Why Is My Reverse Osmosis Tank Not Filling Up?
“Why is my reverse osmosis tank not filling up?” Is it your major concern right after getting an RO filter system? Yes, we got you covered. Every now and then we get calls from our clients that their reverse osmosis tank isn’t filling up. We also get complaints that the RO tank is taking 6 hours to fill up. That brings us to the issue if it’s normal or not. It’s not normal and overlooking this inconvenience can lead to expensive replacements.
Fortunately, identifying and resolving the problem early on can restore your water supply and keep your system running efficiently. However, there can be various reasons for the reverse osmosis tank not filling up. We have given ways to pinpoint the root cause along with guides on how to troubleshoot and fix it effectively.
Why Is My Reverse Osmosis Tank Not Filling Up And How Long Should It Take?
All models of Reverse Osmosis systems use storage tanks to ensure water availability at all times. Without one, it could take 5–10 minutes just to fill a single glass.
At Watermart, we tell our clients the estimated time it will take to fill the tanks after installation. Our standard RO storage tanks are in between sizes of 2.8 gallons and 10.6 liters. It takes 2 to 4 hours for it to get filled.
The reason we give this range is because this time frame can vary depending on your system’s capacity and water pressure. Also, if the reverse osmosis (RO) water tank isn’t filling as it should, our clients know that it’s not normal. We have given this troubleshooting guide to people who are facing similar problems with slow-filling RO tanks.
Reasons And What Should Be Done If The RO Tank Does Not Fill Up
Several factors can contribute to an RO tank not filling properly. We have added all possible causes of the RO tank not filling up. We’ve also discussed the ways to solve the problem. But if you can’t identify it, just call our professional technician.
1. Low Household Or Incoming Water Pressure
One of the most common reasons an RO tank fails to fill up is insufficient household water pressure. For the system to function effectively, the water pressure should ideally range between 40 and 80 psi. We make sure it stays at optimal 60 psi at all times. If the pressure drops below 80 psi, water cannot push through the RO membranes properly. This halts the filtration process and prevents the tank from filling.
Solution: Consider installing a booster pump to increase water flow into the system. For temporary municipal water issues, contacting your water provider may help.
2. Low RO Tank Air Pressure
Another reason can be the air pressure. A low (typically between 5-7 psi) air pressure inside your reverse osmosis (RO) tank can not properly push water into the tank. You may notice this issue if the faucet flows slower or the tank never seems to fill.
Solution: To solve this, measure the air pressure using a tire gauge on the air valve ( located under a blue cap). If the pressure is too low, add air with a pump until it reaches the ideal level of 5-7 psi. Be cautious and call professionals to avoid over-pressurizing the tank.
3. Broken Or Ruptured RO Tank Bladder
Having minimal water flow with the trickling flow means that something is wrong with Tanl’s bladder. In most cases we have fixed, RO tank bladder gets broken or raptured due to air bladder leakage. This ends up compromising the tank’s pressure. Unfortunately, this problem can’t be fixed by patching. It requires replacing the tank altogether.
4. Clogged RO Membrane Or Flow Restrictor
When was the last time you got a reverse osmosis tank maintenance service? If it’s been a while just know that over time, the membrane becomes obstructed with contaminants. Not replacing the membrane every 24 months slows down the water flow.
Solution: Regularly check and replace the RO membrane and flow restrictor as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. If unsure about when it needs replacing, consider getting it tested by a professional.
5. Clogged Filters (Pre-Filters, Carbon Filters, Or System Filters)
A common cause for slow or no water flow into the RO tank is clogged filters. We see clogged parts of RO filters often, especially the carbon or sediment filters. These filters are the main parts for capturing impurities, but over time, they can become blocked. If you’ve recently replaced the membrane, but still notice issues with water flow, the filters may be the problem.
Solution: Check and replace your filters regularly. The carbon filter should be changed every 6-12 months.
6. Improper Water Feed Connection
If you see water dripping around the connection point on the RO system along with slow water filling, the cause can be an improper water feed connection. Maybe during installation, the flow of the system got blocked due to a kink in the hose or an improper setup of the water feed system.
Solution: Inspect the water feed line for any kinks or twists. Ensure all connections are secure and the valve supplying water is fully open. Cross-check with installation guides to confirm the correct positioning of the water feed lines.
7. Improper Water Drain Connection
Another installation fault can be in water drain tubes and connectors. To identify this, you need to inspect the drain saddle installation. If it’s too late and you find that it wasn’t set up properly, then the automatic shut-off (ASO) valve is also affected.
Solution: Double-check the installation of the drain saddle. Then, check the functioning of the ASO valve by turning off the tank valve to observe if the ASO stops the flow. After shutting off the tank valve, if water flows to the drain, it means there is a leaking “check valve”. In case of a faulty check valve, you need to replace it. Also, check the tank valve to ensure it’s open. If it’s faulty, replace it to ensure proper water flow into the tank.
