RO membrane clogged?

[ScottK]

I think the RO membrane in my filter is clogged. There has been almost 0 output for a few days now, and there's not been a visible drop in the water pressure in my apartment. The water out of the waste line is normal, but there is maybe one drop a second out of the 'good' end. This is a pretty new membrane that I got in october. Has anyone had this happen/heard of this, or know of a way to clean it? I really don't want to shell out another $100 on a new membrane if I don't have to.

 

[FRY]

it shound not be clogged yet,remove the membrane close it up run the water and see if water comes out to make sure nothing elese is clogged

 

[FRY]

whats the model ##of the membrane

 

[ScottK]

I took everything apart last night, and the only thing it can be is the RO membrane. There is a normal amount of water coming out of the waste water outlet when the water is turned on, so water is getting to the membrane. I've also notice that there's more backpressure when I turn the water off. The filter is hooked up to my bathroom sink. Normally, when I turn the water off, I have to wait like 5 seconds for the water pressure to go down in the filter before I can unscrew it from the faucet and not have water spray everywhere. Now I have to wait much longer for the pressure to go down, like 20 seconds or more.

 

[FRY]

what model ro unit you have

 

[ScottK]

It's the 50 gpd membrane for the Seachem/Pinnicle RO filter.

 

[FRY]

looks like its clogged,make sure the water in goes into the pre filters first then into ro unit, i whould contact were you bought the membrane from

 

[jrodjordan]

I have the same problem with mine (although, I have a different make/ model)
it is very frustrating. I gave up and use only distilled water thru a D.I. filter. it is not as good and I'd rather use the RO filter, but replacement RO filters for $100 a month for filters is a bit much for me.

Has anyone used a RO membrane flush?
did it work?
they sell one on DrsFostersmith.com...

 

[ScottK]

Thanks for the help, Frank. I got the membrane and Drs. fosters and smith, and I just sent the customer service an email. Ugh, this is so annoying. Running the filter all day is barely keeping up with evaporation in my tank!

 

[FRY]

i use ro flush i do it about every 2 weeks run it for 10 min.try buying membrane for other place ,my membrane still works after 2 years

 

[FRY]

you have to check the pressure going into the ro stage it needs to be 50 lbs or better,do you have a pressure gauge to test it

 

[jrodjordan]

i use ro flush i do it about every 2 weeks run it for 10 min.try buying membrane for other place ,my membrane still works after 2 years

Thanks Fry!

 

[FRY]

pressure and temperure makes the different amout of output

 

[maxpower2112]

Ive had that same problem with backpressure on mine and it drove me frikin nuts since it was almost new. but it turned out that my carbon block got real clogged and thats what was causing the problem. try replacing the carbon filter, see if thats the probelm.

 

[FRY]

thats why you need to test the water pressure in between the stages to see were its clogged

 

[jhale]

fyi, don't pay $100 for a RO membrane.

I get mine from water anywhere for $40.00.

 

[coralcrazy]

first off 10 min flush?..did anybody see that..i thought it was a 30 sec flush tops a min..also get your membrane at airwaterice.com..

 

[FRY]

your right coralcrazy 15 to 30 seconds ,

 

[ScottK]

Thanks for the site, jonathon. I replaced all three parts, the prefilter, the carbon, and the membrane at the same time. After swaping stuff around and testing, it's definately the membrane.

 

[nycmat]

i saw a slow drip occurring and the 1st chamber browning and then i replaced both the carbon (2nd chamber) and the 1st and i had no problem since then but listen to fry about flushing the systems guys it is true mine is on order.!!

jrod you have to show up to the game party so far i have about 12 guys going all BRONCO FANS!!