Reverse Osmosis
Drinking Water System
Installation, Operation and Service Manual
#90013 Rev. 10/10
IMPORTANT WARNING - PLEASE READ
System Flushing: This reverse osmosis system contains a preservative solution to prevent
microbiological growth and freezing which if ingested may cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract,
colic, diarrhea or other symptoms. Therefore, approximately 5 gallons of water must be drawn from the
tap to flush out the preservative solution before using the system. This volume of water represents
approximately two days of production. The water flushed should be disposed of to the drain.
Feed Water Quality: This reverse osmosis drinking water system is not intended to be used for the
treatment of water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality. If the feed water quality is
unsafe or unknown, have a sample of the water tested by a qualified laboratory or agency and implement
the necessary measures to ensure a safe water supply.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................1
Product Specifications & Application Guidelines ...................................................................................2
Functional Description ...........................................................................................................................2
Supplied Items Checklist .......................................................................................................................2
Carton Contents & Assembly.................................................................................................................3
Installation Requirements ......................................................................................................................4
Installation Instructions ..........................................................................................................................6
Startup Procedure................................................................................................................................12
Maintenance Schedule ........................................................................................................................13
Sanitization Procedures.......................................................................................................................14
Parts List and Drawing for E75TFC-3SF / E50TFC-3SF ....................................................................18
Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System Flow Diagram (all models) ...............................................19
Troubleshooting Guide.........................................................................................................................20
Reverse Osmosis Accessories............................................................................................................21
1
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations, on the purchase of your new Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System. Treated with care and regular
maintenance, your new system will provide many years of service delivering purified water to the tap.
By now, you have probably already opened the box to survey the contents. Please take a few moments to review this
manual before proceeding with the installation and use of the system. Some important items to review are as follows:
• Check all components for any damage caused in shipment. Also, take a quick inventory of all items supplied
to ensure none are missing. A checklist in the next section will assist you with identifying these items.
• Ensure that the reverse osmosis system and storage tank will easily fit into the desired location. This
reverse osmosis system and tank needs to be removed for regular maintenance, so good accessibility is
an important tip to keep in mind.
• Read all warnings contained within this manual.
Although this product is described as a ‘Drinking Water System’, the purified water produced by the reverse osmosis (RO)
process can be used for many purposes around the home.
• Drinking Water - keep container of RO water in the fridge to be able to enjoy the clean, fresh taste.
Alternatively, take it directly from the tap.
• Ice Cubes - use RO water to fill ice cube trays. Ice cubes made from RO water are typically
clearer and better tasting than ice made from plain tap water.
• Automatic Ice Makers - a water line from the RO system can be plumbed to refrigerators with automatic
icemakers. Additional accessories required to complete this connection are not included. Please consult the
refrigerator’s owner’s manual on this installation.
• Kettles and Coffee Makers - plain tap water eventually causes films and scale in these devices that is
difficult to clean. RO water is very low in dissolved minerals content, greatly reducing the chance of scale
buildup.
• Cooking - use RO water for boiling pasta, rice or any other recipe that calls for water in the instructions.
• Washing Fresh Fruit & Vegetables - prevent tap water minerals from being deposited onto food to
maintain freshness.
• Family Pets - Allow your dog or cat to enjoy the same purified water you do.
• Irons and Steamers - prevent mineral buildup in household appliances that use water and eventually build
up with scale when using plain tap water.
Now you can relax and enjoy the benefits of great tasting water supplied by your reverse osmosis drinking water system.
Remember that good quality water is important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You can also feel good about the money
you have saved by installing your own drinking water system instead of dealing with the expense and hassle of bottled
water delivery.
2
Supplied Item Checklist
Out of the box, your new R.O. System should be supplied with the following items. If any items appear to be missing,
please contact the distributor who sold the system.
1. Storage tank & right angle shut-off valve with compression nut
2. Reverse Osmosis Manifold
3. Reverse Osmosis membrane element, 5 micron pre-filter, precarbon filter, carbon filter (in individual sealed protective bags)
4. Filter sump wrench, drain line saddle assembly, tubing bundle,
feed water saddle piercing valve, quick faucet adapter
5. Faucet
Figure 1 - Supplied items for 3 sump models
Application Guidelines
Functional Description
Feed water enters the 5-micron pre-filter, which filters out suspended particles such as dirt or sediment. The filtered water
then enters the pre-carbon filter, which contains granular activated carbon, which removes any chlorine from the water.
The water then enters the reverse osmosis membrane. The membrane will allow only permeate (product water) to pass
through. The brine (waste water) goes to the drain.
Permeate then flows through a hydraulic shut-off valve to the storage tank. When the tank fills and the tank pressure
reaches approximately 40% to 65% of the inlet feed water pressure, the shut-off valve closes, which turns the system off.