8. Low Gallons-Per-Day (Gpd) Rate Of RO System
At WaterMart, we always provide a guide to our clients on their RO system models’ respective limits of GPD rate. That’s because the GPD indicates how much water the system can purify in 24 hours. A 100 GPD system will fill the tank much faster than a 50 GPD system. Models with low GPD fail to fill the tank properly in households with high demands.
Solution: Check the system’s GPD rating and compare it to your daily water needs. If the capacity is too low, you may want to consider upgrading to a higher GPD system that matches your usage.
9. Kink In The Water Line
A kink in the water line is like a hidden-in-plain-sight reason that many people overlook. This can happen if the tubing is bent too sharply or twisted. All you have to do is inspect the water line for any visible kinks and straighten them out. In case of damaged tubing sections, you need to replace them to restore proper flow.
10. System Leaks (Tubing Or Fittings)
Along with water lines, it’s important to check all tubings and fittings for leaks. The leaks at connections or tubing can cause water to escape. This reduces the pressure needed for the tank to fill. You can fix this by tightening loose connections and replacing faulty components like O-rings to stop the leaks.
11. Clogged Faucet Aerator
Over time, high sediment or mineral content in the water can build up on the aerator’s screen. This leads to the faucet aerator being clogged which causes a reduced water flow from the RO tap. This can be easily fixed. Remove the aerator and soak it in vinegar to dissolve any mineral buildup. If cleaning doesn’t work, replace it with a new one.
12. Water Temperature Too Low
In RO systems, the water temperature should be between 40-100°F (4-37°C). That’s because water that’s too cold can slow down the RO process. This could be the reason why it’s taking too long to fill. Try using a warmer water source or adjust the system’s placement.
What To Do If The Reverse Osmosis Tank Is Not Filling After A Filter Change?
Some people will solve the issue of the RO tank not filling simply by draining the tank empty or changing the filters. But if that’s not the case for you, then here’s a simple troubleshooting tip you can follow:
- First, make sure that the filters are installed properly. Ensure each filter is seated correctly and tightly in place. (We recommend calling a professional for filter change)
- Make sure that the water pressure is 40 psi when filled and around 8-7 psi when it’s empty.
- Remember that if the issue is the raptured tank bladder, any type of leak, clogged RO membrane, or faulty check valve, changing the filter will not fix the issue.
All of these can be fixed by following the above-given solutions. If none of them work, further inspection is needed from a water systems servicing company.
Disadvantages of a Reverse Osmosis Tank Not Filling
Ignoring something like the RO tank being filled slowly is not recommended. A reverse osmosis (RO) tank that refuses to fill is more than just an inconvenience. Here are some disadvantages that can arise if it’s not fixed:
- The most obvious con is that you’ll have limited access to filtered water.
- A slow-filling RO tank will slow down even more during peak usage hours. So, you will be having long waiting hours to get clean water.
- Although you’ll be getting less water, the reverse osmosis system will take the same energy and resources. This means a loss of system efficiency and energy.
- If the causes of no water in RO tanks are clogged filters, that means you’re not getting optimal water purity and taste.
- Insufficient pressure in the tank can result in weak flow of water. This prevents water from being pushed efficiently to the faucet.
- Professional repairs will cost you more whereas replacements save money in the long run.
- An empty tank typically indicates frequent demands of constant checks, filter replacements, or pressure adjustments. They cost you more money and us more resources.
- Prolonged stress on components like the pump or membrane due to an empty tank can shorten the overall lifespan of your RO system.
When Should I Call A Professional?
It’s tempting to follow the above troubleshooting steps but sometimes it’s essential to call professionals instead of DIY-ing it. For instance, if you notice zero water flow and a decline in water quality, it’s best to contact a trained technician.
At Watermart, we offer expert RO system servicing, from installations to maintenance and repairs. Our team of professionals replaces membranes and handles complex repairs. Call us to avoid further damage.
We also provide regular professional servicing (once or twice a year) at affordable pricing. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for any concerns regarding reverse osmosis systems.
Conclusion
Overall, if your Reverse Osmosis (RO) tank isn’t filling up, there can be several reasons behind this. Many of which can be resolved with simple fixes. We hope you have identified the problem and solved it. If you’re still facing issues, contact us at Watermart. We can help diagnose more complex problems like a malfunctioning pump or pressure relief valve.
FAQs
The reverse osmosis tank system fails to pressurize when it has clogged filters or a damaged membrane. Other issues like kinks or blockages in the water supply line, or a faulty tank diaphragm also cause low pressure.
To repressurize, drain all water from the tank. Then, use a bicycle pump to adjust the pressure to 7-9 psi. This only works if the tank’s internal bladder is not ruptured.
You can troubleshoot the reverse osmosis system for letting the air out. First, open the RO faucet and let water flow until the air is flushed out. Then, tilt the system slightly to release trapped air. If the issue persists, it’s best to contact a professional.
You have to drain all the water from the tank to check the pressure. To do this, find the valve near the bottom of the tank (It’s usually under a blue cap). Next, use a pressure gauge to measure the pressure, it should show 7-8 psi for an empty tank.
