Clean drinking water is a convenience no more-it is a necessity for a healthy life. Due to increasing pollution, higher levels of industrial waste, and ageing pipelines that supply water, the quality of water reaching our homes is often unsafe to drink directly. That is why millions of households across India depend on RO water purifiers to ensure their families get safe, pure, and healthy drinking water. However, merely installing an RO system is not enough as regular servicing is quintessential to maintain its efficiency and ensure the water you drink remains safe.
Which brings us to an important question: How often should you service your RO water purifier in India?
Why regular RO service is so crucial in India?
Indian water conditions are poles apart from most countries. In most cities and towns, water originates either from borewells, tankers, or municipal supply. Often, it contains:
- High TDS Total Dissolved Solids
- Excess Salts and Hardness
- Heavy metals including lead and arsenic
- bacteria and viruses
- Sand, rust and mud particles
These impurities constantly stress RO filters, membranes, and inner parts. If you do not get your RO system serviced on time, it results in clogged filters and a weakened membrane. This gradually deteriorates the quality of the water. Most people use their RO endlessly, unaware that it has stopped purifying water effectively.
Recommended RO Service Frequency
In Indian conditions, RO water purifiers should be serviced every 3 to 6 months, depending on the quality and use of water. Households that consume RO water daily-for drinking, cooking, and making tea or coffee-need servicing every 3–4 months. Even more frequent servicing may be required for locations with extremely hard or high TDS water.
At a minimum, you should have a thorough checkup every 6 months to ensure that all parts are functioning properly.
How often do RO filters get changed?
Your RO system has several filters, and each one is vital to the water-purifying process. Here is a general guideline for households in India:
1. Sediment Filter
This filter removes dust, sand, rust, and mud from the water. It gets dirty quickly in India.
Replacement: Every 3–6 months
2. Carbon Filter
It filters out chlorine, bad taste, and harmful chemicals.
Replacement: Every 6–9 months
3. RO membrane
It is the heart of the purifier. It removes dissolved salts, heavy metals, and bacteria.
Replacement: Every 12–24 months depending on TDS and maintenance
4. Post Carbon / Mineral Filter
This improves taste and adds essential minerals back into the water.
Replacement: Every 9–12 months
Regular replacement ensures your RO is giving you pure and healthy water at all times.
Signs that your RO Needs Servicing
Many people wait until their RO stops working altogether. That is a big mistake. Here are some warning signs that indicate that your RO needs immediate service:
- Water tastes bitter or smells bad
- Slow water flow or low pressure
- RO tank does not fill properly
- More waste water than normal
- cloudy or dirty-looking water
- Unusual noise from the motor or pump
- High TDS reading in purified water
If you notice any of these problems, DO NOT IGNORE THEM. Delaying service can damage the membrane and increase repair costs.
What if you do not service your RO on time?
Skipping regular service can cause a number of problems:
Poor Water Quality: Bacteria and chemicals can get through with dirty filters.
High TDS Water: A damaged membrane cannot remove dissolved impurities well.
Increased Electricity Use: The pump works harder when filters are clogged.
Higher Repair Cost: Minor issues become major breakdowns.
Shorter RO Life: Your RO system will wear out sooner.
In other words, this can turn your RO purifier into a simple water dispenser if servicing is neglected.
AMC versus On-Demand Service
In India, most RO service providers offer AMC or Annual Maintenance Contract. This is a very cost-effective option for families who desire peace of mind.
With AMC you get:
- Regular scheduled services
- Free or discount filter replacement
- Priority breakdown support
- Better RO performance throughout the year
If you do not have AMC, ensure that you continue booking professional service at least twice a year.
Does Water Quality Affect Service Frequency?
Yes, absolutely. If your water source is borewell or tanker water, it generally contains more impurities. Such water puts extra load on RO filters, meaning you may need servicing every 3 months.
Municipal water may be cleaner but also contains chlorine, bacteria, and rust, and so again requires periodic maintenance.
Using a TDS meter at home is a good idea. If the TDS of your purified water rises above 100–150 ppm, it is time to service them.
Final Thoughts
Your RO water purifier protects your family from injurious contaminants present in Indian water.But it will be able to do its job correctly only if it is well serviced. Regular servicing every 3-6 months with timely filter and membrane replacements will ensure that your RO continues to give you clean, safe, and tasty drinking water.