What Happens If Your Reverse Osmosis Filter Change is Overdue?
- Admin
- Oct 17
- 2 min read
If you’ve got a reverse osmosis system at home, you already know how nice it is to have clean, great-tasting water straight from your faucet. No bottled water runs, no weird chlorine taste — just pure, refreshing water whenever you want it. But here’s the thing: your system only stays that good if you keep up with its reverse osmosis filter change.
It’s hard to see but your reverse osmosis filters work hard every single day, catching all the stuff you don’t want to drink - like chlorine, sediment, and other dissolved solids. Over time, those filters become full of contaminants, just like the lint trap in your dryer. When that happens, your system works harder to push water through the saturated filter and water quality starts to drop.
We get it — it’s easy to forget since your RO system quietly does its job in the background. But letting those filters go too long without replacement can lead to a few problems you’ll definitely notice.
What Happens When Your Reverse Osmosis Filter Change is Overdue?
People usually first notice a small but noticeable difference in taste. Clean RO water should be crisp and enjoyable, but once your filters are overdue, the taste can turn flat or even a little off-putting. That’s your system saying, “Hey, it’s time for a change!”
Old filters can also let contaminants sneak back into your drinking water. For families with kids, pets, or anyone who’s particular about what they drink, that’s not something you want to risk.
And here’s another hidden side effect: when filters are clogged, the system is working overtime. This puts extra pressure on the reverse osmosis membrane (the main filter that allows only water molecules to pass through under pressure), which can shorten its lifespan and reduce water flow.
How Often Should You Change RO Filters?
Most RO filters should be replaced every 6–12 months, depending on how much water your household uses and how hard your water is. The RO membrane usually lasts around 2–3 years before it needs a swap.
If you’re not sure when your last filter change was, don’t worry — we can help. At Complete Water Systems, we offer quick, affordable RO filter replacement so your water stays clean and your system runs like new.
Keep Your Water Fresh and Your System Happy
Think of your RO filter replacement like an oil change for your drinking water. It’s simple, it’s routine, and it keeps everything running smoothly. Regular filter changes make sure your family gets the best-tasting, safest water possible straight from your faucet.
Ready for a filter change?
Give us a call or send us a message to schedule your RO filter replacement, or come visit our warehouse and pick up new filters. Our technicians have helped thousands of Arizona homeowners make sure their system keeps giving their family clean, great-tasting water every day.
