Apec Water ULTIMATE RO-90 Service manual

ULTIMATE REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION
& OWNER’S MANUAL
All Rights Reserved © APEC Water Systems
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.

1
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.
Copyright:
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.

2
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.

3
Component Itemization:
1) Sediment pre-filter and housing (1st-stage filter)
2) Carbon block pre-filter and housing ( 2nd-stage filter)
3) Carbon block pre-filter and housing ( 3rd-stage filter)
4) Membrane and housing (4th-stage filter)
5) In-line carbon filter (5th-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

4
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 “1st stage” housing on the right.
Put the APEC Carbon filter (23-CAB10) into the “2nd stage” housing in the middle.
Put the APEC Carbon filter (23-CAB10) into the “3rd stage” housing on the left.
2. See Fig. 2 Starting from the 3rd 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 2nd stage housing in the middle, and for the 3rd 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
Wr
ench
Use

5
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.

6
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

7
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
r
Supply
Shut-off
Valve
Sink Sink
Fig. 5A Fig. 5B

8
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.

9
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

10
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.

11
Black Locating Washer
Lock Washer Lock Nut
Tubing
Counter Top
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.

12
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
C
ompression Nut
Counter Top
Counter Top
Opening
Tube insert
Sleeve
Compression nut
Tubing
Faucet stem
Sleeve
&
Tube insert
Compression nut
Fig. 9B
Fig.9D
Fig.9C

13
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!
H
G

14
Summary of Tubing Connections:
There are 4 connections: See Fig. 11 & Fig. 11A.
Point Ato X: Connect RO to COLD water supply — Red tubing.
Point Gto Y: Connect product water from 5th-stage filter to tank — Yellow tubing. This tubing is a 2-way
line, Product water enters and leaves the tank via this line.
Point Hto Z: Connect product water from 5th-stage output to RO faucet — Clear tubing.
Drain line to W: Connect drain water from 4th-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)

15
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.

16
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).

17
Shut O Valve
Tee tting for icemaker & output
Ball Valve Position
ON OFF
Z
HY
X
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 Hto 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