GE Smart Water PNRV18ZWW01 User manual

PNRV18ZBB01
PNRV18ZBL01
PNRV18ZWH01
PNRV18ZWW01
GE Appliances
GE Answer Center
®
800.626.2000
Owner’s Manual
7178919 Part No. 215C1002P005–1 Pub. No. 49-5803
Osmosis Filtration System
Reverse
Faucet
& Base
Tested and certified to ANSI/NSF
Standard 58 for TDS reduction.

Congratulations!
You Are Now Part of the GE Family.
Welcome to the GE family. We’re proud of
our quality products and we are committed
to providing dependable service. You’ll see
it in this easy-to-use Owner’s Manual and
you’ll hear it in the friendly voices of our
customer service department.
Best of all, you’ll experience these values
each time you use your water system. That’s
important, because your new system will be
part of your family for many years. And we
hope you will be part of ours for a long time
to come.
We thank you for buying GE. We
appreciate your purchase, and hope you
will continue to rely on us whenever you
need quality appliances for your home.
2
Important!
Staple sales slip or cancelled
check here.
Proof of the original purchase date
is needed to obtain service under
the warranty.
Write the model and serial numbers
here.
#
#
You can find them on the side of the
tank.

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
GE & You,
A Service Partnership.
Inside you will find many
helpful hints on how to use and
maintain your water system
properly. Just a little preventive
care on your part can save you a
great deal of time and money
over the life of your system.
Read this Manual
Ask any GE appliance owner and they will
tell you we stand behind our products with
unmatched quality service. However, did
you know that most questions result from
simple problems that you can easily fix
yourself in just a few minutes? This
Owner’s Manual can tell you how.
You’ll find many answers to
common problems here.
If you review our chart of
Troubleshooting Tips first,
you may not need to call for
service at all.
Review the Section on
Troubleshooting Tips
If you do need service, you can
relax knowing help is only a
phone call away. A list of toll-free
customer service numbers is
included in the back section.
Or you can always call the
GE Answer Center®at
800.626.2000, 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
If You Need Service
Safety Information . . . . . . .4, 5
Specification Guidelines . . . . . .6
Operating Instructions . . .7-11
Care and Cleaning . . . . . . .12–17
Troubleshooting Tips
Before You
Call For Service . . . . . . . . .18–20
Customer Service
Warranty Information . . . . . . .23
Service Telephone
Numbers . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover
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Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
4
For your safety, the information in this manual must be
followed to minimize the risk of property damage or
personal injury.
■Check with your state
and local public works
department for plumbing
and sanitation codes. You
must follow these guidelines
as you install the Reverse
Osmosis system.
Using
a qualified installer is
recommended.
■ If house water pressure is over
the maximum (125 pounds
per square inch), install a
pressure reducing valve in
the water supply line to the
Reverse Osmosis system.
■ Read the other limits (pH,
water hardness, etc.) in the
Specification Guidelines.
■ This product reduces fluoride
in drinking water. Please
consult your dentist if you
have any questions.
WARNING: Do not use
with water that is
microbiologically unsafe or of
unknown quality
without
adequate disinfection before
or after the system, such as
single user wells, or other non-
public water systems not
regulated by federal or state
health and safety
requirements. The water
should be tested periodically
to verify that the system is
performing satisfactorily.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING!

