Problem with RO unit: please help!

[joelsaxton]

In the last few days I have noticed that the wastewater keeps going down the drain (I can hear it) even with the solenoid valve closed. This did not use to happen. Any ideas what might be broken? Perhaps the RO membrane itself is busted? I have it on an ASOV, hooked up to an automatic topoff solenoid system. I have shut off water to the pipe as a temporary fix, but I will eventually need to start topping off again.

 

[xtrstangx]

Autoshutoff may be broken.

Is there a leak anywhere in the system? Mine did this too when I had a tiny tiny leak in one of my filter housings.

Also make sure that your resoirvor doesn't need constant refilling if it drops 1/16"

 

[AZDesertRat]

I had to replace my autoshutoff valve recently after about 5.5 years of use.

 

[joelsaxton]

I will replace my ASOV and hope that fixes it.

 

[joelsaxton]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6950714#post6950714 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AZDesertRat
I had to replace my autoshutoff valve recently after about 5.5 years of use.

Where can I get the one you have?

 

[joelsaxton]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6949564#post6949564 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xtrstangx
Autoshutoff may be broken.

Is there a leak anywhere in the system? Mine did this too when I had a tiny tiny leak in one of my filter housings.

Also make sure that your resoirvor doesn't need constant refilling if it drops 1/16"

My sump refills constantly - it uses a ReefRelief solenoid system. Works well, but perhaps has overtaxed the ASOV?

 

[AZDesertRat]

I got the ASOV at either www.airwaterice.com or www.buckeyefieldsupply.com , I don't remember which.

 

[joelsaxton]

Thanks DesertRat!

I will look into these. Do you know if there are topoff systems (I currently use a ReefRelief) that has a "buffer zone", meaning it slightly overfills the sump so that it doesn't need to re-topoff the water so often? My ReefRelief fills it up exactly to the same point, but as soon as water evaporates, it will sometimes click on and off, on and off, several times in succession before it is satisfied. I think this might be what killed my ASOV.

Thanks in advance.

 

[AZDesertRat]

You need a float switch with longer travel so it does not kick on so often. That or two switches, one to turn it on and one to shut it off. I think www.autotopoff.com sells them.

 

[joelsaxton]

it looks like a double switch all right (which I already have) but it does not look like there is any "buffer space" if you know what I mean. It seems that it will fill right up to where it triggers the switch to turn off, but once water evaporates just a little, it will re-trigger to turn itself back on. With my ReefRelief device, it's the same way: it turns itself on and off about 50x per day which is really irritating, but that is how it is designed. I think that you are right that this constant on/off behavior overtaxes the ASOV.

thanks,

Joel

 

[BeanAnimal]

To create "buffer space" you will need to use a latching relay or similar circuit. One float starts the process, the other float ends the process. The furhter apart you put the floats, the larger the "buffer".

Search the DIY forum for "latching relay" and you will find everything you need.

If you can not find it post back and myself or somebody else will help you with the circuit.

Bean

 

[joelsaxton]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6961015#post6961015 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BeanAnimal
To create "buffer space" you will need to use a latching relay or similar circuit. One float starts the process, the other float ends the process. The furhter apart you put the floats, the larger the "buffer".

Search the DIY forum for "latching relay" and you will find everything you need.

If you can not find it post back and myself or somebody else will help you with the circuit.

Bean

Ok I will look into it. Thanks!

 

[xtrstangx]

Hey, I have a Tsunami AT-1. It is made by Blueline and I don't think they make them anymore. You will have to find one used I think. It will refill 1" of water before it turns on again. You would have to use a solenoid with it though I think.