Environmental Water Systems 5 Stage Reverse Osmosis Systems User Manual

Since 1987

PRODUCT AND INST ALLA TION MANUAL

5 Stage Reverse Osmosis Systems

1

Model Numbers:

RU500T35 w/BP

RU500T35 w/BP w/UV

ALL FILTRATION PRODUCT PROUDLY MADE & ASSEMBLED IN THE USA

EWS, Inc./Environmental Water Systems

office. 702.256.8182

Monday - Friday , 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Pacific S tandard T ime

fax. [phone]

www.ewswater.com

e-mail. [e-mail]

Retain this Product & Installation Manual for Maintenance and Information

Please Register this Product - It is a Requirement for Warranty

Revised 11/11

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A Special Message to Our Customers,

EWS, Inc. and Environmental Water Systems would like to thank you for your consideration in selecting from our
comprehensive list of residential filtration and conditioning product.

We recommend that you take the time to read the information that pertains to your product as you begin to use it.
The information in this manual is designed to assist your installer to set-up, install and start-up your system properly.

In addition, the information contained in this manual is designed to provide the consumer, the most comprehensive
information on this series of product.

Please contact us if you have any questions, comments or additions to the information provided.
Sincerely,

Customer Service at EWS, Inc.

EWS, Inc. and Environmental Water Systems

9101 W. Sahara A ve., Suite 105-J8

Las Vegas, NV. 891 17

2

Office: 702-256-8182 Available Monday through Friday , 8:30 - 4:30 Pacific S tandard Time

Fax: [phone] Dedicated and A vailable 24/7

E-Mail: [e-mail]

Web Site: www .ewswater .com

Installation of the Filtration System - Please Read the Enclosed Information

Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the unit you are about to install. The Table of Contents will point to
specific instructions for the simple step-by-step instructions for;

 Installation of a Dispenser/Faucet
 Placement or Locating the Water System
 Inlet Supply Water Connection
 Connection of Tubing from Supply and to Dispenser/Faucet
 System St art-Up and Operation Procedures

You may need the following for proper installation:

• Teflon tape • Work Gloves • Safely Glasses • Knife or scissors

• Adjustable Wrench • Pliers • Screwdriver; straight & phillips • Drill & drill bits

WARNING: V erify that all components are included with the unit and were not lost, misplaced, or damaged in shipping
or handling. Any damage in shipping needs to be reported to the shipping comp any .

WARNING: Do not attempt to install this system using defective or damaged components. Check and inspect, inlet and
outlet fittings and any other connections on this system that might have been damaged during shipping and handling. Check
all these components again upon installation and start-up for any hidden issues. All plumbing should be done in accordance
with all local plumbing codes. Water Pressure: minimum 40psi, maximum 65p si. Water Temperature Range (cold supply
only): not to exceed 95°F or below 40°F. Electrical (if applicable): an uninterrupted a/c supply , (if applicable): make sure
voltage supply is compatible with your unit prior to install

WARRANTY: Warranty Registration of this product is required to have a warranty. A proper installation and start-up will
save you time, money and hassles, and is also required for warranty purposes. Any issue as a result of improper application,
set-up, installation and/or start-up will void any warranty .

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Table of Contents

INST ALLATION SUMMARY AND INDEX

OF YOUR REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM

Dispenser/Faucet Q & A 4
Placement or Locating the Dispenser/Faucet 5
Installation of the Supplied Dispenser/Faucet

Dispenser/Faucet with Air Gap 6
Dispenser/Faucet without Air Gap 7

Inlet Supply Water Connection

Basic Supplied Connection 8
Preferred Connection for All Applications 9

Placement or Locating the System 10
Placement or Locating the Storage Tank 11
Drain Installation and Connection 12

3

Connection of Tubing for Reverse Osmosis Systems 13-14
System Start-Up and Operation Procedures 15-16

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR SYSTEM

Replacement of UV Lamp (if applicable) 17
Replacement of Filter Cartridges 18
Replacement of Membranes 19
Cleaning of Empty Housings, RSR Control Valve, Booster Pump (if applicable) 20

