BRR RODI + PUMP = LOW PRESSURE…

[ReefMadScientist]

Hey! I am getting back into the game after a decade away. Having some weird issues with my 6 Stage BRS WS RODI system with booster.

Everything is brand new and I am only getting 20psi…

Am I doing something wrong here?

 

[ReefMadScientist]

I deactivated my auto shut off switch because this is still a work in progress.

 

[Gtinnel]

If you have a booster pump and still can’t get the pressure up it’s probably something with your flow restrictor on the waste line. It’s either not installed or it has a flush valve and is open. I don’t know what kind BRS uses.

 

[SliceGolfer]

Did you:

1. Close the flush valve so the unit produces RODI?
2. Use the allen wrench to increase the pressure from the booster pump?

 

[ReefMadScientist]

Did you:

1. Close the flush valve so the unit produces RODI?
2. Use the allen wrench to increase the pressure from the booster pump?

Did you:

1. Close the flush valve so the unit produces RODI?
2. Use the allen wrench to increase the pressure from the booster pump?

Yes the valve is closed. As for the booster Allen key adjustable option, I tried that and it does nothing.

 

[ReefMadScientist]

 

[ReefMadScientist]

Any ideas?

 

[KStatefan]

I would verify that you are getting good flow from the saddle valve.

 

[SliceGolfer]

Have you tried bypassing the aquatech pump? What was the result? Is it possible the water softener was drawing water at the same time RODI was being produced? Is the supply line pierced completely by the saddle clamp?

 

[Gtinnel]

Are you sure you don’t have the product and waste water lines reversed on the membrane? Its hard to tell from the picture but it looks like it may be switched.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

.

 

[Gtinnel]

Close the flush valve


This is open

It looks to be closed from the picture.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

It looks to be closed from the picture.

Yes, I was looking at the second pic which is not the flush. Sorry

 

[SliceGolfer]

I went to my garage and tested mine (I have the same setup) and I am getting 40 psi without the aquatech pump running. Either the saddle clamp hasn't pierced the source line completely or it's possible the RODI unit is incorrectly assembled.

 

[SliceGolfer]

I wonder if you could find a pressure tester at a local big box store, piece one together from parts at the big box store, or order from Amazon or online vendors?

Air Filled Pressure Gauge 1-100 PSI

Sufficient PSI is very important for the correct operation of a reverse osmosis unit. Low water pressure is a leading cause of poor RO system performance. A pressure gauge assures that proper pressure is being supplied. It will also make pressure drops apparent which can tell you that sediment...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[ReefMadScientist]

Have you tried bypassing the aquatech pump? What was the result? Is it possible the water softener was drawing water at the same time RODI was being produced? Is the supply line pierced completely by the saddle clamp?

I ran the system with the pump off. It’s at a steady 20psi with ball valve off post rodi. With the ball valves open and booster pump on I barely get 22-24 psi.

I tapped into the water softener post the softener.

I believe it’s pierced correctly. It’s showing 20psi with no pump.

 

[ReefMadScientist]

Update:

My setup is saddle clamp post water softener. The line goes to a ball valve and then to my RODI system via booster pump. Then a ball valve post rodi system.

I ran a few tests. I opened the ball valve post saddle clamp to the turned off booster pump and rodi system. I closed the ball valve post rodi system to get an accurate reading of my water pressure.

It’s at a steady 20psi.

With the ball valve open post the rodi system I get about 18psi.

With the booster pump on I barely get 4-6 psi extra.

Post Ball Valve closed / booster off

Post ball valve open / booster off

Post ball valve open / booster pump on

 

[ReefMadScientist]

BRS is telling me the booster pump needs about 20psi to function properly which I do have. But with the booster on I’m barely getting nothing.

I’ve played with the toggle Allen screw on top but it does absolutely nothing.

BRS recommends I get a plumber…

 

[ReefMadScientist]

Bump

 

[SliceGolfer]

Someone more educated on water softeners needs to chime in. My thought is if the tap is placed after the softener, could the softener be regulating the pressure? My limited interweb research found that water softeners operate within 20-25 psi, which aligns to what you are seeing in the installation.