Water treatment equipment plays a critical role in industrial production, commercial applications, and municipal projects. Whether it is a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system, Ultrafiltration (UF) unit, or water softening system, proper daily maintenance ensures stable water quality, higher efficiency, and longer equipment lifespan.
This guide provides practical, easy-to-follow maintenance steps to help you keep your system running smoothly and reduce operating costs.
Why Daily Maintenance Matters
Water treatment equipment operates continuously and is affected by fluctuations in feedwater quality, pressure, and temperature. Without regular maintenance, several problems may occur:
- Decreased permeate flow due to membrane fouling
- Pipe blockage and pump wear
- Instability in product water quality
- Higher energy consumption
- Minor issues escalating into costly downtime
Proper maintenance is essential for ensuring long-term equipment stability.
1. Daily Maintenance for RO (Reverse Osmosis) Systems
(1) Check Key Operating Parameters
Monitor the following data:
- Feed pressure and permeate pressure
- Flow rate and water temperature
- Recovery rate and salt rejection
- Conductivity / TDS
If any values deviate from normal, investigate possible causes such as membrane fouling or pretreatment failure.
(2) Perform Membrane Cleaning When Needed
Membrane cleaning (CIP) is recommended when:
- Permeate flow decreases by 10–15%
- Salt rejection drops by more than 5%
- Pressure drop increases by 15%
Regular cleaning ensures membrane efficiency and prolongs service life.
(3) Maintain the Pretreatment System
A well-functioning pretreatment system is crucial for RO protection:
- Backwash sand filters regularly
- Regenerate activated carbon
- Regenerate softener resin
- Keep SDI ≤ 5
Good pretreatment significantly reduces membrane fouling.
2. Daily Maintenance for UF / MF Systems
- Perform routine flushing, backwashing, and air scouring
- Monitor TMP (Transmembrane Pressure)
- Clean chemically when pressure increases
- Avoid high turbidity or excessive suspended solids in feedwater
UF and MF membranes are sensitive to particulates, making regular cleaning essential.
3. Daily Maintenance for Water Softening Systems
- Check salt levels in the brine tank
- Ensure proper resin regeneration
- Perform regular backwashing
- Prevent salt bridging (salt clumping)
- Check hardness leakage periodically
A well-maintained softener ensures consistent downstream water quality.
Recommended Maintenance Schedule
| Task | Daily | Weekly | Monthly | Quarterly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monitoring parameters | ✔ | |||
| Piping and valve inspection | ✔ | |||
| Filter backwashing | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| RO system check | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Disinfection or sanitization | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Comprehensive equipment inspection | ✔ |
Recording daily parameter logs is highly recommended for long-term analysis.
Tips to Extend Equipment Lifespan
- Use certified chemicals to avoid membrane damage
- Apply proper preservation procedures during shutdown
- Avoid operating beyond capacity
- Conduct regular pump and valve maintenance
- Use high-quality consumables and filter materials
Small maintenance actions significantly impact long-term performance and cost savings.
Conclusion
Daily maintenance is a key factor in ensuring the stability and longevity of water treatment equipment. By following the recommended procedures and addressing abnormalities promptly, you can maintain consistent water quality, reduce operational risks, and extend the service life of your system.