Home Water System Maintenance Checklist
Whether you have a water softener, reverse osmosis system, or whole-home filtration, a little routine maintenance keeps your water clean and your equipment running efficiently. Use this simple checklist to stay on top of your home’s water system.
A. Water Softener Maintenance
- Always keep salt halfway full
- Clean brine tank regularly
- Watch for signs of hardness returning
- Replace pre-filter once a year, if applicable
B. Reverse Osmosis (RO) System Maintenance
- Replace filters every 6–12 months (depending on the system)
- Replace RO membrane every 2–5 years (depending on the system)
- Sanitize system every third filter change
- Repressurize air tank if necessary
C. Whole‑Home Filter Maintenance
- Replace filters regularly
- Monitor water pressure drops
- Check for discoloration or odour
D. Iron & Sulphur Filter Maintenance
- Get preventative maintenance done every 1-2 years
- Watch for orange staining returning
E. UV System Maintenance
- Replace UV lamp annually
- Clean quartz sleeve
- Ensure power supply is stable
F. General Home Water System Tips
- Test water annually (municipal or well)
- Inspect plumbing connections for leaks
- Keep equipment area clean and accessible
- Know when to call for service
Sources & Industry References
This maintenance checklist is based on best practices recommended by leading water treatment organizations and manufacturers, including:
- EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) – Guidelines for operation and maintenance of water treatment equipment
- BC Small Water Systems Guide – Standards for filtration, disinfection, and system monitoring
- ClearWater Industries – Maintenance recommendations for softeners, RO systems, and whole‑home filtration
- Manufacturer guidelines from Kinetico, Viqua, Hydrotech, and Clack
These sources were consolidated and adapted into a simple, homeowner‑friendly checklist tailored to common systems used in Ontario homes.