19
Maintenance
PREFILTER / POSTFILTER MAINTENANCE
NOTE: It is recommended to replace the prefilter
and postfilter cartridges at least every 6 months of
product water use. Replace more often if they
begin to plug with sediment.
The prefilter and postfilter are replaceable sediment
cartridges with activated carbon in their composition.
See Fig. 25. You must periodically replace the prefilter
and postfilter cartridge. This will protect the RO mem-
brane from being destroyed by chlorine. It will also pre-
vent the filters from plugging with sediment.
You may notice a slower output of product water as
the prefilter and postfilter build up with sediment.
Replace the prefilter and postfilter cartridges when this
occurs.
RO MEMBRANE CARTRIDGE MAINTENANCE
The Reverse Osmosis cartridge is a tightly wound spe-
cial membrane. See Fig. 25. The membrane reduces
the
dissolved
solids and organic matter. The life of the
Reverse Osmosis membrane cartridge depends mostly
on the pH and hardness of the supply water (see
Specifications). Cartridge life is shorter with higher pH.
For example, if supply water pH is from 6.8 to 7.7, the
cartridge may last for well over one year. However,
cartridge life may be as short as 6 months if the pH is
as high as 8.5 to 10. Higher pH weakens the cartridge
membrane and causes pin-hole leaks. It's time to
replace the Reverse Osmosis membrane cartridge
when the production rate and/or quality of product
water drops. Product water may begin to taste differ-
ent, indicating solids and organics are passing through
the Reverse Osmosis membrane. See Reverse
Osmosis membrane cartridge replacement.
REVERSE OSMOSIS MEMBRANE CARTRIDGE
REPLACEMENT
Complete the following steps to replace the cartridges.
1
. Remove (turn to the left) the prefilter cartridge from
the manifold to stop flow to the Reverse Osmosis
membrane cartridge.
2
. Remove the Reverse Osmosis membrane cartridge.
3
. Remove the postfilter cartridge.
4
. Discard the cartridges in a proper manner.
5
. Install new cartridges in reverse order (post filter,
Reverse Osmosis membrane and then prefilter).
Turn cartridges to the right to reattach to the filter
heads. Do not overtighten.
6
. Purge the Reverse Osmosis system. See page 16
for instructions.
FIG. 25
Cover
Prefilter
Cartridge
Postfilter
Cartridge
RO
Membrane
Cartridge
Turn to the left
to remove
PREFILTER / POSTFILTER CARTRIDGE
REPLACEMENT
Complete the following steps to replace the cartridges.
1
. Remove the prefilter cartridge (turn to the left) from
the filter head. Then remove the postfilter cartridge.
2
. Discard the cartridges in a proper manner.
3
. Install new cartridges in reverse order (postfilter
first, then prefilter). Turn cartridges to the right to re-
attach to the filter heads. Do not overtighten.
4
. Purge the Reverse Osmosis system. See page 16
for instructions.
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