Water Softeners and Air Filtration Systems - Low Water Flow from RainSoft Reverse Osmosis (RO) System
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dwestall
09-30-09, 06:35 PM
I have a RainSoft 9596 4-stage RO system that is about 13 years old. I recently replaced the carbon pre-filter, sediment filter and carbon post-filter in Jun '09. The RO membrane was last replaced in Jun '08. I drain and flush about once per month. We also have a water softener.
About 4 months ago we started having problems with low volume and poor pressure out of the RO faucet. I could only get about 5 cups of water out of it each morning. I pulled the tank out. It was heavy, like it was completely full of water. I checked the air and it was low. I added some air to get it up to 8lbs psi but this didn't help. I suspected the bladder might have ruptured. I called RainSoft and they swapped out under warranty. After that, the water pressure was good and plentiful.
Then, a few weeks ago we started having the low volume/poor pressure problems again. There are no leaks or kinks in the hoses. I pulled the tank out. This time the tank was light and empty. The air pressured checked at 8-9lbs. I rinsed all the filters again, connected everything back and still have the problem. It seems like I"m not getting wanter into the tank like I should. I'm drawing about 8 cups each morning.
Why am I having this problem again? Could it be the membrane? RainSoft recommends replacement every 12 mo, and the tech said I could go 3 yrs because I have a softener.
Thanks,
dw
About 4 months ago we started having problems with low volume and poor pressure out of the RO faucet. I could only get about 5 cups of water out of it each morning. I pulled the tank out. It was heavy, like it was completely full of water. I checked the air and it was low. I added some air to get it up to 8lbs psi but this didn't help. I suspected the bladder might have ruptured. I called RainSoft and they swapped out under warranty. After that, the water pressure was good and plentiful.
Then, a few weeks ago we started having the low volume/poor pressure problems again. There are no leaks or kinks in the hoses. I pulled the tank out. This time the tank was light and empty. The air pressured checked at 8-9lbs. I rinsed all the filters again, connected everything back and still have the problem. It seems like I"m not getting wanter into the tank like I should. I'm drawing about 8 cups each morning.
Why am I having this problem again? Could it be the membrane? RainSoft recommends replacement every 12 mo, and the tech said I could go 3 yrs because I have a softener.
Thanks,
dw
smasters82
09-30-09, 09:51 PM
It can be very rare but i have come across defective carbon filters. I would double check all the valves and make sure everything is on all the way. Where the R.O. hooks up to the drain(or the discharge line) there will be a flow restrictor. if that is clogged up, that could be your problem also.