New RO Membrane Releasing 111 PPM!

Hey AZDesertRat,

I figured out what was wrong. My brine wasn't draining properly. I
purchased a second self piercing saddle valve (the metal one) with the RO/DI
and it turns out that I had not backed out the needle after I pierced the
PVC trap. The needle was plugging the hole in the PVC and preventing the
attached brine from flowing through.
I was doing research online on traps because I assumed the brine was backing
up because the saddle valve was located too low on the trap and that the
pressure needed to push the water down the drain exceeded the pressure on
the brine line.
My second thought was that maybe the hole was clogged because the trap had
never been cleaned. Taking the trap apart and considering replacing it so
the saddle valve could be placed higher on the trap I realized that the
needle was still piercing the PVC! EUREKA!
After a ten minute flush. My membrane is now reducing my TDS from 185 to
19. Is this adequate? Should I flush the membrane longer or run the system
through the restrictor by-passing the DI longer?



Wiley

 

The brine or waste line should not have a self piercing valve! The waste line goes into a drain saddle which is drilled into the ABS, PVC or bronze waste line. A self piercing valve is for the pressurixed tap water line which is usually copper or gray plastic.

Remove the self piercing valve and install a drain saddle on the sink side of the P trap ASAP to ensure the waste drains freely.
http://www.waterfiltersonline.com/drain-saddles.asp
http://www.waterfilters.net/Drain-Saddles_c_992.html
http://www.marinedepot.com/Drain_Sa...ystems-Captive_Purity-RO1319-FIRORARP-vi.html
http://www.advancedwaterfilters.com/filter-products/drain-saddle.html
http://www.aquariumplants.com/Spectrapure_RO_Waste_Water_Drain_Saddle_Kit_1_4_T_p/sp20009.htm

 

No coment lmao

 

Hey AZDesertRat,

See what happens when I get excited? I get a virtual lashing in bold letters and underline of all things!
Business. I have the saddle valve that you've sugested in your links. Help me find a place to put it? I posted some pictures of my undersink view in my profile. I had problems posting them here with my phone. My computer doesn't work.



Thank you as always,

Wiley

 

The self tapping valve you have installed on the P trap is what goes on the cold water supply line to provide tap water to the RO membrane. The drain saddle goes where you now have the self tapping valve. You install the drain saddle then drill or punch a hole through it ihto the P trap.
Better than the self tapper is a "feed water adapter" as pictured here:
PLUMBING ACCESSORIES FOR RO
It gives you a full 1/4" opening so less restriction and chance of clogging and it is removable without any permanent damage. It installs one the cold water supply valve and the existing 3/8" supply line plumbs to it. You can get one at Lowes or Home Depot for a couple bucks.

 

AZDesertRat,


Valves have ben switched out. Noticing no difference in permiate water quality however, there is no longer hissing at the saddle-valve because flow is no longer restricted.

TDS Update: Tap 185, Permeate 16, and Product 0.




Thanks again,

Wikey

 

How wrong are you? LOLOL

 

Run the system for a few days and check again. Thats on 91% rejection rate but the membrane is fouled at this point due to the restricted waste flow so you may be able to clean it us some since it did not run for long that way. If iit does not get better then its time for a new membrane. Make sure to check your exact waste ratio with a measuring cup and clock or watch to ensure its close to 4:1 now that you hav fixed the restriction.