APEC Water Systems RO-90 - 90 GPD Ultra Safe Reverse User Manual

ULTIMATE REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION

& OWNER’S MANUAL

www.FreeDrinkingWater

.com

Ver 6.2

TABLE OF CONTENT

1. Installation:

Preparation ................................................................................. page 1

Filter housings assembly ............................................................... page 4

Feed water connection .................................................................. page 5

Drain saddle connection .............................................................. page 9

Faucet mounting ......................................................................... page 11

Connecting the system ................................................................ page 14

2. Maintenance:

Filter change schedule & instructions .......................................... page 19

3. Owner’s Manual - RO Basics:

System flow diagram .................................................................. page 24

Input water pressure: most important factor ................................ page 25

Tank volume & delivery pressure ................................................. page 25-26

Misc. topics ................................................................................. page 26

4. Trouble-shoot Guide:

RO Head diagram ....................................................................... page 28

Air bubbles ................................................................................. page 29

No water at dispensing faucet ...................................................... page 29

Slow output ................................................................................. page 30

Filter housing is leaking ............................................................... page 30

TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) Level Reads Higher Than Normal ....... page 31

There is a leak at the tank ball valve connection .......................... page 32

System shut off is abnormal ......................................................... page 32

How to Test RO’s Shut-Off Function .............................................. page 33

Pure water still tastes like tap water ............................................. page 33

RO Makes Humming Noise .......................................................... page 34

5. Other Information:

AirGap Faucet Installation .......................................................... page 36

6. Warranty ....................................................................................... page 38

Please keep this Owner’s Manual for future reference.

It contains useful information on how to maintain and care for your

APEC Reverse Osmosis water filter system.

Thank you for choosing APEC reverse osmosis systems.

You now own the finest water filter in America.

Please read and become familiar with instructions and parts needed before proceeding with the in-

stallation.

BEFORE INSTALLATION:

Inspect the system:

Please take the system and all the components out of the box. Inspect the system and all the connection

fittings carefully, make sure nothing is damaged during shipping. If any part is cracked or broken, please

do not proceed with the installation and contact APEC or your distributor for an exchange or diagnosis.

Recommended tools list:

• Variable speed drill

• Drill bit: 1/4” (for the drain line), 1/8” (as pilot, not mandatory), and 1/2” (for standard faucet

hole, air-gap faucet requires 1”d hole)

• 5/8”, 9/16” open-end wrench, or adjustable wrench, pliers

• Phillips screwdriver

• Utility knife, or scissors

• Teflon tape

Operating Parameter

• Operating pressure: 85psi maximum

• Feed water temperature: 40 – 100 °F (4-37 °C)

• Feed water TDS level: 2000ppm maximum

• Do not connect this unit to hot water source

• Install the RO in a sheltered environment, avoid exposure to hot and cold weather or under direct

sunlight.

General Installation/Operation/Maintenance Requirements

• Installation needs to comply with state and local laws and regulations.

• System must be installed indoor away from possible environmental damage

• Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate

disinfection before or after system. Systems certified for cyst reduction may be used on disinfected

water that may contain filterable cysts.

• This reverse osmosis system contains a replaceable treatment component critical for effective re-

duction of total dissolved solids. The product water shall be tested periodically to verify that system

is performing satisfactorily.

Important! Please TURN OFF the main cold water supply to the RO system when the unit is not in use dur-

ing a vacation or extended leave. During very cold or freezing weather conditions, please also TURN OFF

the main cold water supply and completely drain all of the water from the RO system and water storage

tank.

This manual is copyrighted by APEC Inc. Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be reproduced in any form, in whole or

part, without the prior written consent of APEC Inc. Manual print ver. 6.2, 2020 Feb.

1 Faucet with tubing,

washers and nuts

(Faucet color may vary,

depends on the color selected)

Components included with the RO system:

Make sure you have all these parts before starting installation.

