RD146: That 7 year old membrane was toast!

I have a feeling I installed the last membrane in my RODI system in 2016. For the last six months or so, the TDS coming out of the membrane measured ~8, which is pretty high when my source water measures less than 150. It should be reading about 2 or 3, resulting in DI resin lasting much longer than it has. That's when I thought "how old is this membrane?!" Using strap wrenches from Harbor Freight, I opened up the housing to find it filthy within, and the membrane was thrown out. While I had it broken down, I greased up the O-rings and made sure the fittings were snug. Then I ran it for about an hour to flush out the preservatives in the new membrane. Now it's good to go for the next few years.

[@dusk1947]

And this is why I like your shorts so much.
They don't dive deep into a complex topic, they more often relate to everyday tasks with simple pertinent pointers.
Like I just realized, I have changed my other filters several times. But never the actual RO membrane. & I have never herd to use silicone grease.

[@melevsreef]

You can use silicone grease on the filter housing O-rings as well. At least once a year.

[@ProTexTV]

7 years...lol. I guess mine are good for 6 more!

[@Tanky141]

I would have liked to see detailed disassemble and assemble of the membrane. I have two running and probably need replacement

[@melevsreef]

Take a look at this video.
ua-cam.com/video/JTtuHfwyXVo/v-deo.html

[@Tanky141]

@@melevsreef thanks

[@cgfrogsandfish9234]

Do the strap wrench’s work on the other canisters? It’s always a pain to get mine off, and that’s brilliant

[@melevsreef]

It should, but the filter housing wrench works well for me.

[@Messier87_M87]

So the lubricant that you applied to the seals, will that leach any chemicals into the water?

[@reviewit7974]

No

[@melevsreef]

No.

[@charleslevi9826]

what booster pump do you use?

[@melevsreef]

This one. melevsreef.com/reefshop/reverse-osmosis/rodi-accessories/booster-pump-kit

[@seancolinclark]

Do you know what your tap water TDS is?

[@melevsreef]

I'll find out and get back to you. Usually it's less than 150 here.

[@jesusbarajas9444]

My tap water is 750... RO 15ish

[@terrydavis7389]

for some reason , right around the 4 minute mark, i had to pause and go pee.. weird....