Are you experiencing low water pressure with your RO faucet? That may mean you have a clog or block somewhere in the system. Let's go through some troubleshooting steps below to figure out where the problem is coming from.
Before You Start
- Confirm your incoming water pressure is at least 40 psi. Anything below 40 will hinder the performance of the system.
- Confirm your Pre/Post filters have been changed in the last 6 months, and middle membrane in the last 2-3 years.
- Check the storage tank for water.
Is your tank empty or full? Click below.
Tank is Light/Empty of Water
1. Since there's no water in the tank, we need to make sure water is traveling through the filters. Keep the water supply turned on. Remove the Prefilter from your unit (left or top filter, depending on model - review your owner's manual if you need help identifying it).
2. Look into the housing where you removed the Prefilter from (pictured below left). With your face out of the way, push the Prefilter poppet stem here and watch for a spray of water. It might help to use a flat head screw driver or other tool to push on the poppets.
Did you get a spray of water?
- YES - If there is a spray, reattach the Prefilter. Remove the Membrane (middle cartridge) and continue to step 3.
- NO - If there is not a spray, the water supply is either turned off or there may be a clog in your green supply line. Check these two things and reattach the Prefilter once you get a successful spray.
3. Next, we're going to check water flow through the prefilter. You'll need to push the poppet stem at the Membrane connection and watch for a spray of water (pictured above):
Did you get a spray of water?
- YES - If there is a spray, reattach the RO Membrane and continue to step 4.
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NO - If there is no spray, remove the Prefilter and set aside. Remove the Post filter and screw it into the Prefilter position. Now push that same center Membrane poppet stem again and watch for a spray.
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Did you get a spray of water?
- YES - If there is a spray, the Prefilter that you set aside is clogged and needs replacing. Visit our Filter Replacement article for information.
- NO - If there is still no spray, the Diaphragm on your system needs replacing. Replacement parts can be purchased here. If you're wondering if you're still under warranty, check out What Is My Warranty.
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Did you get a spray of water?
4. Next, we'll test water flow through the RO Membrane. Open the RO faucet and allow any water in the tank to completely empty.
5. You'll unscrew the yellow hose from the top of the storage tank, and place the end of the hose in a bowl. You may want to hold a towel around the hose as you unscrew, in case there is any residual water pressure.
6. Wait a few minutes and watch for a consistent drip or stream to flow through the yellow hose into the bowl.
Are you getting water?
- YES - If there is consistent water production, reattach the hose and follow the instructions in our Repressurizing Storage Tank article.
- NO - If there is not consistent water production, confirm that you've changed the Membrane in the last 2 years, then visit our Flow Control article.
Tank is Heavy/Full of Water
1. If the tank is full of water, you've got something restricting that water from moving successfully through the Postfilter and up to your faucet. Let's start by checking that Postfilter for clogs.
2. You'll need to remove the Prefilter and Membrane cartridges and set them to the side.
3. Remove the Postfilter and screw it into the Prefilter connection (closest to the water supply).
4. Find the Membrane Poppet Stem in the center connection port (pictured below). With your face out of the way, push that poppet stem and watch for a spray. It might help to use a flat head screw driver or other tool to push on the poppets.
Did you get a spray of water?
- YES - If there is a spray, your Postfilter isn't clogged. Continue to step 5.
- NO - If there is not a spray, your Postfilter needs to be replaced. Visit our Filter Replacement article.
5. Disconnect the Postfilter and return it to it's appropriate connection (closest to blue hose).
6. Now, reconnect the Membrane and Prefilter. You'll want to check your blue hose for kinks or hard bends that would restrict water. If you see any, you'll want to fix them.
7. Since the water has a clear route to the faucet, we can narrow the issue down to tank pressure. The air pressure in your tank is too low to push the water up and out to the faucet. Please visit our Repressurizing the Tank article to troubleshoot.
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