[Sid123]

Hi,
I’ve got a Pure Freedom static GDP 950 set up in
my garage attached to an IBC.
I use about 4-500 litres of water per day.

I’m getting really fed up with the pre filters seizing so badly so they can’t be removed. I’ve phoned pure freedom loads of times over this and while they are a always helpful nothing seems to work. So I end up buying new filter cases!

In addition changing the membrane is a real pain in the arse and also frequently seizes requiring some major work of art to extract and replace with a new one.

Can anyone recommend an alternative similar static RO with easier and more user friendly maintenance?. I’m also based in Kent so buying something that isn’t at the other end of the country would be a bonus..

Thanks in advance

[Spruce]

Hi,
I’ve got a Pure Freedom static GDP 950 set up in
my garage attached to an IBC.
I use about 4-500 litres of water per day.

I’m getting really fed up with the pre filters seizing so badly so they can’t be removed. I’ve phoned pure freedom loads of times over this and while they are a always helpful nothing seems to work. So I end up buying new filter cases!

In addition changing the membrane is a real pain in the arse and also frequently seizes requiring some major work of art to extract and replace with a new one.

Can anyone recommend an alternative similar static RO with easier and more user friendly maintenance?. I’m also based in Kent so buying something that isn’t at the other end of the country would be a bonus..

Thanks in advance

We have spanner to help remove the filter housings.
I also lubricate the o ring gasket on the housing with a very thin smear of Vaseline. You can also use Silicone grease. You just need to nip the filter bowl up and not over tighten it.

It sounds as though you replace the membrane often. My membrane is 8 years old. On the end of the membrane center shaft are o rings in the end caps. These again need to be lubricated when replacing the membrane so they fit in easier. Removing an old membrane is going to be a little difficult.  If you look on Youtube Mark Munro shows you how to remove a membrane from a Champ housing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ska_S8IV7Q0

Here's another video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIqHpNklwVk

[Sid123]

Thanks for the reply.
I’ve also used Vaseline on the threads of the pre filters and also on the membrane, for me this hasn’t helped any.
I’ve not been able to get hold of a spanner that fits the pre filters instead I’ve always used the rubber strap ratchet on them which slips like crazy. Can you point me in the direction of one that fits a 20” housing?.
Yes I’ve changed the membrane once a year (had this system for 4 years!). 
I should have opted for a booster pump system as i suspect that my system is underperforming with only about 23psi on the gauge..🤷‍♂️

[Don Kee]

It’s massively under performing at that pressure.

Rather than a new membrane every year, it may be cheaper for you to buy a booster pump in the long run.

[Sid123]

I think I may end up just buying a whole new RO once I get them to price up:
2 x 20” pre filter housings
An auto shut off (my ones packed up)
Booster pump
Replacement membrane...

I’ve just ordered 2 x 20” RO membrane spanner’s from finest aquatics so will try to remove these first. I saw online someone suggest taping 2 together helps make it stronger so will try that.

[Ooooooog]

Try Daqua

[windowswashed]

Easiest way of getting old RO membrane out is to force water through membrane from the opposite end with the end removed that you insert it in from.  Pops out straightaway without the need to struggle.

[Spruce]

Thanks for the reply.
I’ve also used Vaseline on the threads of the pre filters and also on the membrane, for me this hasn’t helped any.
I’ve not been able to get hold of a spanner that fits the pre filters instead I’ve always used the rubber strap ratchet on them which slips like crazy. Can you point me in the direction of one that fits a 20” housing?.
Yes I’ve changed the membrane once a year (had this system for 4 years!). 
I should have opted for a booster pump system as i suspect that my system is underperforming with only about 23psi on the gauge..🤷‍♂️

Try these guys.

https://www.waterfilterman.co.uk/filter-housings-accessories/180-10-water-filter-housing-spanner-5060282122659.html

or

https://www.thewaterfiltermen.co.uk/Reverse-Osmosis-Filter-Housing-Spanner-Wrench/
see drop down box for spanner size required.

My spanner has 4 teeth. The measurement across the teeth is about 108mm. The measurement of the internal diameter is about
123mm. This spanner catches the ridges on the housing at the very top. So It could be a little smaller.

You will have to improvise a way of measuring the top of your filter housings to find a suitable spanner. Or you could cut a piece of plywood to duplicate the spanner on the website to test if it will work on your housings

No great force needs to be used to unscrew the housings. I remove my filter bowls from the cabinet and remove them on a table outside. All I need is a little force applied to the spanner and within a few moments it frees off.

When i replace the filter bowls I only tighten them by hand. I don't put the spanner onto them.