R/O prefilter swap how-how often?

[acroholic]

Guys,
I have one of Marc Levenson's 100gpd ro/di units. Put it into use about 3/8/08. Noticed a couple weeks ago the flow rate of the product water had slowed a lot. I checked and the prefilter had turned an orangey brown in color, just like Marc illustrates on his website in the filter changing instructions.

I like the unit and ordered a new prefilter set, but it seems real soon to have to change out the prefilters at just 4 months, especially seeing how soft our water is in Atlanta.

Does a 4 month period between sediment filter changes sound normal for around here? Maybe there is a bit more muck in the tap water than I had thought.

I have never had the need for long term use of an RO unit until I got back into reefing 4 months ago.
Dave

 

[skriz]

Wow, that seems too early. But if they're brown, then its time. Mine last over a year, although I change them at the 1 year mark.

 

[acroholic]

Skriz;197660 wrote: Wow, that seems too early. But if they're brown, then its time. Mine last over a year, although I change them at the 1 year mark.

You know, there were a couple major water line breaks in my area over the last few months. I wonder if this could have contributed to the early demise of the prefilter?

 

[acroholic]

I bought a prefilter pack from Lowes. Didnt; realize you could get these locally. I just ordered a replacemetn set from Marc, so I'll keep his for the next time. I'll report back if this helps. If this doesn't then the flow restrictor may be clogged.
Dave

 

[acroholic]

Flow is back to normal. I can only think these water main ruptures we had here put some extra sediment into the system that prematurely clogged the prefilters.

Glad this worked. I have a 210 gallon being delivered next week and I gotta start making water!
Dave