RO water tastes or smells bad

Why this happens

• A worn membrane, so the TDS rises (salty or bitter taste)
• An old carbon or post filter causing the smell
• A dirty storage tank
• Source water TDS higher than the membrane can handle

Safe checks you can try

1. Note the problem: salty/bitter usually means the membrane; a smell usually means the carbon filter or tank
2. Check when the filters were last changed (membrane about every 2 years)
3. Ask for a TDS test; high output TDS confirms the membrane
4. Get the tank sanitised if it is a smell issue