Reverse Osmosis - Filter Light Operation

A Reverse Osmosis system features a filter indicator light that is integrated into the faucet assembly. This indicator light reminds you to replace the prefilter and postfilter cartridges every six months. It is recommended that you replace the battery in the faucet assembly each time you replace the prefilter and postfilter cartridges in the Reverse Osmosis system.

 

Understanding the Operation of the Filter Indicator Light

On some models, the faucet LED will light blue for a few seconds whenever the faucet handle is operated. When 90% of the filter lifetime has elapsed, the LED will flash blue 3 times whenever the faucet handle is operated. It will flash red continuously when 100% of the filter lifetime (6 months) has elapsed, to indicate that the prefilter and postfilter cartridges must be changed.

 

On some models, the light is normally off when the faucet is operated. After 6 months of use, the amber LED light will flash every 30 seconds, indicating that it is time to replace the filter cartridges.

 

Earlier, older models featured two indicator lights. It is important to distinguish which light is on. The Reverse Osmosis membrane light is on the right side of the faucet base, while the filter light is on the left side. During normal operation, the green light should flash when dispensing water. The filter light comes on at 6 months or 900 gallons. If the system has been in use for 6 months and the amber filter light is on, this indicates that it is time for a filter change.

 

Filter Indicator Light Is Not Illuminating

If six months have passed and the filter light has not come on, please consider the following:

 
  • The batteries are dead. Replace them with new ones.
  • The batteries have been installed backwards. On older models, take the batteries out and follow the diagram on the batteries' case to reinstall them. On newer models, consult the Owner's Manual for the model you own for directions on replacing the faucet battery.
  • On older models, the wire connected from the battery case to the faucet may be loose. Check the wiring and make sure that the connections are tight.

If your filters are recently installed, check the batteries. The batteries need to be changed along with the filters.

 

Filter Indicator Light Illuminating Too Soon

If the light comes on in less than the expected 6 months in a new home, the installer may have installed the batteries at the time of installation. Disconnect the batteries to reset the six (6) month timer.

 
  • On newer models, the battery holder is a part of the Reverse Osmosis system faucet handle. Remove the battery from the holder for a few seconds, then put it back in the holder.
  • On older models, the batteries are located in a white box three (3) inches square with four (4) tubes attached to it. On the PNRV18 model box, the batteries are located in the bracket on the side of the storage tank. On the PNRV12 models it is mounted on the cabinet near the system. To disconnect the batteries, remove the box cover and look for the snaps on each side. Remove one battery for one (1) minute, then reinstall.

Reverse Osmosis Membrane Light on Older Systems

Some older Reverse Osmosis systems had a filter indicator as well as a reverse osmosis membrane indicator light. During normal operation the green light flashes when dispensing water. The reverse osmosis light is based on the actual measurement of the water quality. When the membrane's efficiency falls below 75%, the yellow/amber light will flash, indicating that it is time to change the membrane. The membrane should provide good filtration for approximately 3 to 5 years.

 
  • On the PNRV18 model, if the filters or membrane have been changed in the last 2 months, make sure that they were installed correctly. Refer to the Owner's Manual or video that came packed with system for details on how to do the following:
    • Open the cap on the tank and check the gray rubber cap on the filter. It must be installed with the top up. The rubber cap on the filter says this side up.
    • There is a lip seal between the filter and the membrane. It is along the inside diameter of the rubber cap. If it is pointed up along the membrane where it can be seen, it is not assembled correctly.
    • If either of the above is not correct, remove the filter and the membrane, correct them and reassemble them.

Additional Support

For additional support with our water filtration products, you can contact our Innovations Team directly at 1-800-952-5039 (option 1) from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, EST, Monday through Friday.