Tap water often does not meet drinking standards, so purification systems become a necessity in every home. If you have a filter installed Geyser, it is important to know that timely replacement of consumables guarantees water quality and equipment durability. Ignoring maintenance dates may lead to the growth of bacteria inside the housing or deterioration of the taste of the water.
The process of replacing reverse osmosis cartridges seems complicated only at first glance, but in fact it is accessible to every owner of the system. You do not need to call a professional or have any special engineering skills to carry out this procedure. It is enough to prepare your workplace and carefully follow the algorithm of actions described below.
In this article we will analyze all stages of system maintenance, from preparing tools to checking the tightness of connections. You will learn how to properly dispose of old cartridges and why it is important to rinse a new membrane before use. Compliance with technology will allow you to save money and be confident in the purity of your drinking water.
When is it necessary to replace cartridges?
You can determine the moment when the resource of the filter elements is exhausted by several indirect signs. First of all, pay attention to the change in the volume of the storage tank. If previously the tank was filled in 40-50 minutes, but now this process takes 2-3 hours, it means reverse osmosis membrane dirty and needs to be replaced.
The second alarming signal is the appearance of a foreign taste or odor in the purified water. This may indicate that the carbon post-filter has ceased to retain organochlorine compounds. It is also worth thinking about maintenance if scale begins to appear on the walls of the kettle, although there was none before.
⚠️ Attention: Do not wait for the system to completely fail. Using expired cartridges can lead to the opposite effect - accumulated contaminants will begin to wash back into the water.
The manufacturer recommends following a standard replacement schedule, which depends on the quality of the incoming water and the filter model. For prefilters this period is usually 3-6 months, and for a membrane - from 1.5 to 3 years. However, actual operating conditions may make adjustments.
There are several types of cartridges, each of which performs its own function in a multi-stage cleaning system. Understanding their differences will help you correctly place an order for new consumables and not confuse them during installation.
- 🔹 Mechanical filters (PP) - retain rust, sand and suspended particles.
- 🔹 Carbon blocks (CB) - remove chlorine, organic matter and improve organoleptic properties.
- 🔹 Reverse osmosis membrane is the main element that removes up to 98% of all impurities, including hardness salts and viruses.
- 🔹 Mineralizers and structurers - installed after the membrane to improve the taste of water.
Before purchasing new cartridges, be sure to remove the old ones and look at their markings. Model range Geyser is extensive, and cartridges from different series may have different lengths or connection types. The use of incompatible elements may result in leaks.
Preparing to replace consumables
Before you begin dismantling the old system, you need to prepare your workspace and tools. You will need a container to drain the water, since it will remain in the tubes and housings even after turning off the taps. Also stock up on paper towels or rags to quickly clean up any spills.
To unscrew the filter housings, a special wrench is usually used, which comes with the system. If you have lost the original key, you can use a craft key of the appropriate diameter, but you must be very careful not to damage the threads or the case itself.
☑️ Preparing to replace cartridges
It is important to ensure good access to the filter. If the system is installed under the sink, remove all unnecessary items so that nothing interferes with operation. Good lighting will also help you, as the rubber seals may be small and dark in color.
Don't forget to prepare the cartridges themselves. Remove the packaging film from them immediately before installation. Carbon filters may contain coal dust, so it is better not to open them in advance, so as not to pollute the air in the kitchen.
Check that all required O-rings are present. Sometimes, with prolonged use, rubber gaskets may lose elasticity or tear. New cartridges often come with new rings, but it is better to make sure they are available in advance.
If you plan to change cartridges for the first time, it makes sense to photograph the tube connection diagram. Although color-coding makes it difficult to confuse the inputs, a photograph can help restore order when in doubt.
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling and installation
Start the process by closing the valve supplying the source water to the filter. It is usually located on a tee embedded in the water pipe. After this, open the clean water tap at the sink to relieve pressure in the system. Allow the water to drain until the flow is barely noticeable.
Now you can start unscrewing the flasks. Place a container under each housing and slowly unscrew it counterclockwise with a wrench. Water will leak out, so be careful. After removing the housing, remove the old cartridge and recycle it.
The most important step is installing a new cartridge. Insert the element into the center of the body so that it fits tightly to the bottom. Pay attention to the direction of flow if it is indicated by arrows on the cartridge body. Typically, water moves from outside to inside or from top to bottom.
The nuances of installing a membrane
The reverse osmosis membrane has two o-rings. When installing, you need to lightly press on the end of the cartridge to push it deep into the body until it stops. If the membrane is placed askew, the system will not be sealed.
When screwing the bulb back on, make sure that the O-ring is not pinched and lies flat in its groove. Screw the housing by hand until it stops, and then tighten it slightly with a wrench. There is no need to use excessive force, the main thing is tightness.
After assembling all modules, open the water supply valve. The system will begin to fill, and air and water will come out of the clean water tap. This is a normal process. Let the system operate in filter mode for about 10-15 minutes.
