Waterite Vectapure NX Installation And Owner's Manual

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VECTAPURE NX

™

Residential Reverse Osmosis Water System

INSTALLATION AND OWNER’S MANUAL

VERSION B

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 WAT ER PROFESSIONAL IS RECOMMENDED
TO ENSURE TROUBLE-FREE AND CONTINUOUS OPERATION.

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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 NX™ 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 NX™ RO system use?

Vectapure™ system uses 5 stages of treatment to produce your drinking water. The raw tap water first flows through a 5­micron particle filter to remove suspended solids, the second and third stage are 5-micron carbon blocks which help to
remove/reduce chlorine, chloramine and VOC. The fourth stage is the reverse osmosis membrane that separates most
dissolved contaminants from the water molecules. The final stage is an in-line 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. 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 NX system is not designed for use on seawater.

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. It is recommended to clean and sanitize your system including
kitchen faucet at least once per year or every time you do a filter change. Make sure that you carefully follow the

maintenance instructions provided.

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THIS REVERSE OSMOS IS WAT ER SYSTEM IS DESIGNED O NLY T O IMPROVE AESTHET IC PROPERT IES AND IS
NOT DESIGNED TO ACT AS A PRIMARY BARRIER TO WATERBORNE MICROBIOLOGICAL OR T OXIC CHEMICAL
CONTAMINATION. WHERE TH ESE CONDIT IONS MAY EX IST CONSULT A WATER PROFESSIO NAL T O ENSURE
SUFFICIENT RAW WATER PRE-TREATMENT AND DISINFECTION.

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WATERITE RO SYST EMS ARE TO BE OPERATED O NLY 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 SU SCEPTIBLE TO BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION. FOLLOW
CLEANING & SANITIZING INSTRUCTIONS AND CHANGE FILTER CARTRIDGES AT RECOMMENDED INTERVALS.

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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.

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 NX™ 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.

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 NX system uses 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 NX™ 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 NX™ system?

Every Vectapure NX™ 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 NX™ 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 cleaned and sanitized 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.

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.

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Section 2. Unpacking and Installati on

Your system includes:

Carton Contents

 The main 5 stage RO/filter unit assembly;
 One encapsulated membrane (pre-installed), one sediment filter cartridge, two block carbon filter cartridges;
 One drain fitting and clamp with push-on tube fitting ;
 One cold water supply adapter;
 One long reach faucet with 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 booster pump for your system, you will need a
standard 110V plug nearby.

Figure 1.

Keep in mind that you may install a tube tee on the line to the faucet to connect icemakers or other faucets to the system.
If you locate your system farther than 20 feet from the faucet, you will need to use 3/8” tubing or install a pressure booster
pump to your line. See your dealer for parts and details.

Step 2. Getting Ready

1. Clear working area. Unpack all components and check for visual damage. Ensure all listed components are
included.

2. Inspect the cold water supply line and the condition of the pipe. The water supply adapter included is
intended to be installed between the supply valve and the faucet connector, under the kitchen sink. If the
cold water supply valve is not available at the installation location, you will need to consult your plumber or
plumbing supply store to purchase an appropriate cold water connection.

3. Check the air pressure in the RO storage tank with an ordinary tire gauge. It should be pre-charged to 7-10
PSI. Adjust if necessary. DO NOT EXCEED RECOMMENDED TANK INFLATION PRESSURE – UNIT

WILL FAIL TO OPERATE CORRECTLY.

4. You wil l need th e followin g tools: An electric d rill, a ½” c arbide bit , a ¼” carbi de bit, a 1/8 ” carbid e bit, a
pencil, a small adjustable (crescent) wrench, a sharp knife (X-Acto type knife is best), Teflon plumbing tape,
adjustable pliers, a rat-tail file, a center punch, a medium flat head screwdriver, a small household funnel.
Always wear eye protection when using an electric drill.

Mounting bracket

Carbon filter

Sediment pre-filter

Drain clamp and fittings

Membrane housing

Holding tank and valve

Faucet and hardware