1 RO system head

with pre installed membrane

3 Pre-filters in 3 Housings

1 Storage tank

Installation kit includes:

1 Feed water adapter

3/8”- 1/2”

with needle valve kit

1 Drain saddle

2 Color tubing 1/4”

1 Tank’s Ball Valve 2 Wrenches

for opening filter and

Membrane housing

Recommended: Please keep both wrenches near

or on the RO unit for future maintenance.

Component Itemization:

1) Sediment pre-filter and housing (1

-stage filter)

2) Carbon block pre-filter and housing ( 2

-stage filter)

3) Carbon block pre-filter and housing ( 3

-stage filter)

4) Membrane and housing (4

-stage filter)

5) In-line carbon filter (5

-stage filter)

6) Storage tank

7) Tank ball valve

8) ASO – Automatic Shut Off valve

9) Check valve (Internal check valve encased in plastic fitting)

10) T-fitting

11) Feed water inlet

12) Product (filtered) water outlet

13) Bracket

THERE ARE TWO PARTS TO INSTALLING THE RO SYSTEM:

Part I. Assemble the filters and housings onto the main system

Part II. Installing the system

Note: The RO Membrane Element has already been pre-installed.

PART I. ASSEMBLE THE FILTERS AND HOUSINGS ONTO THE MAIN SYSTEM

Remove plastic/paper wrappings on the 3 filters, put them into the 3 housings, and assemble the

housings onto the main system as follow:

1. See Fig. 1 Stand the 3 housings upright. Make sure each housing has a rubber O-ring in its

groove.

Put the APEC Sediment filter (1-SED10) into the “1

stage” housing on the right.

Put the APEC Carbon filter (23-CAB10) into the “2

stage” housing in the middle.

Put the APEC Carbon filter (23-CAB10) into the “3

stage” housing on the left.

2. See Fig. 2 Starting from the 3

stage housing on the left, hand twist the housing onto the main

system turning counterclockwise, one by one, for all 3 housings.

3. See Fig. 3 Use the wrench provided to completely tighten the housing starting from 1st-stage.

Repeat this step for the 2

stage housing in the middle, and for the 3

stage housing

on left.

Note: For some people it is easier to use the wrench with the system laid down

(face up).

4. See Pg. 3 Remove 2 end plugs (white color) from Point 10 & 12

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

turn counter-clock

wise

to tighten

3rd

Stage

3rd

Stage

2nd

Stage

1st

Stage

Use

ench

Use

PART II. INSTALLING THE SYSTEM

Space: Make sure there is sufficient space under the counter for installation (an area of about 17”L x

6”W x 18”H for the system, 11”D x 18”H for tank).

The RO system is best installed under the kitchen sink. But if that is not feasible you can install the system

anywhere where there is a cold water supply with sufficient water pressure for the chosen RO model, and

an outlet to drain off the drain water from the system.

Mounting: No need to mount the RO system on the wall. The RO system can stand in the sink cabinet

without mounting, this makes future filter change easy and convenient. If you prefer to mount the system

to the wall, please make sure it can be taken down easily for filter replacement.

Feed Water: RO systems are designed to treat both hard and soft water and can handle incoming TDS

levels up to 2,000 ppm.

Fig. 4

Step 1: Feed Water Connection

The RO system must be connected to the COLD water supply only!

1. Locate the Cold water supply valve under the kitchen sink (the round or oblong handle on

the right side). Turn off the incoming cold water completely by turning the shut off handle

clockwise.

Note: If the cold water shut off valve can not turn off the water, the main water supply

to the house must be shut off for the installation. Another option is to use a “self

piercing saddle valve” from APEC or from a local hardware store.

2. Feed Water Adapter (1/2” to 3/8”): See Fig. 4. The Feed Water Adapter comes with a

separate Needle Valve. The Adapter goes inline onto your 1/2” or 3/8” cold water pipe. The

Needle Valve portion screws onto the Adapter as shown in Fig. 4A.