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
This Reverse Osmosis system must be properly installed
and located in accordance with the Installation Instructions
before it is used. If you did not receive Installation
Instructions, you can receive one by calling us toll-free
at the GE Answer Center®800.626.2000.
PROPER INSTALLATION
■ Install or store where it will not
be exposed to temperatures
below freezing or exposed to
any type of weather. Water
freezing in the system will
break it. Do not attempt to
treat water over
100°F.
■
Do not install on HOT WATER.
The temperature of the water
supply to the Reverse Osmosis
system must be between the
minimum of 40°F. to the
maximum of 100°F. See the
Specification Guidelines.
■ Do Not open the water
supply/saddle valve until the
pipes have been flushed.
WARNING: Discard all
unused parts and packaging
material after installation.
Small parts remaining after
the installation could be a
choke hazard.
■Sanitizing is recommended
upon installation of the
Reverse Osmosis system, and
after servicing inner parts. It
is important for the service
person to have clean hands
while handling inner parts of
the system. See the
Sanitizing
the Reverse Osmosis System
section.
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Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
6
The system makes a good supply of drinking water each day.
How much it will make depends primarily on these things…
Feed water pressure—pounds per square inch (psi)
40–125
Feed water temperature limits—minimum/maximum degrees F.
40–100
Water quality
Maximum total dissolved solids (TDS)—parts per million (ppm)
2000
Maximum water hardness @ 6.9 pH—grains per gallon (gpg)
10
Maximum iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide
0
Chlorine in water supply
Allowable*
Feed water pH limits (pH)
4–10
Percent rejection of TDS, minimum (new membrane)**
92
*Chlorine removed (maximum of 2.0 ppm) by the Reverse Osmosis
Prefilter…regular replacement of the prefilter is required. Chlorine will
destroy the Reverse Osmosis membrane.
**Feed water at 50 psig and 77°F. with 750 ppm sodium chloride. Quality
water production, amount of waste water and percent rejection all vary
with changes in pressure, temperature and total dissolved solids.
On average you should expect your Reverse Osmosis system to be
able to deliver 18 gallons of product per day, as tested by Water Quality
Association Standard S-300. Output according to ANSI/NSF Standard 58
is 10.9 gallons per day.
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SPECIFICATION GUIDELINES.
Product – length 10″width 8″ height 21″

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
7
About the reverse osmosis system.
The system is a REVERSE OSMOSIS filtration unit. Reverse osmosis is
a way of removing dissolved solids and organic matter from water by
passing it through a special membrane. The membrane separates
minerals and impurities from the water and they are flushed to the
drain. High quality product water goes directly to the drinking
water faucet, or to the storage tank.
The system includes an electronic faucet assembly with an
integrated water testing feature. When water is taken from the
faucet, a green indicator light means removal is within the specified
limits.
Prefilters and postfilters are replaceable cartridges. The prefilter
removes up to 2 ppm (parts per million) of chlorine while also
filtering sediments. The postfilter removes any other undesirable
tastes and odors before you use the water.
High quality product water may have a different taste than what
you’re used to.
What the Reverse Osmosis system will do

