Have you recently changed the filters in your reverse osmosis system and noticed a strange taste in your water? Is it so unpleasant that you’re not sure if you can drink it?
Well, let’s look at why reverse osmosis water tastes bad and what you can do to fix the issue.
So, why does reverse osmosis water taste bad after changing filters? Reverse Osmosis water tastes bad after changing filters usually because of inadequate maintenance, badly fixed filters, or poor quality filters. This means that the membranes and other parts of the filter are not able to remove all the impurities, which can result in a bad taste.
Poorly installed filters may also contaminate the water with bacteria or mold, which can make it smell and/or taste bad.
RO filters should ideally be replaced within 6 – 12 months or the filter membrane should be cleaned regularly to avoid bad tasting water. But, if you’ve done this and still find your water has a bad taste.
An Increase in Carbon Dioxide Levels
One of the most common reasons for Reverse Osmosis water tasting bad is an increase in carbon dioxide levels.
The carbon dioxide gets dissolved into the water and increases its pH level, making it more acidic. The increased pH level causes the water to have a bitter or metallic taste which can be unpleasant.
In order for your Reverse Osmosis system to work properly, it needs to have a specific balance between dissolved solids and carbon dioxide levels. If these levels are not balanced correctly, then you will get a different taste from your RO water.
Malfunctioning or Poor Maintenance
Another possible reason why your reverse osmosis water tastes funny is that your RO system may be malfunctioning or in need of maintenance. Your filters should be replaced every 6 – 12 months and if they aren’t replaced regularly then this could lead to an imbalance in carbon dioxide levels and thus a strange taste from your water.
If the membrane itself is bad then this could also affect the taste of the water and require replacement as well.
Badly FIxed Filters
In some cases, the filters are not fixed properly which can cause contaminants to leak into your water. This will cause your water to taste bad and may even contain harmful bacteria.
To make sure that this doesn’t happen, you should always check that your filters are installed correctly and maintained regularly.
Fixing Bad Tasting Reverse Osmosis Water
The good news is, there are some simple steps you can take to fix reverse osmosis water that tastes bad after a filter change.
- First, check your filters are properly fixed and make sure they are in good condition.
- Second, run 2-4 liters of water through the system to clear any blockages and flush out any contaminants. There might be loose carbon filters or sediment filters that will be washed out during this process.
- Third, check the water for any odor or taste after flushing it. If there is still a bad taste, you may need to replace the filters again and flush more water through the system.
- Check for leaks and tighten any loose connections you find.If these steps do not work to improve the taste of your water, then it might be time to call a professional to take a look at it.
- Finally, make sure you do regular maintenance on your reverse osmosis system such as cleaning the membranes and changing out filters at least every 6 months. This will help to keep the water tasting fresh and prevent any future filter-related issues.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your reverse osmosis system provides clean and great-tasting water for you and your family. If you ever have trouble with the taste of your water or any other issue, make sure to call a professional for help.
With the right maintenance and care, your reverse osmosis system can be a great source of clean, water for years.
If your water still tastes bad after taking these steps, then it might be time to get a professional to take a look at your system and make sure it’s working correctly.
Final Thoughts
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are an efficient and cost-effective way to provide clean drinking water, conducting a crucial three-step filtration process.
Reverse osmosis systems are designed to give you clean, safe drinking water by removing over 90% of contaminants from tap water through a series of advanced filtration processes. This can sometimes leave behind an unpleasant taste if not properly maintained.
Fortunately, understanding why reverse osmosis water tastes bad is easy when you know what causes it and how to fix it.
By replacing worn-out filters and membranes regularly and ensuring all components are compatible with each other, you can keep your RO system running smoothly without having to worry about funny-tasting water again.
