Reverse Osmosis Troubleshooting Guide
This guide can assist you in diagnosing and troubleshooting issues with your reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration system. Select from the list of the problem you're experiencing, and we provide possible solutions. Please understand that the solutions offered are given as a general guideline, and we strongly recommend that you consult your specific RO systems’ owner’s manual and/or local water treatment specialist.
If you purchased your RO system or filters from ESP Water Products, customer support reps are available Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Central time to answer questions and troubleshoot over the phone. Call 877-377-9876.
Symptoms
|
Symptoms |
Probable Cause |
Solution |
NO WATER |
1. Tank improperly pressurized 2. Over pressurized tank 3. Water supply turned off 4. Low water pressure (40 psi min) 5. Pre-filter clogged 6. RO membrane damaged or clogged 7. Product line crimped 8. Post-filter clogged 9. Ball valve on RO tank closed 10. Check valve/restrictor valve clogged |
Set tank pressure at 5-7 psi when empty Check RO storage tank optimum pressure 5-7 psi when empty Call for assistance – may require pressure pump Turn water supply on Replace pre-filter (how to replace filter) Replace membrane (how to replace membrane) Remove crimp in line Remove post-filter Open RO tank ball valve Replace check valve/restrictor |
SLOW FLOW THROUGH FAUCET |
2. Post-filter clogged 3. Low air pressure in RO tank 4. Low incoming water pressure (min 40 psi) 5. Fouled RO membrane 6. New system, filters, membrane |
Replace pre-filter (how to replace filter) Replace post-filter (how to replace filter) Raise pressure in RO storage tank to 5-7 psi Replace RO membrane Allow 4-6 hours for system to fill Call for assistance Learn more on this topic here. |
LEAKING MEMBRANE HOUSING |
2. Cap or body of housing leaks |
Lubricate o-ring with Dow 111 silicone sealant and retighten if leak continues replace with new lubricated o-ring. Check for any cracks in membrane housing and/or housing cap – if cracked or damaged replace both cap and housing |
LEAKING PRE or POST FILTER HOUSING |
1. O-ring not seated properly or filter housing cap not screwed on tightly 2. Housing damaged |
Is o-ring in groove? Check for damaged if found replace o-ring. If dirty clean, lubricate Dow 111 silicone sealant - retighten lid. Hand tighten only If any detectable damage or cracks replace housing and lid |
LEAKING FAUCET |
2. Leak at base of brass stem 3. Spigot drips |
Tighten fitting – make sure tubing is pushed into fitting /base of faucet stem Replace faucet May require installation of faucet repair kit |
BAD TASTE or ODOR |
2. Bad membrane 3. Exhausted filter (s) 4. Not enough water used 5. System needs sanitizing |
Replace Replace – If TDS rejection is below 80% Replace Drain system – do not allow water to remain unused more than 5 days |
CLOUDY ICE CUBES OR MILKY COLORED WATER |
2. Water supply 3. System or filters are new |
Call ESP for information on TDS testing High oxygen content –Tiny bubbles – will go away with use Air in lines – will go away with use |
NOISEY DRAIN OR FAUCET |
2. Drain tube |
A little noise is common with air gap faucets. Check your owners manual to be sure air gap is installed in proper location Air in systems may take up to two weeks to purge air from system under normal use. Check drain line from faucet runs down hill to drain saddle clamp. Loops, bends, dips or kinks can cause noise. |
LEAKING FITTING |
2. Tubing not pushed securely into fitting or threads not properly installed |
Replace fitting Check tubing installation & thread installation. |
SYSTEM IS CONTINUALLY RUNNING |
1. Automatic shut off valve not working 2. Low incoming water pressure 3. Low RO storage tank air pressure 4. Damaged or ruptured RO storage tank bladder. 5. Flow restrictor in drain line worn out. 6. Membrane incorrectly installed |
Replace automatic shut off valve – be mindful of where the four lines are removed and reinstalled. Increase water pressure – minimum required 40 psi – call ESP for assistance Check air pressure in RO Storage tank – optimum 5-7 psi when empty Replace RO storage tank Replace the flow restrictor that matches membrane capacity Check membrane installation instructions |
ICE MAKER NOT WORKING |
1. Shut off valve to ice maker not open. 2. Ice maker in handle in refrigerator in off position 3. No water in RO storage tank |
Open shut of valve Place in on position Check RO unit |
NO WATER DISPENSED FROM REFRIGERATOR DOOR |
Hold down refrigerator water dispensing handle for 2-3 minutes to draw water through system. If no water is produced check RO unit for water flow. |