RO booster pump question

[jt481]

I just installed a Typhoon III RO/DI. The water pressure coming into the house ranges from 35-75 psi, usually its 50 psi, the recommended pressure. The psi meter on the typhoon however is showing a steady 36 psi. I know booster pumps increase production but I thought booster pumps were only needed if the pressure coming into the house is below 50 psi. Would the booster pump bring pressure to the typhoon to a steady 50? Thanks for your help.

 

[Anonymous]

Where is the pressure meter? If it is after the sediment filter, but before the RO filter, it is for showing the life of the sediment.

Is the 36psi the pressure when the RO is off, or it drops to 35 psi during RO operation? If the pressure drop happens during on operation, you may need to check the prefilter (sediment).

 

[jt481]

well not sure if I can answer the direct question of where the pressure meter is located on the Typhoon III. It is brand new. The water pressure remains at 36 psi even after the sediment (1st stage) and carbon (2nd stage) is reomved, or if only sediment is removed or only carbon is removed. I purchased the unit from Reef Exotics, a sponsor here. They have been helpful but am waiting for help from themanufacturer airwater and ice.

 

[Anonymous]

Alright. You says your house water pressure is 35-75 psi, and I wonder what you used to get that reading. If I understand you correctly, when the RO water is not running, the pressure in the filter is 35psi?

 

[jt481]

well, no pun intended, there is a meter in the basement where the public water enters. This meter measures psi and gallons used. When the R/O unit IS running the psi is 36, when it is not running/valve closed the psi is 0.

 

[Anonymous]

The pressure gauge is then after the ASO valve and the prefilters. Can you bypass the ASO valve to get the pressure when the RO filter is not running? The reason that is a good diagnostic to do is that it let me know rather the 36psi is due to the pressure drop between the utility meter, or that utilty meter is off when it says 75psi.

I assume it is rare for your location to have low water pressue due to the use of galvanized pipe like Southern California?

 

[jt481]

good suggestion but not sure if i feel comfortable with my ability of performing that task. Will check it out though. Also playing phone tag with the manufacturer airwaterice
Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[Anonymous]

It is best to work with the manufacturer since they have their reputation on it, and will try to make you happy. I have no experience with AWI, but the last RO people I dealt with never try to make money off me even when I approached them with a desire to buy. They analysized my situation, and come to the conclusion that I don't need the extra equipment, and spend time to explain to me the science/engineering of their option. Now, that's a heck of a company there!

For others, to bypass the ASO, you just need to connect the input of the prefilter directly to the water supply, instead of going thru the ASO. This way, there will be pressure on the prefilter even if the RO is not running. This is helpful for some troubleshooting purpose where low pressure is suspected for poor RO output.