5 CAUSES OF REVERSE OSMOSIS LOW WATER PRESSURE

There are many different issues that can cause low water pressure in a reverse osmosis system. The most common causes include:

• Clogged filters or membrane
• Ruptured bladder tank
• Problem with water supply lines
• Low air pressure inside the tank
• Fluctuating water pressure

In this comprehensive guide, we cover the most common causes and show you how to resolve them. We also discuss the importance of water pressure for RO systems and how to increase or maintain it, so let’s get started.

1. Clogged RO Filters Or Membrane Can Cause Low Water Pressure

If your RO system has a slow water flow rate, the most likely cause is an issue with the filters or the membrane. That’s because, over time, they tend to get clogged up.

This is because reverse osmosis filters continuously separate harmful contaminants, microscopic dirt particles, and other impurities from the water supply. When all this builds up, it can restrict the regular water flow.

You can avoid this problem by changing your filters at least once a year. If the water in your area is particularly contaminated, it’s a good idea to change your RO filters every six months.

The same goes for your reverse osmosis membrane. This membrane should be replaced every three years. This time frame will vary depending on the water conditions in your area and the model of your RO system.

When the membrane gets clogged, your RO system will take a lot longer to produce clean drinking water.

If you have difficulty replacing this part on your own, you can reach out to your local technician to guide you through the process.

2. Ruptured Bladder Tank Can Cause Slow Water Flow

Multiple things can cause the holding tank bladder of an RO system to rupture. However, in most cases, it’s due to a lack of regular maintenance.

Detecting a ruptured tank is pretty straightforward. Simply check if the water flow rate decreases after providing one cup or 8 oz of water. Or, take a look at the bladder and see if you spot any leaks.

If you establish that your RO tank is ruptured, you will need to consult with an expert and replace the ruptured bladder with a new one.

3. Problem in Water Supply Lines

If you have a twisted or crimped water line somewhere in your RO system, the water flow will greatly decrease.

To determine if this is the cause of your low water pressure, check the water supply lines in your RO system and see if the hoses are properly connected. If you come across a twisted hose, simply straighten it by hand.

While you’re at it, you should also inspect the water supply valve and make sure it’s open all the way. Partially open water supply valves are among the most common causes of low water pressure in RO systems. Thankfully, it’s an incredibly easy issue to resolve.

4. Air Pressure Inside the RO tank Is Low

Inside your RO system, there’s a pressurized tank that needs to maintain a certain amount of air pressure to provide optimal water flow. If this pressure drops, you’ll have a slower water flow.

When empty, the pressure inside a 24-gallon tank should be 6 to 8 PSI (pounds per square inch). The good news is that checking the air pressure inside the tank is quite straightforward.

The first thing you need to do is check that the Schrader valve is properly connected and tight. This valve should be on the side of the water tank, and it usually has a blue cap.

After doing this, you should also check the pressure with a pressure gauge. To do this, simply empty the water from the tank and measure the pressure with the gauge.

If the air pressure is lower than it should be, use an air pump and keep pumping air inside the tank. Take extra care when doing this, as extra pressure (> 8 psi) might damage the RO tank.

5. Fluctuating Water Pressure

A reverse osmosis system requires around 30-40 PSI of normal water pressure to operate and 60 PSI to maintain optimal water flow.

Occasionally, the water pressure in your system might fluctuate temporarily due to inconveniences such as maintenance work or local water supply issues. The best course of action is to wait it out and see if the pressure returns to normal after a day or two.

However, if the low water pressure issue persists, you should contact your local utility company and ask for guidance.

The Importance of Pressure in RO Systems

RO tanks contain two different compartments for air and water. Both compartments have to maintain a standard pressure to function properly.

The pressurized air inside the air compartment pushes water through the faucet. For this operation to be executed, the storage tank pressure must be between 6 to 8 PSI when it’s empty.

Once water fills up, the tank pressure increases. The increased pressure is released when water flows through the faucet. The tank pressure should be at 30 PSI when the tank is full.

Most RO units feature a shut-off valve that stops water production if the pressure in the tank exceeds the water pressure value. For optimal water pressure, your system’s pressure should be between 25 PSI and 70 PSI.

If you’re unsure what the optimal pressure is for your system, check the manufacturer’s instructions.

How to Increase or Maintain Pressure in an RO System

To increase the water pressure in your RO system, clean the filters regularly and replace the membrane annually. All of this falls under general maintenance and might seem like a no-brainer, but many tend to overlook it.

If the problem persists, look for a ruptured tank bladder, monitor the incoming water line, and maintain the optimal water and air pressure inside the storage tank.

If all else fails, you might have to install a sediment filter, add a flush kit, or get a new secondary water tank. Let’s look at how you can increase or maintain the pressure in your RO system in more detail.

1. Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance can prevent the most common RO system issues, including low water pressure.

By changing your RO filters and membranes regularly and inspecting them weekly, you’ll prevent the build-up of dirt and contaminants. It’s also a good idea to examine the storage tank, drain tube, feed water valve, and drain line regularly.

Make use of a PSI gauge or the valve under the blue cap of your system to keep the water and air pressure in check.

Consult an expert if you detect any leaks that disrupt the water flow.

2. Use an Electric Booster Pump

Adding a booster pump is one of the easiest ways to improve the pressure and performance of your reverse osmosis system.

This will increase the treated water production rate, boost the storage volume of the pressure tank, and improve the water flow rate that flows through the faucet.

However, note that the feed pressure might increase up to 100 PSI with a booster pump, so you need to ensure your system can handle this pressure level. There’s a screw on the pump to adjust the pressure to keep it at the desired levels at all times.

3. Install a Sediment Filter

If your RO filters get clogged frequently, you might want to consider installing a sediment filter.

Sediment filters are made of strong metal, which makes them very durable. They can increase your RO water pressure by:

• Improving the longevity of the filters
• Reducing clogging
• Reducing the wear and tear on the system
• Increasing the efficiency of the water filters

4. Get a Secondary Water Tank

Installing a secondary water tank will improve the flow rate of the faucets, as it doubles the capacity for pressure delivery.

Secondary tanks are available in compact sizes and can be installed under the faucet or inside a cupboard. Moreover, the installation process is very easy, so you won’t need to hire a professional.

Conclusion

To resolve the issue that’s causing low water pressure in your RO system, you first need to identify it. Go through all of the possible causes one by one until you zero in on the problem.

Once you find out what you are dealing with, take adequate action. Remember to consult a professional at any stage of the process in case you get stuck or are unsure about something.

If the water pressure doesn’t improve after troubleshooting, then it may be time to get a new reverse osmosis system. Refer to our RO water filter review article for the best recommendations.