Routine filter replacement is essential to maintain water quality, proper flow, and overall system performance. Replacing filters on schedule helps ensure your Premier Series Reverse Osmosis system continues producing clean, great-tasting drinking water.
The Premier Series uses four main filter stages:
- Sediment filter
- Carbon filter
- RO membrane
- Post-carbon or alkaline filter
All four filters should be replaced routinely, but each filter has a different replacement window based on the filtration media and its role in the filtration process.
Filter Replacement Schedule
Under normal operating conditions, replace the filters according to the schedule below:
- Sediment filter: Every 6–12 months
- Carbon filter: Every 6–12 months
- RO membrane: Every 9–12 months
- Post-carbon or alkaline filter: Replace with the RO membrane
Private well water or lower source water quality may require earlier replacement. Water with heavier sediment can shorten the life of the sediment and carbon pre-filters, while lower source water quality may shorten the life of the RO membrane.
Even if water flow appears normal, replacing filters on schedule helps prevent reduced performance, off-tastes, slow tank refill, and unnecessary membrane strain.
Before Replacing Filters
Before working on system maintenance, prepare a clean cloth or microfiber towel to wipe up any water that may spill during filter replacement.
If your Premier Series system includes the FLOWLOK™ leak detector tray, remove the tray before replacing the filters. This helps prevent the safety disc from expanding and tripping the auto-shut-off lever.
Replacing Stage 1 and Stage 2 Pre-Filters
Stage 1 and Stage 2 are the pre-filters. These filters help reduce sediment, chlorine, and other contaminants before water reaches the RO membrane.
To replace the pre-filters:
- Turn off the tank ball valve.
- Turn off the cold-water supply from the feed water adapter.
- Turn on the drinking water faucet briefly to release built-up pressure inside the system.
- Twist the pre-filter to the right to unseat it from the system.
- Install the new filter by setting it into place and twisting it to the left.
- Repeat the same process for the second pre-filter.
- Turn the cold-water supply and tank ball valve back on.
- Check for leaks.
- Secure the FLOWLOK™ tray back onto the system, if applicable.
Once both pre-filters are replaced, the system is ready to resume normal filtration after the water supply and tank valve are turned back on and all connections have been checked for leaks.
Replacing Stage 3 and Stage 4 Filters
Stage 3 is the RO membrane, and Stage 4 is the post-carbon or alkaline filter. These filters are replaced together.
To replace the RO membrane and Stage 4 filter:
- Turn off the cold-water supply from the feed water adapter.
- Turn on the dispensing faucet to empty the storage tank.
- When the water slows to a trickle, turn off the tank ball valve.
- Leave the faucet on briefly to release remaining water and built-up pressure.
- Disconnect the black tubing with the flow restrictor from the elbow valve.
- Twist the RO membrane and Stage 4 filter to the right to unseat them from the system.
- Install the new RO membrane and Stage 4 filter by twisting them to the left.
- Confirm both filters are firmly locked into place.
- Reattach the black tubing with the flow restrictor to the elbow valve.
- Turn the cold-water supply and tank ball valve back on.
- Check for leaks.
- Turn off the dispensing faucet and allow the storage tank to fill for 2–3 hours.
- Drain the first full tank of water through the dispensing faucet until the water slows to a stream or trickle.
- Turn off the faucet and allow the storage tank to refill.
- Secure the FLOWLOK™ tray back onto the system, if applicable.
After the first tank has been drained and the storage tank begins refilling, the system is ready to resume regular use once all connections are secure and the water runs clear.
75 GPD vs. 100 GPD Systems
Both 75 GPD and 100 GPD Premier Series systems use filters with the same replacement schedule and longevity.
The main difference between these models is production rate. The 100 GPD systems replenish purified water faster than the 75 GPD models, but maintenance timing remains the same.
Signs It May Be Time to Replace Filters
You may need to replace filters sooner than the recommended schedule if you notice:
- Reduced water production
- Unusual taste or odor
- Slow tank refill
- Steady water draining without the tank filling
If you are near or past the recommended replacement window and notice these symptoms, replacing the pre-filters is typically the first recommended step. The RO membrane and Stage 4 filter may also need replacement depending on system age and water quality.
Regular maintenance helps protect the RO membrane and maintain consistent Premier Series system performance.