fill me in

[trottman]

RODI units. after you buy one do you have to replace a filter every so often? about how much are the filters?

over all, i want to know about how much i will spend on one of these guys over the course of a year doin about 10 gallon water changes a week.

say i get one for $50 what are the other costs in it throughout 1 year.


i am thinking about moving to the dark side of RODI

 

[Mykayel]

I believe you should replace the filters about once a year and the RO membraine about once every 3 years and then your DI resin as needed.

I've bought my RO/DI system from from filter direct on ebay and replacement filters are about $30 and DI resin is about $20.

 

[DrBDC]

At around 50-60 gall per week produced, I went about 8-10 months with the main filters and about the same with the di resin. When I replaced them I spent about 50 bucks. I've now gone about a year with my main filters but slightly less weekly water production and have only refilled my di resin. I'm probably getting due but I ordered a tds meter that goes on the unit to give a better monioring of the filter. I really just guessed when to change. The di resin container on mine is clear so I can see what's going on with it. Here's the tds unit I bought item #4452142373

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4452142373&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT

Not sure if it's any good but it will be better than a guess.

I would think at 10 gallons per week you would get a year and a half with each 50 dollar filter change. I got my ro/di unit from filterdirect.com as well as the filter replacements for a cost analysis.

 

[trottman]

i would probably do more like 70 gallons a month

 

[Fade]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7142589#post7142589 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by trottman
i would probably do more like 70 gallons a month

I do that and then some in one week!

 

[trottman]

if i had 700 gallons of water, so wouls i

 

[jimmyleg]

Best bet is to get a TDS (total dissolved solids) meter to track filter life, if you are using the RODI for drinking water as well, figure on roughly six months for replacing the charcoal and micron filters, two to three years on the RO membrane.

I bought a 100 gpd unit on eBay and with two years worth of filters (at six months life) the unit came to less than $180 shipped, but the DI replacement resin wasn't included in that price and the canister leaked so I use the replaceable DI units now.

 

[achillestang2002]

Jimmyleg is correct. It will serve you best to get a TDS meter. The testing is pretty simple. The water coming out of the RO/DI should have a TDS of 0 or 1. If the TDS is greater than 0 or 1 you need to replace your DI cartridge or your RO cartridge. To determine if your RO cartridge is good - check the tap water's TDS. Then check the water coming out of the RO before it enters the DI. The RO water before entering the DI should be 10% or less of the tap water. Example: Tap water TDS 650 then RO water is good if 65 or less. This will let you know if you need to replace your RO membrane or your DI cartridge when the TDS out of the unit is greater than 1.

The pre-filter will be based upon the water entering the unit. Some new subdivison are less likely to have build up in the water mains than old subdivisions. Keep an eye on the pre-filter and make sure to change it when it becomes rusty brown. You may notice the unit not producing as much water and that may be due to the pre-filter.

The carbon block should be changed once every 3 months or when chlorine starts passing through it. Chlorine will damage the RO membrane shortening its life. You can check the amount of chlorine going through the carbon block by testing the water before it enters the RO membrane.

Each unit will be different and it will depend on the water temperature, water pressure, the quality of your tap water, and the amount of water you use.

Aren't you glad you asked!!!

 

[chadscamaro]

You sure know a lot about water ! Sounds like you work at a water treatment plant or something .