A. 1/2” x 3/8” Male-Female Water Supply Adapter

with O-ring.

B. 1/2” x 3/8” Female-Male Converter with O-ring.

C. 1/4” x 1/8” Male Needle Valve.

Fig. 4A - Needle Valve Installation.

Attach the needle valve (C) to water supply adapter (A). Please apply 4-5 wraps of

teflon tape to needle valve prior to connecting it to the water supply adapter (A).

Fig. 4B - If your pipe has a 1/2” Connection.

By attaching the 1/2” x 3/8” converter (B) to the Male end of the water supply adapter

(A), you now have a 1/2” Male and Female water supply adapter.

Fig. 4C - If your pipe has a 3/8” Connection.

By attaching the 1/2” x 3/8” converter (B) to the Female end of the water supply

adapter (A), you now have a 3/8” Male and Female water supply adapter.

Fig. 4A

Fig. 4B

1/2” Connection 3/8” Connection

Fig. 4C

3. Recommend Connection For Flex Line Riser: See Fig. 5A. & Fig. 5E Loosen nut and separate cold

water riser tube from shut off valve. Gently bend riser tube so that the Feed Water Adapter (Fig. 4) fits

onto the shut off valve. Connect the riser tube, feed water adapter, and shut off valve together and

tighten.

For Solid Copper Riser: See Fig. 5B. Follow the same procedure as for flex line. If the copper riser

cannot bend, this it’s best to replace it with a flex line riser. Fit the feed water adapter to the shut off valve

the same way as described above.

Option Connection Point: See Fig. 5F. The feed water adapter can also be installed between the riser

tube and faucet shank. Loosen nut and separate cold water riser tube from faucet shank. Gently bend

riser tube so that the Feed Water Adapter fits onto the faucet shank. If your riser tube has no built-in

washer, then fit the cone-shaped washer provided onto the riser tube. Connect the riser tube, feed water

adapter, and faucet shank together and tighten.

Riser

Tube

For Flexible Line

Faucet

Shank

Main Water

Supply

Shut-off

Valve

Riser

Tube

For Solid Line

Faucet

Shank

Needle

Valve

Needle

Valve

Main Wate

Supply

Shut-off

Valve

Sink

Fig. 5A Fig. 5B

Fig. 5C

5. Needle Valve tubing connection instructions:

• Please first slide the metal compression nut, then the plastic sleeve, and push the plastic insert all the

way into the red tubing (See Fig. 5C).

• Please push the red tubing all the way into the needle valve connection until you feel a click.

• Please push the plastic sleeve all the way up to the needle valve connection.

• Please screw the metal compression nut with the red tubing pushed all the way into the needle valve then

use a wrench to fully tighten this connection.

Fig. 5E Fig. 5F

4. Needle Valve: See Fig. 5D. Screw the Needle Valve onto the Adapter tightly. Apply 6-8 rounds of

Teflon tape onto Needle Valve before attaching it to the Adapter.

To open needle valve: Turn needle handle counter-clockwise.

To close needle valve: Turn needle handle clockwise.

Fig. 5D

Insert Sleeve Compression Nut

Apply Teflon Tape Here

Push the tubing all the way into the needle valve

while tightening compression nut.

MOUNT DRAIN

SADDLE AT

EITHER

LOCATION

Step 2: Drain Saddle Installation

Important: DO NOT REMOVE the black drain tubing from the RO system! If you

need to extend the drain tubing please use a union connector to connect

additional length of tubing.

Note: To avoid possible drainage noise, mount drain line as low as possible on the

vertical tailpiece, or on horizontal tailpiece.

There is constant water pressure “packed” inside the RO system which blocks the drain water from

backing-up into the system. So the drain water is “forced-drained”, not “gravity-drained”.

1. See Fig. 6. The drain saddle assembly should be installed above the trap and on the vertical or horizon-

tal tailpiece. To reduce the drainage noise, mount the drain line as low as possible above the trap, or on

the horizontal tailpiece.