When water is drawn from the faucet, permeate flows from the storage tank through the post carbon filter. This filter
contains granulated activated carbon, removing any taste and odor that has accumulated while stored in the tank. When
the tank empties, the shut-off valve opens, turning the unit on.
Please refer to the Flow Diagram on page 19 .
(1)
Nominal product water ratings are based on the following conditions: Supply TDS of 250 ppm
softened tap water, 50 psi (0.36 Mpa), 77°F (25°C), pH 8 and 15% recovery with outlet to
atmosphere.
(2)
Rejection percentages are dependent on the supply conditions and the substance being measured.
Notes: The performance of a reverse osmosis membrane is highly dependent upon pressure,
temperature and TDS. The actual volume of product water and rejection percentage will vary with
differences from the test conditions that membrane ratings are based upon.
These drinking water systems are not intended to be used for the treatment of water that is
microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality.
Specifications
Model Membrane Max. Feed Feed Water Feed Water Feed Water Feed Water Feed Water Feed Water Feed Water Feed Water
Number Type Water Salinity Temperature Pressure pH Supply Hydrogen Sulphide Manganese Iron Hardness
E50TFC-3 TFC 2000 ppm 40-110°F 50-100 psi 2.0-11.0 Chlorinated None <0.05 ppm <0.1 ppm <10 gpg
Unchlorinated
E75TFC-3 TFC 2000 ppm 40-110°F 50-100 psi 2.0-11.0 Chlorinated None <0.05 ppm <0.1 ppm <10 gpg
Unchlorinated
Model Membrane Rejection
(2)
Storage Tank
Number Production Rate
(1)
Capacity US Gal
E50TFC-3SF 50 USGPD up to 99% 4.0
E75TFC-3SF 75 USGPD up to 99% 4.0
4
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
READ THIS ENTIRE INSTALLATION AND SERVICE GUIDE BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION
The Economy Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Treatment Systems have been designed for ease of installation and
serviceability and are constructed with the finest materials available. Using these instructions will ensure a successful
installation.
All systems must be installed in accordance with applicable city, state, provincial and local plumbing codes. For installation
in Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Plumbing Code 248 CMR shall be adhered to. Consult your licensed plumber for
installation of this system. The use of saddle (piercing) valves is not permitted. To ensure a system continues to operate
at its optimum level, it is necessary to have a routine maintenance and replacement schedule (below - Maintenance
Requirements). Frequency at which filters must be changed will depend on quality of feed water supply and level of system
usage.
These RO systems contain a replaceable treatment component critical to the efficiency of the system.
Replacement of the reverse osmosis component should be with one of identical specification, as defined by WaterGroup
to assure the same efficiency. Product water shall be tested periodically to verify the system is performing properly.
All state, provincial and local government codes regarding installation of these devices must be observed.
PREPARATION
1. Check that all appropriate components are packed with your system (Figure 1).
2. Determine locations for RO component installation. Two requirements for consideration are: access to cold water supply
line and household sink drainpipe. Specific requirements are detailed below (Component Location Requirements).
COMPONENT LOCATION REQUIREMENTS
PRODUCT WATER FAUCET - Faucet may be installed in any convenient location. Make sure underside of location is free
of obstructions.
REVERSE OSMOSIS MODULE - Module may be installed under sink or in any convenient location within 15 feet of source
water supply and faucet.
STORAGE TANK - Tank may be placed in any space within 15 feet of faucet, generally under kitchen sink or in an adjacent
unused cabinet. Tubing length between components should be kept to a minimum, avoiding sharp bends or kinks.
DO NOT PLACE REVERSE OSMOSIS UNIT WHERE IT WILL BE EXPOSED TO FREEZING AND/OR DIRECT
SUNLIGHT.
MODULE MUST BE EASILY REMOVABLE FOR PERFORMANCE OF ROUTINE MAINTENANCE.
Mount the unit using bracket (attached) and two screws provided in the Installation Kit.
HOLD THE MODULE BY THE FILTER HOUSINGS WHEN PICKING UP OR CARRYING UNIT.
NOTE
THIS DRINKING WATER SYSTEM IS FOR USE ON POTABLE WATER SUPPLIES ONLY. SOURCE WATER
EXCEEDING CHEMICAL PARAMETERS REQUIRES PRE-TREATMENT.
CAUTION
DO NOT USE WITH WATER THAT IS MICROBIOLOGICALLY UNSAFE OR OF UNKNOWN QUALITY WITHOUT
ADEQUATE DISINFECTION BEFORE OR AFTER THE SYSTEM.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
Service Requirements - To insure the system operates at its optimum level, certain routine maintenance must be
performed. Frequency of maintenance performance will depend on feed water quality and level of system usage.
CLEAN: Each time filters are replaced
SANITIZE: At least once a year and each time membrane is replaced
Recommended Service Intervals - Replace filters as required or every 6 to 12 months depending on feed water quality.
Replace membrane as required based on periodic TDS rejection tests.
Maximum recommended service life for membrane is 60 months.
