The need for home water filtration system has tremendously increased in the last few decades, owing to limited availability of clean and fresh water sources. Additionally, the development of advanced treatment technologies in the water filtration system has given impetus to the emerging water purification system.
In a country like UAE, a number of factors have contributed to the rising demand of water purification systems such as climatic conditions, increasing population, scarcity of fresh water sources, energy intensive and high costs associated with desalination, and high costs and environmental impacts of bottled water. The use of point-of-entry (POE) or point-of-use (POU) water purifiers has emerged as a good solution for people to have access to clean drinking water in their homes at minimal cost. However, these POU and POE systems must be regularly maintained for efficient operation.
Maintenance can include changing filters, disinfecting the unit, backwashing, or cleaning out mineral build-up (scale). Water treatment units that are not properly maintained will lose their effectiveness over time. In some cases, unmaintained units can make water quality worse and make the consumers sick. This article briefly discusses the various maintenance methods for specific type of home water filtration systems.
How to Maintain Your Home Filter
Irrespective of the type of filtration system installed, the maintenance procedures include the following three fundamental parameters:
- Monitoring flow –total flow treated for all POE and POU systems should be tracked and monitored. The media run lengths (or in case of POU RO, its membrane life) of POU or POE devices may be rated as total flow treated, and flow values may be the factor used to replace a media cartridge or membrane.
- Replacing parts –Depending upon the type of filtration system cartridges or media should be replaced periodically, usually after six months of use. However, usage and influent water quality should be taken into consideration while deciding the replacement frequency.
- Visual inspection of mechanical condition – the contractor should inspect all aspects of POU and POE systems and replace any parts as necessary in addition to routine replacement. Signs of leaking equipment should be remedied and on the maintenance log.
The table below summarizes maintenance procedures specific to some of the most used treatment technologies in home water filtration systems:
| Treatment Technology | Operation and Maintenance |
| Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) | POU: Replacement of spent cartridges and particulate pre-filters (if used).
POE: Periodic backwashing. Replacement of spent media and particulate prefilters (if used). Maintenance and cleaning of storage tank (if used). If UV is used for post-treatment disinfection, replacement of bulb and cleaning bulb housing. If ozonation is used for post-treatment disinfection, maintenance of ozonation element. |
| Ion Exchange (IX ) | POU: Replacement of spent resin cartridges and particulate pre-filters (if used).
POE: Regular regeneration and periodic backwashing. Replacement of salt used for resin regeneration. Replacement of lost or spent resin and replacement of particulate pre-filters. Maintenance and cleaning of storage tank (if used). |
| Reverse Osmosis (RO) | POU and POE: Replacement of exhausted membranes, particulate pre-filters, and pre- and
post- treatment GAC filters. Maintenance and cleaning of storage tank. Maintenance of (re) pressurization pumps (if used). |
| Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection | POU and POE: Replacement of UV bulbs. Cleaning bulb housing. |
Filters that are not well maintained can do more harm than good, so it is crucial to follow all manufacturers’ instructions for proper maintenance. Change filters regularly to keep drinking water healthy. Water softeners need to be regenerated (flushed) on a regular schedule. The consultants at 
can help their customers with required maintenance of the products they recommended and installed. The technicians can also help with troubleshooting of existing water filtration systems to provide effective treatment for provision of clean drinking water. SaniWater is dedicated to offer best solutions to meet the drinking water requirements of their customers.
