How To Replace Your Reverse Osmosis Filters and Membrane - APEC Water Installation Part 6

Watch a step by step tutorial on how to replace your five stage reverse osmosis water filters and membrane. Typically the bottom three filters need to be replaced every year and the top two filters can last anywhere from three to five years. Use your TDS water testing meter to get a better understanding of when to change your RO membrane.

[manisdogfish]

Here are my tips after I watched the video twice and replaced all 5 filters:
1. Remove the system from the wall if mounted. Its much easier to replace if you don't have to squeeze in under the cabinet
2. Have a towel and or bucket ready under the filter you're opening to catch the water
3. Use the provided separate tool to remove the RO membrane twist cap. Its very tight. This separate tool is different then the tool used to unscrew the sediment and carbon pre-filters.
4. Leave the system out when purging to check for leaks

[LocustMtn]

Very good video. Thanks. I called Apec because I was concerned about holding the end of the membrane filter with my needle nose pliers, which are certainly NOT sanitized. He said that the outer blue layer on the membrane filter is the part that you want to be sure and not touch with your hands. He said the end fitting is ok to handle with pliers. I just swapped out all five filters, and everything went fine. No leaks. We really enjoy the taste of the RO filtered water, and feel that it is healthier as well.

[Rovershastalamuerte]

Got taught from someone who has been doing it for years. I'll tell you what he told me. After changing the first 3 filters disconnect the first pipe out the 3rd filter. Turn water back on and let fill 2 buckets with it. The water will be black from the carbon filter. If you skip this step all that black water goes through the romembrane. Your welcome

[boze]

Wonderful video, really helped. Changed all 4 filters myself. Do put towels under the unit as water does comes out of the filters being removed. Us non-plumbers need the reminder.

[AdamAvakian]

It would be great if the RO Membrane canister didn’t require the combined strength of all the Greek Gods to unscrew. Jesus Christ.

[annegleco]

This 5 stage osmosis filtration system is great, but changing the filters are a pain. Thank you for the helpful video. It is easier with help.

[Dsanchez]

Great video. I’m going in tomorrow morning. Wish me luck

[kevinhamill]

Very helpful Video!!! Thank you Very Much!! I did the 4 filters and the membrane myself in about 45 minutes and had never done it before. Thanks again.

[bethj.turner]

Blogs like healthykitchen101, reviews, … just don’t have such clear and understandable instructions like yours. I’ve been struggling with the water filter and you just helped me a lot. Thanks!

[Old_Hippie]

Elderly lady here. Stage 4 filter was a pain! I had done it before, so wasn't expecting it to be a problem. Back in the day, APEC had awesome customer service. The tech would stay on the phone with me until I resolved whatever issue I was having. Those days are gone. Today they emailed me a photo of how to remove the cap with a plastic wrench which was smaller than the one you use for Stages 1, 2 & 3 and did not come with my unit. The rep opened a ticket for me, said someone would call me back, but nope -- nothing yet. I eventually took the housing to a neighbor, who easily removed the end cap. After that, I had to deal with several leaks and lots of water everywhere. And again, leaks were not an issue last time, so I feel like the connections are wearing out or something. Phooey.

[yoyoyo]

If yall are having trouble with the RO membrane cap, I disconnected it completely, and propped the wrench against the floor and used my hands just to hold and twist the canister/tune.

[alamIbbar]

This was very helpful. There are many videos about this but yours is the best. Perfect for a new DIY homeowner.

[merianjones]

Thank you for this tutorial. You save us a lot of money. It has been 2 years since that guy came, change filter, fixed leaks & charge us $600.00. New subscriber here.

[Primarchth]

Wow... Someone who actual speaks English. Clear and concise video. I finally got my answers.

[oscarfernandez]

Thanks for the video! The guy that used to change my filters got too annoying by calling me constantly before it was time to change them, so I decided to start changing it myself. This video and eBay was just what I needed

[juliebarber]

Agh, I remembered why I hate changing these filters today! Tips for future self:
- Need to not just turn pin valve but bigger water valve under sink as well
- 1st membrane is hardest to get off. Put on side, use grippy shelf liner on wrench for better leverage
- Use large roasting pan when unscrewing to catch water that will spill out
- canisters will need to be cleaned out
- ***Important** Make sure filters are well screwed on (yes, this is why they are so tough to get off!) otherwise water will come squirting out the top edge!

[JR-bwtr]

Thank you APEC, the best tutorial out on replacement filters, simple and anyone can follow....🤝

[FrozenDoberman]

My 3-stage RO filter unit is positioned within the laundry water tub. This is useful just in case the filtered water dispenser container accidentally overflows. No damage will result because any filtered water overflow goes down the laundry tub drain.

[xiule]

Hi, how how often do I need to replace the two small filters? Thank you, I like your video

[jroase]

5 filters & 1 big ball . Need another filter for fluoride . 20 different steps to clean too many lines to count . Simply amazing people still buy this .