2. Select the location of the hole and drill a 1/4’’ hole through one side of the drain pipe then put the

self-adhesive black sponge around the hole location (See Fig. 7A and 7B).

Next, align and install the drain saddle clip with the tubing connection port onto the black sponge.

This will cushion any gap between the saddle and the pipe. Make sure the hole on the sponge is

thoroughly punched out, and is aligned to the hole on the saddle to complete the installation (See

Fig. 8)

Fig. 6

Fig. 7A Fig. 8

Test for leaks after the system is completely installed: Close the Needle Valve (turn needle handle clock-

wise all the way in to close). Turn ON the cold water supply to the sink faucet. If the Needle Valve or the

Adapter leaks, check the connection and try applying more Teflon tape or tighten the brass nut some

more to stop the leak.

Fig. 7B

3. See Fig. 8, 8A. Make sure to align the drain saddle hole to the drilled hole perfectly.

Mis-aligning these two holes will block the drain water and cause membrane damage.

Attach the drain saddle to the drain pipe and tighten the two screws evenly.

4. Once the drain saddle is secured, push 1/4” black drain tubing into the Quick Connect fitting on the

saddle. DO NOT use a “Insert” on the drain tubing.

Fig. 8A

Step 3: Drill A Hole For The RO Faucet

Drill 1/2” diameter hole for standard RO faucet. (Air-Gap faucet: drill 1”D hole.)

For best results use a 1/2” carbide-tipped masonry drill bit.

Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes while drilling the faucet hole.

Note: No need to drill a hole if an existing hole is available:

a) Spare hole: If there is a spare hole in the sink covered by a chrome cover, simply remove the chrome

cover and install the RO faucet there.

b) Spray hose: If the spray hose is not in use, remove the hose, and mount the RO faucet there. Remember

to plug up the outlet under the main faucet. If the spray hose uses a diverter at the base of the spout, be sure

to remove it to avoid trouble later on.

c) Hanging faucet: If drilling a hole is not feasible (i.e. rental home, drill tool not available etc.), the faucet

can just hang on the cabinet door or wherever that is convenient. Be creative!

When drilling a hole for the RO faucet, choose a location that looks good, works well, and is most con-

venient for dispensing pure water. An ample flat area is required for the faucet base so that the faucet

can be drawn down tightly.

1. Faucet location: Make sure the faucet stem will be accessible from below when the hole is drilled.

If space is not available on the upper sink area, the faucet can be located on the counter top by the

edge of the sink. If the counter top is ceramic tile, the method for drilling the hole will be the same as

for porcelain sinks.

2. For Stainless Steel Sink: Before using a 1/2” carbide drill bit, an indent should be made with a

center punch to keep the drill bit from walking. A small pilot hole will also aid the drill bit.

Black Locating Washer

Lock Washer

Lock Nut

Tubing

Counter Top

Opening

Faucet Base

3. For Porcelain Sink: Porcelain enameled sinks can readily be chipped if care is not exercised when

drilling the hole. Before starting the drill motor, apply firm downward pressure on the bit until a

crunching occurs. This will help keep the drill bit from walking when starting the hole. A small pilot

hole will also aid the drill bit.

Note: Immediately after the hole drilling is done, clean up all metal chips, for metal chips will

stain the porcelain!!

Note: For stainless steel sinks, we recommend

reversing the black locating washer

so the flat end is facing upwards for

proper installation.

Fig. 9A

If your faucet comes without tubing attached:

Option: Mounting The Faucet with Metal Compression Fitting & Separate Faucet Tubing

1. Mount the faucet as shown in Fig. 9B (Page 12).

2. Make sure the tube insert is pushed all the way into the tubing Fig. 9C (Page 12).

3. Make sure the tubing is inserted inside the faucet stem at least 1/4” deep while screwing the

compression nut Fig. 9D (Page 12).

Step 4: Mounting The Faucet

If your faucet comes with tubing attached:

1. Mount the faucet as shown in Fig. 9A.

2. Connect the Clear faucet tubing directly to

system output.

