BRR RODI + PUMP = LOW PRESSURE…

ReefMadScientist

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Hey! I am getting back into the game after a decade away. Having some weird issues with my 6 Stage BRS WS RODI system with booster.

Everything is brand new and I am only getting 20psi…

Am I doing something wrong here?

IMG_5490.jpeg
IMG_5491.jpeg IMG_5492.jpeg IMG_5493.jpeg IMG_5496.jpeg IMG_5497.jpeg IMG_5498.jpeg
 

Gtinnel

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If you have a booster pump and still can’t get the pressure up it’s probably something with your flow restrictor on the waste line. It’s either not installed or it has a flush valve and is open. I don’t know what kind BRS uses.
 

SliceGolfer

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Did you:

1. Close the flush valve so the unit produces RODI?
2. Use the allen wrench to increase the pressure from the booster pump?
 
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ReefMadScientist

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Did you:

1. Close the flush valve so the unit produces RODI?
2. Use the allen wrench to increase the pressure from the booster pump?

Did you:

1. Close the flush valve so the unit produces RODI?
2. Use the allen wrench to increase the pressure from the booster pump?
Yes the valve is closed. As for the booster Allen key adjustable option, I tried that and it does nothing.
 

KStatefan

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I would verify that you are getting good flow from the saddle valve.
 

SliceGolfer

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Have you tried bypassing the aquatech pump? What was the result? Is it possible the water softener was drawing water at the same time RODI was being produced? Is the supply line pierced completely by the saddle clamp?
 

Gtinnel

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Are you sure you don’t have the product and waste water lines reversed on the membrane? Its hard to tell from the picture but it looks like it may be switched.
 

SliceGolfer

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I went to my garage and tested mine (I have the same setup) and I am getting 40 psi without the aquatech pump running. Either the saddle clamp hasn't pierced the source line completely or it's possible the RODI unit is incorrectly assembled.
 

SliceGolfer

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I wonder if you could find a pressure tester at a local big box store, piece one together from parts at the big box store, or order from Amazon or online vendors?

 
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ReefMadScientist

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Have you tried bypassing the aquatech pump? What was the result? Is it possible the water softener was drawing water at the same time RODI was being produced? Is the supply line pierced completely by the saddle clamp?
I ran the system with the pump off. It’s at a steady 20psi with ball valve off post rodi. With the ball valves open and booster pump on I barely get 22-24 psi.

I tapped into the water softener post the softener.

I believe it’s pierced correctly. It’s showing 20psi with no pump.
 
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ReefMadScientist

ReefMadScientist

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Update:

My setup is saddle clamp post water softener. The line goes to a ball valve and then to my RODI system via booster pump. Then a ball valve post rodi system.

I ran a few tests. I opened the ball valve post saddle clamp to the turned off booster pump and rodi system. I closed the ball valve post rodi system to get an accurate reading of my water pressure.

It’s at a steady 20psi.

With the ball valve open post the rodi system I get about 18psi.

With the booster pump on I barely get 4-6 psi extra.

Post Ball Valve closed / booster off
IMG_5504.jpeg


Post ball valve open / booster off
IMG_5505.jpeg


Post ball valve open / booster pump on
IMG_5506.jpeg
 
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ReefMadScientist

ReefMadScientist

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BRS is telling me the booster pump needs about 20psi to function properly which I do have. But with the booster on I’m barely getting nothing.

I’ve played with the toggle Allen screw on top but it does absolutely nothing.

BRS recommends I get a plumber…
 

SliceGolfer

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Someone more educated on water softeners needs to chime in. My thought is if the tap is placed after the softener, could the softener be regulating the pressure? My limited interweb research found that water softeners operate within 20-25 psi, which aligns to what you are seeing in the installation.
 
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