Why Regular Water Filtration Maintenance Matters
If you have invested in a water conditioning system, it is important to take steps to keep it working well. Your car won’t run forever without maintenance, and your water system is no exception. See the points below on why regular water filtration maintenance is important.
- Protecting drinking water quality and taste
- Reducing last-minute or emergency service requirements
- Maintaining steady water pressure and water flow throughout the house’s water lines
- Extending the system’s lifespan in the long term and avoiding costly repairs
Know Your System: Core Components & Their Roles
In order to provide basic maintenance to your water treatment systems, it is essential to understand the equipment involved with your water filtration system, what each unit does, and how to keep the systems operating.
Pre-filters
Often called sediment filters, these are the first line of defense against dirt, sand, and other sediment. Pre-filters help with water clarity and protect other appliances from harsh residues.
Carbon filters
A popular component in water purification systems, carbon filters are designed to reduce chlorine, odor, and other contaminants. Carbon filters range from basic replaceable sediment cartridges to more specialized backwashing carbon filters. We sometimes use carbon filters in conjunction with hydrogen peroxide to remove hydrogen sulfide or “sulfur.”
Water softener system
A common unit, designed for hardness and iron removal, as well as scale prevention. Common softeners typically require salt replenishment at regular intervals.
Post-filters, polishers, and UV options
Secondary filters are often installed as a final barrier against sediment and cloudy water. UV systems are designed to provide disinfection against bacteria and require clear water and clean components.
Drinking water RO systems
Reverse osmosis systems often provide an extra level of purity for drinking water, famous for their “bottled water quality.” Often, these have RO membranes and filters to replace.
Controllers, gauges, and valves
Gauges and controllers act as visual indicators to alert you if there is a problem. You often find them on water softeners, UV systems, and filters. Use valves and bypass valves to turn off or bypass the water pressure while performing necessary maintenance.
Water Filtration Maintenance Required: Telltale Signs It’s Time for Service
Keep an eye out for red flags that may signal a necessary service, such as these
- Drop in water pressure or flow at faucets
- Changes in taste, odor, or clarity of water at the faucet
- Indicator lights or alarms signaling filters need to be replaced, UV lamp failure, or control valve error
- Visible sediment buildup on filters, water leaks, or visible issues
- Supply levels of salt, peroxide, or other consumables are getting low
Preventative Maintenance Schedule & Checklist
Here is an example of a sample checklist for a well-maintained water system. Keep in mind that this will vary from system to system, based on water quality and the amount of water run through the system. For example, some homeowners may need to change sediment filters once per month, while others may need to only once per year. Regularly servicing your system will ensure your peace of mind and the lifespan of your investment.
Monthly
- This should be a quick visual check on the water system for correct operation
- Check for leaks in plumbing, and errors or messages on water system controllers
- Assess gauge readings for water supply pressure
- Analyze regular maintenance needs like salt, peroxide, and filter replacement
Quarterly
- Replace sediment & carbon pre-filters if necessary
- Replenish salt or peroxide as needed
- If using a UV system on unsoftened water, inspect the quartz sleeve and clean as necessary
Bi-Annual
- Service or change prefilters and replenish salt and peroxide
- Inspect post filters for necessary replacement
- Inspect O-rings on filters and clean as necessary
- If using an atmospheric water storage tank, sanitize the tank with chlorine
- Clean quartz sleeve on UV systems
- Run the resin cleaner through the softener if dealing with high-iron water
Annual
In addition to regular maintenance, a specialist should perform a water test and complete system maintenance. This may include tests for softener or filter performance. It may also include potability tests and TDS rejection tests on drinking water RO systems.
Preventative and system maintenance can include replacing UV lamps, filters, or membranes. It may also involve checking the function of filters or softeners.
Step-by-Step: Safely Replacing Filters
- Shut off water supply valves before and after the filter.
- Release pressure with the pressure relief button on the housing.
- Remove spent cartridges, drain, and dispose of them. (note wear and tear)
- Clean housing as necessary; inspect O-rings, and clean or lubricate if needed
- Install new filters with proper orientation. Touch cartridges with your hands as little as possible so as not to introduce bacteria. If you need to touch the filter, sanitize your hands.
- Restore water flow, purge air, and verify pressure
Aquanology Water Conditioning & Water Filtration Maintenance Service Programs
At Aquanology, we are happy to give you the training you need to perform common minor services on your water system. However, we understand that some homeowners may not have the time or resources to provide the required services themselves. That’s why we are pleased to be able to offer flexible offerings for various homeowner and system requirements.
Scheduled salt or filter delivery and installation
If you need supplies dropped at your door once per year or once per month, we handle it. If you need filters installed or the salt carried to the basement and put in the brine tank, we’re at your service.
Water specialist services
The majority of our systems are serviced by an Aquanology technician once per year. This usually includes basic water tests to check the system, cleaning and replacing parts, and any special needs.
Homeowner self-service
If you enjoy doing your own water filtration maintenance, Aquanology can help. We offer training and can assist you in finding your supplies. Customers can contact us anytime to add themselves to the schedule for a specialty service.
Conclusion
Proper water filtration maintenance is key to keeping your water system running smoothly. A smoothly running water system is key to providing the conditioned and purified water you desire. Regular maintenance will extend the life of your water filtration equipment. It will lower costly repairs and increase the value of your investment.
At Aquanology Water Conditioning and Filtration, we service water systems from other brands, not just our own. Reach out to Aquanology today, and we’ll be happy to see if we can assist.