GENERAL INFORMATION

FILTER REPLACEMENTS AND ORDERING

Filter, Membrane and UV Lamp Replacement s 22
Ordering Filters, Membranes, UV Lamp Replacements, and Parts 23

Maintenance Guide 24
Trouble Shooting Guide 25-30
Schematics 31
Warranty 32-33
Terms and Conditions of Sale 34

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Dispenser/Faucet Q & A - Reverse Osmosis

Spout pulls out from faucet body that’ s why it swivels. Spout has 2 o-rings at base and is inserted completely

into bottom of body to prevent leaking. Handle and tip can also be removed

Q: I do not want to drill any extra holes or use a separate dispenser/faucet - what can I do?
A: Nothing. Reverse osmosis systems are limited to a separate dispenser.

WARNING: These systems manufacture a limited amount of water and therefore the connection to the

cold side of your sink faucet is an unavailable option. In addition, the water produced by a
reverse osmosis system is aggressive and would have adverse leaching effects on any
other metals (ie: brass, copper) other than stainless steel.

Note: Drinking water filtration systems are pass through systems and will allow this option. There

will be a diminishment in your flow rate to the cold side of the faucet (kitchen faucet has a
flow rate of up to 2.3 gallons per minute and the filtered water is delivered up to 1 gallon per
minute). To get filtered water you must be sure you have the faucet to the cold side only.
This application or option is not applicable for reverse osmosis systems.

Q: I would like to use another dispenser/faucet?
A: Based on many styles and finishes, a consumer may have another dispenser they would like to use.

No problem, all these items have universal or industry standard fittings, or if not, can be easily adapted to fit.
Always check with manufacturer for proper specifications.

4

Note: EWS, Inc. includes a standard chrome, long-reach, lead-free faucet with white tip, handle and

optional air gap adaptor. Be aware - an air gap may be code and required with a dispenser/
faucet installation.

Options: EWS provides the following options to match other items at an additional charge;

Change your white tip and handle to black
Change your white air gap adaptor to black
Change your faucet to the following finshes; white faucet (with white tip, handle and air gap),
satin nickel, polished nickel, polished brass, or oil rubbed bronze (all with black tip, handle and
air gap). Inquire with your local EWS, Inc. distributor, contact an authorized internet distributor
or visit us on the web (see page 4.2-25 for more details).

Q: Can we connect the filtered water up to other devices?
A: Yes, simply connect by a “T” connection, the filtered water line to any instant hot, chiller, ice-maker,

refrigerator, etc. Regarding flow rate, be mindful of too many (3 or more) connections. Also, any length of total
tubing in excess of 20 feet combined to tank, faucet, and all items may create issues with delivery rates**.
See our Point of Entry , Whole Home Appliances to filter all the fixtures within the home.

WARNING: Reverse osmosis may have warranty or restrictions with other devices, consult with other

manufacturer’s product information.

Note: **Tubing in excess of 20 feet is calculated by adding the length of tube from unit to tank

(yellow tubing) and the faucet outlet on unit to dispenser or other device (blue tubing). EWS,
Inc. supplies 5 feet of each type of tubing.

Q: Do I need to use the air gap adaptor?
A: Y es, if local code requires that an air gap be used. Since the unit is both connected to a potable water

supply and a drain, some code requires an air gap to prevent cross-contamination, similar to all
EWS point of entry systems, a dishwaher and/or washer machines. Care has to be taken with this
unit to make all the proper connections. Follow all local plumbing codes.

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Placement or Locating Dispenser/Faucet - Reverse Osmosis

Step by step instructions to mount and secure the supplied dispenser/faucet

Professional Installation is Strongly Recommended

Step 1: Locate Faucet Parts Bag

Parts Included: faucet body with handle, faucet spout with tip, decorative washer, black rubber

washer, white beveled washer, lock washer , hex nut, 1/4” tube insert sleeve,
1/4” plastic compression ferrule, 1/4” compression nut

Included flat white washer (for use under decorative washer depending on hole/application)
Optional Parts: air gap adaptor (white) for use with RO air gap applications

Preferred - Select a standard sink location to mount the faucet.