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
About the reverse osmosis system.
8
Prefilter —Water from the cold supply pipe
enters the Reverse Osmosis assembly and is
directed to the prefilter cartridge.
NOTE: Before
going to the prefilter, supply water first passes
through the electronic box to measure TDS.
The prefilter is a replaceable sediment cartridge
with activated carbon in its composition. The
cartridge removes sand, silt, dirt, other sediments
and up to 2.0 ppm of chlorine from the feed
water.
CHLORINE DESTROYS THE REVERSE OSMOSIS
MEMBRANE.
Filtered, clean, chlorine-free water
flows from the prefilter to the Reverse Osmosis
membrane cartridge.
IMPORTANT: See prefilter in
the
Care and Cleaning section.
Product Water Storage— The storage area
holds up to 1.9 gallons of product water. The
flexible bladder keeps water pressurized for fast
flow to the faucet when drinking water is
needed.
Check Valve— A check valve is built into the
bottom end of the Reverse Osmosis housing.
The check valve prevents a backward flow of
product water from the storage area. A backward
flow could cause rupture of the Reverse Osmosis
membrane.
Shutoff Assembly— To conserve water, the
drinking water system has an automatic shutoff.
When the storage tank has filled to capacity and
the drinking water faucet is closed, pressure
closes the shutoff. Water flow to the Reverse
Osmosis housing is shut off until drinking water
is used again, and pressure drops in the Reverse
Osmosis system.
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How the Reverse Osmosis system works
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Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
9
Reverse Osmosis Cartridge—
The cartridge, inside the Reverse
Osmosis housing, includes a tightly
wound, special membrane. Water is
forced through the cartridge where the
membrane removes the dissolved solids
and organic matter. High quality
product water exits the Reverse Osmosis
housing and goes to the storage area.
Reject water, with the dissolved solids
and organic matter, leaves the housing
and is discharged to the drain through
1⁄4″tubing.
Postfilter— After leaving the storage
area, but before going to the faucet,
product water goes to the postfilter.
The postfilter is also the activated
carbon type sediment filter. Any
remaining tastes, odors, or sediments
are removed from product water.
Clean, high quality drinking water flows
through the tubing and to the faucet.
See the
Care and Cleaning section for
location.
Flow Control— The flow control
regulates flow through the Reverse
Osmosis cartridge to the required rate
to get the desired quality of product
water. The control is located in the
drain tubing, at the Reverse Osmosis
cap fitting. A small, cone-shaped screen
fits over the front end of the flow control
to help prevent plugging with drain
water sediments.
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5
How the Reverse Osmosis system Works
Further description of this illustration
in the Care and Cleaning section.
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Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
About the reverse osmosis system.
10
The Faucet and Indicator Lights
Faucet and Electronics—
The countertop faucet
dispenses the filtered drinking water when opened. It
has a hand operated, spring loaded closed lever to
prevent waste. You can keep the faucet open by pushing
upward on the lever to lock it against the faucet spout.
To comply with plumbing codes, an air-gap is built into
the faucet drain water connection.
The electronic faucet provides an integrated water
quality tester. As water is taken from the faucet, the
indicator lights show how the Reverse Osmosis system is
operating to provide high quality drinking water.
Flashing Green Light— The Reverse Osmosis system
is providing you with higher quality drinking water.
NOTE: The green light may stop flashing when the
supply of Reverse Osmosis water is nearly gone and flow
from the Reverse Osmosis faucet decreases. This is a
normal condition.
Flashing Amber “FILTER” Light— The prefilter and
postfilter cartridges need replacing. See the
Care and
Cleaning
section.
Flashing Amber “RO” Light— The Reverse Osmosis
cartridge is no longer removing at least 75% of the TDS
from the supply water and needs replacement.
NOTE:
Disregard initial or short periods of the flashing “RO”
light.
WHEN THE AMBER “RO” LIGHT FLASHES… Replace the
Reverse Osmosis cartridge, flow control and screen.
Countertop sink and base.
If the Reverse Osmosis Filtration System Is Connected to Your Icemaker
“Before you service the filter, change the filters, or purge the
Filtration system, YOU MUST turn off the icemaker by raising
the feeler arm. Three hours after servicing your unit, lower
the feeler arm to resume icemaking.”

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
Purging the Reverse Osmosis System
RO produce
water faucet
3/8″tubing, marked FAUCET
Sink
p-trap
3/8″tubing x 27″, to
3/8″barb on faucet
1/4″tubing, marked
WATER SUPPLY
Electronic
box
Flow
Drain
clamp
Tank shutoff valve
CLOSED OPEN
Water supply/
saddle valve
Lead wires
Battery pack
1/4″tubing,
marked
1/4″BARB
Shutoff
assembly
11
Required upon installation and after the Reverse Osmosis cartridge
is replaced.
Make sure all tubing connections are tightened.
Open the tank shutoff valve. Turn on the water supply to the
Reverse Osmosis system.
In about four hours, pressure will start to build in the Reverse
Osmosis system.
At that time, carefully check all fittings and
tubing connections for any water leaks. Correct leaks if any are
found. Open the faucet to drain the storage tank.
CAUTION: The Reverse Osmosis cartridge contains a food grade
preservative that should be purged from the system before use. The
preservative will give product water an unpleasant taste and odor. After
the tank has filled (takes about four hours), open the system faucet until
the bladder is empty.
After four of these drainings, the system is ready to make
product water for your use.
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Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
Care and cleaning of the reverse osmosis system.
12
Pre/Post Filter Replacements: FX18P Activated Carbon
RO Membrane Replacement: FX18M Thin Film Polyamide
Cartridge Replacement
To keep the system operating and making high quality drinking
water, the prefilter cartridge, the Reverse Osmosis cartridge and
postfilter cartridge need replacement at certain intervals. Use the
following information to keep the Reverse Osmosis system properly
serviced and maintained.
To signal correct replacement interval for prefilter, postfilter and
batteries, the amber “FILTER” indicator light, on the electronic
faucet base, will begin to flash after six months, or 900 gallons of
product water use, whichever occurs first.
To obtain replacement filters, call GE Appliance Parts at 800-626-2002.

