Issue with RO/DI System Water Pressure

kdino · Aug 21, 2018

Hey all, I seem to be running into an issue with my @Bulk Reef Supply
5 STAGE PREMIUM PLUS 150 GPD WATER SAVER RO/DI SYSTEM

I'm only registering 3 PSI on the gauge on the filter, and water isn't even making it to the DI stack to fill the chamber. When i unhook the blue hose from the DI unit, barely a drip comes out.

My pressure from the house is excellent at 63psi which i confirmed with a gauge last night at the source tap.

Any ideas? I'm sure its a simple fix but this is my first unit in a long time. Please help!!

rawhideshaba · Aug 21, 2018

Double check that your auto shut off block. (stupid block thing under your RO chambers is plumbed correctly. You may have ran the hoses incorrectly. I think they have a video online of how to plumb it. If thats not the issue then maybe a kink in that same hidden area near the block. Also make sure your chambers have the correct media in each and placed in them properly. That slowed down my pressure a bit before.

Zack@BRS · Aug 21, 2018

Hi @kdino Hmmm, a lot of times hunting down the stoppage can be a matter of starting at the input and working your way through the system until you find where the flow stops. How long have you had the unit running?

Out of curiosity, what's the flow look like coming out of the black drain line? With a new system, the first thing I would suggest looking at is the flush valve/flow restrictor combo to make sure that the valve isn't in the open (parallel) position, as this will allow the flow to come out of the drain line rather than being forced through the membrane. This leads to the low pressure and low production you're seeing. It's not the only cause, but a good place to start.

If that's not the issue, it points to a clog prior to the membrane (since the pressure gauge comes right before the shut off valve and membrane). If your system has been running for a while, it could be a clogged sediment filter or carbon block filter. It would have to be pretty stopped up to drop your pressure to 3psi, but sometimes things get flushed into the water from the treatment plant that can clog up filters fast. A fast way to see if this is the case is to pull all of the prefilters out and just turn your system on momentarily and see if that brings your pressure back up to normal.

Anyway, we've got a whole team of experts here and I'm sure we can figure out what's going on and get you back up and running. You can even give one of our guys a call if you'd like someone to walk you through the troubleshooting process. Let me know if I can help further!

chipmunkofdoom2 · Aug 21, 2018

Check that the flow restrictor is on the waste line, and if it's the flushing variety, make sure the valve is closed.

kdino · Aug 21, 2018

Zack@BRS said:
Hi @kdino Hmmm, a lot of times hunting down the stoppage can be a matter of starting at the input and working your way through the system until you find where the flow stops. How long have you had the unit running?

Out of curiosity, what's the flow look like coming out of the black drain line? With a new system, the first thing I would suggest looking at is the flush valve/flow restrictor combo to make sure that the valve isn't in the open (parallel) position, as this will allow the flow to come out of the drain line rather than being forced through the membrane. This leads to the low pressure and low production you're seeing. It's not the only cause, but a good place to start.

If that's not the issue, it points to a clog prior to the membrane (since the pressure gauge comes right before the shut off valve and membrane). If your system has been running for a while, it could be a clogged sediment filter or carbon block filter. It would have to be pretty stopped up to drop your pressure to 3psi, but sometimes things get flushed into the water from the treatment plant that can clog up filters fast. A fast way to see if this is the case is to pull all of the prefilters out and just turn your system on momentarily and see if that brings your pressure back up to normal.

Anyway, we've got a whole team of experts here and I'm sure we can figure out what's going on and get you back up and running. You can even give one of our guys a call if you'd like someone to walk you through the troubleshooting process. Let me know if I can help further!

The unit hasn't been running at all, I just set it up to test it and make some water for the 1st time this weekend. Ill have a look at all the places you mentioned and report back. Thanks for the help!
-Kyle

Zack@BRS · Aug 21, 2018

Sounds good. Keep me posted!

kdino · Aug 28, 2018

Zack@BRS said:
Sounds good. Keep me posted!

ok figured it out yesterday after backtracking to find the blockage It appears to be at the auto shutoff valve. I was able to bypass it directly to the DI canister and we are Running smoothly at 60psi. Ever run into that issue Zack?

Zack@BRS · Aug 28, 2018

@kdino That's definitely unusual for a new unit. The ASOV can, of course, wear out over time, but it sounds more likely that the valve was stuck in the closed position for some reason. If you want to PM me, I can get your info to our customer service team and have a new ASOV sent out to you.