Should an old RO system be replaced/refurbished

[dragon99]

I'm running an 15+yr old Spectrapure RO system. The DI stages are relatively new (~1yr old). The filters all have been replaced regularly (sediment, carbon, membrane).

Is there any reason to replace the system itself? I'm guessing not, but maybe I'm missing something.
Should the tubing be replaced?
Should I worry about cleaning the housings/tubing?

 

[mitch91175]

I'm running an 15+yr old Spectrapure RO system. The DI stages are relatively new (~1yr old). The filters all have been replaced regularly (sediment, carbon, membrane).

Is there any reason to replace the system itself? I'm guessing not, but maybe I'm missing something.
Should the tubing be replaced?
Should I worry about cleaning the housings/tubing?

I’d say as long as you are getting 0 tds after replacing filters no need to upgrade. Specially if it is still keeping up with the amount of water you need to make.

Only reason I’d look at replacing it is if it produces too much waste, but I think that has more to do with the membranes than it does the unit itself.

 

[dragon99]

That's what I figured. I think I'm looking for an excuse to buy something new. When I checked a few months ago my waste: product ratio is ~2:1, which is maybe a little low (should probably have more waste).

 

[chipmunkofdoom2]

That's what I figured. I think I'm looking for an excuse to buy something new. When I checked a few months ago my waste: product ratio is ~2:1, which is maybe a little low (should probably have more waste).

4:1 waste to product is ideal. The increased water flow over the membrane's surface usually keeps sediment from fouling the membrane. But you don't have to replace the system for that. Just get a higher-flow restrictor. I'm running an 800ml restrictor on my 75GPD to get the waste to product ratios I want. Bulk Reef Supply and many other vendors recommend a 500ml restrictor for a 75GPD membrane, which I think just forces too much water over the membrane.

The beauty of RO/DI systems is that the work is done by the filters, not by the tubing and the housing. All the tubing and housing really does is hold the filters. If the seals are all in good shape, the shut-off valves are working fine and there aren't any leaks, it's still good to go.

 

[mitch91175]

That's what I figured. I think I'm looking for an excuse to buy something new. When I checked a few months ago my waste: product ratio is ~2:1, which is maybe a little low (should probably have more waste).

Buy some more fish or coral

 

[Bpb]

I’ve wondered the same thing actually mine is also a 10-15 year old spectrapure. I’d think maybe just replacing the tubing with fresh tubing and giving the unit a good bleach soak might be helpful to get rid of any bacterial film and scale buildup, but that is purely speculation

 

[Hnguyen]

I've had my 750 GPD unit for nearly 10 years now. Only thing I ever do is replace my pre & post filters every 6 months and membranes every 2 years. Haven't had any issues so far and I don't plan to replace it unless it's shooting water out it's side.

 

[Greybeard]

Is it an eyesore? Break it down, new tubing, maybe a coat of paint on the frame, give everything a good cleaning... Even replace the canisters, if they're starting to yellow on you or something. I still don't see any call to replace it. The 'system' is just a series of canisters and a frame. It's the filters that do all the work.

Here's my RODI system. It's contained in a narrow cabinet, on the back side of my kitchen sink... it's actually on the patio. Out of site, out of mind, easy to maintain... don't care what it looks like

 

[Buckeye Hydro Verified Sponsor]

Definitely replace the housing orings, and sanitize the system. Orings should be cleaned and lubed with food grade silicone grease every time to change your filters. Sanitize once a year.

Russ