How does a reverse osmosis system work?
In a 3-stage system, water flows through the carbon pre-filter, then the membrane, then is stored in the tank. When the faucet lever is pressed, the water then flows from the tank through a final polishing carbon filter and out through the faucet.
In a 4-stage system, water flows through the sediment filter, the carbon pre-filter, then the membrane, then is stored in the tank. When the faucet lever is pressed, the water then flows from the tank through a final polishing carbon post-filter and out through the faucet.
When should I change my filters?
Replacement filter changes should occur once every year with systems on municipal water and every six months with systems on well water.
How and when do I disinfect the housings?
It is recommended to disinfect the insides of the housings with a bleach and water solution every filter change. Turn off the water supply and remove the filters. Then mix 1 tablespoon of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Pour solution into each housing and screw the housing back on the unit. Turn the water supply back on and run the unit without filters. This will help to disinfect the housings as well as the output water lines. After flushing the system sufficiently, remove the housings and make sure that the bleach odor is gone. Then install new filters for great quality water.
What kinds of membranes are there?
CTA- cellulose triacetate, older model of membrane that is resistant to chlorine
TFM- thin film composite, not resistant to chlorine, must have pre-carbon filter (recommended type)
Should I soak the membrane?
Some older wet membranes included a solvent that would increase shelf life. These membranes needed to be soaked to remove the solvent before installation. Newer dry membranes do not require pre-soaking.
When should I replace the membrane?
The membrane can last between 2 and 5 years. The exact time to change the membrane differs depending upon how much water is processed through the membrane and also the water quality of your specific household. The best way to determine whether your membrane needs changing is to use a TDS (total dissolved solids) meter to determine the filtration performance of your membrane. If your membrane is reducing less than 80% of the TDS in your water, this indicates that it is time to change the membrane.
What is the difference between an air gap and non-air gap faucet?
An air gap faucet prevents drain water from being siphoned back into the system. It accomplishes that by having three different lines coming through (one hose for upward drain water, one for downward drain water, one for product water which comes out of the faucet). A non air-gap faucet simply has one water line for product water. The drain water is forced upward towards the faucet, is the forced through a trough at the top and is dropped down the other side and down the drain. Because the flow is not pressurized and because the trough is very small, it can sometimes become clogged by sediment being drained which can result in leaking onto the counter top. Another tendency with air gap faucets is that there is a gurgling sound when the tanks fills.
What are flow restrictors?
Purpose is to provide water pressure for the system
Does not have to be changed regularly unless changing the GPM of the membrane
1240 Series- current series that requires the hose type of restrictor, any other older model will require the knob-type of restrictor
What contaminants does reverse osmosis remove?
Ions and Metals
Arsenic, Aluminum, Barium, Cadmium, Calcium, Chloride, Chlorine1, Chromium, Copper, Fluoride, Iron, Lead, Magnesium, Manganese, Mercury, Nitrate, Potassium, Radium, Radon1, Selenium, Silver, Sodium, Sulfate, Zinc
Organic Chemicals
Benzene1, Carbon tetrachloride1, Dichlorobenzene1, Toluene1, Trichloroethylene1, Total Trihalomethanes (THM’s)1
Particles
Asbestos, Protozoan cysts, Cryptosporidium
Pesticides
1,2,4-trichlorobenzene1, 2,4-D1, Atrazine1, Endrin, Heptachlor, Lindane, Pentachlorophenol
1Activated carbon filters, commonly included in RO systems, can provide treatment for these contaminants.
The RO membrane’s efficiency in reducing the amount of contaminant in the water depends on the contaminant concentration, chemical properties of the contaminant, the membrane type and condition, and operating conditions..