Life of Sediment Filter?

[Allyson]

Since I purchased my Kent RO/DI used, I didn't get any inserts that came with the filters and can't find any info specific to cartridge replacement on the instruction sheet for the unit.

After making ~125 gallons of water my sediment filter is yellow...remember it was used to begin with. I only have another ~30 gallons to go and can't get a replacement today...and really want to finish filling the tank so I can start circulating it. The carbon and DI filters are fine....although the DI is getting close and will probably be done by the time I'm done filling.

[SPC]

The only way to be sure is to test TDS coming off the RO and then the DI filters, Allyson. You can do this by disconnecting the lines that are exiting each of these stages and draining some of the water into a very clean container, then test TDS with a meter.

I use one of these in-line meters http://www.aquariumwaterfilters.com/...ments/TDS.html

Steve

[Unresistible Blue]

Originally Posted by SPC

The only way to be sure is to test TDS coming off the RO and then the DI filters, Allyson. You can do this by disconnecting the lines that are exiting each of these stages and draining some of the water into a very clean container, then test TDS with a meter.

I use one of these in-line meters http://www.aquariumwaterfilters.com/...ments/TDS.html

Steve

Whoa Nellie! A tds meter won't help you determine if your sediment filter needs to be replaced. Your sediment filter and carbon block filter don't have a measureable effect on tds. Use your meter to monitor the performance of the membrane and resin.

If your filter was used, and its discolred, and you don't have a pressure gauge to tell if its plugged or not - just get a new one. They are only a couple of bucks.

Blue

[tims]

i would agree with Blue on that one. but have a tds meeter to test the water would be good.
the membranes are good for about 6 months or so, thte carbon one not as long. is yours the CFM1M 10 inch 1 um sed filter? if so you are looking at 3,500 gallon or six months.
HTH

[SPC]

Originally Posted by Unresistible Blue

Whoa Nellie! A tds meter won't help you determine if your sediment filter needs to be replaced. Your sediment filter and carbon block filter don't have a measureable affect on tds. Use your meter to monitor the performance of the membrane and resin.

\

Oooops, this is correct, sorry for any problems I may have caused with this incorrect info .
Steve

[Allyson]

No worries guys! I only had a few more gallons to go so I finished up while waiting for a new set of filters. I went ahead and replaced all 3 of them so I could track how long I've had them. I do need to get a TDS meter for the membrane though. All I have is the guys word that it was about 200 gals old.

I really need to get the flush kit....our water here in Houston is horrible..the sediment filter went from an off white to yellow in ~100 gallons and when I pulled it out to replace it the water in bottom of the canister was gross! It was the CF1M.

[tims]

if it is any help.. i you may want to add another prefilter to it all. that may help your main filters if your water is that bad.

[Unresistible Blue]

Originally Posted by tims

i would agree with Blue on that one. but have a tds meeter to test the water would be good.
the membranes are good for about 6 months or so,

If you only get 6 months out of a TFC RO membrane there is a problem with your unit. There membranes should last for 1 to 3 years or more.

Most common problem causing short membrane life is use of an exhausted carbon block.

Blue

[SPC]

Originally Posted by Unresistible Blue

Most common problem causing short membrane life is use of an exhausted carbon block.

So how does one test for an exhausted carbon block, Blue?
Steve

[tims]

Sorry blue .. should have said the prefilters only 6 months or so...yes the main ro membrane should last a good 3 years..

[Unresistible Blue]

SPS - You can use a chlorine test, or err on the side of caution and replace the carbon every 6 months or so. If you shop around you'll find the blocks are so cheap that it may not pay to go out and buy a test kit.


Blue