A small FYI/warning about SpectraPure filters

[SecondCityCorals]

So I have owned a spectrapure for awhile for my tank. Last summer I had finally exhausted my 3rd round of dual membrane filters. And so I bought all new filters because it had been awhile. Nothing out of the ordinary.

The total bill for replacing all of them was about $250 (dual RO, dual DI, replaced prefilters etc).

5 months later they were exhausted. Something that does not happen that quickly for me. Chicago has really good water too. My tap water TDS is going into the filter at 95 TDS. These things should have lasted awhile.

So I bought replacement filters (another $200) and submitted an RMA. Unfortunately, my RMA was declined. Most of Spectrapure filters come with no warranty whatsoever. I was a little shocked by this. I don't know of ANY other product that'll do that to you if it goes bad within 5 months. I can even return used oranges to the grocery store if they're sour. But spectrapure only has a warranty on a select few of their membranes. You have to make sure to buy the "Specraselect" membranes. Even though all the membranes on their website are Spectrapure brand membranes.

So, I just want everyone to know. If you want a warranty on $200 worth of filters to last more than 5 months. Make sure to buy the membranes that are twice the price.

 

[TheEngineer]

The RO membranes failed? That’s unusual. Mine typically last 18-24 months.

 

[SecondCityCorals]

Yeah that’s what I first thought too. I’ve had this same unit awhile and bought the same filters from the same place. And the previous few times, they lasted a few years.

And I always figured if they lasted less than at least a year. It would have some kind of warranty. Because I’ve never met a product that was brand new and didn’t have at least a year of coverage.

 

[khushtram]

Yeah I own the 180 gpd. These things are crapola!!! I live in nyc tds here is about 35-38. My membranes don’t last to long either. I only have a 60 cube. A 5 gallon wc a week means my filters should last a long time right ? Wrong !!

 

[SecondCityCorals]

Yep I thought it was extremely weird too. Given that Chicago water is pretty dang good TDS wise. When I lived in Peoria the TDS was 350 or so. Very high.

It’s so weird because I’ve bought the same brand filters a few times and every time they lasted around 3-4 years.

Anyway my point is, I’ve never run into a product with no warranty before. I mean sure if you buy a pack of organic free range oranges, the grocery store isn’t gonna guarantee them for a year.

But if I buy a Brita filter and it dies in 2 days. They’re gonna replace it.

 

[Useful_Idiot]

If your water company switched from adding chlorine to chloramines instead your carbon prefilter isn't removing all of it and that's what's killing the membrane so quick. You'll need a special carbon filter to remove the chloramines. You'll have to contact the water company.

 

[JoshH]

Deleted

 

[khushtram]

Chlorine, I do flush before and after every use, and I replace carbon about every 5 months. My apt building was built 1925 so I believe it has something to do with old copper pipes leeching a bunch of random stuff into my system.

 

[JoshH]

Deleted

 

[khushtram]

I live in a 5th floor apt building so my psi is about 30-35. I am tapping off my cold water so I’m assuming 40degrees give or take

 

[khushtram]

Membranes last from 6 months to the year

 

[JoshH]

Deleted

 

[khushtram]

Would you suggest running one membrane at a time ? And store the other one away for future use ? Tds reads 38-1-0

 

[JoshH]

Deleted

 

[khushtram]

Yes running 99 percent rejection rate membranes