When your water filter stops working or the water flow becomes too slow, it can disrupt your whole routine. Most homeowners think they need a technician, but many common issues—like clogged filters, air blockage, or dirty pre-filters—can be fixed at home using simple steps.
This guide explains the easiest DIY fixes for a water filter that is not working, based on user reports and commonly used troubleshooting methods.
Why Is Your Water Filter Not Working Properly?
A water filter stops working mainly due to clogged filters, air bubbles inside the system, low water pressure, dirty pre-filter, or a blocked pipe. Based on user reports, 70% of issues come from filters not being cleaned regularly. Most problems can be fixed at home without opening the internal RO components.
Common Reasons
- Pre-filter full of dust or mud
- Carbon or sediment filter clogged
- Air blockage after tank cleaning
- Low inlet water pressure
- Loose pipe connections
- Dirty RO membrane (in RO models)
How to Clean the Pre-Filter at Home?
The pre-filter is the most common reason for water flow problems. Cleaning it removes dust, mud, and debris that block water flow. According to support guidelines, pre-filters should be cleaned every 25–30 days for Indian households.
Follow These Steps
- Switch off the purifier and close the water valve.
- Open the pre-filter housing (usually a big white/transparent cylinder).
- Remove the filter candle and wash it under running water.
- Scrub gently with a soft brush to remove mud.
- Insert it again and tighten the housing.
- Turn the water supply and purifier back on.
Real-Life Example
Homes with borewell or tanker water report clogging faster. Cleaning the pre-filter alone often restores 60–80% of the flow.
How to Fix Slow Water Flow in RO or UV Purifiers?
Slow flow usually happens due to clogged filters or air trapped inside the purifier after maintenance. The commonly used method is flushing the system by running the unit for a few minutes and checking the inlet pressure. If filters haven’t been replaced for 6–12 months, cleaning may not be enough.
Try These Fixes
- Check if the sediment filter needs washing or replacing.
- Ensure the inlet tap has strong water flow.
- Press the “flush” or “TDS flush” button (for RO models).
- Remove air bubbles by opening and closing the tap 3–4 times.
- Clean the external pipes to remove scale buildup.
According to Support Guidelines
RO filters typically need replacement every 8–12 months for optimal flow.
How to Fix Water Not Dispensing From the Purifier?
If no water comes out, it could be due to a blocked outlet tap, choked pipe, or a loose connection. Checking the tap and piping usually solves the issue. In many user-reported cases, cleaning the output tap alone restored flow immediately.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Disconnect the output pipe.
- Blow air through it to check blockage.
- Clean the tap by soaking it in warm water + vinegar.
- Reattach pipes tightly to avoid leaking.
- Restart the purifier.
Real-Life Example
Homes using hard water often face scale accumulation in outlet taps, which can block flow completely.
How to Clean RO or UV Filters Safely at Home?
You can clean outer filters like sediment and pre-filter at home, but avoid opening RO, UV, or UF internal filters because they require technical handling. According to support guidelines, only basic cleaning—not dismantling—should be done by homeowners.
Safe DIY Cleaning Tasks
- Clean sediment and carbon filters externally
- Wipe the tank with a vinegar-water mix
- Clean the float valve gently
- Remove algae buildup inside transparent tanks
Do NOT Try These at Home
- Opening RO membrane housing
- Removing UV lamp
- Replacing internal cartridges without guidance
If internal filters are dirty, call a service technician.
Conclusion:
A water filter not working is frustrating but often easy to fix at home. Start with simple checks—clean the pre-filter, remove air blocks, ensure proper water pressure, and wash the outlet tap. For deeper issues like membrane failure, call a professional.
Following these routine DIY steps helps your purifier last longer and maintain clean drinking water.
Disclaimer: This article shares general troubleshooting information, not official support guidance.