INTER-COMPONENT CONNECTIONS
Connections between cold water supply line, RO Module, storage tank, product water faucet, and drain line are
accomplished using plastic tubing and push-together quick-connect type fittings.
PLASTIC TUBING
1. Cut tube ends square and straight. Do not deform tube
(i.e., cause tube to compress its diameter so it is no
longer round).
2. Make sure outer surface of tube is clear of marks or
scratches for a length equal to twice tube diameter. This
allows “O” ring to seat properly against tube.
3. Avoid sharp changes in direction when routing tubing.
Sharp turns cause tubing to flex and deform, which
reduces its flow capacity and may increase lateral stress
on the fittings, causing leakage.
QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS
Fittings consist of two parts: a Body and a colored collet
and symbol. Collet color and symbol corresponds to tubing
to be used at that connection (Figure 2.A.).
1. To install a tube, push it through Collet until it seats
firmly at bottom of fitting (Figure 2.A and 2.B.).
2. To remove a tube, push and hold Collet against Body
while pulling tube out (Figure 2.C.).
A. Push tube through Collet into Body. B. Tube must seat firmly at bottom of
fitting.
Figure 2: How to Use Quick-Connect Fittings
C. Push Collet against Body to release
tube.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
SADDLE-TAPPING VALVE INSTALLATION ON COPPER TUBE
CAUTION: This saddle-tapping valve is not designed for installation on flex line tubing.
NOTE: For installation in Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Plumbing Code 248 CMR shall be adhered to.
Consult your licensed plumber for installation of this system. The use of saddle (piercing) valves is not permitted.
1. CAUTION: If no shut off valve is installed under
sink, close main water valve during this Installation.
Locate shut off valves on water lines under sink. To
identify hot supply pipe and cold supply pipe, turn
both faucets on and let water run. As water flows,
hot water pipe becomes noticeably warmer.
2. CAUTION: Do not install feed water assembly on hot
water line.
Turn off cold water supply by closing shut off valve.
Drain line by opening sink faucet. Some mixing type
faucets may require hot water supply be shut off as
well.
NOTE: All instructions refer to components shown in
Figure 3 unless otherwise noted.
3. CAUTION: Do not turn valve handle before or
while
installing saddle-tapping valve. Make sure piercing
lance does not protrude beyond rubber gasket before
installing valve.
Assemble saddle-tapping valve assembly on tube.
a. Hold back plate against tube.
3/8" copper tubing use back plate smaller
radius.
1/2" copper tubing, use back plate larger
radius
b. Hold valve saddle against tubing in a position
directly opposite back plate.
c. Tighten screw enough so valve saddle and back
plate are held securely against tube.
d. Rotate assembly so tubing connection is aligned
toward RO Module feed port.
e. Tighten screw firmly. Do not crush tube.
4. Connect source water feed tubing to valve body
using compression fitting.
a. Slide nut and sleeve onto tubing (in that order).
b. Install insert into plastic tubing.
c. Install tube with insert and sleeve into valve body.
d. Thread compression nut onto valve body, tighten.
5. Turn saddle-tapping valve handle clockwise until it is
firmly seated and piercing lance is fully extended.
6. CAUTION: Supply line is pierced and valve is closed.
Do not open valve
until system is activated (Page 9).
Turn on cold water supply. Check saddle-tapping
valve installation for leaks. Allow water to run from
faucet for a few minutes to clear any debris in the line
caused by installation.
NOTE: If flow from sink faucet is reduced, clean
faucet aerator.
EXISTING 1/2"
COPPER TUBING
HOUSEHOLD
LARGER RADIUS
VALVE SADDLE
STEM SEAL NUT
VALVE HANDLE
VALVE BODY
INSERT
SLEEVE
COLD WATER LINE
SMALLER RADIUS
TIGHTENING
SCREW
REVERSIBLE
BACK PLATE
COMPRESSION
NUT
TUBING TO MODULE
(1/4" WHITE TUBING
Figure 3: Saddle-Tapping Valve Assembly
P/N 92276 installed on
1/2” Copper Tubing
7. Trim ¼” white tube to desired length. Install ¼” white
tube into ¼” white collet as shown in Figure 1.A.
ADDITIONAL POINT OF USE CONNECTION
NOTE: Icemakers typically use 1/4" tubing as feed line. Use a reducing union (P/N 92402) for this connection.
NOTE: Reduce the 3/8” Line to 1/4” as close as possible to the additional point-of use device to minimize flow loss.
1. To connect an additional point of use (icemaker, extra
faucet in wet bar and/or another use for treated water),
place a "tee" connector (P/N 92403) in 3/8" blue line
between faucet and RO Module.
2. Connect "tee" to point-of-use with 3/8" blue tubing
(P/N 87600). Connect tubing to point-of-use.
Connector requirements are based on type of
delivery device i.e., a typical icemaker uses
3/8" x 1/4" reducing device.