Enhance your RO system's efficiency with our guide on fixing weak water flow. Learn practical tips and solutions to boost water pressure, ensure optimal performance, and enjoy better water quality.

Modern RO water purifiers effectively filter out dirt and eliminate bacteria from water, providing users with pure, clean drinking water. However, users might sometimes experience issues, such as weak water flow. What causes this reduced flow in RO water purifiers, and how can it be fixed? Join SANAKY to explore the solutions in the following post.

 

1. Signs of weak water flow of RO water purifier

  • The machine flows 0.5 liters to 1 liter then begins to weaken, the amount of water in the machine also comes out less than normal.
  • Pure water from the faucet still flows but the amount of water is very small and after a while the water will stop.
  • No pure water comes out of the water purifier. When the faucet is turned on, there is no filtered water.

 

2. Causes of weak water flow of RO water purifier

There are many causes of weak flow of R.O water purifiers. Among the causes, clogged R.O filter core is the most serious problem.

  • R.O filter core is clogged

RO filter has the function of filtering heavy metal ions, microorganisms, and bacteria. If the water has too many of these substances, the membrane will easily become clogged during use. The way to overcome this situation is that if the RO filter is old, you should replace it. If the filter is still new, you first need to turn off the power and lock the pressure tank before removing it. Next, gently remove the RO filter element and turn it counterclockwise. Be careful to avoid losing a gasket on the top of the R.O core. Then wash the RO membrane in clean water and gently tap both ends for 5 minutes to remove lime plaque, alum, dirt... Finally, scrape clean and reinsert the RO core into the filter cup.

  • Weak pump 

The pump maintains the function of transporting water through the cores to filter out dirt. Therefore, when this part has a problem, the water flowing in it will decrease and cause the water purifier to flow weakly or not produce water at all. Therefore, remove the faucet leading to the RO filter to see if the water flowing out is strong. If the flow is weak or slow, the pump has a problem. Usually, for water purifiers that have been used for a long time, the pump will weaken, or the pump may have damaged blades or seals. At this point you should replace the pump with a new one.

  • Clogged Coarse filter element

If the RO water purifier is running weak, it may be because the coarse filter element is clogged. The role of coarse filter cores is to remove impurities, mud, sand and substances larger than 5 micrometers in size... That is why they are easily dirty and need to be checked regularly and replaced with new cores early to keep the filter clean. works effectively.

  • The pressure tank is out of compressed air or leaking

It is possible that your RO water purifier has been used for a long time, leading to the gas in the pressure tank gradually running out and not being enough to push the water out. When you encounter this situation, turn off the power, remove the pressure tank, and use your hand to unscrew the screws on the side of the pressure tank. Next, use a bicycle pump or similar pump to pump in, avoid over-inflating and damaging the rubber ball.

  • Kink in the water line

A kink in your water supply line can also cause a slow water supply from your RO system. Inspect all your water supply lines to ensure they are correctly oriented, and check that your main water supply valve is functioning properly and fully open.

If you cannot determine the cause of the slow water supply from your RO system, contact a professional water treatment company. They will help restore your RO system to its normal operation.

 

3.  Some common ways to troubleshoot slow water flow of RO water purifier

  • RO storage tank problems

Check the tank to see if it is full of water. If it is, open the faucet and observe the flow rate. If no water flows, ensure the valve is open (handle aligned with the tubing). If everything appears correct, use a tire pressure gauge to check for pressure in the tank. If there is no pressure, add some with a bicycle pump while keeping the faucet open until the tank is empty. Once emptied, adjust the pressure to 5-7 psi. If water spurts out when checking the pressure, the tank's diaphragm has failed, and the tank needs to be replace.

If the tank is full and the pressure exceeds 20-25 psi but no water reaches the faucet, verify that the tank is functioning properly. First, turn off the tank valve, then disconnect the tank tube from the RO system. Turn the valve back on and see if water flows into a bucket. If it does, check the postfilter to ensure it is not clogged.

  • Slow, no or very little water

If your RO system is producing water slowly or not at all, check the following:

  • Permeate Flow Rate: Close the tank valve and open the faucet. Once a steady drip begins, measure the output for 60 seconds.
  • Feed Pressure: Note the feed pressure in your system, if possible. This may not be feasible if you're installing the system for the first time, but it's worth considering as a potential issue.
  • Tank Pressure: Use a tire gauge on the air valve under the blue cap on the side of the tank to get a reading. The pressure should be between 5-7 psi.
  • Improper Hookup: Compare your installation with pictures showing the correct feed and drain connections to ensure everything is hooked up correctly.

Ensuring optimal performance of your RO system involves regular checks and maintenance to address common issues like weak water flow. By systematically inspecting components such as the permeate flow rate, drain flow rate, feed pressure, and tank pressure, you can identify and resolve potential problems. Additionally, verifying proper hookups can prevent installation-related issues. If troubleshooting these aspects does not resolve the issue, consulting with a professional water treatment company can help restore your RO system's functionality. With these steps, you can enjoy consistent, clean, and efficient water purification.