How often should you replace your entire RO DO system, not just the carts?

[FishPersonFL]

I'm told I need to replace my entire system every 7 years because it degrades over time? Do certain brands have a higher 'shelf life' than others? And I mean the actual unit... the chambers, valves, etc.
TIA

 

[FSP]

That's news to me, but it sounds like whoever told you this might have RO units for sale if you ever need a replacement :oops: Not sure I'd buy one from them though.

 

[mfinn]

I wouldn't think you would ever have to replace the whole unit. The only thing that wears out or is exhausted is the charcoal, sediment filters, membranes and resin.
Maybe a gasket once in a while.

I'm going edit my response by adding maybe the flow restrictor and maybe a bracket once in while because they do get rusty after a while ( long while)

 

[Garf]

That's news to me, but it sounds like whoever told you this might have RO units for sale if you ever need a replacement :oops: Not sure I'd buy one from them though.

Lol, the units last for yonks. If you snap a bit, replace it.

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

I guess reasons for "wear" on a system is;
How bad is your water? Is it so acidic or alkaline that it degrades parts after a while?
Or is there chemical absorption into the plastic?
I know there is a certain lifespan of NSF products and their ratings, maybe they are going by this.
But I know one big killer of anything is UV. So is your unit in the sunlight? or exposed to UV by other means?
I am sure not all units are created equal with the quality of materials, but I think in most circumstances it should last quite a long time.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

Look for Crazing on the Plastic, if none, you are good to go.

 

[jimk60]

I'm told I need to replace my entire system every 7 years because it degrades over time? Do certain brands have a higher 'shelf life' than others? And I mean the actual unit... the chambers, valves, etc.
TIA

I've had my "system" for over ten years. Of course I've replaced membranes and cartridges numerous times. Don't believe who ever told you this!

 

[FishPersonFL]

I asked the person (seller) why that is. He said the material doesnt contain preservatives. At least appaerenly the ones he's selling. At this point i'm not going to say which brand this is in public, it's pretty popular.

 

[FishPersonFL]

SInce he told me his deteriorate after 7 years and I already have replaed to filter chambers from them and they only tolerate 70 psi,i likely woudlnt replace with that brand.

 

[FSP]

I asked the person (seller) why that is. He said the material doesnt contain preservatives. At least appaerenly the ones he's selling. At this point i'm not going to say which brand this is in public, it's pretty popular.

Not surprising, but it's funny to do with this RO units considering they have components that need to be replaced regularly anyway. Is selling filter replacements and resin not enough? :(

 

[FishPersonFL]

he made me nervous about his product. I already had two leaks and water on floor from defect in their clear housings. I'm sure I'll keep the unit (til it dissolves in a few years lol). but I am a bit nervous about it. Anyone know where I can find high pressure toelrance (100 psi to be safe) clear sediment, carbon, Di housings?

 

[Sean Clark]

A properly set up system should never need the passive components replaced within a normal person's lifespan. All of the filter media will need replacement at standard intervals based on usage. o-rings may require occasional replacement as needed. There really should be no reason to replace housings or other components when used properly.

 

[FishPersonFL]

A properly set up system should never need the passive components replaced within a normal person's lifespan. All of the filter media will need replacement at standard intervals based on usage. o-rings may require occasional replacement as needed. There really should be no reason to replace housings or other components when used properly.

That makes sense to me, but apparently , at least according to a rep of this certain brand, there's deteriorate over time. Obviously that is not the norm.

 

[Spieg]

Been using mine for about 20 years... replaced a couple of filter containers that cracked over time, but that's it.

 

[Tastee]

he made me nervous about his product. I already had two leaks and water on floor from defect in their clear housings. I'm sure I'll keep the unit (til it dissolves in a few years lol). but I am a bit nervous about it. Anyone know where I can find high pressure toelrance (100 psi to be safe) clear sediment, carbon, Di housings?

I would suggest placing a pressure limiting valve in line with your supply to avoid high water pressure causing you problems. This is standard in front of electric water heaters to avoid premature thermostat, or worse, tank failure.

 

[Opus]

I'm told I need to replace my entire system every 7 years because it degrades over time? Do certain brands have a higher 'shelf life' than others? And I mean the actual unit... the chambers, valves, etc.
TIA

Mine is over 25 years old. Someone needs to tell it that it should be broken by now. RO membrane lasts over 5 years with my tds over 400.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

We had Single Cylinder Ice Machine Water Filters get Hazing Cracks in them after many years. I blamed this on them being blasted with heat from the Hot Condenser Air Blowing on them. Mostly they Cracked from a Careless Restaurant Worker dropping them or running the Cylinders through the Dishwasher.

 

[swee10]

Yeah. All of this plastic breaking down is why we can’t keep our landfills full enough. Not to mention not enough plastic to feed all the turtles.

Sorry. Just my sarcastic side coming through. Meant to be humorous.

 

[n2585722]

SInce he told me his deteriorate after 7 years and I already have replaed to filter chambers from them and they only tolerate 70 psi,i likely woudlnt replace with that brand.

The newer plastic parts in the electronic devices I see. Especially gears that are under pressure seem to go bad a lot nowdays. It could be because of biodegradable plastics used nowadays. The older stuff that are decades old don't seem to have this issue. Mostly stuff that is 10-15 years old.

 

[Sean Clark]

Funny that the same people that promonte not using a product like polycarbonate due to its durability/longevity also promote "bio-degratable" polymers for their "eco-friendly-sustainability.

Which is better: a single product that should last a lifetime or the same equivalent product that last a few years and still winds up in a landfill many times more over a lifetime (I
Won't even include the lmpact of manufacturing).

I'll choose the quality product that is designed to last over the disposable one that is designed to fail all day every day.