Your reverse osmosis (RO) system is supposed to give you clean, safe drinking water every day. But what happens when it suddenly stops working, starts leaking, or produces water that tastes off? Many homeowners immediately think of calling a technician.
The truth is, most RO problems can be solved with basic troubleshooting steps. By learning how to identify and fix common issues, you can save time, money, and avoid unnecessary stress. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical ways to troubleshoot your RO system like a pro.
Key Takeaways
- RO systems face common issues like low water flow, bad taste, leaks, or no water output.
- Many problems come from clogged filters, faulty valves, or low pressure.
- A step-by-step troubleshooting approach helps you fix issues quickly.
- Preventive maintenance reduces breakdowns and extends the system’s life.
- Some complex issues still require professional help.
What Are the Most Common RO Problems?
| Problem | Possible Causes |
|---|---|
| No water from faucet | Closed valve, clogged filters, air in system |
| Low water pressure | Faulty pump, clogged membrane, low supply pressure |
| Bad taste or odor | Exhausted carbon filter, bacteria in tank |
| Continuous drain flow | Faulty shut-off valve or check valve |
| Water leakage | Loose fittings, damaged O-rings |
| Noisy operation | Air gap issues, loose tubing |
Why Is There No Water from My RO Faucet?
1. Is the Tank Valve Open?
Check if the storage tank valve is fully open. Sometimes it’s accidentally turned off during maintenance.
2. Are the Filters Clogged?
Sediment or carbon filters may be clogged with dirt. Replace if they’ve been in use for over 12 months.
3. Is There Air in the System?
Air trapped after filter replacement can stop water flow. Flushing the system usually solves it.
Quick Fix: Open the tank valve, check pre-filters, and run the system for 5–10 minutes to clear air.
Why Is My RO System Producing Low Water Flow?
1. Is the Tank Empty or Bladder Faulty?
RO tanks have an internal bladder. If it fails, water pressure drops.
- Check by lifting the tank. If it feels heavy but water flow is weak, the bladder may be faulty.
2. Is the RO Membrane Clogged?
After 2–3 years, the RO membrane gets clogged with salts. This reduces flow.
3. Is the Booster Pump Working?
RO needs 40–60 PSI. If your pump is faulty, water flow will be weak.
Quick Fix: Test the water pressure. If it’s below 40 PSI, consider replacing the pump or membrane.
Why Does My RO Water Taste Bad or Smell Strange?
1. Is the Carbon Filter Exhausted?
Carbon filters remove chlorine and odors. If they’re overused, taste issues appear.
2. Is the Storage Tank Contaminated?
If the tank isn’t sanitized regularly, bacteria may grow, causing odor.
3. Is the Membrane Damaged?
A damaged membrane lets salts and chemicals through, affecting taste.
Quick Fix: Replace the carbon filter annually, sanitize the tank, and check the membrane’s rejection rate.
Why Is My RO System Draining Continuously?
1. Is the Auto Shut-Off Valve Faulty?
The auto shut-off valve (ASO) stops water flow once the tank is full. If faulty, water keeps draining.
2. Is the Check Valve Broken?
The check valve prevents backflow. If damaged, water continuously flows to the drain.
Quick Fix: Inspect and replace faulty ASO or check valves.
Why Is My RO System Leaking?
1. Are the Fittings Loose?
Check all tube connections and fittings. Even a small gap can cause leakage.
2. Are the O-Rings Damaged?
O-rings inside filter housings can wear out. Replace them if water seeps from housings.
3. Is the Tank Over-Pressurized?
If air pressure inside the tank exceeds 7–8 PSI when empty, leaks may occur.
Quick Fix: Tighten fittings, replace worn-out O-rings, and check tank pressure.
Why Is My RO System Making Noise?
1. Is the Air Gap Clogged?
The air gap in the faucet can create gurgling sounds if blocked.
2. Is the Tubing Vibrating?
Loose tubing can vibrate against walls, creating noise.
3. Is the Pump Faulty?
A failing booster pump may produce unusual noise.
Quick Fix: Clean the air gap, secure tubing, and check the pump.
How to Troubleshoot with TDS Testing?
A TDS meter is your best tool.
| TDS Reading | What It Means | Action |
|---|---|---|
| <50 ppm | Too low (missing minerals) | Use mineral cartridge |
| 50–150 ppm | Excellent | Safe to drink |
| 150–300 ppm | Acceptable | Still safe |
| >300 ppm | RO not working properly | Replace membrane or check system |
How Do You Reset an RO System?
Sometimes resetting helps:
- Close the tank valve.
- Turn off the feed water valve.
- Remove and reattach tubing connections.
- Open valves again.
- Flush the system for 5 minutes.
This clears trapped air and resets flow.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
How Often Should Filters Be Replaced?
- Sediment Filter: Every 6–12 months.
- Carbon Filter: Every 6–12 months.
- RO Membrane: Every 2–3 years.
- Post Carbon Filter: Every 12 months.
Why Should You Sanitize the Tank?
Storage tanks should be sanitized at least once a year to prevent bacterial growth.
Should You Check Water Pressure?
Yes. Always maintain 40–60 PSI. Install a booster pump if pressure is low.
Troubleshooting Quick Reference Table
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No water output | Closed valve, clogged filter | Open valve, replace filters |
| Low pressure | Faulty pump, clogged membrane | Replace pump or membrane |
| Bad taste | Exhausted carbon filter | Replace filter, sanitize tank |
| Continuous drain | Faulty ASO or check valve | Replace valve |
| Leakages | Loose fittings, damaged O-rings | Tighten or replace |
| Noise | Air gap or pump issues | Clean air gap, check pump |
When Should You Call a Professional?
While many issues can be fixed at home, call a technician if:
- Membrane replacement seems complex.
- Tank bladder is damaged.
- Electrical faults occur in the pump or UV filter.
- You notice persistent contamination despite filter changes.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting your reverse osmosis system doesn’t have to be intimidating. Most issues—like low flow, bad taste, or leaks—are caused by clogged filters, pressure problems, or faulty valves. With the right steps, you can solve many of these problems yourself.
Here’s the bottom line:
- Always start by checking the basics—valves, filters, and pressure.
- Use a TDS meter to monitor performance.
- Replace filters on schedule to avoid breakdowns.
- Don’t hesitate to call a professional for complex repairs.
By understanding how to troubleshoot, you can keep your RO system running smoothly, save money on repairs, and ensure your family always has access to clean, safe water.
Hasan Al Sarker is a Reverse Osmosis Specialist. He has worked for many years to ensure safe drinking water for all. His research paper has been published in several journals, including Issue, Medium, and Slideshare. He is recognized as a water doctor among specialists though he did not attend medical college.
Besides working as a researcher of reverse osmosis technology, he is also very fancy with the kitchen and cooking. His guides are reading thousands of people every day. As a head of content, he is responsible for all the published articles at RO System Reviews.