NO.
RO or RO/DI? Do you have a handheld TDS meter?
Vendors tell you to run 3-5 gallons to waste before using but that doesn't tell the whole story.
1. Remove the carbon block(s) and screw the empty canister sump(s) back on. Disconnect the 1/4" line from the carbon block leading up to the RO membrane at the RO end and stick this line in the sink or a bucket and turn the water on. This rinses the antimicrobial agents, glues and binders out of the sediment filter sothey don't foul the carbons pores. Let it run a couple minutes.
2. Install the carbon block, only the first if it has more than one carbon. Turn the water on again and flush the carbon dust or fines to the drain for a couple minutes so they don't foul the RO membrane. If you have two carbons install the second and repeat the process.
3. Reattach the 1/4" line up to the RO membrane and now stick the treated RO water line in the sink or in the case of a RO/DI either remove the DI cartridge or disconnect the 1/4" line from the RO to the DI at the DI end and again stick it in the sink or a bucket. Turn the water on and make RO water to the drain for 3-5 gallons or use your TDS meter and monitor the TDS going out until it reaches its lowest level which should be 96-98% lower than the tap water TDS. This removes the preservatives from the RO membrane fabric and the glue residues from its winding process
4. If this is a RO you are now ready to make water. If it is a RO/DI, reinstall the DI cartridge or hook the 1/4" line back up and make approx 1 gallon of RO/DI or better yet use your handheld TDS meter and monitor the TDS until it is 0 and you are ready to make water.
Manufacturers recommend sediment and carbon block filter replacements every 6 months. You replace the RO membrane when it is no longer in the 96-98% rejection rate range and the DI resin or cartridge when it is anything other than 0 TDS.
