Kent RO/DI users, answer me questions please and thank you!

[BOMPH]

All,
I have the opportunity to get a Kent Maxima Deluxe Hi-S 60gpd for 150 bucks..

For that price it seems like a steal. It works, I saw it, still has the box, he bought it a month ago, but decided to get out of the hobby to save money. ( dont ask me why he buys this and then gives it up ).. Gave the guy 10 bucks to hold it for me while I came to all you 'know it alls' for your thoughts. Figure if it sucks the 10 bucks is not a big loss. I figure the price can't be beat.

Note i mean 'know it alls' in the nicest way.

1) Are these units reliable?
2) Do they stand the test of time?
3) Anyone use this with a faucet adapter? Does it still work well?
4) Does this HI-S B.S. mean anything in the grand scheme of things?
5) He has a flush kit for it, so are there any other accessories I need? Test kits for certain water parameters?
6) Is the waste water reusable in any manner? Is it drinkable?
7) Do i need to add anything other than a salt mix to it to get it ready for the tank?


I am totally new to RO, so thanks for your help. Are there any causes for concern?

 

[taikonaut]

I am not a "know it alls" no matter how nice it can be.

1, there is no unreliable RO... no moving part, just regular maintenance so unless it is cracked or something, it is fine.

2, again, regular maintenance and it lasts for years and years.

3, as long as the pressue is good, it does not matter if it is hard-plumbed or with a faucet adapter.

4, unless your water is know to have high silicon... I don't really use it....

5, accessories depends on what you need. You can throw a grand on it if you want to have a hacked up version, but for most people, a baisic unit is sufficient.

6, waste water can be used for lawn, washing machine, dishwasher, toilet etc.. Anything that does not need very clean, drinking water is fine. I won't drink it myself, but some people feel that with the prefilters and all, it is better than tap.... :?

7, All you need is a good salt mix. Don't get into "water conditioner" junk that do nothing but waste your money.

 

[BOMPH]

Thanks taikonaut. Hope I didn't offend with the 'know it alls' thing, I was just being 'coy'....

Thanks for your reply. Your answers were exactly as I assumed, but, as always, experience beats assumption.

 

[reefann]

I personally dont think it may be a steal. If the cartridges need replaced that will up the total cost. Online you can get some awsome RO/DI (100 gpd) for like 200, I think they were going for. Check ebay before you buy that one.
HTH
JJ
_________________
u.s. recession

 

[PeeJ]

Just becuase you saw water coming out of it does not mean that it is working. Perhaps he has a TDS meter and he could prove to you it is working.

 

[pr0teus]

i'd buy it.

 

[taikonaut]

Yeah, I would definite test the output with a TDS just to make sure it was not fozen by leaving it outside, and busted the membrane and thing like that....

 

[BOMPH]

Whats TDS, and what do i need to test it?

Thanks!

 

[pr0teus]

tds stands for 'total dissolved solids'. you can buy an electronic tester to take tds readings. i *think* the tds is supposed to tell you how 'clean' your water is.

 

[PeeJ]

i'd buy it.

Would you but it if the water coming out of it was no different than that out of the tap?

TDS does tell you how pure your water is. Also a good unit to have to help let you know when it is time to replace your membranes.

 

[taikonaut]

In Up State NY, the TDS reading for tap should be between 250-100, and the RO should be less than 15, probably between 8-10. Check with your local water company to make sure I am in the ball park.