Carefully inspect all connections for leaks. Run a dry cloth over the joints of the flasks and the places where the tubes are connected. If the napkin remains dry, it means installation completed correctly.
| Cartridge type | Resource (months) | Function | Signs of wear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanics (PP) | 3-4 | Rust removal | Change color to brown |
| Coal (CB) | 6 | Chlorine removal | Chlorine taste |
| Membrane (RO) | 18-36 | Softening, cleaning | Scale in the kettle, slow set |
| Postfilter | 12 | Taste and smell | Unpleasant taste of water |
Flushing the system and first start
After installing new cartridges, especially membranes, the system requires mandatory flushing. This is necessary to remove the preservative that is used to treat the membrane during production, as well as to flush out coal dust from new blocks.
Open the clean water tap and drain the first tank completely. Do not use this water for drinking or cooking. Depending on the volume of the tank and the pressure in the water supply, this process can take from 1 to 2 hours.
During the flushing process, gurgling may be observed in the tank - this is the release of air that has taken the place of water. It is also possible that the water may darken in the first minutes of draining due to activated carbon; this is normal.
If your system has mineralizer, it also needs to be washed. However, it should be washed separately or after the main membrane wash to prevent mineral salts from settling on the fresh membrane. Some models of mineralizers have a bypass valve that shuts off the flow until the tank is filled.
After the tank is filled a second time, the water can be used for drinking. The taste may be unusual immediately after replacing the filters, but after 10-20 liters it will stabilize.
Typical mistakes when servicing the filter
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the cartridge installation sequence. Water must go through purification steps in a strictly specific order: first mechanical, then coal, then membrane. By mixing up the flasks, you risk quickly destroying the expensive membrane.
Another mistake is not tightening the flasks enough or, conversely, using excessive force. In the first case, you will face a flood in the kitchen, in the second - a crack in the body or a broken thread. Tightness of connections - a guarantee of safe operation.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave the system unattended for the first 30 minutes after replacing cartridges. It is during this period that leaks are most likely due to seals that are not fully inserted.
Some users forget to release the pressure before unscrewing the flasks. This leads to water spraying under pressure and possible damage to threaded connections. Always open the clean water tap before servicing.
It is also considered an error to use third-party cartridges that are not certified for this model. The dimensions of the seat may differ by fractions of a millimeter, which will lead to leaks or damage to internal elements.
Don't forget about recycling. Old cartridges contain concentrated contaminants, so it is not recommended to throw them into a regular garbage disposal. It is better to hand them over to special collection points or pack them in a bag before disposal.
System care and prevention
To reverse osmosis system Geyser has served for a long time, it requires minimal but regular care. It is recommended to check the pressure in the hydraulic storage tank every six months. It should be about 0.4-0.5 atmospheres (with an empty tank).
If the pressure in the tank has dropped, water from the tap will flow in a weak stream, even if the membrane is new. To pump air, use a regular bicycle pump and pressure gauge. Check the pressure through the nipple located at the end of the tank, after draining all the water from the system.
Wipe the outer surface of the filter housings with a damp cloth once a month. This will help you notice in time microcracks or the beginning of a leak that are not visible at a quick glance.
Regularly check the condition of the drain clamp that is attached to the sewer pipe. Over time, it can become clogged with mucus, making it difficult to drain the concentrate and reducing system performance.
If you are going on a long business trip or vacation (more than 2 weeks), it is recommended to turn off the water supply to the filter. This will reduce the risk of leaks in your absence. Upon return, flush the system for 10-15 minutes.
Keep a log of replacements. Write down the installation date of each cartridge directly on the case with a marker or in a notepad. This will help you know exactly when your next service is due and avoid guessing how long your current filter will last.
Replacing cartridges regularly is cheaper than buying a new system or treating illnesses caused by dirty water.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can reverse osmosis cartridges be washed and reused?
Mechanical cleaning (PP) cartridges can be gently rinsed with water to remove large rust, but this is only a temporary measure that will extend the life of the filter by a couple of weeks. It is useless to wash carbon cartridges and membranes - their structure changes and they no longer retain contaminants. Replacement only is recommended.
Why does water flow very slowly after replacing the filter?
Most likely, there is still high air pressure in the system, or the membrane has not yet gotten wet and has not started working normally. Also check that the water supply valve is fully open and that the pipes are not kinked. Let the system run for several hours.
Does the system need to be disinfected every time cartridges are replaced?
If you change filters on a regular schedule, no special disinfection is required. However, if the system has been idle for a long time without water or you have changed the insides of the tank, it is recommended to sanitize it with special tablets or solution.
What should I do if, after replacing the cartridges, a whistle appears when drawing water?
A whistling sound usually indicates that the drain clamp is partially clogged or the drain hose is pinched. The flow restrictor can also make a sound if a speck gets into it. Check the free flow of water into the sewer.