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In a country like India, where groundwater in most cities and towns contains high levels of dissolved salts, fluoride, arsenic, and hardness, a reliable water purifier has become as essential as a refrigerator or gas stove in every kitchen. Yet, no matter how advanced the system—be it RO, UV, or RO+UV+UF—a day arrives when the purifier starts behaving strangely.
The flow becomes a trickle, the water smells odd, or the machine refuses to start. These moments create panic, especially when guests are about to arrive or children are asking for a glass of water.
At SKF Elixer India, we have installed thousands of domestic and commercial water purification plants. Our service teams visit hundreds of homes every month, and the complaints are surprisingly similar.
Here are the five most common water purifier problems we encounter, explained in simple language, along with practical troubleshooting steps you can try at home before calling a technician.
1. Low Water Flow – When the Tap Gives Only a Few Drops
Nothing is more frustrating than waiting endlessly for a glass of water. Low water flow is the number one complaint across brands.
Common Causes in Indian Conditions
- Clogged pre-filters due to high sediment and mud (very common in borewell water in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Uttar Pradesh)
- Blocked RO membrane because of high TDS (above 2000 ppm) or delayed membrane replacement
- Low pressure in the incoming municipal or borewell supply
- Air lock inside the pipes
- Faulty booster pump (in older machines used for 4–5 years)
Quick Fixes You Can Try Today
- Check the pre-filter candle (the white or transparent cartridge before the RO membrane). If it has turned brown or black, replace it immediately. A new pre-filter costs between ₹250–₹450 and can be changed in five minutes without any tools.
- Measure incoming water pressure using a simple pressure gauge (available for ₹300 on any online store). RO systems need at least 0.8–1 kg/cm² pressure. If it is lower, install a booster pump (₹2,500–₹4,500).
- Switch off the purifier, unplug it, and open the tap for 2–3 minutes to release any air lock.
- If the problem started after a recent filter change, chances are the membrane has choked. Unfortunately, this needs professional replacement (₹2,000–₹3,500 depending on capacity).
In areas like Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru where TDS often crosses 1500 ppm, we recommend changing the sediment and carbon filters every 6–8 months instead of waiting for one year.
2. Bad Taste or Strange Odour in Purified Water
You take a sip and immediately feel something is off—sometimes a plastic-like taste, sometimes a slight rotten-egg smell.
Why This Happens
- Expired or saturated carbon filter (activated carbon removes odour and organic impurities)
- Bacterial growth inside the storage tank (common if the tank is not cleaned for 2–3 years)
- New filters not flushed properly after installation
- Very high chlorine in municipal supply (common in Chennai and Mumbai)
Troubleshooting Steps
- Replace the post-carbon filter (the silver shining cartridge after the RO membrane). It costs ₹350–₹600 and restores taste instantly in 90 % of cases.
- Clean the storage tank with a sanitisation kit (₹499) or ask your technician during the next service.
- After installing new carbon filters, waste the first 15–20 litres of water to remove loose carbon particles.
- If your area receives highly chlorinated water, install an additional anti-scalant + carbon pre-filter combo (₹1,200–₹1,800).
3. RO Purifier Not Starting or Making Unusual Noise
You press the power button—nothing happens, or the machine makes a loud humming or clicking sound.
Most Frequent Reasons
- Power supply issues or loose plug point (surprisingly common)
- Overloaded or burnt booster pump
- Faulty solenoid valve or flow restrictor
- High-pressure switch tripped because the storage tank is full
What You Can Do
- Check if the indicator light on the adaptor is glowing. Try a different plug point.
- Reset the machine by switching it off for 10 minutes and restarting.
- If the pump makes a continuous loud noise even when the tank is full, the high-pressure switch is probably stuck. Tap gently on the switch (small black/white button near the pump) or call a technician.
- In 7 out of 10 cases we attend, the solenoid valve gets jammed because of iron or mud particles. A replacement costs ₹650–₹950.
4. Water Leakage – The Dreaded Puddle Under the Purifier
Leakage is messy and wastes hundreds of litres of water every month.
Typical Leakage Points
- Loose or cracked fittings and elbows (especially the white push-fit connectors)
- Torn RO membrane housing O-ring
- Overflow from the storage tank because the auto cut-off float is stuck
- Cracked storage tank (rare but happens after 6–8 years)
Immediate Actions
- Switch off the inlet water valve (blue or white tap near the purifier).
- Tighten all push-fit connectors by hand. If they still leak, replace the elbow (₹30–₹80 each).
- Clean the float valve in the storage tank with a soft cloth. A stuck float is the reason in almost 60 % of overflow complaints in apartment complexes of Pune and Kolkata.
- If you see water seeping from the membrane housing cap, the O-ring has hardened. A new O-ring + housing cap set costs ₹250–₹400.
5. When to Replace Filters and Membranes – Save Money and Health
This is the most ignored aspect, yet the most important.
Recommended Schedule for Indian Water Conditions
- Sediment filter: Every 6–9 months (₹250–₹450)
- Carbon filters (pre & post): Every 8–12 months (₹350–₹650 each)
- RO membrane: 18–30 months or when TDS creep starts (₹1,800–₹3,500)
- UV lamp: Every 12 months or 9,000 hours (₹900–₹1,500)
- UF membrane (if present): Every 18–24 months (₹800–₹1,400)
Signs That Replacement Is Overdue
- TDS of purified water increases above 80–100 ppm (check with a ₹250 TDS meter)
- Slow purification rate
- Bad taste returns even after changing carbon filter
- Machine runs continuously without stopping
Investing ₹4,000–₹6,000 every two years on genuine spares is far cheaper than hospital bills caused by contaminated water.
Final Thoughts
A water purifier is one of the hardest-working appliances in an Indian home, running almost 24×7 in harsh water conditions. A little awareness and timely maintenance can keep it delivering pure, tasty water for 8–10 years without major repairs.
Most of the problems listed above can be solved at home within 30 minutes and under ₹1,000. When in doubt, always use genuine spares and authorised service partners—cheap duplicates available in local markets damage the system faster.
At SKF Elixer, we design our domestic and commercial RO, UV, UF plants to handle India’s toughest water challenges, from 5000 ppm borewell water in Vidarbha to iron-laden water in Assam. Regular care ensures your family drinks safe water every single day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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1. How often should I service my RO water purifier in India?
In most Indian cities, a full service every 6–8 months is ideal. Areas with very hard or muddy water (like Jaipur, Bhuj, or parts of Bihar) may need service every 4–5 months.
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2. My purifier is 4 years old and the flow is very slow. Is it worth repairing or should I buy a new one?
If only the membrane and pump need replacement (₹5,000–₹8,000 total), repairing is cheaper than buying a new machine (₹12,000–₹18,000). Get a free inspection to know exact cost.
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3. Can I use any brand’s filters in my RO system?
No. Using non-original filters damages the membrane and voids warranty. Always insist on genuine spares.
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4. Why does my RO waste so much water?
Modern plants have recovery rates of 50–70 %. Older models waste more. Upgrading to low-waste plants can reduce rejection to below 30 %.
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5. Is it safe to drink RO water daily for children and elderly?
Yes, when the system is properly maintained. Some also offer RO + Mineraliser + Alkaline models that add back essential minerals for long-term health.
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