Why Does My RO Water Taste Bad?
Identifying and Eliminating Unpleasant Tastes and Odors from Your Filtered Water
The primary purpose of an RO system is to provide clean, great-tasting water. If your water has a strange taste, a metallic flavor, or a bad smell, it's a sign that one of the filters is failing or needs to be replaced. Don't panic; this is usually a simple fix.
The most common reason for bad-tasting or smelling water is a spent post-carbon filter. The post-carbon filter is the final stage of an RO system. It "polishes" the water, removing any lingering tastes and odors before the water reaches your faucet. Over time, the carbon media loses its effectiveness. If your water suddenly develops a bad taste, it’s highly likely this filter needs to be replaced. It is recommended to replace the post-carbon filter every 12 months.
Another possible cause is a clogged or exhausted RO membrane. While the membrane primarily removes contaminants, it can also become fouled with bacteria, which can cause a sulfurous or "rotten egg" smell. If you have an older system or have not changed your membrane in a while, it may be time for a replacement.
Lastly, if your system has been inactive for a while, such as during a vacation, the water sitting in the storage tank can develop a stale or metallic taste. This is often harmless but unpleasant. To resolve this, simply drain the storage tank completely and allow it to refill. Do this two or three times to ensure all the old water is flushed out.
The most common reason for bad-tasting or smelling water is a spent post-carbon filter. The post-carbon filter is the final stage of an RO system. It "polishes" the water, removing any lingering tastes and odors before the water reaches your faucet. Over time, the carbon media loses its effectiveness. If your water suddenly develops a bad taste, it’s highly likely this filter needs to be replaced. It is recommended to replace the post-carbon filter every 12 months.
Another possible cause is a clogged or exhausted RO membrane. While the membrane primarily removes contaminants, it can also become fouled with bacteria, which can cause a sulfurous or "rotten egg" smell. If you have an older system or have not changed your membrane in a while, it may be time for a replacement.
Lastly, if your system has been inactive for a while, such as during a vacation, the water sitting in the storage tank can develop a stale or metallic taste. This is often harmless but unpleasant. To resolve this, simply drain the storage tank completely and allow it to refill. Do this two or three times to ensure all the old water is flushed out.