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
13
Prefilter Cartridge Replacement
You must replace the prefilter cartridge at least every six months to
protect the Reverse Osmosis membrane from being destroyed by
chlorine and/or from plugging with sediments in the water supply.
Be sure you have cleaned your hands with anti-bacterial soap before
handling inner parts of the system.
CAUTION: Before servicing the Reverse Osmosis system, relieve
pressure and allow air to enter the Reverse Osmosis tank by doing the
following:
Turn off water supply to the Reverse Osmosis system by
shutting off the water supply/saddle valve.
Relieve the pressure in the Reverse Osmosis system before
continuing. Do this by opening the product’s water faucet and
allowing water to run until it stops.
Remove the clamp retainers and clamp sections.
Separate the cap from the Reverse Osmosis housing (no need
to disconnect tubing) and set aside.
NOTE: If the cap o-ring seal remained in the Reverse Osmosis housing,
replace it on the cap.
Lift the Reverse Osmosis cartridge and prefilter cartridge from
the housing. Separate and dispose of the prefilter cartridge, but
save the Reverse Osmosis cartridge. See figure on page 9.
Dump water from the Reverse Osmosis housing.
Slide the Reverse Osmosis cartridge
into the top end of the new
prefilter cartridge.
Then, place the assembled cartridges into the
Reverse Osmosis housing.
NOTE: Be sure the bottom end of the prefilter is at the bottom, and the UP
arrow on the Reverse Osmosis cartridge points upward (o-ring seal end
downward).
Lightly lubricate the cap o-ring seal with clean silicone grease.
Then, push the cap into position and install the clamp sections
and retainers.
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Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
Care and cleaning of the reverse osmosis system.
14
Battery Replacement
Always replace the four “AA” alkaline batteries in the control
box when changing the prefilter and postfilter cartridges. Good
batteries are needed to assure proper indicator light operation.
Weak batteries may give a false indication. Changing the batteries
also resets the six month or 900 gallon period.
Postfilter Cartridge Replacement
Continuing from Prefilter Replacement Procedure (feedwater off, pressure
relieved):
Disconnect tubing at both ends. See figure 1, page 9.
Pull the filter from the holder and remove fittings from both
ends.
Remove the protective cap and depress the vacuum relief
valve stem, allowing air to enter the tank. Release the valve stem
AFTER flow from the tank shutoff slows to a slight drip. Replace
the protective cap.
WARNING: This valve stem is for vacuum relief only. Pressurizing
the tank may cause it to rupture. Do not attempt to pressurize the tank
.
Replace filter into the holder and reconnect the tubing at both
ends.
NOTE: Be sure the flow arrow points downward.
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Protective cap
Vacuum
relief
valve

