Water Purifier Tips: Achieve Purer Water and Longer Machine Life

Water Purifier Tips: Achieve Purer Water and Longer Machine Life

Water purifiers have become essential appliances in modern households, yet many users only know how to operate them without understanding proper maintenance and usage. Mastering these techniques will keep your purifier performing at its best, delivering purer water and extending its lifespan.

I. Choosing the Installation Location

Avoid Heat Sources and Sunlight: Install the purifier in a cool, dry place at least 1 meter away from heat sources like water heaters and stoves. Keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent accelerated filter aging.

Proximity to Water Supply and Drainage: Position the unit near the tap and drain pipes to minimize pipe length, avoid water pressure issues, and reduce installation costs.

Easy Filter Replacement: Reserve sufficient operating space (typically 30×40 cm) for future filter changes and maintenance.

II. Correct Initial Usage Steps

Thorough Flushing is Essential: After installing a new unit, run water for 15-30 minutes until the output is clear and odor-free. This flushes protective fluids and activated carbon powder from the filters.

Inspect All Connections: After opening the inlet valve, carefully check for leaks at all connections, including the inlet, purified water outlet, and waste water outlet. Tighten or replace seals immediately if leaks are detected.

Test Water Quality: Use a TDS tester to measure the output water quality. Typically, household RO systems should have a TDS value below 50, while ultrafiltration systems should be below 100 (specific values depend on source water quality).

III. Daily Usage Tips

Flush regularly to prevent stagnant water: After prolonged inactivity (over 6 hours), flush for 30 seconds to 1 minute before use to remove stagnant water from the reservoir or pipes. Perform this routine upon waking and returning home.
Avoid Dry Running to Protect the Machine: When water pressure is too low or water supply is interrupted, do not force the machine to start. This prevents pump damage from running dry. Some smart models feature low-water protection and will automatically shut down.

Proper Use of the Storage Tank: For RO systems with a storage tank, avoid keeping it full for extended periods. It is recommended to use the water within 2-3 days. Water left in the tank for too long may affect freshness.

Follow proper water usage sequence: Flush out a small amount of water before filling for consumption, especially when preparing tea, formula, or other direct drinking applications.

IV. Filter Replacement Guidelines

Remember replacement cycles:

• PP cotton filter: 3-6 months
• Activated carbon filter: 6-12 months
• RO membrane: 1-2 years
• Post-activated carbon filter: 6-12 months
• Ultrafiltration membrane: 1-2 years

Adjust based on water quality: Shorten replacement cycles for poor local water quality (high TDS, high sediment content). Households with exceptionally high water usage should also replace filters earlier.
Monitor output for signs: Inspect filters immediately if flow decreases, water quality deteriorates, odors appear, or unusual sounds occur during operation—even before scheduled replacement.

Flush After Replacement: Thoroughly flush each new filter for 5-10 minutes to remove residual impurities.

V. Key Maintenance Practices

Regular Machine Cleaning:

• Exterior: Wipe with a damp cloth; avoid direct water contact with electronic components
• Faucet: Weekly soak the outlet in white vinegar for 5 minutes to remove scale buildup
• Water Tank: Clean every 3 months by soaking in diluted disinfectant solution followed by thorough rinsing.

Flush RO Membrane: If the machine has an automatic flush function, ensure it is activated. If not, manually flush at least twice monthly for 10 minutes each time.

Winter Freeze Protection: When outdoor temperatures drop below 0°C (32°F), implement freeze protection measures. Drain all water from the machine or move it indoors to prevent pipe bursts.

Power/Water Shutdown Protection: For extended absences (over one week), close the inlet valve and unplug the unit to prevent leaks during unattended periods.

VI. Troubleshooting
Reduced Water Flow:

• Check if the PP cotton filter is clogged
• Verify water pressure is normal (0.1-0.4MPa)
• Determine if the RO membrane requires replacement
• Check for kinks in the tubing

Unpleasant Odor in Water:

• Activated carbon filter has failed and needs replacement
• Storage tank has not been cleaned for an extended period, leading to bacterial growth
• Source water has an inherent odor; consider installing a pre-activated carbon filter

Unit Does Not Shut Off:

• High-pressure switch malfunction

• Insufficient pressure in the storage tank (normal pressure: 0.05-0.08MPa)

• Slow water production due to clogged RO membrane

Excessive wastewater:

• Normal ratio is 1:3-1:5 (purified water:wastewater)

• Imbalance may result from abnormal inlet pressure or aged RO membrane

VII. Water Quality Optimization Tips

Install a Pre-Filter: Adding a pre-filter (50-100 microns) before the water purifier effectively protects the filter cartridges and extends their lifespan, especially in areas with poor water quality.

Regular Disinfection: Disinfect the entire unit every 3-6 months using a specialized disinfectant, focusing on the storage tank and piping to prevent bacterial growth.

Monitor water temperature: Optimal operating range is 5-40°C (41-104°F). Excessively low temperatures reduce purification efficiency, while high temperatures may damage filter cartridges.

VIII. Special Situation Handling

After water outage: First open the tap and let water run for 5 minutes to flush impurities from pipes before activating the purifier.Sudden water quality deterioration: May indicate municipal supply issues. Temporarily suspend use until water quality stabilizes.

Relocating the Unit:

• Stop water production 24 hours in advance

• Drain water from the storage tank and pipes

• Handle with care to prevent filter cartridge damage

• Follow initial setup steps after reinstallation

IX. Selection and Usage Recommendations

Choose by Application:

• Kitchen water: RO reverse osmosis system (highest filtration precision)

• Whole-house water: Central water purifier + water softener combo

• Basic filtration: Ultrafiltration system (retains minerals)

Consider wastewater ratio: Opt for models with low wastewater ratios (e.g., 1:1 or 2:1) for greater water efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Choose reputable brands: Purchase from established brands with reliable after-sales service to ensure long-term availability of replacement filters and accessories.

Retain manuals: Safeguard product manuals and warranty cards, which contain detailed operation and maintenance guidelines.

Remember these tips and cultivate good usage habits to ensure your water purifier consistently delivers clean, healthy drinking water. Maintaining your water purifier is akin to car maintenance—regular upkeep ensures long-term stable operation and safeguards your family's drinking water health.