Aquapure AP-RO5500 Manual

Installation, Operation and Maintenance Instructions For:
Aqua-Pure®AP-RO5500 Reverse Osmosis
Drinking Water Filtration System
Installer: Please leave manual with homeowner.
Homeowner: Please retain for operation and future
maintenance instructions.
98-880043 1210

SAFETY INFORMATION
EXPLANATION OF SIGNAL WORD CONSEQUENCES
WARNING
Read, understand, and follow all safety information contained in these instructions prior to in-
stallation and use of the AP-RO5500 Reverse Osmosis (RO) Drinking Water Filtration System.
Retain these instructions for future reference.
Intended use:
The Aqua-Pure®AP-RO5500 Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filtration System is intended for use in filtering
drinking water in residential locations and has not been evaluated for other uses. The system is typically installed
beneath or near a kitchen sink, and it is recommended that the installation be performed by a qualified installation
specialist or a licensed plumber.
CAUTION
CAUTION
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury and/or property damage.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury and/or property damage.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in
property damage.
To reduce the risk associated with choking:
• Do not allow children under 3 years of age to have access to small parts during the installation of this product.
To reduce the risk associated with ingestion of contaminants:
• Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection be-
fore or after the system. Systems certified for cyst reduction may be used on disinfected water that may contain
filterable cysts. EPA Establishment Number 070595-CT-001
To reduce the risk associated with a hazardous voltage due to an installer drilling through existing
electric wiring or water pipes in the area of installation:
• Do not install near electric wiring or piping which may be in the path of a drilling tool when selecting the
position to mount the filter bracket.
To reduce the risk associated with the ingestion of contaminants:
• An approved air gap must exist between the RO system reject drain line and the drain opening to comply
with state and local plumbing codes.
To reduce the risk of physical injury:
• All hydro-pneumatic pressurized tanks must have an appropriate pressure relief valve installed.
To reduce the risk associated with irritation from Sodium Metabisulfite during installation:
• Sodium Metabisulfite (CAS 007681-57-4) is used in a 1% preservative solution within the reverse osmosis
membrane.
• Do not put this system into service before the RO tank is flushed as specified in the installation instructions.
Wear eye and face protection during installation.
• To request an MSDS relating to this product call 203-238-8965 or visit the web at http://solutions.3m.com/
wps/portal/3M/en_us/msds (click MSDS search). For emergencies, call 800-364-3577 or 651-737-6501 (24
hours).
1
CAUTION

WARNING
To reduce the risk associated with eye, skin and respiratory and digestive tract burns from
Calcium Hypo chlorite during installation:
• Calcium Hypo-chlorite (CAS 7778-54-3) granules are used for tank sanitization in this product.
• During installation, do not get in eyes or on skin or clothing. Do not ingest. Wear eye and face protection.
Keep out of reach of children.
• To request an MSDS relating to this product call 203-238-8965 or visit the web at http://solutions.3M.com/
wps/portal/3M/en_us/msds (click MSDS search). For emergencies, call 800-364-3577 or 651-737-6501 (24
hours).
To reduce the risk associated with ingestion of water contaminated with sanitizer:
• After installation, sanitizer MUST be flushed from the system before first use as directed within the
installation instructions.
To reduce the risk of eye injury while drilling counter-tops for faucet installation:
• Safety glasses MUST be worn during sink hole drilling operations.
CAUTION
To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to water leakage:
• Read and follow all Instructions before installation and use of this system.
• Installation and Use MUST comply with all state and local plumbing codes.
• Protect from freezing. Drain filter when temperatures drop below 40°F (4.4°C).
• Do not install systems in areas where ambient temperatures may go above 110° F (43.3°C).
• Do not install if water pressure exceeds 125 psi (862 kPa). If your water pressure exceeds 80 psi, you
must install a pressure limiting valve. Contact a plumbing professional if you are uncertain how to check
your water pressure.
• Do not install where water hammer conditions may occur. If water hammer conditions exist you must install a
water hammer arrester. Contact a plumbing professional if you are uncertain how to check for this condition.
• Where a backflow prevention device is installed on a water system, a device for controlling pressure due to
thermal expansion must be installed.
• Do not install on hot water supply lines. The maximum operating water temperature of this system is 100°F
(37.8°C).
• Do not use a torch or other high temperature sources near filter or plastic fittings.
• Do not install in direct sunlight or outdoors.
• Do not install near water pipes which will be in path of a drilling tool when selecting the position to mount
the bracket.
• Ensure that the location and fasteners will support the weight of the system when installed and full of water.
• Mount filter in such a position as to prevent it from being struck by other items used in the area of installation
(waste baskets, etc).
• On plastic fittings, never use pipe sealant or pipe dope. Use PTFE thread tape only, pipe dope properties may
deteriorate plastic.
• Take care when using pliers or pipe wrenches to tighten plastic fittings, as damage may occur if over
-tightening occurs.
• Ensure all tubing and fittings are secure and free of leaks.
• Do not install unit if collet is missing. Contact 3M PI if collets are missing from any fittings.
• SHUT OFF FUEL SUPPLY TO WATER HEATER after water is shut off.
2