It is recommended that the faucet be placed in a hole provided on most sinks similar to the ones used for a
sprayer, soap dispenser and/or dishwasher air gap. If the hole or sp ace is unavailable, an alternative location
will be required: NON-AIR GAP: MINIMUM HOLE REQUIRED 1/2”, MAXIMUM 1 3/8”

AIR GAP: MINIMUM HOLE REQUIRED 1 1/4”, MAXIMUM 1 3/8”

5

Option A: On the sink. This option is to drill a new hole into the sink rim itself, if space allows.
Option B: On the countertop next to a sink. This option is to position the faucet spout in the

correct location to drain into the sink. This requires a clearance around the faucet
both above and below the countertop. Use the supplied dispenser as a template or
see the enclosed dispenser schematic and dispenser dimensions.

Prepare to drill the hole using the dispenser as a template.

• Sinks can be made of, but not limited to, stainless steel, copper, porcelain/steel, enamel/cast iron,
man-made surfaces, stone, concrete, and/or materials known or unknown at this time.

• Countertops can be made of, but not limited to, or be a combination of, natural stone, enamel,
porcelain, concrete, wood, metals and/or man-made materials known or unknown at this time.

CAUTION: Please consult with the sink or countertop manufacture, supplier, fabricator, or

installer for proper drilling techniques and methods.

EXTREME CARE MUST BE T AKEN IN DRILLING THE HOLE FOR ANY SURF ACE. THE SURFACE MA TE­RIALS OF SINKS AND COUNTERTOPS CAN CHIP OR CRACK. THE MANUFACTURER ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE RESUL TING FROM THIS INST ALLA TION.

WARNING: USE SAFETY GLASSES OR OTHER EYE PROTECTION WHEN GRINDING OR

DRILLING TO PREVENT POSSIBLE EYE INJURY DUE T O FL YING PARTICLES.

Follow Steps 2 through 12

Installation of the Supplied Dispenser/Faucet

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Installation of the Supplied Dispenser/Faucet with Air Gap

Step by step instructions to mount and secure the supplied dispenser/faucet

If using another faucet, please review the instructions included with that product**

***Other Air Gap connections can be found with

Drain Installation and Connection and System Interconnection instructions

6

Above the Surface
Step 2:

Place air gap to bottom of faucet body***
(optional: place flat white washer under decorative washer)

Step 3:

Place black rubber washer below air gap
(or below optional flat white washer)

Step 4:

Place faucet stem through hole and center

Below the Surface
Step 5:

Insert white beveled washer, bevel side up to
fit snugly into a (1 3/8”) pre-drilled hole or flat side
up depending on the application

Step 6:

Place lock washer on this white beveled washer

Step 7:

Spin hex nut onto faucet stem and
tighten hex nut and washers into place

Step 8:

Slide 1/4” compression nut (threads up)
onto 1/4” filtered line

Step 9:

Slide 1/4” plastic compression ferrule, long side
down onto filtered water tube. Ferrule will seat into
compression nut

Step 10:

Insert 1/4” tube insert sleeve into 1/4” filtered water line

Step 11:

Insert 1/4” blue (filtered water) tube into faucet stem. Leave
other end available for system interconnection

Step 12:

Thread 1/4” compression nut onto faucet stem and tighten

Enclosed Dispenser/Faucet Dimensions***

Height: from deck to top of dispenser 8”

from deck to tip of dispenser 6 1/4”
Reach: from center of dispenser to tip 6”
Hole: minimum required with air gap 1 1/4”

maximum 1 3/8”

CAUTION: Do not overtigthen fittings

Note: Spout pulls out from faucet body and has 2 o-rings at base. Insert completely into bottom of faucet body to prevent

leaking. Spount swivels to direct water. Handle and tip can be removed. Handle can be locked up in open position.

