the cleaning solution into the reverse osmosis tank’s opening. Allow the solution to settle in the tank for a while. You can clean the external of the tank with a dishwater sponge and dishwasher soap while the solution works in the tank.

When you’re ready, gently scrub the interior of the tank with the bottle brush. It will clear out any accumulated debris in the tank.

#3 – Reconnect the RO Water Filter Tank

It’s time to wrap up the RO tank cleaning and reconnect it to the water line once you’ve finished scouring the inside of the tank. Connect the RO tank to the waterline, secure the nuts, and switch on the water supply after you’ve completed cleaning the water tank inside and out.

Warning: Whether you used a commercial RO sanitizing agent or manufactured your own, your water tank may contain traces of it; thus, drinking RO water right after sanitizing is not recommended. To be safe, utilize the first few gallons following the sanitizing operation for household cleaning. Use only non-toxic and organic sanitizing solutions for maximum safety.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Knowing how to clean a water filter tank should be basic knowledge to all who have a water filtration system. All water treatment and filtration systems must be maintained and cleaned regularly to achieve optimal performance and ensure that the water you drink is crystal clear and delicious. To avoid bacterial growth in reverse osmosis tanks, you should clean them once a year.