Solving Water Purifier Issues: A DIY Troubleshooting Guide

One of the first things a homeowner has to invest in after moving into a new house is a water purifier. If it is from a trusted source like A.O. Smith, then all the better. A well-maintained purifier will not only provide you with impurity-free water but also dramatically improve the smell, taste and quality of your drinking water.

Over the years of delivering healthy water, like any other household appliance, even purifiers can encounter issues from time to time which can disrupt their performance. That said, having a keen grasp of the common water purifier issues and their straightforward solutions can save you a buck, unnecessary stress and your precious time in the long run. If you too are looking into a DIY troubleshooting guide, then this is the blog for you.

Main Components of a Water Purifier

However, before we do get into the nitty-gritties of potential causes, let's understand a few important components that you may encounter in a water purifier.

• Sediment filters: These are common filters that are used to remove large particles of impurities and dust, like sand, dirt, as well as rust.
• Carbon filters: Advanced filters trap chlorine, contaminants, and other organic compounds that may affect the taste and odour of the water.
• Reverse osmosis membranes (RO): This is a line of defence acting like a semipermeable barrier to trap dissolved impurities, such as heavy metals, microorganisms, and salts.
• UV Disinfection: This is a light that targets harmful bacteria and viruses.

Common Water Purifier Problems and Solutions

1. Water Purifier doesn't Dispense Water

This is a problem wherein the water purifier, although plugged in, is not dispensing water. This can be particularly untimely and frustrating in emergencies. This issue, however, can be caused by a range of possible causes, such as power supply issues, water supply outage and clogged filters.

Troubleshooting tips:

• Check if the purifier is plugged in securely into the functional power outlet, making sure that the circuit (fuse box) hasn't tripped.
• Manually open the water supply valve and check for clogged filters. Replace and install new ones, if need be.

2. Low Water Pressure

This condition can manifest in water trickling out of the dispenser valve at a snail's pace. It is a common issue faced by many water purifier users. The possible causes can be clogged filters, airlock in the system, pinched waterline or a faulty inlet valve.

Troubleshooting tips:

• Make it a practice to regularly replace your filters according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule. This is generally every 6 to 12 months, depending on the usage and the quality of your water.
• Check for airlocks by flushing the system to remove trapped air. Refer to the user manual for the correct procedure.
• Inspect the water lines to manually correct any visible bends or damage.
• If you have ruled out every possible issue and still have low water pressure, then contact a qualified technician for an inspection.

3. Unpleasant Taste or Odour of the Water

Healthy water should be ideally free from any foul taste or smell. If you do notice these off-putting issues, then it could be due to expired filters, stagnant water or internal contamination.

Troubleshooting tips:

• Replace all the old filters at once following the user manual to ensure consistent water quality.
• Sanitised the system following the instructions written in the manual for best results.
• If the above solutions do not work, then it is best to contact a professional to inspect the water purifier.

4. Water Leak

A water leak in the purifier is also a common occurrence. Such a concern could be due to loose connections between the purifier, water line, and the dispenser tap. It could also manifest due to damaged gaskets, incorrect housing, etc.

Troubleshooting tips:

• Take a spaniel and carefully tighten all the connections to check for any signs of looseness.
• Replace any damaged O-rings or gasket seals. You may find this in your replacement kit.
• If the leak persists, or you suspect a cracked housing, then you must contact a technician to assess the damage.

By now, it is clear that to ensure your purifier delivers you fresh-tasting, healthy water day on day is through regular maintenance. The step not only ensures optimal performance but also extends the life of your water purifier. Hence, make sure to schedule professional services annually. In the meantime, these troubleshooting DIY tips can help you assess the problem to save you time and money.

The best way you know a brand trusts its products is through its quality and warranty. A.O. Smith goes a step above and delivers a one-year comprehensive warranty for its products such as the ProPlanet RO water purifiers that covers not only its RO membrane but also the filters. This enables you to get 100% RO purified, baby-safe water filter through an 8-stage purification process all day long. It is a gift that keeps on giving!