** Other faucets check with specifications. ***All dimensions are approximate.

Go to the Inlet Supply Water Connection

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Installation of the Supplied Dispenser/Faucet without Air Gap

Step by step instructions to mount and secure the supplied dispenser/faucet

If using another faucet, please review the instructions included with that product**

7

Above the Surface
Step 2:

Place decorative washer to bottom of faucet body
(optional: place flat white washer under decorative washer)

Step 3:

Place black rubber washer below decorative washer
(or below optional flat white washer)

Step 4:

Place faucet stem through hole and center

Below the Surface
Step 5:

Insert white beveled washer, bevel side up to
fit snugly into a (1 3/8”) pre-drilled hole or flat side
up depending on the application

Step 6:

Place lock washer on this white beveled washer

Step 7:

Spin hex nut onto faucet stem and
tighten hex nut and washers into place

Step 8:

Slide 1/4” compression nut (threads up)
onto 1/4” filtered line

Step 9:

Slide 1/4” plastic compression ferrule, long side
down onto filtered water tube. Ferrule will seat into
compression nut

Step 10:

Insert 1/4” tube insert sleeve into 1/4” filtered water line

Step 11:

Insert 1/4” blue (filtered water) tube into faucet stem. Leave
other end available for system interconnection

Step 12:

Thread 1/4” compression nut onto faucet stem and tighten

Enclosed Dispenser/Faucet Dimensions***

Height: from deck to top of dispenser 8”

from deck to tip of dispenser 6 1/4”
Reach: from center of dispenser to tip 6”
Hole: minimum required 1/2”

maximum 1 3/8”

CAUTION: Do not overtigthen fittings

Note: Spout pulls out from faucet body and has 2 o-rings at base. Insert completely into bottom of faucet body to prevent

leaking. Spount swivels to direct water. Handle and tip can be removed. Handle can be locked up in open position.

** Other faucets check with specifications. ***All dimensions are approximate.

Go to the Inlet Supply Water Connection

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Basic Inlet Supply Water Connection **

Professional Installation Using a Preferred Connection is Strongly Recommended

**This unit is supplied with a saddle tapping valve and should be considered a basic connection for copper , steel or brass

3/8” to 1/2” O.D. pipe prior to the angle stop shut-off of the cold water line to the kitchen faucet. This should be considered

a “do-it-yourself” connection which is not applicable in many situations and may not meet local codes.

A qualified plumber should choose to make the inlet supply water connection by a more preferred method.

Instructions from the bag containing the supplied saddle tapping valve, if applicable

Step 1: From parts bag locate: saddle tapping valve and 4’ of 1/4” tubing, color coded: red or orange (supply line to unit).

wall

angle

stop

cold

supply

to

kitchen

faucet

saddle

tapping

valve

pipe for

install

and

clearance

from wall

supply

tube

to

filtration

unit

drain

and
trap

Step 4: Loosely assemble saddle tapping valve on pipe
A: For all 3/8 O.D. pipe, use side of bracket with side projections

toward or against pipe to prevent distortion of tubing.
B: For all 1/2 O.D. pipe, use “V” side of bracket with that notch
toward or against pipe.

Step 5: T ighten screws evenly . Make sure brackets are parallel,

then tighten firmly until the valve is not moving on the pipe.

CAUTION: Do not over tighten fittings.

Step 6: Connect the 1/4” plastic tubing to the saddle tapping

valve by following these instructions:
A: Slide 1/4” compression nut over plastic tubing with threads toward the
saddle tapping valve.
B: Slide 1/4” plastic ferrule over plastic tubing with long tapered side
toward saddle tapping valve.
C: Place 1/4” brass insert sleeve into the end of the 1/4” orange/red
plastic tubing.
D: Insert orange/red tubing into saddle tapping valve. Leave other end
available for system interconnection

E: Tighten compression nut onto saddle tapping valve.

Step 7: Be sure the packing nut is tight, then turn the handle of the saddle tapping valve clockwise

until it is firmly seated. NOTE: For Copper Pipe - the pipe is now pierced.

HINT: Back the end of the piercing lance out, turning the handle counter-clockwise. Then re-insert by turning the handle

of the saddle tapping valve clockwise until it is again firmly seated. This will clear any possible debris that can
block piercing lance and water flow.

