Water Pressure low even with a booster pump, WHY?

[treedog5]

So I was getting about 25-30psi out of my RODI unit, so I bought a used booster pump from a member. Now my pressure is only at 40psi, what could be causing my pressure to stay so low?

 

[bklynreef123]

sounds like your sediment filter and carbon blocks probably need to be replaced.

 

[TheEngineer]

Also, booster pumps have pressure adjustments. Have you tried adjusting it?

 

[Antics]

Is the flush valve closed?

 

[bklynreef123]

Also, booster pumps have pressure adjustments. Have you tried adjusting it?

According to BRS this is a pressure bypass switch. Adjusting this will not increase the pressure. This info is found at about 4:50 in the video below.

 

[TheEngineer]

That's correct. It allows water to bypass the pump. You can adjust it to get the pressure up or down. Since this isn't a new pump you have no idea what the last person set it to.

 

[Anthony Wood]

Since it's used I would take it apart and make sure the components are clean. It only has a few parts I had to take a part a buddies and clean it out because it was doing the same thing as yours. There was some nasty gunk build up on the rubber membrane that's inside along with the rest of the parts. Cleaned it off and back to working normally it went.

 

[treedog5]

Ok, I will look into taking it apart. Not real familiar with these pumps though, hope I don't break something..

 

[Anthony Wood]

Just be careful. There is only 3 moving parts if that, I can't remember the exact number. The parts aren't super delicate but obviously can't just be thrown around. The part you have to be the most careful with is the rubber membrane. Unscrew the top, might take a little force, clean the gasket and the inside along with the 3 parts throw it back together and your good to go.

Ok, I will look into taking it apart. Not real familiar with these pumps though, hope I don't break something..

 

[Anthony Wood]

you take the top off inside will be a rubber membrane that is moved up and down by a thin metal rod that goes down a circular shaft which is the magnet that moves the rod up and down.

 

[Buckeye Hydro Verified Sponsor]

Is it possible you pump internals are bad? Sure, but I sure wouldn't start the troubleshooting by taking the pump apart!

Some things to think about first:
1. Is your flush valve completely closed?
2. How did you tap into your homes plumbing to get water TO the pump?
3. Although dirty prefilters are always something to be aware of, that is unlikely to be the cause of what you're seeing. A booster pump will camouflage all but the worst clogged filters just due to the brute force wiith which the pump moves water.
4. What is the GPD rating of your membrane(s)? You may have too much membrane for the pump you are using.
5. What flow restrictor are you using?
6. What is the brand name and model number of the pump? You may have bought a pump that's not well matched to your system.
7. Where do you have the pressure gauge plumbed in relative to the location of the pump?

Russ

 

[treedog5]

I will take a photo of my RO/DI setup when I get home, that should answer all your questions.

 

[rcmike]

Also, make sure your pressure gauge is working correctly. It might be working fine and the gauge is broken.

 

[treedog5]

So everyone can see what I'm working with..

 

[treedog5]

Lol looking at the picture I'm not sure I have the tubing ran correctly..

 

[Buckeye Hydro Verified Sponsor]

we can help you if yu answer the questions. If you want to just call us when you are in front of the system that's better yet.

Russ
513-312-2343

 

[treedog5]

OK, I will call you later today and see if we we can get this figured out. Thanks for offering your time and expertise.

 

[treedog5]

Russ, thanks so much for taking your time and helping me over the phone yesterday. I figured out this is the unit that I have, just some FYI for you and also a reminder for me in case I forget again which model I have.

 

[treedog5]

@Buckeye Hydro , I replaced the sediment and carbon filters per your instructions and now my pressure is at 55-60 psi. It moves a little in between those numbers, but definitely a big improvement. Do you think I could more or does that sound about right?
Sorry for the late update...

 

[Buckeye Hydro Verified Sponsor]

So that system has a 75 gpd membrane that has been re-labeled to say 90 gpm. Assuming you have about a 4:1 waste water to purified water ratio, and we know you have clean prefilters now, so there is not much else you can do. A thought:
Do some digging on that pump - that pump did not come with the system - it was added afterward. So t may be that the pump was only designed for 50 gpd and less membranes. With the correct pump (I'd recommend an Aquatec 8800) the pump could put out well over 100 psi - higher than you want. Aquatec's are adjustable - is your pump adjustable?

Russ