Before heading off on holiday, taking a few simple steps with your water filtration system can prevent unpleasant surprises when you return home. The most important task is to turn off the water supply to the system to avoid potential leaks or flooding while you’re away. It’s also wise to run a cleaning cycle or replace filters if they’re due, as stagnant water sitting in an unchanged filter for weeks can become a breeding ground for bacteria. For longer trips, consider draining the system entirely to prevent any build-up or contamination. These quick maintenance tasks will ensure your filtration system is ready to provide clean, fresh water the moment you walk back through the door.

Under-Sink Water Filters

• Turn off the isolation valve to the system.
• Open the filter tap briefly to relieve pressure, then close it.

Upon Return

• Slowly turn the cold water isolation valve back on.
• Check all fittings, tubing and housings for leaks.
• Flush the system 2-5mins

Reverse Osmosis Systems

• Turn off the isolation valve to the system.
• Turn off isolation valve on tank
• Open the RO drinking tap to relieve pressure in the system

Upon Return

• Slowly turn the cold water and tank isolation valves back on.
• Check all fittings, tubing and housings for leaks.
• Flush for 10–15 minutes (or discard the first full tank)

Whole House Filter Systems

• Turn off the isolation valve to the system.
• Open a tap supplied by the system briefly to relieve pressure, then close it.

Upon Return

• Slowly turn the isolation valve to the system back on.
• Check all fittings, and housings for leaks.
• Flush the system 5-10mins

Whole House Water Softeners

• Best option: Turn off the isolation valve to the system or bypass to divert water around unit
• Alternative: Engage vacation mode if available
• Ensure brine tank is full of salt.

Upon return:

• Slowly turn the isolation valve to the system back on.
• Check all fittings, and housings for leaks.
• Run regeneration cycle.
• Reset time if needed (automatic valve only)
• Flush the system 5-10mins

Whole House Carbon Filter

• Best option: Turn off the isolation valve to the system or bypass to divert water around unit
• Alternative: Engage vacation mode if available

Upon return:

• Slowly turn the isolation valve to the system back on.
• Check all fittings, and housings for leaks.
• Run backwash for 10-15mins
• Reset time if needed (automatic valve only)
• Flush the system 5-10mins

Key principle:

Always turn off water supply to prevent leaks from pressure surges. If you have any questions about leaving your Freshwater Systems system, or you’re just not sure about something, give our team a call on 1300 046 966. We are happy to assist.