3. The faucet handle controls the flow of purified

water exiting the faucet. Turn the handle to

horizontal position to release the water and

vertically to shut off.

Step 5: Positioning The System

1. Main System: The main system can stand in the sink cabinet. No need to mount the system to the

wall. If you prefer to mount the system to the wall, please make sure it can be taken down easily for

filter replacement.

2. Tank: The storage tank can lay on its side if needed. The tank works fine in this position. If the tank

cannot fit under the kitchen sink, it can be placed elsewhere up to 20 feet away from the RO system

without much pressure loss.

Faucet Base

Black Locating Washer

Lock Washer

Lock Nut

Insert

Sleeve

ompression Nut

Counter Top

Opening

Tube insert

Sleeve

Compression nut

Tubing

Faucet stem

Sleeve

Tube insert

Compression nut

Fig. 9B

Fig.9D

Fig.9C

IMPORTANT INSTALLATION NOTICE!

The Quick connect fittings come with an

end plug that needs to be removed be-

fore the tubing can be connected. Please

disconnect the end plugs at Points G and H

from the Quick connect fittings before con-

necting tubing. See Fig.10A and

Fig.10B.

Fig.10A

Fig.10B

Step 6: Connecting The System

Fig.10C

Fig.10D

To Disconnect the End Plugs:

Push In and Hold Down on the collet ring square against the

fitting. While holding down the collet ring, pull out the end

plug with your other hand. Only the plug will slide out from the

connection. See Fig.10C.

Depending on your system model, there will be 2 types of protective end

plugs. Both types of end plugs are disconnected the same way. After

disconnecting the end plugs, please discard them as they are not needed for

installation.

Soft Plug Hard Plug

2 Types of End Plugs

To Connect the Tubing:

Push the tubing all the way into the Quick-

Connect fitting, then gently pull back on the tubing to make sure

the connection is completely secure. See Fig.10D.

- No inserts, sleeve, or nuts are needed to secure the connection.

- No Teflon tape!

Summary of Tubing Connections:

There are 4 connections: See Fig. 11 & Fig. 11A.

Point A to X: Connect RO to COLD water supply — Red tubing.

Point G to Y: Connect product water from 5

-stage filter to tank — Yellow tubing. This tubing is a 2-way

line, Product water enters and leaves the tank via this line.

Point H to Z: Connect product water from 5

-stage output to RO faucet — Clear tubing.

Drain line to W: Connect drain water from 4

-stage membrane to drain outlet — Black tubing.

Fig. 11

Fig.10E

To Disconnect the Tubing:

See Fig.10B. Push in and hold down on the collet ring square

against the fitting. With the collet held in this position the tube can

be removed. See Fig.10E.

Important! Insert and sleeve Must be installed to prevent water leaking. Metal compression nut must be

fully tightened! (See Page 8)

Fig. 11A

Details on Tubing Connections:

To ensure a smooth and correct installation, please connect the water lines following the sequence and

order outlined below. Refer to Fig.11 & 11A for proper point locations.

1. Point Z - Faucet connection:

Tubing color: Clear tubing. The tubing already attached into RO faucet, no installation needed.

Option (Faucet comes without tubing attached) :

Tubing color: Clear tubing. Connect the CLEAR tubing to the base of RO faucet.

Fitting type: See Fig. 9B (Page 12). Metal compression nut fitting. Use plastic sleeve.

Add “insert” to tubing. No teflon tape here. Tighten nut with wrench.

2. Point X - Feed water connection:

Important: Insert and sleeve Must be installed to prevent water leaking. Metal compression nut must be

fully tightened! (See Page 8)

Tubing color: Red tubing. Connect the RED tubing to the Feed Water Needle Valve.

Fitting type: See Fig. 5C (Page 8). Metal compression nut fitting. Use plastic sleeve.

Add “insert” to tubing. No teflon tape here. Tighten nut with wrench.

