How To Clean Reverse Osmosis Tank

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Cleaning your reverse osmosis (RO) tank is essential to maintain the system’s efficiency and to ensure that your drinking water remains pure and free from bacteria, mold, or any other contaminants that could accumulate over time. RO systems can operate for years without needing much attention, but the storage tank itself can benefit from a good cleaning every 12 months or when you notice reduced water quality.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your reverse osmosis tank effectively.

What You’ll Need:

  • Food-grade sanitizer (e.g., hydrogen peroxide or bleach)
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Tubing or RO system disconnect tool
  • Bucket or container for water
  • Gloves
  • Funnel (for pouring sanitizer)
  • Clean sponge or cloth
  • Distilled water (optional for rinsing)

Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply

  1. Turn off the water supply to the reverse osmosis system. There should be a valve on the cold water line or directly on the incoming line to your RO unit.
  2. Turn off the tank valve: Close the ball valve on the top of the RO storage tank to stop water from entering or exiting the tank.
  3. Depressurize the system: Open your RO faucet to drain any remaining water and relieve pressure in the system. Leave the faucet open throughout the cleaning process to avoid pressure buildup.

Step 2: Disconnect the RO Tank

  1. Disconnect the tubing: Using a wrench or RO disconnect tool, disconnect the tubing connected to the RO tank. This may be attached via a quick-connect fitting.
  2. Remove the tank: Once disconnected, you can lift and move the tank to a suitable area for cleaning.

Step 3: Drain the RO Tank

  1. Drain the water: Open the ball valve on the tank and let all the water drain out into a bucket or sink. This may take some time if the tank is full.
  2. Check for pressure: If water doesn’t drain completely, you may need to relieve some internal pressure by pressing the air valve (usually located on the top or bottom of the tank). Be cautious—releasing too much air will affect the tank’s future performance.

Step 4: Clean and Sanitize the Tank

Option 1: Using Bleach

  1. Mix bleach solution: Prepare a cleaning solution using unscented bleach. A common ratio is 1 tablespoon of bleach per 1 gallon of water.
  2. Pour the bleach solution: Using a funnel, carefully pour the bleach solution into the tank through the ball valve opening. Fill it about one-third full with the solution.
  3. Shake the tank: Close the ball valve, then gently shake the tank to coat the inside with the bleach solution. Let it sit for 15 minutes to disinfect the interior.

Option 2: Using Hydrogen Peroxide

  1. Hydrogen peroxide: If you prefer using hydrogen peroxide as a food-safe cleaner, pour about 1/4 cup into the tank using a funnel. Fill the tank partially with water and shake it well.
  2. Let it sit: Let the hydrogen peroxide solution sit in the tank for 15-20 minutes to sanitize it.

Step 5: Rinse the Tank Thoroughly

  1. Drain the sanitizer: After the soaking period, drain the bleach or hydrogen peroxide solution out of the tank completely.
  2. Rinse multiple times: Refill the tank with clean water (you can use distilled water if preferred) and drain it again. Repeat this process at least 2-3 times to ensure all traces of bleach or peroxide are removed. You should no longer smell the cleaning agent in the water once rinsed thoroughly.

Step 6: Repressurize the Tank

  1. Check the air pressure: Use a pressure gauge to check the tank’s air pressure. It should be around 7-8 psi when the tank is empty. If it’s lower, use a bicycle pump or air compressor to add more air to the tank.
  2. Do not over-pressurize: Adding too much air can damage the system. Stick to the recommended pressure range.

Step 7: Reconnect the RO Tank

  1. Reconnect the tubing: Attach the tubing back to the tank’s ball valve. Make sure the connections are secure to prevent leaks.
  2. Turn on the water supply: Open the incoming water valve to the RO system and the valve on the RO tank itself.

Step 8: Flush the RO System

  1. Flush the system: Allow the RO system to fill the tank. Once full, open the RO faucet and drain the tank completely. This ensures any remaining cleaning solution is flushed out of the system.
  2. Refill the tank: Close the faucet and let the tank refill. This final fill is now ready for use.

Step 9: Routine Maintenance Tips

  • Regular cleaning: Clean the RO tank annually or when there’s a noticeable drop in water quality or pressure.
  • Replace filters on schedule: Follow your system’s recommended filter replacement schedule, usually every 6-12 months.
  • Check pressure regularly: Keep an eye on the tank pressure to ensure it’s within the recommended range of 7-8 psi when empty.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your reverse osmosis tank is a crucial part of maintaining the overall health and efficiency of your water filtration system. Following these steps ensures that your drinking water remains clean, safe, and free from any bacteria or unpleasant odors. While the process takes some time, doing it annually will prolong the lifespan of your RO system and provide consistently pure water.

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