RO Purifier Not Working? 8 Common Faults Explained

Safe checks before you call anyone

Before assuming a fault, rule out the simple causes. Switch off the purifier at the socket first, and never open a housing while the unit is powered or under pressure.

• Confirm the socket has power and the adaptor light is on
• Check the inlet tap to the purifier is fully open
• Look for kinked or crushed tubing behind the unit
• Note whether the fault is constant or only at certain times of day

Symptom by symptom

Each of these points to a small set of likely causes. The list narrows quickly once a technician can measure inlet pressure and TDS at your tap.

• Purifier does not start - adaptor or SMPS failure, loose connection, switch fault
• No purified water - low inlet pressure, blocked sediment filter, pump or solenoid failure
• Slow filling - clogged pre-filters, tired membrane, low inlet pressure, weak pump
• Water leakage - loose housing seal, worn O-ring, cracked connector, tap or tank fault
• Bad taste or smell - exhausted carbon filter, stagnant tank water, membrane past its life
• High output TDS - membrane damage or scaling, TDS controller set incorrectly
• Loud or continuous pump noise - dry running, air in the line, pump wear, no auto cut-off
• Excess reject water - membrane fouling, flow restrictor issue, high input TDS

What is normal and not a fault

Some behaviour worries people unnecessarily. A steady trickle of reject water while the unit runs is by design - RO always discharges some water. A short pump run when you draw a glass is normal auto top-up. Mild gurgling as the tank fills is also expected.

What is not normal: a pump that never stops, water that continues to drain when the unit is idle, visible dripping from a housing, or a sudden change in taste.

When to stop and book a technician

Stop immediately if you see water near the electrical adaptor, if the pump runs continuously without filling, or if a housing is leaking under pressure. Switch the unit off at the socket, close the inlet tap and call for a visit.

In Kanpur we cover Barra, Kakadev, Govind Nagar, Kidwai Nagar, Civil Lines, Shyam Nagar, Naubasta, Panki and surrounding areas. Send the model name and a short description on WhatsApp and we will tell you what is likely involved before the visit.