3. Point W - Drain water connection:

Tubing color: Black tubing. Connect the BLACK tubing from the RO to the Drain Saddle.

Fitting type: Simply push the Clear tubing into the Quick Connect fitting. No Inserts, Sleeves or Nuts

are needed to secure the connection. No Teflon tape needed here.

4. Point A - System water inlet (to Stage 1 pre-filter) connection:

Tubing color: Red tubing. Connect the RED tubing from the Feed Water Valve to the RO’s stage -1

prefilter.

Fitting type: Quick Connect fitting See Fig. 10D (Page 13). Simply push the Red tubing into the QC

fitting. No Inserts, Sleeves or Nuts are needed to secure the connection. No Teflon tape

needed here.

5. Point H - Stage-5 filtered water to faucet connection:

Tubing color: Clear tubing. Connect the CLEAR tubing from the faucet base stud to the Stage-5 filter’s

outflow end at point H. (See “Flow -->” arrow on the filter is the output to faucet at Point Z.)

Fitting type: Quick Connect: Simply push the Clear tubing into the QC fitting. No Inserts, Sleeves or

Nuts are needed to secure the connection. No Teflon tape needed here.

6. Point G - Stage-5 filter’s T-fitting connection:

Tubing color: Yellow tubing. Connect the YELLOW tubing to Stage-5 filter’s T-fitting.

Fitting type: Quick Connect: Simply push the Yellow tubing into the QC fitting. No Inserts, Sleeves or

Nuts are needed to secure the connection. No Teflon tape needed here.

7. Point Y - Tank’s input & output connection:

Prepare tank: See Fig.12. Apply 6-8 wraps of Teflon tape to tank’s threaded Output stem on top of tank.

Screw tank Valve onto Output stem.

Tubing color: Yellow tubing. Connect the YELLOW tubing from Stage-5 T-fitting to the tank’s valve.

Fitting type: Quick-Connect fitting on ball valve. Simply push Yellow tubing into valve port.

Standard 4-gallon Tank Diagram:

Tank Ball Valve

OFF Position ON Position

Fig. 12

Important:

DO NOT TOUCH

the Air Valve, It’s

a pre-pressurized

tank, release or

add air will affect

tank normal

function.

(Note: If the unit comes with a UV Light, connect the Yellow tubing to the T- fitting on the

UV, as the Stage 5 filter will not have a T-fitting).

Shut Oﬀ Valve

Tee ﬁtting for icemaker & output

Ball Valve Position

ON OFF

Insert

Sleeve

Tube

Metal Nut

Option: Ice-maker Connection

If you want to connect product water from the RO to your ice-maker, you will need:

• One T-fitting, preferably the quick-connect type fitting

• Extra 1/4" tubing long enough to go from the RO system to your ice-maker

• One shut-off valve, preferably the quick-connect type.

See Fig.13. Before connecting the product water line from Point Z to H, add a T-fitting between point Z

to H to divert product water to both the ice-maker and the faucet.

Using RO for Ice-maker only:

If you want the RO to feed your ice-maker (fridge) only, you should still connect the RO faucet as a

2nd outlet. This allows you to drain the tank, flush new filters through the faucet rather than through

your icemaker line. You can hang the faucet by the system and not mount it.

Option: Multiple Outputs - Add Shut Off Valve:

If your RO is feeding several output points (icemaker, fridge, bathroom), you should add a Shut-Off

valve to each output line (except the RO spigot line). This way, if you ever need to diagnose a problem

in the system, you can easily shut off these lines to isolate the water flow for accurate troubleshooting.

Fig. 13

Refrigerator

3. Wait for tank to fill: Before usage, allow the tank to fill. Tank normally takes 2-3 hours to fill.

When the tank is filled, the RO will shut off automatically.