Step 8: Turn the handle counter-clockwise to open the valve for water supply . Keep main line shut of f and proceed with
the remainder of the installation and start-up.

Step 2: Locate cold water line that feeds your existing faucet. Determine if there is enough
space to install the saddle tapping valve on the hard line between the wall and the angle
stop.
CAUTION: USE ONL Y COLD WATER LINE. NOT INTENDED FOR SUPPLY BY HOT
WATER.

Step 3: Shut off the main water supply to the house and open the faucet to relieve water
pressure in the hard pipe. NOTE: Shutting the angle stop only , still leaves water in that pipe.
Shut the main supply .
CAUTION: Do not turn valve handle before or while installing the “saddle tapping valve”.
Make sure the piercing lance does not protrude beyond the rubber gasket. Failure to do this
may result in damage to the piercing needle.

NOTE: For Copper Pipe - go directly to #4.

For Steel or Brass Pipe - follow A, B, C below, then go to #4

A: Drill a 3/16” hole in pipe. Use a hand drill to avoid shock hazard.
B: Turn handle to expose lance beyond the rubber gasket no more than 3/16”.
C: Place body of valve over hole so the lance fits into the hole

CAUTION:

Do not over
tighten fittings.

8

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Preferred Inlet Supply Water Connection - All Applications

Professional Installation Using a Preferred Connection is Strongly Recommended

A qualified plumber should choose to connect the inlet supply water supply by a more preferred connection. ***

The Preferred Inlet Supply Water Connection is Applicable in All Applications and Codes

Replace the Angle Stop with a Proper 3-Way Fitting:

There are a number of options to properly install any one of these drinking water filtration systems.

Identify the cold water supply line and then you will need to know;

• Size or O.D. diameter of pipe or tubing

• Pipe material (hard or sof t copper, steel, brass, stainless, PVC, plastic, etc...)

• The existing angle stop or fitting will assist in determining the proper 3-way angle stop or fitting needed for

your specific application

9

A more preferred method to connect the inlet supply line is to shut off
the water main and replace the entire angle stop. This will have a con­nection from the house main water line, a connection to the cold water
side to the kitchen sink faucet and a much better connection for the
inlet supply to the filtration unit. This will provide one fitting with a shut
off to the kitchen faucet and a shut off to the filtration system. The
replacement of the angle stop is a better plumbing connection and any
number of fittings can be used for the correct application under any
circumstances.

Examples of common connections and fittings available:

• OPTIONS:
1/2” IPS x 3/8” compression x 1/4” compression
3-way angle stop

• OPTIONS:
1/2” compression x 3/8” compression x 1/4” compression
3-way angle stop

Note:
Be sure one outlet is 1/4” compression
for the water filter 1/4” inlet/supply tubing

drain

and
trap

Example:

new 3-way

angle stop or

fitting

shut

off

cold water

supply pipe

to kitchen

faucet

kitchen faucet supply

connection

main water

1/4” filtration

unit supply
connection

supply pipe

wall

water flow

Proper installation is dependent on your specific application and the concept of proper installation is universal.

Locate the supply , shut off your main water supply , install the proper connections

and follow the remaining instructions in this manual.

***EWS, Inc. can not anticipate all the different locations, applications and materials used by your builder and/
or plumbing contractor regarding your household or sink piping, therefore we offer a generic and common fitting
with proper instructions. A qualified plumber , plumbing supply location, or hardware store will have no problem
with alternative parts and advice necessary to install your unit.

Go to the Placement or Locating the System

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Placement or Locating the Reverse Osmosis System

Simply place the water system on a level floor, cabinet bottom or horizontal surface.

Always assume for enough space for the system and the storage tank, and tubing to remove, move

and/or adjust for filter and membrane replacement and maintenance.

If mounting the system to a wall, cabinet side or other vertical surface,
Please see the following;

Step 1: All filter cartridges and membranes for system are preinstalled. If the unit is installed in a

permanent hanging position, a minimum clearance of 2” will be required to allow filter
replacement.

