Terrible TAP

[Blntz]

Hey all, I'm normally the one reading these not writing them. The problem I'm having is with incoming tap water....HIGH in Nitrates.
I using a RO/DI unit rated at 50gpd. I've also added another DI cartridge, now the unit has 4 chambers. Even with new filters all a round, i'm still testing nitrates at 2.5ppm on the output. It drives me crazy, as this is water I have use for the tank. Also these DI cartridges are running me broke. I'm only able to get about 100g per cartridge, then nitrate tests start elevating.

Thanks in advance.

 

[TwistedTiger]

Have you used a TDS meter to check the TDS of your tap? Also how old is your membrane and are you 100% sure everything is connected properly? It sounds more like something is wrong with your ro/di that your tap if after your ro you can only get 100 gallons out of your di.

 

[Pyrrhus]

Even with 1000 TDS at the tap we get at least 200g of DI water with a properly functioning RO system.

If your tap is really that bad you should look into this.

http://www.spectrapure.com/St_MaxCap-RO-DI.htm

 

[Confooseld]

I actually just had the same problem arise once I set up my tank here (tds was 860 out of tap at last check) what you have to get is the spectrapure ro membrane with 98% rejection it's hard to explain but that makes a big diff. However I've decided to stick my ro/di in storage for a while and just buy the water from the grocery store.

But why is this question in the sps section anyway?

 

[Thefilterguys]

Are you on well water or city water? What kind of test kit are you using? Memebrane rejection rates for nitrates is 90-95% unless your tap water is sky high you are getting a false reading or it is coming from your storage container.

Jim

 

[Blntz]

okay, I check the Unit everything is hooked up properly. I'm on city water. I tested nitrates directly in the tap and came up with 50ppm. So the unit is decreasing them to 2.5ppm. Also, theres a new membrane installed but I hardly every get any waste water prodced. It took it apart and its wet and seated perfectly. Where can I get a TDS test kit?

Thanks,
Brad

 

[ClownNut]

see that's the problem, even with the new filter guy convertion still 1G of RO, 1.4G waste water.
pic will be helpful at this point. i am sure jim can help u out with the TDS meter.^_^

 

[crab0000]

I think standard RO/DI's are supposed to have 4/1 waste water to filtered water.

 

[ClownNut]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8280559#post8280559 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by crab0000
I think standard RO/DI's are supposed to have 4/1 waste water to filtered water.

yes. but do the filter guy convertion u can reduce the waste water down to 1.4G per 1G

 

[Thefilterguys]

OK no waste water your system is not operating right take a look at the drawings to see if you can find the problem. It will be either your flow restrictor or your automatic shutoff valve would be my best guess. Your membrane is going to work best with a 4:1 flow rate. Your DI resin should take care of the residiual nitrates unless it is exhausted. Do you have a vertical DI housing or horizontal?

http://www.thefilterguys.biz/instructions.htm

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8280259#post8280259 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Blntz
okay, I check the Unit everything is hooked up properly. I'm on city water. I tested nitrates directly in the tap and came up with 50ppm. So the unit is decreasing them to 2.5ppm. Also, theres a new membrane installed but I hardly every get any waste water prodced. It took it apart and its wet and seated perfectly. Where can I get a TDS test kit?

Thanks,
Brad

 

[Blntz]

First of all a sincere thanks!! I found the problem. A clogged waste water hose! (It looked like a deformity in the hose itself) Now if I had only thought to look into this 3 years ago.

GOOD BYE NITRATES!!!!
Thanks all!

 

[Thefilterguys]

Great I'm glad you found the problem.

Jim