RO/DI Died

[Parker]

So my RO/DI unit cratered, there is very little output and the pressure gauge is reading very close to zero. I'm looking for advice on where to start trouble shooting?

I have pressure right up to the unit...

[hillegom]

How long since you changed the particle filter? The first filter

[Cal_stir]

where is the guage located?

[MarkoD]

maybe something clogged one of the tubes connecting the chambers.

if the chambers are clear, open them and empty the whole unit, then start the water and watch how fast each chamber fills up

[Parker]

How long since you changed the particle filter? The first filter

Never, in fact I've never serviced the unit, period ( probably a bad idea ).

This came on pretty quick, it was running yesterday as I did a water change and checked the tds, which was 2. Came back today to make another batch of salt water and noticed my water change cans were only about half full.

[Parker]

Here's a pick of the unit to show where the gauge Is:

http://www.spectrapure.com/jpgs/MC_RODI.jpg

[hillegom]

I would change the particle and the two carbon filters. Most likely everything is just plugged up.

[hillegom]

Oops Just one particle and one carbon.
Dont change the two DI

[Parker]

There's water getting through the prefilter and carbon but nothing but a bit of waste waters getting through the membrane.

[hillegom]

So how long have you been running this unit with the same filters?

As Marko said, try running water through without the filters. However, disconnect the RO membrane. You do not want to run chlorine water through it. Test all the hoses to look for an obstruction.
If everything is ok, then put the filters back in and connect up the RO membrane backwards to flush it. Don't switch the ro water with the waste water, just switch the ro in to ro out, your good water. Then flush for 2-3 min.

If you have been running the filters, the particle and the carbon for over a year, I would switch them for new ones.

[Parker]

Membrane is done, I can't get any water through it, the other canisters have flow through them, no blockages.

New membrane and all new filters from SpectaPure - $225 plus
Nem membrane and all new filters from BRS - $76.70

[hillegom]

Membrane is done, I can't get any water through it, the other canisters have flow through them, no blockages.


Did you try to backflush the membrane cartridge?

[Parker]

Did you try to backflush the membrane cartridge?

I did, I tried flushing it for quite some time, nothing. Checked all the tubing etc, all was good.

[hillegom]

Well, then I guess new filters are required.
While you are at it, get a new flow restricter to match the ro membrane you are getting. ie if you get a 100g/day membrane, you need a flow restricter for 100 g/day