How Long Do Reverse Osmosis Filters Last?

When it comes to making an investment in a reverse osmosis (RO) water filter system, one of the first things that people are apt to wonder is: How long do reverse osmosis filters last? Whether you’re in the middle of shopping for a reverse osmosis system or if you already have one in operation, knowing the average lifespan of the filters is important to keeping things running well.

Within this guide, we will break down the elements regarding the life of a reverse osmosis filter, including how the filter life can be prolonged, and when a filter should be changed. We will also discuss why filter maintenance is important and how the Waterdrop RO filter system has the capability to provide a long-lasting filtration process for a home environment.

Before embarking upon the life expectancy of reverse osmosis filters, an introduction to their functionality and nature should be made. Reverse osmosis filter systems are a multi-step process designed to filter water and remove any contaminants present in it by pressing it through a filter known as a “semi-permeable membrane.” The process involves the elimination of contaminants such as chlorine, lead, pesticides, and viruses while allowing pure water molecules to pass through the filter.

Usually, a reverse osmosis system will contain the following filters:

• Pre-Filters (Carbon filters) - These filters remove the large particles such as chlorine, sediment, and other contaminants from the water before the water reaches the reverse osmosis membrane.
• RO Membrane - The heart of the entire system is the RO Membrane, whose duty is to filter out the smaller contaminants such as heavy metals and microorganisms.
• Post-Filters - The water that has passed through the RO Membrane is passed through post-filters, commonly carbon-based filters, to remove any remaining odor and improve taste.

Each of the above filters is crucial in making certain that the water you drink is clean, safe, and delicious in taste. Just like any other filtration system, the above filters will eventually wear out and need replacement.

Related article: How to Remove PFAS in Water: A Guide for Singaporean Readers

The life of the reverse osmosis filters varies depending on a number of elements, such as the type of filter, the water quality, and the level of utilization and maintenance. Below is a life expectancy for each of the filters in a normal RO system:

The purpose of the carbon pre-filter is to remove chlorine, sediment, and any other larger particles prior to the water entering the RO membrane. The life expectancy of a typical filter is approximately 6 months to a year depending upon the quality of the water and the rate of usage.

For instance, in a country such as Singapore where the tap water is treated and safe to drink, the pre-filters in an RO Water Purifier will need replacement perhaps closer to the 1-year mark. But if your family consumes lots of water and in a region where the chlorine levels in the water tend to be higher, changes will be needed more frequently.

Key Tip: To get the best out of your pre-filter, make it a point to test the chlorine levels in the water from time to time. If the quality of water changes, then you might need to replace the filter earlier than the recommended period.

The RO Membrane is the central part of the entire system and an important factor in purifying the water. The RO Membrane has a life spanning approximately 2 years, but this depends in part upon the quality of the water and the contaminants involved in the water.

For Singapore, where the tap water quality is relatively clean, the life of the RO membrane will perhaps be around the 2 years mark. But if the system is working with a high level of total dissolved solids and hard water, the RO membrane might need to be changed earlier than the aforementioned period.

Key Tip: If you find that the efficiency of your system is decreasing, the flow rate of water is slowing, and the quality of the water has diminished, a replacement RO membrane will be worth considering.

The purpose of the post-filter is to remove any contaminants left behind and enhance the taste of the water. The post-filter has a lifespan of 1 year. The filter eliminates any odor, chlorine, and unpleasant taste that is left behind in the water even when it has passed through the RO membrane.

Since the post-filter influences the taste and odor of the water the most, the replacement of the post-filter might be required more frequently if any taste/odor issues are noticed in the water.

Key Tip: If the taste and odor of the water begin to change, it means that it is time to replace the post-filter.

If you are in search of a trustworthy and long-lasting solution to provide you and your family in Singapore with clean and pure water, then the Waterdrop Reverse Osmosis System X12 is a great option to consider. The Waterdrop RO system is designed to be long-lasting and effective in providing the purest water possible to you and your family.

Removes up to 99% of contaminants, such as chlorine, lead, and fluoride.

The filters in the Waterdrop RO system are long-lasting and will last for a maximum of a year in the case of the pre-filter and post-filter, and a maximum of 2 years in the RO filter.

The design of Waterdrop eliminates wastewater and thus save your water bill in the long run. Also, there is no need for expensive bottled water at home.

Designed to be space-saving to fit conveniently in the space underneath your sink, dispensing clean water upon demand.