4. Drain Tank: Please do not use the first tank of water. Once the tank has filled, open

the drinking water faucet to drain the tank and filters. It will usually take

about 5 minutes to flush the unit. When the tank is completely empty water will

simply trickle out the faucet. At this time, please close the drinking faucet and allow

the unit another 2-3 hours to refill the tank. The 2nd tank of water will be ready for

use.

Please Note: Water may come out dark for the first few seconds on the initial

flush, and then clear right up. This is due to the GAC (granular activated carbon)

post filter.

5. Clean up area: Allow the system to run while cleaning up tools and work area.

6. Check for leaks! Make sure no leaking at joints, fittings, valves, and tubing connections.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed the Reverse Osmosis System!

* * * End Installation Section * * *

Step 7: System Start-Up

1. Turn on feed water: Slowly, turn on your Cold water supply. Open the Needle Valve (turn counter-

clockwise) to allow the raw water to enter the system. Check for leaks!

2. Open tank valve: Open the tank’s ball valve to allow water to enter the tank. The tank’s valve is

“On” when the valve handle is parallel (in the same direction) with the valve’s outlet (see Fig. 12).

Check for leaks!

Tips!

If Point X leaks after you have tightened the brass nut, check to make sure you did put

the plastic “insert” into the tubing. If the insert is already in place, then try applying Teflon

tape from the threaded metal stud all the way to the plastic tubing, wrap the whole connec-

tion with 8-10 rounds of Teflon tape. Smooth out the tape on the threaded part with your

fingers. Tighten brass nut again. This should stop the leak.

If the plastic sleeve is damaged, you can use the metal sleeve, but you need to apply

Teflon tape as described above, this should stop the leak.

If Point Y (tank ball valve) leaks, please make sure there was 6-8 wraps of Teflon tape

applied onto the tank metal stem before screwing on tank ball valve.

SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

The system requires very little maintenance. Just change the filter cartridges regularly as suggested below.

Keep the system indoors away from extreme heat or cold temperatures, and run the system within its

reasonable output capacity (i.e. allow the system to rest at least a few hours a day).

To properly maintain your APEC drinking water system,

please use only genuine APEC Water replacement filters at

www.freedrinkingwater.com/filters

Stages 1, 2, 3 Pre-Filters: Replace every 12 months.

(FILTER-SET) (Private well water source: may need to replace pre-filters sooner than

12 months due to heavy sediments and other particles.)

Stage-4 Membrane: City Water: Replace every 3-5 years depending on input

(MEM-90) use MEM-45 for pump models water quality, water usage, and prefilter change maintenance

Private Well Water: Replace every 2-3 years depending on

well water quality, and prefilter change maintenance.

Stage-5 Carbon Filter: Replace every 3-5 years: It’s best to replace this filter when

(5-TCR-QC) replacing the stage-4 membrane.

Filter Housing O-rings: We recommend replacing the filter housing O-ring every year or

when replacing the 3 pre-filters.

Important! It is important to change the 3 pre-filters timely, at least every 6-12 months. The

pre-filters protect the stage-4 membrane. If they are not changed timely and

become over-depleted, the membrane life capacity may be reduced and affect

contaminant removal and pure water production rate.

It’s best to use APEC replacement filters. Using “non APEC”and lesser quality filters

may clog up the RO system and damage the membrane.

We recommend that stage 1-3 filter housings be replaced every 5 years.

FILTER CHANGE INSTRUCTIONS

How To Replace Stages 1, 2, 3 Pre-Filters:

1) Turn OFF cold water supply to RO system. Turn OFF tank ball-valve. Turn on the RO faucet lever to

relieve the built-up pressure inside the RO system. This will make opening the housings easier.

2) Open housing: Have the RO standing upright. Slip the plastic wrench onto the 1st housing. Looking

down from a top view, you should open the housing turning clockwise. If necessary, lay RO down on

the floor to get a better leverage. If the housing is too tight, use a hammer and gently tap on the wrench

handle to help turn the wrench. See Fig.14 (Page 20).