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
15
Reverse Osmosis Cartridge Replacement
NOTE: When replacing the Reverse Osmosis cartridge, also install a new flow
control and screen.
It’s time to replace the Reverse Osmosis cartridge when the amber “RO”
light, on the faucet base, flashes continually while Reverse Osmosis
water is taken from the faucet.
Follow steps 1 through 6 in the Prefilter Cartridge Replacement.
Slide the new Reverse Osmosis cartridge into the top of the prefilter
cartridge. Then, place the assembled cartridges into the Reverse
Osmosis housing.
Remove and replace the flow control and screen. See figure on page 9.
Lightly lubricate the cap o-ring seal with clean silicone grease. Then,
push the cap into position and install the clamp sections and retainers.
Turn on the water supply and PURGE THE REVERSE OSMOSIS
CARTRIDGE.
See the Purging the Reverse Osmosis system section.
CAUTION: The Reverse Osmosis cartridge contains a food grade
preservative that should be purged from the system before use. The
preservative will give product water an unpleasant taste and odor. After
the tank has filled (takes about four hours), open the system faucet until the
bladder is empty. After about four of these drainings, the system is ready
to make product water for your use
.
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Flow Control and Screen for the Reverse Osmosis Cartridge
The flow control is vital for proper operation of the Reverse Osmosis
cartridge. The control keeps water flow through the cartridge at the
proper rate to obtain the best quality product water.
When servicing the Reverse Osmosis, it’s good practice to check the flow
control (and tubing to it) to make sure the small tube and surrounding
surfaces are clean and unrestricted. A small, cone-shaped screen is located
in front of the flow control to help keep it clean. If the flow control should
plug with foreign particles, the Reverse Osmosis cartridge cannot discharge
minerals and impurities to the drain. If this should happen, it will only take
a short time for the cartridge to plug, making it useless.
CAUTION: To replace the screen, place the cone end into the
Reverse Osmosis cap. Then, carefully push it in using 1/4″tubing as a
tool. Do not force in farther after you feel resistance. Visually check to
be sure it is properly positioned.
When installing the flow control, tighten the tubing nut by hand, then
another 1/4 to 1/2 turn with pliers.
DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN AND DISTORT
OR CRUSH THE TUBING AND FLOW CONTROL.

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
Care and cleaning of the reverse osmosis system.
16
Sanitizing the Reverse Osmosis System
Clamp
section
Clamp
retainer
SANITIZING is recommended upon installation of the
Reverse Osmosis system and after servicing inner parts
of the Reverse Osmosis housing and cap.
It is important for
the service person to clean their hands with anti-bacterial
soap before handling inner parts of the system.
CAUTION: Before servicing the Reverse Osmosis
system, the feed water must be shut off. Relieve pressure
in the Reverse Osmosis system by doing the following:
Be sure the water supply to the Reverse Osmosis
system is turned off and the Reverse Osmosis faucet
is open.
Remove the clamp retainers and clamp sections.
Lift the cap from the Reverse Osmosis housing
(no need to disconnect tubing) and move aside.
NOTE: If the cap o-ring seal remained in the Reverse Osmosis
housing, replace it on the cap.
Remove the Reverse Osmosis cartridge and prefilter
cartridge from the Reverse Osmosis housing. If
needed, flush housing with fresh, clean water.
Fill the Reverse Osmosis housing, with fresh water,
to about 1″from the top. Add 1.0 oz. of chlorine
(ordinary 5.25% household beach) and mix in the
water.
DO NOT ADD CHLORINE FIRST. Concentrated,
it will attack plastics.
Replace the cap with o-ring and install the retaining
clamps.
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Close the tank shutoff valve and connect the Reverse
Osmosis faucet product water tubing directly to the
tank shutoff valve, isolating the carbon postfilter.
Open the tank shutoff valve and the water supply
to the Reverse Osmosis system. Open the Reverse
Osmosis faucet, locking the lever upward against the
spout.
Allow water to circulate through the system until all
bleach odor is gone.
Turn off the water supply to the Reverse Osmosis
system. Close the Reverse Osmosis faucet
AFTER
water flow stops.
Reconnect the postfilter (replace a used filter) to the
Reverse Osmosis system.
a. Do steps two and three.
b. Replace the Reverse Osmosis cartridge and
prefilter cartridge
(BE SURE YOU HAVE CLEANED YOUR
HANDS WITH ANTI-BACTERIAL SOAP)
.
c. Do step six.
d. Repeat the purging process. See the Purging the
Reverse Osmosis system
section.
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Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information
17
Faucet
& Base

