Still with RO issues

[dl1030]

I have replaced all the filters, membranes, flushed the lines, pretty much anything I can think of. When I turn the water on I am now getting some clean water, but it is at the rate of 1/20 to waste. What else should I look at, or replace now? What about the water flow limiter on the waste output side? Would that cause a lack in back pressure and allow more water through the waste side? I am at wits end. Next step is a whole new RO system and just save these filters for future use.

 

[leeweber85]

yikes, sounds like you are having some bad luck. Where did you purchase the unit from? Maybe they could help you.

 

[kau_cinta_ku]

sounds like my unit i got from filters direct off ebay, never did find out what caused it to do that though. so i just bought a new unit from purelyh2o and have never had problems sence.

 

[rc1214b]

When you said. "what about the flow limiter on the waste output side" do you have one or are you asking if you should get one. On mine that is what I use to get the gpd and ratio set. It should have the ability to regulate the waste water and force more through the ro membrane.

 

[Atticus]

Waste water should be regulated at a 2-5 or 1-3 ratio good to bad. You do this by regulating how much water is allowed to flow through the waste line. If the waste line is wide open, like your seems to be, no pressure will build in the membrane and little to no clean water will be created. Simple physics of the road of least resistance, it is too easy for the water to go down the waste line you need to force it trough the membrane with pressure.

 

[purelyh2o]

Hey

Hey

An easy fix
Just go to Home depot and get a plastic 1/4 inch ball valve and stick it on the drain line. Tune the waste to product ratio to 3 to 1.

Basicly just time the water from each output for 30 seconds and make sure in that time you produce 3 times more waste than product

Good luck

 

[dl1030]

Thanks guys, That is what I was thinking was happening.

The ball valve is not a bad idea, but I already have a restrictor on the waste side, are they adjustable? Can they go bad? You would think they would let through less water as they began to have problems.

Hopefully this will take care of my RO problems, I will try it over lunch if I can get out of the office.

 

[dl1030]

Just bought a new restrictor off H20splash from eBay. He has been shipping everything fast, two day turn around and free shipping on most items. I should have the RO back up and running by Thursday so that means no more waste water changes. I will try the ball valve when I get home tonight so I can atleast start getting clean water.

 

[bgreenlee]

Whats your inlet water pressure?

 

[purelyh2o]

Well

Well

Its cool to have set flow restrictor on the system if you want to set it and forget it it.

But, Flow restrictors are designed for ideal pressure conditions and most of the time if you have lower pressure than normal you will end up with a much higher waste to product ratio. By using the valve you can adjust the ratio to work correctly under the pressure you actually have in your home.

So in summary
The adjustable method is better

 

[dl1030]

right on! I see what you are saying with the restrictor, it just worked before so i assumed it would work after the new filters. I will add the ball valve tonight and hope for the best.


I have no clue what my pressure is, I do not have a PSI meter installed inline with the RO.