3) Discard 3 used filters, wash housings with mild soap, rinse off. Put 3 new filters into their respective

housings: sediment filter in stage-1, carbon block filters in stages 2 & 3.

4) Close up the housings. Make sure each housing has a black O-ring in the threaded groves. First hand

tighten the housing, then use filter wrench to fully tighten each housing. Do not over-tighten.

5) Keep tank ball valve CLOSED and Turn ON the cold water supply as well as RO faucet lever. Please

let purified water run for 10-15 minutes to relieve built-up pressure inside the RO unit.

6) Turn OFF the RO faucet lever and Turn ON the tank ball valve.

7) Check for leaks!

How to Replace Stage-4 Membrane:

1) Turn OFF the cold water supply to RO system. Turn OFF tank ball valve. Turn on RO faucet lever briefly

to relief the built-up pressure inside the RO system. This will make opening the housings easier.

2) See Fig.14C Page 21. Locate the Membrane housing on the system (labeled “Membrane”). Remove

the WHITE tubing from the housing’s cap at point D. To remove tubing, Push In and Hold Down on the

collet ring square against the fitting. With the collet held in this position the tube can be removed. Open

up the cap (turn counter-clockwise) See Fig.14A. Using a plier, remove the used membrane for dispos-

al.

3) Once the membrane is removed, please tilt the RO system at an angle to drain out residual water from

inside of the membrane housing and insert the new membrane using a plier. Push membrane into hous-

ing. Avoid touching the Membrane with your hands to prevent contamination!

4) Important! Make sure the “double-ring” end of the membrane goes into the housing first as shown in

Fig.14B. The membrane cannot filter water if it’s inserted in the WRONG direction!

After taking the housing off, take out the dirty filters and

put the new 3 pre-filters in. Remember, Stage 2 and

Stage 3 are use the same carbon filters.

Fig. 14

Add a little bit lubricant on double o-rings.

Turn counter-clockwise to

open the membrane

housing cap.

Fig. 14A

Fig. 14B

How to Replace Stage-5 Carbon Filter:

Replace this last filter at the same time you replace the stage-4 membrane.

1) Remove the OLD filter: See Fig. 14C. Disconnect the output tubing from point H and tubings at point

G & F. To remove the tubing, push in and hold down on the collet ring square against the fitting. With

the collet held in this position the tube can be removed.

2) Unclip the old filter from the membrane housing and discard the used filter.

3) Sanitize: Use some mild bleach solution to rinse the 2 plastic ports of the Tee fitting and the open port of

the new filter. This is to prevent contamination.

NOTE: Only this filter change needs bleach sanitizing. Do not apply chlorine/ bleach in any way to

Membrane for it will damage the membrane!

4) Connect New Filter: See Fig. 14C. Attach the new filter onto the clips. Make sure the “FLOW ” arrow

on the filter is pointing towards the pure water output direction. Reconnect the tank yellow tubing and

clear tubing from C4 back to point G & F on the Tee fitting. Then, connect the output tubing to point H.

5) Check for leaks!

* * * End Filter Change Section * * *

Fig. 14C

5) Close the housing cap. Reconnect the WHITE tubing to the cap. Turn on the cold water supply and tank

valve. Let the RO system run to re-fill the tank (takes about 2-3 hours).

6) Check for leaks!

7) Drain the first tank of water (through faucet) to flush out the new membrane! The 2

tank of

water is ready for use.

OWNER’S MANUAL

Please read this section for useful RO system and mainte-

nance information.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Part I: RO Basics

Basic terms ................................................................................. page 24

System flow diagram ................................................................... page 24

Water pressure -- The most important factor ............................... page 25

Tank -- Fill up time. Fill up volume. Delivery pressure ................ page 25-26

Icemaker and multiple output points ........................................... page 26

Insufficient water Pressure -- Problems with non-pump systems .... page 27

How to test your water pressure ................................................. page 27

Premature membrane failure ...................................................... page 27

Part II: Trouble-shoot Guide