Need advice on ro......

[brianbadonde]

Hi chaps. I am a toy WFP guy. Well, I also do some houses traditional. This morning I had a round to do that's all WFP. I decided to check the TDS of the water in my water butt before emptying it in to water drums. 30! This is after being dionized. Checked the RO and it's taking the tap water from 290 to 92. So I know my membranes have gone. I'm not sure wether to replace the membranes and prefilters (£155) or buy a smaller RO for £170. The RO Ive currently got is a 450 Gpd. If I get a smaller one my way of thinking is that it won't be producing as much water, so can be left running for longer, therefore working more econically. As I've heard that having periods of inactivity doesn't do them much good. Is my way of thinking flawed? And can anyone recommend a good RO? Obviously, the cheaper the better, but on the other hand, I don't want to "buy cheap, buy twice". So any suggestions appreciated

 

[brianbadonde]

Oooooh, also have another question! Are water softness any good? On paper they say they prolong membrane life by replacing hardness in the water with sodium, which the membranes find easier to remove. But will the cost of the buying salt outweigh the potential cost saving in membranes?

 

[Smurf]

Maybe @doug atkinson might be the best person to advise here.

 

[doug atkinson]

Here is my words of wisdom /emoticons/smile.png

If you have one membrane system compared to 3 membrane system you have the risk of no water production if your membrane fails. Whereas with 3 if one fails you still have production.

Check output of all 3 membranes as you may only need to change 2 etc....

Cheep will mean not lasting long so go that extra £10 for well known brand.

Water Softener you are right there as cost of back flushing with salt the costs may out weigh the costs of membranes. It will prolong the life of the membranes if you have high calcium levels in your water.