Waterite RO-4042H, Vectapure II, RO-4052H, RO-4152H Installation And Owner's Manual

VECTAPURE II™

Residential Reverse Osmosis Water System

INSTALLATION AND OWNER’S MANUAL

For Vectapure II™ models RO-4042H, RO-4052H, RO-4152H and

all

WR2 series reverse osmosis systems

THIS MANUAL IS TO BE LEFT WITH THE OWNER OF THE EQUIPMENT FOR
REFERENCE PURPOSES AND TECHNICAL GUIDANCE. IT IS STRONGLY
RECOMMENDED THAT QUALIFIED DEALER SERVICE PERSONNEL BE
CONTACTED IN THE EVENT OF AN UNKNOWN INTERRUPTION OF SERVICE OR
APPARENT PRODUCT MALFUNCTION. AN ANNUAL PREVENTATIVE
MAINTENANCE INSPECTION BY A WATER PROFESSIONAL IS RECOMMENDED TO
ENSURE TROUBLE-FREE AND CONTINUOUS OPERATION.

R5

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Congratulations!

You have purchased the finest residential reverse osmosis
water system available for your home. It will provide you years
of reliable service if properly installed, operated and
maintained. Please read this entire manual before attempting
installation and operation.

Section 1. Frequently Asked Questions

Before getting started, take the time to familiarize yourself with your new Waterite system
by reading some FAQs listed below. Call us or ask your dealer if you have any other

questions about your system’s operation.

Q: How does the Vectapure II™ Residential Reverse Osmosis System differ from an

ordinary water filter?

Ordinary water filters use a screen to separate only particles of dirt and sediment from the raw
water source. Reverse osmosis employs a semi-permeable membrane that removes not only
particles but also a very high percentage of dissolved contaminants, molecule by molecule, from
your raw tap water. Your system will deliver pure, bottled water quality water to a faucet
conveniently located at your kitchen sink or any other designated area.

Q: What is the membrane and how does it work?

The membrane element consists of several thin layers or sheets of film that are bonded together
and rolled in a spiral configuration around a plastic tube. As the raw water passes across the
surface of the membrane, only pure water molecules are allowed to pass through and collect in the
tube, while all other mineral and contaminant molecules are rejected and washed from the surface
of the membrane to the drain.

Q: What processes does the Vectapure II™ RO system use?

Vectapure™ systems use either 4 stages or 5 stages of treatment to produce your drinking water.
The raw tap water first flows through a combo carbon and 5-micron particle filter to remove
chlorine, chemicals, dirt, rust and other sediment. The third stage is a 1-micron sediment filter that
is used to reduce very fine suspended particles (this stage is omitted in a 4 stage system). The
fourth stage is the reverse osmosis membrane that separates most dissolved contaminants from
the water molecules. The final stage is a block carbon filter that eliminates all remaining traces of
taste and odour that the water may have absorbed from the holding tank or the plumbing system.

Vectapure II models and WR2 models both use a 10” filter housing for this last filtration stage.

Your system also includes a holding tank for the purified water, a faucet and the hardware and
tube needed to complete the installation.

Q: Will reverse osmosis remove sodium and salts from the water?

Yes. Reverse osmosis was originally developed to make drinking water from seawater. Your
system is equipped with a membrane that will be very effective in reducing sodium levels normally
found in ground water or softened water. This is particularly important for those with restricted
sodium diets. Vectapure II and WR2 Series systems are not designed for use on seawater.

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Q: Does reverse osmosis remove bacteria? Cryptosporidium? Viruses?

Reverse osmosis membranes will virtually eliminate most chemicals, bacteria, viruses and
parasites such as Cryptosporidium from the water. Where these conditions exist, pre-filters and
other system components located before the membrane will become contaminated from exposure
to them. Cross contamination of the entire system may occur when the membrane or filters are
changed or disturbed. Vectapure II and WR2 RO models have incorporated the ability to flood the
RO system, right up to the kitchen sink faucet, with chlorinated water to allow a periodic
disinfection of the unit, usually at the time that the prefilter cartridges are changed. Make sure

that you carefully follow the maintenance and sani-purging instructions provided.

!

THIS REVERSE OSMOSIS WATER SYSTEM IS DESIGNED ONLY TO IMPROVE AESTHETIC
PROPERTIES AND IS NOT DESIGNED TO ACT AS A PRIMARY BARRIER TO WATERBORNE
MICROBIOLOGICAL OR TOXIC CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION. WHERE THESE
CONDITIONS MAY EXIST CONSULT A WATER PROFESSIONAL TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT
RAW WATER PRE-TREATMENT AND DISINFECTION.

!

WATERITE RO SYSTEMS ARE TO BE OPERATED ONLY WITH A SAFE, CHLORINATED
RAW WATER SOURCE. THIS IS NECESSARY TO PERIODICALLY PURGE AND FLUSH THE

SYSTEM WITH WATER THAT HAS A CHLORINE RESIDUAL TO SANITIZE PARTS OF THE
SYSTEM THAT NORMALLY ARE EXPOSED TO WATER THAT HAS BEEN DECHLORINATED
AND MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION. FOLLOW SANI-PURGE
AND FLUSH INSTRUCTIONS AND CHANGE FILTER CARTRIDGES AT RECOMMENDED
INTERVALS.

Q: What other contaminants does reverse osmosis remove?