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
18
Troubleshooting Tips
Save time and money! Review the charts on the following pages
first and you may not need to call for service.
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Sounds you might Running water from •This is normal.
hear the unit to a drain.
Water has air bubbles Air in system after •Will go away after it
and is cloudy installation. runs for a while.
Amber “FILTER” light Six months, or 900 •Replace the prefilter,
on the faucet base gallons of product water postfilter, and batteries in
is flashing usage has occurred. This the electronic box.
is the maximum life of
the prefilter and postfilter.
Amber “RO” light The Reverse Osmosis •Replace the Reverse
flashing. Note: membrane is no Osmosis membrane
Disregard initial or longer removing the cartridge, flow
occasional short periods required amount of control and screen.
of this flashing light. total dissolved solids.
Water supply to the •Increase water pressure,
Reverse Osmosis precondition the water,
system not within etc., as needed to conform
specifications. before doing maintenance
on the Reverse Osmosis
system.
Reverse Osmosis •Replace the Reverse
membrane cartridge Osmosis membrane
expended. cartridge, flow control,
screen, prefilter,
postfilter and batteries
in the electronic box.
Indicator lights on faucet Faucet base lead wire not •Connect
base not working connected to electronic
box lead wire.
Battery pack not connected •Connect
to electronic box.
Batteries installed •Observe orientation
incorrectly or expended. markings on the holder
and install correctly.
Replace batteries if old.
Lead wires are damaged. •Inspect and repair as
needed.
Before you call for service…

19
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Chlorine taste and/or The ppm of chlorine in •If the water supply contains
odor in the Reverse your water supply exceeds more than 2.0 ppm of
Osmosis product water maximum limits and has chlorine, additional
destroyed the Reverse filtering of the water supply
Osmosis membrane. to the Reverse Osmosis
is needed. Correct this
condition before doing
maintenance on the
Reverse Osmosis system.
The prefilter is no longer •Replace the Reverse
removing chlorine from Osmosis membrane
the water supply. cartridge, control, screen,
prefilter, postfilter
and batteries in the
electronic box.
Other taste and/or odor High quality product water •This is normal.
may have a different taste
than what you’re used to.
Postfilter needs to be •Replace the postfilter.
changed. If taste and odor persist,
replace the prefilter,
Reverse Osmosis Reverse Osmosis
membrane cartridge membrane cartridge,
needs to be changed. flow control, screen
and batteries in the
electronic box.
Contamination in •Use sanitizing procedures.
product water storage. Replace the postfilter.
System makes product This is normal. •Water flow rate will be
water too slowly lower than your regular
faucet.
Water supply to the •Increase water pressure,
Reverse Osmosis precondition the water,
system not within etc., as needed to conform
specifications. before doing maintenance
on the Reverse Osmosis
system.
Prefilter cartridge plugged •Replace the prefilter. If
with sediments. rate does not increase,
replace the postfilter,
Reverse Osmosis Reverse Osmosis
membrane plugged membrane cartridge,
with sediments. flow control, screen
and batteries in the
electronic box.
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Information

Safety InformationOperating InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
20
Troubleshooting Tips
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Slow product water flow Vacuum created in •Open the vacuum relief
from the Reverse Osmosis the storage area for valve and allow the tank to
faucet product water. fill with air.
Water leaking from Drain side of faucet •Inspect and eliminate
faucet airgap hole airgap (3/8″tubing) restriction of plug. Refer to
plugged, restricted or Installation Instructions for
incorrectly connected to proper drain connection.
the drain point.
Before you call for service…