RO filter question

[yello tang]

I have a Kent TFC RO 24 gpd filter that i had for about 2 yrs and i was wondering when should I change the membrane in the filter ? I change The carbon and prefilter about every 6months. Any advice would be great.

 

[foogoo]

Check the manual, I believe they recommend changing it every year or two. You'll know it's time when the water tastes funny (if you use it as drinking water too) or there is a noticeable decrease in water output.

 

[yello tang]

thanks for the replies. I dont have the manual. What is TDS meter? Is it an electronic meter? Also can i get a higher gpd membrane that produces more water than the 24gpd?

 

[killyah]

Originally posted by BigMac
Better yet, get a TDS meter and check the TDS...this will tell you when its time to replace the membrane
BigMac when is it time to change the filter at what reading from the TDS meter?

 

[broomer5]

TDS is Total Dissolved Solids ~ and is measured with a conductivity meter.
The various stages of our RO or RO/DI units remove solids.
These solids are really just different salts and minerals found in tapwater.
The reading on RO or RO/DI water should be very low when the filtration is working well.
As the filter elements begin to foul, or when the RO membrane starts to fail - the TDS or conductivity reading will rise.
If you don't have access to a conductivity meter, then another way to check the membrane ( RO multistage unit ) is to run an alkalinity test on the output water.
Most of us have these test kits.
New RO water will test very low in carbonates/bicarbonates and total alkaliinity.
As the RO unit begins to fail, the alkalinity will rise as well.

 

[killyah]

thx Broomer and BigMac for the reply! it helped alot....

 

[yello tang]

Thanks for the replies. When I order the new membrane can i goto a higher GPD membrane?
Thanks Again