The combined filtering and RO processes in your system will remove more than 98% of many
organic compounds, including THMs (chloroforms), DBCP, lindane, TCE (trichloroethylene), PCE

(tetrachloroethylene), carbon tetrachloride and chlorine. Conservatively, Vectapure™ TFC

membranes will remove the following percentages of contaminates: Barium 97%, Potassium 92%,
Bicarbonate 94%, Radium 97%, Cadmium 97%, Selenium 97%, Calcium 97%, Silicates 96%,
Chromium 92%, Silver 85%, Copper 97%, Sodium 92%, Detergents 97%, Strontium 97%, Fluoride
90%, Sulphates 97%, Lead 97%, PCBs 97%, Magnesium 97%, Insecticides 97%, Nickel 97%,
Herbicides 97%, Nitrates 80%, Total Dissolved Solids 97%.

Q: What does RO treated drinking water taste like?

As most of the chemicals, organics and minerals are removed, your water will taste similar to
distilled water or low-mineral bottled water. Most people enjoy the natural flavour and the soft
texture. You will immediately notice that brewed coffee and juices from concentrate have a greatly
enhanced taste and aroma.

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Q: Where is the system installed?

Typically, the system is installed under the kitchen sink. Some homeowners or installers prefer the
basement or crawlspace, as this conserves storage in the kitchen and may allow for easier access
to the system for maintenance purposes.
If you install the system more that 20’ from your faucet, you may need a product water booster
pump to ensure adequate pressure at the faucet. Your dealer can provide you with this optional
equipment.

Q: Can the Vectapure II™ system be connected to an extra faucet?

Yes. Many installations will include an optional ¼” line to refrigerator icemakers or additional sink
faucets. See your dealer for advice and parts.

Q: What factors affect the quantity and the quality of the water produced?

1. Pressure: The greater the water system pressure, the greater the water quantity that will be
produced. 60PSI is optimal, but it should never exceed 90PSI. Where water pressures are
low (<40PSI), a booster pump on the raw water line can be added to increase production.
The RO-4152H comes equipped with a booster pump as standard equipment.

2. Temperature: Production increases with temperature, the optimal being 76F. Never
operate the system from the hot water line or with water exceeding 85F, as this will
damage the membrane.

3. Membrane type: Vectapure II systems use premium quality TFC (Thin Film Composite)
membranes, specially chosen for household applications.

4. TDS: The higher the Total Dissolved Solids in the raw water, the lower the output of
product water. Booster pumps are used to increase system pressure and overcome lower
output caused by higher TDS. System pressure may not however, exceed 90PSI.

Q: How much water does the Vectapure II™ system produce?

All Vectapure™ systems use membranes nominally rated for 75GPD. Actual output will be
dependent upon the factors explained above. In optimal applications (with a booster pump) you
may expect 60-70 gallons to be available over 24 hours.

Q: Can the amount of water produced be increased?

Filling a water pitcher for the refrigerator will allow more production overnight. A larger holding
tank (available from your dealer) will allow for more water to be on hand. Booster pumps will also
increase daily production.

Q: What is the standard warranty with the Vectapure II™ system?

Every Vectapure II™ system comes with a standard one-year limited warranty on all parts and
repair labour. A detailed warranty card is included with the unit. You may purchase and

extended warranty if you wish - see the enclosed Extended Warranty Program information
sheet and enrolment form included in your package. Call your dealer if you wish to have
one sent to you. Normal filter cartridge replacement is excluded from your warranty.

Q: What is the maintenance schedule for the Vectapure II™ system?

A good rule of thumb is to replace all pre-filters every three months. This is critical to ensure that
chlorine does not attack the membrane film. The carbon post-filter should be changed every three
to six months. When the old cartridges have been removed, the system should be purged and
flooded with chlorinated water before the new cartridges are installed. Dependent upon local
water conditions, your membrane should have a life expectancy of 1-5 years. More severe water
conditions (iron, hardness) may shorten this significantly; soft water sources may allow a
membrane life of up to 8 years.

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Q: When should the membrane be changed?

If you notice gradually decreasing production from your system, differing taste to your drinking
water or a white scale forming on pans or dishes, it probably means that your membrane is
deteriorating and is losing its effectiveness. You may purchase a pocket TDS meter from your
dealer - this is the best way to assure you system is operating efficiently.

Section 2. Unpacking and Installation

Your system includes:

Carton Contents

 The main RO/filter unit assembly with 4 or 5 stages. The RO-4152H model will include a

booster pump mounted on the main bracket;

 One membrane (in a sealed plastic bag), one combo carbon/sediment filter cartridge, one

block carbon filter cartridge and one polypropylene sediment cartridge (no white sediment
cartridge with RO-4042H);

 One drain fitting and clamp with push-on tube fitting;
 One cold water supply adapter;
 One low-lead (stainless is optional) long reach Quick Faucet and mounting hardware;
 Two #10 X1” Wall mounting screws;
 5 m (15’) - white ¼” Poly tubing for water connections;
 3m (10’) – black ¼” Poly tubing for drain connections;
 One plastic tank shut-off valve;
 One filter housing wrench;
 One Owner’s package including owner’s manual, warranty certificate, Extended Warranty

Plan enrolment form, Waterite Parts Program enrolment form;

 One 12 litre (4 gallon) RO holding tank.

Step 1. Selecting the System Location

1. This reverse osmosis system is designed for installation under a sink. It can however, be
mounted anywhere within 20 feet of the faucet, such as the basement or adjoining utility
room. Keep in mind that filter housings will need periodic replacement and that easy
access must be maintained. Do not install in a location with high humidity, direct sun or a
direct source of heat. Both the RO system and the tank may be installed horizontally or
vertically. If you are installing a RO 4152H model, you will need a standard 110V plug
nearby.

Figure 1.

Booster pump (RO-4152H)
Holding Tank and valve
Mounting bracket Membrane housing

Faucet and mounting hdwe Sani-purge valve
Carbon post-filter
Sediment pre-filter Drain clamp and fitting

Membrane element
Water supply adapter

Combo pre-filter 5m ¼” poly tube (clear)