Trouble shooting guide - reverse osmosis systems – Environmental Water Systems RO4-UV User Manual
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Trouble Shooting Guide - Reverse Osmosis Systems
Air in system, System start-up
Filter or membrane replacement
New installation, changing filters,
Open/close and open of water supply
to home or in home
Hot or High feed water temperature
High feedwater TDS
RO Membrane replace
High feedwater temperature
Post filter elements
Pre- and Postfilters
Pre-Treatment needed
Filter/Membrane/UV issues
Storage tank water issue
Need to replace filters
System was idle, stored or misused
for a long period of time.
System under unfavorable conditions
or changing water conditions
Hydrogen sulfide, iron, manganese is
in the household water supply, pres-
ence of iron/sulfur bacteria
System misapplied
TDS “Creep” Tank has never been
completely emptied and filled
Clogged filter(s)
Low water pressure
RO membrane is new
RO membrane issues
RO membrane is expended
Product water and drain water tubing
or connections are crossed
No drain flow
System shut off valve is not closing
New filters not flushed properly
Restricted drain flow
Problem
Water
Quality
Possible
Causes
Solution
Water Cloudy
Salty Taste or Whitish
Ice Cubes
TDS Test less than
75% Rejection
Low Quality Water
Taste, Odor
Unpleasant taste and/
or odor
Metallic flavor
Discoloration
Rotten egg smell from
water
High Total Dissolved
Solids (TDS) in the
Product Water
Low Quality Water
Taste, Odor
and/or
Tank fills too fast
Low Quality Water
Taste, Odor
and/or
Tank fills too fast
Air in system is a normal occurrence with initial start-up of RO system. This milky
or cloudy look will disappear during normal use within 1-2 weeks. Condition can
reoccur after any filter change-out
Empty and fill tank 3 times to reduce air and fines from system and/or filter
replacement start-up
Water supplied to unit must be below 95°F
Feedwater TDS levels above 500 ppm can result in lower quantity and quality
product water. 1 psi loss per every 100 ppm above 500 ppm. Treat the same as
low feedwater pressure. Increase water line pressure or may need booster pump
for system (see Model No. RU500T35/BP for well water)
Membrane replacement should occur when rejection rate has dropped below
70%
Feedwater temperatures above 95°F can produce problems, cool water or find
another supply
New filters can release small air bubbles and small fines which show as addi-
tional TDS in the product water. Follow proper start-up instructions
Pre- and Post filters require replacement
Feedwater pretreatment may be necessary for water supplies with high levels
of iron, hydrogen sulfide, water hardness, etc. which may be exceeding system
tolerance parameters
Replace as needed
Empty tank, sanitize, empty, flush and refill
Replace filters and follow start up procedures
Flush system by running water, replace filters and/or disinfect
Determine what changed in your water supply and Flush, Replace or change
type of water treatment system based on local water conditions. Call your mu-
nicipality or have your well re-tested.
Hydrogen sulfide, iron and manganese must be removed from household water
supply before filter system.
Visit our web site for other systems.
At night before bedtime, open dispenser, close other devices, then empty all the
water from the tank. Allow water to produce overnight. Open other devices after
tank is completely filled. Do this quarterly or as needed.
Replace filter(s)
Feed water pressure must be above 40 psi. Check incoming water at supply
New membrane has a preservative. Follow correct start-up procedure and empty
tank 2 times before usage
If membrane life is unusually short, find and correct the problem.
Replace membrane.
Correct tubing and plumbing connections
Clear or replace drain restrictor. Drain line is clogged or restricted Clear or re-
place air gap line or faucet
Replace shutoff valve
Flush with several full tanks of product water
An increase in feed water TDS will give a corresponding increase in product
water TDS
Blocked brine line will foul membrane, decreasing production and rejection rate.
Check the drain line for obstructions or restrictions blocking the flow into the
drain pipe and air gap (if applicable).
Feedwater below 60 psi will produce lower quantity and quality than the mem-
brane specifications.
Feedwater less than 35 psi should consider using a low pressure boost pump.
Booster pump requirement, inquire with web site or our offices
Feedwater above 75 psi should be regulated to a maximum of 75 psi into the
system