[Tom White]

I currently use something that looks like this:



My unfiltered tap water TDS is 210.

We use about 3000 litres per week (about 600 litres per day).

My current RO produces enough water - no problems - I leave it running pretty much 24/7 and waste water isn't a factor, but the RO filters were replaced in January and have now gone.  I have changed the pre-filters every three months.

So my questions are:

1.  Shouldn't my RO filters last longer?  If so why do you think they've only lasted six months.

2.  If a new RO/DI is needed, what should I get given the factors above?

Thanks in advance.

[PoleKing]

Perhaps your filters needed changing more often.
I had a system like you've pictured and it went 18 months without even changing the filters.
TDS was higher too.
Are you sure you've got the right filters and in the right order?
To answer your questions 1) Yes
2) Get the same again. Is it RO-Man or such, just make sure everything is ticket boo.

Could it be something like you not flushing for long enough?

[Tom White]

Yeh, filters in the right order (I've had it for several years), replaced bits and pieces and know how it works pretty much.  And I flush it regularly.

I've read something somewhere about bacterial infection; but didn't take much notice (it's not an interesting subject), but could that be a possibility?  Should I disinfect it?

[PoleKing]

I'd be very surprised if it's bacterial.
If you've got the right filters in, it should just work as it should.
It'd do no harm though.
Change the RO's & filters.
Then keep an eye on TDS after each stage.

Price up the filters and membranes seperately-I bet it ain't much more for a whole new ROMan.
Save you fannying about disinfecting etc.

[Tom White]

Cheers, mate.  I think I'll just get a new system; the old one is looking a bit hanging now.

[Perfect Windows]

Yeh, filters in the right order (I've had it for several years), replaced bits and pieces and know how it works pretty much.  And I flush it regularly.

I've read something somewhere about bacterial infection; but didn't take much notice (it's not an interesting subject), but could that be a possibility?  Should I disinfect it?

I'm presuming you're talking about replacing the RO membrane when you say "RO filter" above.

If that's the case, it could well be bacterial infection.  I suffered it and lost a couple of 4040 membranes at £200 odd a pop.  What you're checking for is any "sliminess" in the RO housing.

I posted the way I was told to clean it out in this thread: http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=175665.msg1483617#msg1483617 which went well till someone predictably told me I was talking tripe.  Amazing how often I do that!

Anyway, that method works - current membrane is getting on for 18 months old and going strong.

Vin

[PoleKing]

Cheers, mate.  I think I'll just get a new system; the old one is looking a bit hanging now.

Try this one bud.
http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/251131624230?nav=SEARCH
I'm sure this is the place I got filters from when I had this type of system.
Great price.

[PoleKing]

Yeh, filters in the right order (I've had it for several years), replaced bits and pieces and know how it works pretty much.  And I flush it regularly.

I've read something somewhere about bacterial infection; but didn't take much notice (it's not an interesting subject), but could that be a possibility?  Should I disinfect it?

I'm presuming you're talking about replacing the RO membrane when you say "RO filter" above.

If that's the case, it could well be bacterial infection.  I suffered it and lost a couple of 4040 membranes at £200 odd a pop.  What you're checking for is any "sliminess" in the RO housing.

I posted the way I was told to clean it out in this thread: http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=175665.msg1483617#msg1483617 which went well till someone predictably told me I was talking tripe.  Amazing how often I do that!

Anyway, that method works - current membrane is getting on for 18 months old and going strong.

Vin

Looks like good advice Vin.
(Genuine question though) how would a customer get legionella?

[Perfect Windows]

If the bacteria is in water in sufficient numbers, then by breathing in the water in aerosol form.  So small droplets, like the ones you see sweeping round the side of houses when you clean upstairs on breezy days.  They can travel large distances.

I do think the risk is very small, to be clear.

Vin

[Scrimble]

you should be getting more out of your membranes, I have only just replaced a pure freedom 450gpd ro with a 4040 again from pure freedom after 6 years on the original membranes,

flush every time before you use it and replace the pre filters regularly and dont keep it in direct sunlight if the filter housings are clear,

 

[Tom White]

 What you're checking for is any "sliminess" in the RO housing.

Vin, I changed over the resin in my DI this morning and there was a sliminess on the top of that too.  I've ordered some new membranes (I've already got stacks of pre-filters), so I'll try the bleach thing at the weekend and see what happens.

Thanks for the help.

[Frankybadboy]

who have you been get your membranes off tosh

[Perfect Windows]

One other thing.  If possible, change your setup so that you never have to disconnect the feed hose.  Every time it's open to the air it's a way for contaminants to get in.  I use this:

http://tinyurl.com/poukkn4

It means you can still use hoses etc on outside tap but without disconnecting.

Vin

[Tom White]

who have you been get your membranes off tosh

I usually use RO man.

[Tom White]

One thought is that I wasn't sure if I should've gotten the 150 gal per day membranes or the 100 gal per day membranes.

So I got the 150 gal membranes.

I haven't changed my water restricter and I don't know which membrane is correct and maybe this could be another factor in the short life of my membranes?

I've been doing this for some years, but pure water isn't really interesting.

[PoleKing]

One thought is that I wasn't sure if I should've gotten the 150 gal per day membranes or the 100 gal per day membranes.

So I got the 150 gal membranes.

I haven't changed my water restricter and I don't know which membrane is correct and maybe this could be another factor in the short life of my membranes?

I've been doing this for some years, but pure water isn't really interesting.

There'll be your problem Tosh.
Your restrictor will get full up of the crap you're filtering out.
Over time the hole will get smaller-like arteries getting clogged up with fat.
More pure. Less waste. Filters get clogged quicker.
That restrictor probably needs changing annually too.
Or even, for the price of 'em, each time you change your filters.

[Tom White]

There'll be your problem Tosh.
Your restrictor will get full up of the crap you're filtering out.
Over time the hole will get smaller-like arteries getting clogged up with fat.
More pure. Less waste. Filters get clogged quicker.
That restrictor probably needs changing annually too.
Or even, for the price of 'em, each time you change your filters.

Actually, that makes sense, thanks.  My unit does make pure a lot faster, but I thought that might've been down to the warmer weather and buying the 150 gal membranes, rather than the 100 gal ones.

I'll order a restrictor now.  Cheers.