Replacing the cartridges in a reverse osmosis filter

According to the degree of water purification, a system using the principle of reverse osmosis is considered the best. Despite the considerable cost, it can often be found in modern apartments. Like other filtering devices, it requires periodic replacement of cleaning elements. Many owners call the master, not suspecting that the replacement of cartridges in the reverse osmosis filter can be done independently, without a lot of time and effort.

What will be required for replacement?

The list of necessary devices is small:

• A set of new cartridges suitable for the model of cleaning system installed in the apartment.
• Plastic keys for unscrewing the filter flasks included in the device. You can do without them, but then you need to replace the two together.
• A basin and a rag - to prevent the formation of puddles and leaks due to spilled water from the system.
• Silicone grease - for processing seals.

The new filter set must be installed in the same way as the old one. In order not to confuse anything, it is better to first fix the position of each part on the mobile phone’s camera before removing it. This will greatly simplify the replacement of replaceable cartridges: it will not be painful to remember how a particular part was installed.

Dismantling and cleaning the device

The procedure is as follows:

• A tap is usually installed at the point where the filter is connected to the water supply. It must be shut off to stop the water supply to the device. If there is no valve, you will have to completely block the flow of cold water into the apartment.
• So that the pressure in the system does not interfere with the unscrewing of the filter cartridges, water is drained from it: the tap is opened and left in this position. Completely liquid can leave about five minutes.
• To prevent leakage, we substitute a basin under the filter, if it is too large - under the untwisted flask. In extreme cases, a rag is also suitable, which will need to quickly collect water that has spilled from the flask.

• We turn off the flask using the supplied plastic key. If the tool is missing for some reason, we find an assistant. While he is holding the body of the cleaning system with both hands, the bulb is unscrewed. Also with both hands.
• This operation will have to be repeated three times to remove all replaceable filters. And it is better to photograph them immediately after dismantling, so as not to forget the order of their installation.

• Empty flasks are washed with warm water and laundry soap. This will help remove sand and dirt, both inside and out. Pollution from plugs and sealing gums is cleaned with paper towels.

It is important not to lose the rubber bands: they can easily come off during disassembly. The gaskets must be put in place (otherwise the filter will leak) and treated with silicone grease - during subsequent maintenance this will facilitate the unscrewing of the flask.

Installing new cartridges and assembling

After preparing the flasks to be washed and dried, you can proceed with the installation of new filter elements.

• Acquired reverse osmosis cartridges unpacked and placed in flasks. Using previously taken photographs, they are screwed back in the same order in which they were located earlier.

Joints are tightened tightly, but without excessive force: plastic threads are quite easy to tear.

• It remains to change the post-filter, which serves to improve the taste and smell of water. Not all models of cleaning systems have such a filter, but knowing how to replace it will not hurt. We photograph its initial position so that the direction of the arrow on the filter housing is clearly visible. After that, it can be safely removed from the holders.
• We are preparing a basin: it is necessary to disconnect all the tubes that are suitable for the post-filter, and water will inevitably pour out of them.
• On the tubes there are special clips, usually blue. They are picked up with the help of nails or an improvised tool and pulled out. Once you press on the ring held by the retainer, the hose will be released and easily pulled out.

• After disconnecting all the tubes, unscrew the plastic tee.
• We take out a new filter from the box and remove the plugs on both sides of it.
• Guided by the previously taken picture, put it in place, and then connect the tee.
• We connect the tubes: with a little effort we insert them all the way, then we pull off the plastic ring and put a blue retainer in the gap formed. It holds the handset securely in place.

A pre-made photograph of their location before removing the cartridge will help to not confuse the procedure for connecting the hoses.

• We repeat this procedure to attach the tubes on the other hand. Then the post-filter can be installed in its place and snap the holders.

Cartridge flushing

The instructions for use indicate a rather long service life of the main part of the reverse osmosis purification system - the membrane. The frequency of its replacement is from 1.5 to 4 years. Therefore, they don’t touch it during a normal filter update, but to extend its uptime some water must be drained so that small particles from new filters do not clog holes membranes. To do this, do the following:

• We remove the tube going from the first three flasks with filters to the membrane. It is equipped with the same lock as the post filter and is released in the same way. Substituting a basin on it, turn on the water supply and drain 15–20 liters. During this time, the cartridges will be washed and all the impurities will go into the basin, bypassing the membrane.

• After washing, put the tube in place, fix it. The entire cleaning system can be hoisted back under the sink.

More clearly understand the process will help the video at the end of the article.

Pros and cons of the reverse osmosis filtration system, as well as myths and interesting facts about it - here.

Filter replacement frequency for different models of cleaning systems

Each manufacturer indicates the life of the elements of its filter system. In case these data are lost, we will give recommendations for the most common models.

For the reverse osmosis system Aquaphor OSMO-50, the EFG63-250-20C and EFG63-250-5C modules will need to be replaced after 3 months, B510-03 - after 6 months. The carbon filter will last a year; membrane replacement is provided in 1.5–2 years.

In the Osieros K Osmos Barrier filter, the cartridges are changed every six months; the membrane is designed for 3-4 years of operation. The same terms for the replacement of working elements are provided for the reverse osmosis system Geyser Prestige 2.

Series manufacturers Atoll A-450m STD Compact created a detailed filter change algorithm:

• After 6 months of operation, three stages of the preliminary cleaning of the Atoll system are replaced.
• After a year, they are changed again, and a new post filter is also installed.
• After 18 months of operation, the three preliminary stages must be replaced again.
• After two years of operation of the installation, it is necessary to completely replace all its elements, including the membrane.

Set of atoll cartridges No. 107m STD (for A-450m Compact)

Read more about Atoll A-450m STD Compact water treatment system on the manufacturer's website

Another domestic cleaning system is “OUR WATER” Absolute MO 6-50M. Pretty popular because of the good value for money. Terms of replacement of elements for "OUR WATER Absolute":

• Steps one through three change every 6 months.
• It is recommended that the membrane, post-carbon filter and catalyst be renewed once a year.

Thus, it is clear that the process of replacing the cleaning elements in the reverse osmosis system is not at all complicated. Carrying out the work carefully and accurately, referring to pre-made photographs of the situation elements before starting the replacement, you can cope with this task yourself, spending about an hour free time.