Step 2: Mark pilot holes using the bracket as a template.
Step 3: Using a drill bit or punch, drill a hole or punch as a starter hole to catch the mounting screws.

WARNING: AL TERNA TIVE F ASTENING METHOD MAY BE REQUIRED FOR PLASTER BOARD,

P ARTICLE BOARD OR SIMILAR MA TERIAL INST ALLA TION. USE SAFETY GLASSES
OR OTHER EYE PROTECTION TOPREVENT POSSIBLE EYE INJURY DUE TO
FL YING P ARTICLES.

Step 4: Set mounting screws (provided) with screw driver. Leave a 1/4” gap between the screw

head and mounting surface to allow the bracket to slide on easily .

Step 5: Slide the bracket over the screws and hang the unit. Make sure unit is level.

Now make the connections of tubing to/from the system.

10

WARNING: UPON INST ALLA TION AN R.O. SYSTEM MA Y HA VE TO BE “BURPED” OF ANY AIR IN

THE LINES. UPON COMPLETION OF THE “SYSTEM ST AR T -UP AND OPERATION
PROCEDURES”, REVIEW THIS WARNING AND DIRECTIONS ON P AGE 4.2-16.

Note: The interconnection between the inlet, outlet, drain and tank lines can cause air in the unit at the

RSR control valve. Air in lines, and at this valve, will not allow R.O. to function properly.

Helpful Hint:

Find the enclosed Spanner Wrench

Kitchen Faucet

Dispenser/Faucet

of filtered water

that came with the unit and place it
on top of the bracket.

When finished, roll up this Service
Guide and place on top with wrench.

T ake a note of the Model # and
WQA Serial # for the required
warranty registration of this unit.

This Service Guide and the wrench

Stored Filtered

before going to

Dispenser/Faucet

Note:

Water flows

from Tank

through

Postfilter(s)

for use

Storage Tank on floor

Unit Mounted to Wall (option shown)

or Placed on level floor

Inlet from Cold
Inlet/Supply
Connection
(angle stop
not shown)

will come in very handy when it’s
time for filter replacement.

strictly for illustration purposes only

Go to the Placement or Locating the Storage Tank

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11

Placement or Locating the Storage Tank

Open the box containing the storage tank and plastic base.

Place storage tank on the plastic base near the system and allow for room for connections.

Locate the Tank Valve in the parts box

Tank Valve

1/4” yellow tubing

into

quick connect fitting

valve handle to open or close tank

1/4” male threads at tank top

Air Pressure Valve

at tank bottom

Storage Tank:
The storage tank holds up to 3.2 gallons of product water . A bladder within the t ank keeps water under pres­sure and away from bare metal. The tank has an air pre-charge of 5-7 psi (without water) from the factory.

Storage Tank Preparation: Locate the following:
plastic tank stand, tank valve, 1/4” male threads at top of tank, and the air pressure valve at bottom of tank

T ank stand

strictly for illustration purposes only

Step 1: Air pressure valve seats into tank stand when tank is in upright position. Place tank on stand.

Note: Tank may be placed on its side, if necessary. Use tank stand to prevent rolling.

Step 2: Using T eflon t ape (not included) wrap 1/4” male threads on storage tank using clockwise

motion for at least three revolutions.

Step 3: Install tank valve on storage tank. Do this by hand tightening valve clockwise onto male

threads of the storage tank. There is no need to overtigthen

KEEP TANK VALVE CLOSED.

DO NOT OPEN TO ANY WATER UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO.

Closed Valve 90º angle to the yellow tubing and connection
Open V alve In line/parallel with yellow tubing and connection

WARNING ABOUT TANK PRESSURE:

USE ACCURATE (0-20) GAUGE FOR LOWER READINGS TO MEASURE. IF NEEDED TO ADJUST, EMPTY
TANK, USE A SIMPLE BICYCLE OR SPORT BALL PUMP ONLY. DO NOT OVER-INFLATE TANK
PRESSURE.The tank should be 5-7 psi without water for proper operation. Pressure variances due to higher
elevations may occur. Under or over-inflation will prevent proper operation of system.

Go to Drain Installation and Connection

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