How to Clean a Reverse Osmosis Tank

water droplets on  blue background
  • 1 hours
  • Beginner
  • 1-20
What You'll Need
Pliers
Funnel
Sponge
Old rags
Bottle brush
White vinegar
Crescent wrench
Dishwasher soap
What You'll Need
Pliers
Funnel
Sponge
Old rags
Bottle brush
White vinegar
Crescent wrench
Dishwasher soap

A reverse osmosis tank is the water-holding chamber in a reverse osmosis water treatment system. Water filtration systems using reverse osmosis (RO) technology are adept at removing excess amounts of minerals commonly found in residential water supplies. Reverse osmosis systems work by pressurizing the water through semi-permeable membranes.

RO systems offer an appreciable level of filtration performance for a long time with basic expenditures in the form of maintenance. Reverse osmosis filtration systems need a basic cleaning and some of the filters are periodically changed. These maintenance tasks are included in the annual service package of the filtration system provider. Homeowners can also hire water filtration service providers who specialize in servicing RO systems. However, the reverse osmosis tank needs occasional cleaning and this can be easily done without any professional help.

Step 1—Getting Started: Disengaging Reverse Osmosis Tank

Turn-off the valve connected to the main water supply line of the reverse osmosis filtration system. These valves are generally referred to as shut-off valves and are often located under the sink. You don’t need tools to manipulate this valve. The tank contains the filtered or treated water that is supplied into it via a waterline extending from the filtration chamber of the RO water system. Locate the point at which the incoming waterline is connected to the RO water tank. Place an old rag under the tank and over the surrounding spaces since water is likely to be spilled. The incoming waterline is usually secured with a small plastic nut. You can use a plier or wrench to loosen this nut. Release the waterline. RO water tanks are secured by positioning them over strong hooks, nailed into the wall. Thus, you can clean them thoroughly without worrying for dislocating the tank. However, don’t try to un-hook the water tank.

Step 2—Cleaning Reverse Osmosis Tank

Prepare a cleaning solution. For a non-toxic, organic form of cleaning, you can use white vinegar. Mix a few caps of white vinegar with three gallons of water, in a bucket. Mix the ingredients and position a funnel in the opening of the tank (where the waterline was positioned). Pour the cleaning solution into the funnel. Allow the solution to work along the inside surfaces of the tank. In the meantime, prepare yourself with a sponge for cleaning the outside surfaces of the tank. Prepare a cleaning solution with dish soap and water. Dip the sponge in this solution and clean the tank exterior. Now, use a bottle brush for cleaning the insides of the tank. Lightly scrub the insides of the tank with the brush.

Step 3—Wrapping-up Reverse Osmosis Tank Cleaning

Use a dry cloth for wiping the surface of the RO tank. Re-connect the waterline and tighten the plastic nut using plier/crescent wrench. Open the main valve of the water connection. Don’t use the RO-treated water for immediate consumption. It is likely that some traces of the cleaning solutions might be retained in the tank. Use the first gallon of water for household cleaning, after which water from the RO tank is safe for consumption.