CAUTION
IMPORTANT NOTES
• Shut off inlet water supply and depressurize system as shown in manual when changing cartridges or servicing
• All hydro-pneumatic pressurized tanks must have an appropriate pressure relief valve installed.
• The disposable filter cartridge MUST be replaced every six (6) months, at the rated capacity or sooner if a
noticeable reduction in flow rate occurs.
• Failure to follow instructions will void warranty.
• Allow a minimum of 2” (5 cm) clear space under filter to facilitate cartridge change.
• Do not crimp copper tubing.
3

Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual
4
Introduction
This manual explains installation and operation of the Aqua-Pure®AP-RO5500 Reverse Osmosis (RO) Drinking
Water Filtration System. Please read each section of this manual carefully.
The Aqua-Pure AP-RO5500 RO Drinking Water Filtration System is designed to connect permanently to a home
plumbing system.To ensure that the installation conforms to your state and local plumbing codes, it is recommended
that the installation be performed by a qualified installation specialist for RO drinking water filtration systems or a
licensed plumber.
The RO module is shipped with a preservative solution. Make sure that you flush the system thorough-
ly as directed before the first use.
Installation Checklist and Table of Contents
1. Determine System Location ..................................................................................................................... 5
2. Prepare the Area for Installation ............................................................................................................... 5
3. Prepare the Filtration System for Installation............................................................................................ 5
4. Install the Feed Water Valve and Tubing ................................................................................................... 6
5. Prefill and Sanitize the Storage Tank ........................................................................................................ 6
6. Install the Drain Connection...................................................................................................................... 7
7. Install the Faucet ...................................................................................................................................... 7
8. Make the Faucet Mounting Hole ............................................................................................................... 8
9. Mount the Faucet...................................................................................................................................... 9
10. Make Initial Faucet Tubing Connections ................................................................................................... 9
11. Install the RO Assembly and Storage Tank ............................................................................................ 10
12. Make Final Tubing Connections.............................................................................................................. 10
13. Install Icemaker Hookup (optional) ......................................................................................................... 11
14. Install Filter Cartridges ........................................................................................................................... 11
15. Start Up the System ............................................................................................................................... 11
16. Installation Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................... 12
17. Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................... 13
18. Parts List................................................................................................................................................. 15
19. Installation Diagrams (Figures 1-6)......................................................................................................... 16
20. Limited Warranty..................................................................................................................................... 19
• Failure to follow instructions will void warranty.
IMPORTANT NOTES

Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual
5
1. Determine System Location (see Figures 1 and 2)
The Drinking Water Filtration System can be located under a sink or in a basement depending on space avail-
ability and preference. If a basement installation is selected, additional tubing, hardware and fittings may be
needed and a hole will have to be made from inside the cabinet, through the floor, to the basement.
Space Requirements
NOTE: Never install the filtration system in an area of the home
where the temperature may drop below 40° as damage to the
system will result.
The exact placement of the various components of the filtration
system will vary from installation to installation. The installer must
decide on where to place the faucet, storage tank and Reverse
Osmosis (RO) assembly by balancing convenience with ease of
installation and servicing.
Considerations for an icemaker or other remote hookup should be predetermined, including plumbing
routing and any additional tools, fittings and tubing that may be required.
Feedwater Conditions Parameter Feedwater Conditions Parameter
pH 4-11 Manganese < 0.05 ppm (mg/L)
Hardness < 350 ppm (mg/L) Hydrogen Sulfide None allowable
Iron (FE) < 0.1 ppm (mg/L) Organics < 1 ppm (mg/L)
Free Chlorine Up to 3 ppm (mg/L) Turbidity < 1 NTU
TDS Up to 2,000 ppm
Temperature 40-100°F (4-38°C)
Min./Max. Feedwater pressure 30-125 psi (207 -862 kPa)
2. Prepare the Area for Installation
Determine where components will be located and how they will be mounted. Special mounting brackets
and hardware may be necessary to secure the system to a wall or ceiling joists if a basement installation is
called for. Inspect the cold water supply line and drain to determine if any additional fittings are required.
NOTE: It is a good idea at this time to check the condition of the under counter plumbing for any existing
or potential leaks.
3. Prepare the Drinking Water Filtration System for Installation
Open the shipping carton and remove components. Check that all of the installation parts are present which
include the reverse osmosis (RO) assembly, storage tank, faucet, installation hardware, and tubing located
in box under storage tank. (See Parts List on page 15)
If an optional percent rejection monitor is used, the probes should be installed at this time. Follow the in-
structions that come with the monitor.
14 5/8" NOM
6 1/2"
14 1/8" NOM
2"
Minimum Distance
Required To Remove
Cartridges
To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to
water leakage:
• Protect from freezing. Drain filter when temperatures drop below
40°F (4.4°C).
• Do not install if water pressure exceeds 125 psi (862 kPa). If
your water pressure exceeds 80 psi, you must install a pressure
limiting valve. Contact a plumbing professional if you are uncer-
tain how to check your water pressure.
CAUTION

Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual
6
4. Install the Faucet Adapter and Tubing (see Figure 3)
Locate the cold water stem on the underside of the faucet fixture. Unscrew the cold water feed tube from the
faucet stem. Locate the 1/4” Faucet Adapter that came with your Drinking Water System. Insert the black
gasket into the threaded adapter and tighten onto the Faucet Cold Water Stem under the sink, making sure
that 1/4” fitting is accessible and not facing the wall. Make sure not to over tighten.Take the Cold Water Feed
Tube and attach to the Faucet Adapter, making sure not to over tighten.
Locate the 1/4” Faucet Tube and insert into the 1/4” Faucet Adapter. See Figure 4, Page 17.
5. Prefill and Sanitize the Storage Tank
Prefilling the tank is always recommended so there is pressure to check for leaks and water to flush the
carbon filters. Tanks are furnished with a special disinfection capsule which sanitizes the tank when it is
filled with water. It is important to use a sanitizer when prefilling tank so the solution can sanitize the tubing,
fittings and faucet at the time of installation and startup.
A) Place tank on stand.
B) Remove the soft rubber cap from the tank inlet fitting.
C) Wrap PTFE tape to the right (clockwise) onto threads.
D) Pour sanitizer into tank.
E) Thread ball valve onto tank.
F) Insert one end of 3/8” yellow tubing into ball valve.
G) Connect supplied 3/8” x 1/4” adaptor to other end of yellow tubing.
H) Connect free end of orange feed water tubing to 1/4” side of adaptor.
I) Open feedwater valve and tank valve and allow tank to fill (about 3 minutes).
J) To open feedwater valve, turn handle to the left (counterclockwise).
K) Turn off feedwater valve and tank valve.
L) Remove orange tubing from adaptor then remove adaptor from yellow tubing. The tubing may need to
be cut for removal due to line pressure. Refer to Figure 4 on page 17.
M) Set tank aside for at least 15 minutes for disinfection.
WARNING
To reduce the risk associated with eye, skin and respiratory and digestive tract burns from Calcium Hypo-
chlorite during installation:
• Calcium Hypochlorite (CAS 7778-54-3) granules are used for tank sanitation in this product.
• During installation, do not get in eyes or on skin or clothing. Do not ingest. Wear eye and face protection. Keep
out of reach of children.
• To request an MSDS relating to this product call 203-238-8965 or visit the web at http://solutions.3M.com/wps/
portal/3M/en_us/msds (click MSDS search). For emergencies, call 800-364-3577 or 651-737-6501 (24 hours).

Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual
6. Install the Drain Connection (Figure 5)
For basement installations, the drain saddle is generally not used. Instead, the RO reject line is routed so
that it drains into a laundry sink, floor drain or standpipe through an approved air gap.
Under counter Installations:
The drain saddle assembly is designed to fit around a standard 1 1/2” O.D. drain pipe. For smaller (lavatory
type) or larger (ABS pipe) drains, consult your Aqua-Pure®distributor.
NOTE: The drain saddle should always be installed above (before) the trap and on the vertical or horizontal
tailpiece. Never install the drain saddle close to the outlet of a garbage disposal or dishwashing drain be-
cause plugging of the RO drain line may occur.
A) Remove backing on foam seal and place over hole on threaded half of the drain saddle. Place drain
saddle at the selected location and mark the pipe through the threaded opening.
B) Drill a 1/4” hole at the marked spot through one side of drain tailpiece.
C) Position both halves of drain saddle on drain pipe so the threaded opening lines up with the hole in the
drain pipe.
D) Use bolts and nuts to clamp drain saddle onto drain pipe. Do not overtighten and make sure that there
is equal space between saddle halves on each side. CAUTION: Overtightening could result in damage
to the drain line, which may lead to fluid leaking.
E) Wrap PTFE tap on thread of drain saddle elbow and tighten into drain saddle. Orient elbow in the direc-
tion of RO faucet location.
7. Install the Faucet
NOTE: Under counter installations require a faucet with faucet air gap module. See Figures 1 and 2.
A wide variety of RO faucet mounting situations can be encountered, the most common being stainless
steel and ceramic on metal sinks.
The faucet should be positioned so that it empties into the sink and the spout swivels freely for convenience.
If the sink already has a hole provided that can accommodate the RO faucet, then no drilling is required and
you can proceed to the section on mounting the faucet.
NOTE: Sprayers can be disconnected to provide a suitable hole for the RO faucet. A pipe cap or plug will
be required to seal the sprayer connection on the existing faucet.
7
• Before starting the under counter installation procedure, inspect the condition of the drain piping, especially in
older homes where the traps and tailpieces can be deceptively thin and frail.
• Some state and local plumbing codes may prohibit the use of saddle-type valves and/or drain connections. See
page 2 for list of states. Optional feed valve assemblies can be purchased.
IMPORTANT NOTES

Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual
8
8. Make the Faucet Mounting Hole
Before starting the hole making operation, always check below the sink so that nothing interferes with
mounting the faucet such as reinforcing ribs, support brackets or cabinet construction.
Stainless Steel Sink, faucet with or without air gap module.
Recommended Tools:
• Center punch
• Variable speed drill and high speed drill bits
• Greenlee chassis punch 7/8” hole size
(alternate 9/16” size may be used for faucets without air gap module)
• Protective gloves
Procedure:
A) Center punch a small indent at the desired faucet location.
B) Slowly drill the required pilot hole for the chassis punch.
C) Set up the chassis punch per instructions and tighten nut to cut the desired hole size.
D) Clean up sharp edges with a file if necessary.
Porcelain/Enamel/Ceramic on sheet metal or cast iron base;
faucet with or without air gap module:
Recommended Tools:
• Variable speed drill
• Relton porcelain cutter set 7/8” size
(alternate 9/16” porcelain bit may be used for faucets without air gap module)
• Plumbers putty
Procedure:
It is important to understand what is involved in this procedure. First, the glassy layer of porcelain must be
penetrated through to the base metal. Second, a center disc of porcelain must be removed while protecting
the surrounding porcelain against chipping or fracturing. Third, the base metal must be drilled through to
complete the hole.
A) Mark the center for the 7/8” hole.
B) Form a shallow putty dam around hole area and fill with enough water to lubricate carbide drill bit.
C) Carefully drill pilot hole through porcelain/enamel and base metal using carbide type pilot drill.
D) Insert pilot tip of spring loaded porcelain cutter into pilot hole.
E) Drill porcelain/enamel using spring loaded porcelain cutter, making certain a complete ring has been
cut through the porcelain/enamel to the base metal.
F) Change to the metal cutter. With slow speed and light pressure, cut away the inner porcelain/enamel
disc down to the base metal. Make certain that the cutter does not touch the outer rim of the cut por-
celain/enamel. Continue with this bit to cut through metal until sink has been completely penetrated.
To reduce the risk of eye injury while drilling counter-tops for faucet installation:
• Safety glasses MUST be worn during sink hole drilling operations.
• Always operate drill with light pressure at slow speed (300-400 rpm).
• When using a porcelain cutter, it is critical to take the precaution that it is always in a sharpened condition. Dull
cutters are known to chip sinks.
IMPORTANT NOTES
CAUTION

Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual
9. Mount the Faucet (see Figure 6)
Installation With Faucet Air Gap Module:
A) Familiarize yourself with all components shown in the air gap faucet diagram (Figure 6).
B) Slide stainless base plate and rubber washer up tube and brass threaded stem of faucet.
C) Connect length of standard green 1/4” tubing to smaller barb on air gap faucet. Push on firmly until it seats.
D) Connect length of black 3/8” tubing to larger barb on air gap faucet.
E) Feed both the green and black tubing and threaded nipple through sink/counter mounting hole and
orient the faucet.
F) From below sink/counter, assemble the white spacer (open end up, open side toward air gap), flat
washer and hex nut on threaded nipple and tighten by hand.
G) Back off on hex nut just enough to slide slotted washer between white spacer and underside of sink/
counter (with open side of slotted washer closest to air gap tubes.)
H) After rechecking faucet orientation, tighten hex nut (9/16” wrench) until faucet feels secure.
I) From above the sink, make any minor orientation corrections by turning the faucet with a padded ad-
justable wrench. NOTE: Flats on chrome faucet may be used for tightening with an adjustable wrench.
Use care not to mark chrome finish.
10. Make Initial Faucet Tubing Connections (see Figure 1)
A) The orange 1/4” tubing should have already been connected to the Faucet Adapter with 1/4” brass
compression nut, insert and plastic sleeve.
B) Connect the 3/8” x 1/4” adapter that was used to fill tank to the 1/4” blue faucet tube.
C) Route black 3/8” tubing from faucet air gap module to drain saddle so that it slopes continuously
downward without loops or low spots. Cut to proper length and connect to drain elbow by pushing tub-
ing into fitting. Refer to Figure 4 on page 17. If basement installation, route standard green 1/4” tubing
from an appropriate drain connection (e.g. laundry sink, floor drain, stand pipe) to intended location of
filtration assembly. An air gap must be installed between outlet and drain connection.
9
• The Uniform Plumbing Code dictates that there must be an air gap between the RO reject line and the waste
drain. The faucet air gap module connections can be eliminated only if an air gap is provided elsewhere in the
drain line (i.e. basement installations).
IMPORTANT NOTES
To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to water leakage:
• Ensure all tubing and fittings are secure and free of leaks.
• Installation and Use MUST comply with all state and local plumbing codes.
• Do not install if water pressure exceeds 125 psi (862 kPa). If your water pressure exceeds 125 psi, you
must install a pressure limiting valve. Contact a plumbing professional if you are uncertain how to check
your water pressure.
• Do not use a torch or other high temperature sources near filter or plastic fittings.
• Mount filter in such a position as to prevent it from being struck by other items used in the area of installation
(waste baskets, etc).
• Shut off inlet water supply and depressurize system as shown in manual when changing cartridges or servicing.
CAUTION