How Often Should You Change Your Reverse Osmosis Filters?

An under-sink reverse osmosis system gives you great-tasting drinking water, but only if the filters are changed on time. Old filters can quietly lose performance long before you notice a change in taste.

How often filters typically need changing

Most RO systems have more than one stage, and each stage lasts a different amount of time.

• Pre-filters: usually the first to need changing, because they catch sediment and chlorine before the membrane.

• Post-filter: the final polishing stage, often changed on a similar schedule to the pre-filters.

• Membrane: lasts the longest, but still needs replacing eventually.

The exact schedule depends on your system, your water quality and how much water your household uses. Your owner's guide or your installer can give you the right timing for your setup.

Signs your filters are due

• Water tastes or smells different

• The drinking faucet flows more slowly

• The storage tank refills slowly

• It has been longer than you can remember since the last change

Why hardness and chlorine matter

Hard water and chlorine can wear out RO filters and membranes faster. A water softener ahead of the RO system helps protect it.

Kinetico K5 and A200 owners

If you have a Kinetico K5 or A200, we can handle your filter changes for you. Learn more about these systems on our Kinetico comparison page.

Never think about filters again

Ask about scheduled filter replacement and maintenance. Water Concierge Services is a family-run Authorized Kinetico Dealer with 75+ years of combined experience. Call (561) 779-5544 or text (561) 721-5617.