Flushing and Sanitizing Your Water Filtration System

Aqua Solutions • January 27, 2021

After an extended shutdown, your water filtration will need to be flushed, sanitized, and cleaned before you can begin using it again. Whether you have a water filtration system for a seasonal restaurant or use an under-sink osmosis system for your vacation home, you will need to flush out your water filters before you can begin filtering again.

When your filter is inactive for a long period, it allows bacteria to grow on the membranes and filter cartridges. This is especially true if the filters have been submerged in water during the period of inactivity.

Instructions for Flushing a Filter That Has Not Been Used for seven days or Less

Whether you have a whole-house or commercial water filter or an under-sink filtration system , you need to flush the system for at least five minutes. To begin, reconnect the filtration system to your water supply. Check your inlet valve for leaks and run water through the filter to a designated drain for at least five minutes. If you have a water filter equipped with more than one outlet port, be sure to run water through each of the outlet ports for a minimum of five minutes. This flushing cycle will help remove any microbiological growth that occurred when the filter was in disuse.

For a reverse osmosis system, the membrane and the filter should be flushed before use. Empty your RO storage tank until the pump that supplies the water to the system turns on. When the pump comes on, flush the RO system for at least ten minutes and allow the water to drain before beginning normal operation. Make sure all outlets are flushed for ten minutes.

Instructions for Flushing a Filter That Has Not Been Used for More than 7 Days

Suppose your filtration system has been in disuse for more than seven days. In that case, you will need to replace all of the filtration elements included in your specific system, including carbon filters, pre-filters, cartridges, and membranes. Once the water has sat stagnant in the filter for longer than a couple of weeks, bacteria has had the chance to grow. By replacing these components, you can continue to have clear and contaminant-free water. In addition to replacing the components, the system will also need to be sanitized.

To clean your reverse osmosis system, you will need a sanitizing product made for filtration systems. Dip a bottle brush into the chemical disinfectant solution and use it to scrub out the inside of the membrane module, filter housings, and the dispensing faucet. By hand scrubbing these components, you ensure that you remove the bacteria and microorganisms that may have begun to grow in the nooks and crannies of the machine.

Replace your RO membrane and the pre-and post-filters, and run water through your filtration system, allowing the filters to flush. Run the sanitation cycle on the system and the tank, and then allow the tank to fill up. Drain the tank and refill it again before use.

Water Filter Maintenance for Pittsburgh Homeowners

At Aqua Solutions , we offer a wide range of water filters to help Pittsburgh homeowners improve their home’s water quality. We also offer expert maintenance services to ensure your water filtration system continues to perform at its best! Contact us today to learn more!

Flushing and Sanitizing Your Water Filtration System

Aqua Solutions

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Author: Gary Monks

Gary Monks has led Aqua Solutions since 1997, earning recognition as a water treatment expert with 25 years of experience. Renowned in Butler, he has won the Best Water Treatment award for three years and actively supports the community, including local sports and radio engagements.

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If you love hot drinks like tea or coffee or enjoy cooking, you're likely always looking to improve the quality and health of the daily foods and beverages you and your family consume. Why Water Filtration is Important for Your Home Water quality is crucial in many ways. High-quality water can elevate the tastes and textures of your favorite foods and beverages, making them safer and healthier for your family. By installing a water filtration system, you can: Keep Your Family Safe and Healthy The most important benefit of home water filtration installation is that it helps you achieve clean, contaminant-free water. Water filtration enables you to reduce your risk of waterborne illness, giving you peace of mind that your food and drinks are healthy and safe. Enhance The Taste of Food and Drinks In addition to increasing the safety of your food and drinks, high-quality water makes your favorite beverages and foods' natural flavors shine. Poor-quality water can introduce unwanted flavors, such as metallic tastes or chlorine, that can ruin the taste and quality of your foods and drinks. Impure water can also smell bad, making the aroma of food or drinks unpleasant. Additionally, water high in chemicals or impurities can make your taste buds less sensitive, reducing the flavor you experience in food and beverages. Get Better Cooking and Baking Results Water is an essential ingredient in many recipes. Higher-quality water can improve cooking and baking results. Water that is free from impurities and chemicals can help you achieve better texture and consistency, properly hydrate other ingredients, and achieve a better rise or fluffiness in your baked goods. How Water Filtration Works and Options for Your Home Water filtration removes contaminants, impurities, and unwanted elements from your water supply, ensuring that the water you and your family use is clean, safe, and better-tasting. Filtration systems achieve this through various processes, such as physical filtration to block particles, chemical treatment to neutralize harmful substances, and biological filtration to remove bacteria and microorganisms. The result is water that meets health standards and improves overall quality of life. When it comes to home water filtration, there are several options to suit your specific needs that we specialize in here at Aqua Solutions: UV Filtration Ultraviolet (UV) light filtration is a highly effective and chemical-free method for disinfecting drinking water. It exposes microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa to a germicidal wavelength of UV light. This exposure damages their DNA, rendering them inactive and unable to reproduce. UV filtration is an excellent solution for homeowners who want to ensure their water is free from harmful pathogens. It provides peace of mind and safer drinking water for your household. Reverse Osmosis Reverse osmosis (RO) is a powerful water filtration system that delivers exceptionally pure water by removing a wide range of contaminants. This system typically includes a small retaining tank, often installed in the basement, to store purified water for easy access. RO systems use a combination of sediment filters and advanced filter technologies, including carbon filters, to improve the taste and smell of water. These systems effectively eliminate heavy metals, pesticides, and dissolved solids, making them a top choice for homeowners seeking high-quality drinking water. Standard Filters Standard filters are a versatile and commonly used option for improving water quality. They come in two primary designs: cartridge devices and loose media tank-style systems. Sediment filters, a type of standard filter, are specifically designed to remove grit, particulates, and debris from the water. Additionally, standard filters can address unpleasant odors, discoloration, bad taste, and iron content. They provide a simple, affordable way to enhance your water's clarity and quality. Water Softeners Water softeners are designed to combat the challenges of hard water, which is caused by high levels of minerals like magnesium and calcium. These systems use a mineral tank filled with resonated media, such as resin or plastic beads, to filter out these hard particles. The media has a negative electrical charge, which attracts the positively charged minerals in the water. Water softeners are available in two main types: ion exchange systems, which replace hard minerals with sodium ions, and dual-tank systems, which feature two resin tanks for continuous operation. By softening the water, these systems prevent scale buildup, improve appliance efficiency, and enhance the feel of water for daily use. Ready to Enhance Your Home's Water? Call Aqua Solutions Today! Aqua Solutions is your top choice for home water filtration installation in Butler and beyond. Call today to learn which water filtration system works best for your home and get cleaner, healthier water!