How to Install a Reverse Osmosis Membrane Housing
Reverse osmosis is a popular method for treating household drinking water supplies. Its appeal lies in its low cost and simplicity. Reverse osmosis can help reduce high levels of nitrate, sodium, sulfate and other water impurities. The mechanism is based around a thin membrane with small openings that allow water to flow through while blocking larger compounds. You must follow a regular maintenance program to keep your reverse osmosis system efficient. This includes installing and replacing a reverse osmosis membrane housing. The most common types of membrane are made from cellulose acetate or polyamide resins. Installation methods will vary from one reverse osmosis system to another.
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Instructions
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Disconnect the tubes connected to your existing reverse osmosis membrane housing. Unscrew the top and bottom threaded fittings. You will be able to unscrew most household reverse osmosis fittings with your fingers, but larger systems may require a wrench.
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Clean the existing fittings and reuse. If this is a new installation, you will need fittings with a threaded tubing that fits the outside diameter of your pipes and the reverse osmosis membrane housing.
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Connect the new reverse osmosis membrane housing. Screw on the pipe fittings. Leak-test your installation.
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Test the quality of your water with your new membrane housing. If the level of total dissolved solids removed from your water is less than 80 percent, your membrane housing is probably faulty and needs to be replaced.
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Tips & Warnings
Reverse osmosis alone might not be enough to clean your water. For instance, reverse osmosis is not effective against bacteria. Ensure your water is free of bacteria before it enters your reverse osmosis filter.
Reverse osmosis wastes a lot of water; it only recovers 5 to 15 percent of the water that enters the system. For example, for every 5 gallons of water you consume, 40 to 90 gallons could end in your septic system. This could easily overload a small household septic tank.
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