Ispring RCS5T Manual

We stand behind our products
Since 2005, iSpring has been dedicated to providing high-quality drinking water to families across
the United States. We provide various residential faucets and water filtration systems that purify
your water in everyday life and deliver pure, healthy, and tasty water to you and your family.
At iSpring, we strive to develop products to the highest standards and make excellent drinking
water accessible for all households. With affordable pricing, reliable quality, prompt delivery, and
top-notch customer service, we hope to assist in bringing you great water for years to come.

Prior to Installation
Read this instruction manual carefully before installation.
Keep this manual readily available for future reference.
Table of Contents
Before Installation...........................................................................................................................................3
Inspect the Package...................................................................................................................................3
Recommended Tools List.......................................................................................................................... 3
Operating Conditions ................................................................................................................................3
Components Identification.............................................................................................................................4
Installation Tips...............................................................................................................................................5
How to Use Quick-connect Fitting............................................................................................................5
To Connect:.......................................................................................................................................5
To Disconnect:..................................................................................................................................5
How to Drill a Hole in Sink or Counter-top..............................................................................................6
Ice Maker Kit ............................................................................................................................................6
Installation Steps.............................................................................................................................................7
Step 1: Install Feed Water Adapter (AFW)...............................................................................................7
Step 2: Install Drinking Water Faucet.......................................................................................................8
Step 3: Install Drain Saddle.......................................................................................................................8
Step 4: Install the Vertical Filters: Stages 1, 2, and 3................................................................................9
Step 5: Install Tank Shut-off Valve (Optional).........................................................................................9
Step 6: Install Reverse Osmosis Membrane..............................................................................................9
Step 7: Tubing Hook Up (optional sub-steps are marked with * ).......................................................... 10
Step 8: System Start-up (optional sub-steps are marked with * )............................................................11
System Maintenance .....................................................................................................................................12
Stages 1 – 3 Pre-filters: Replace every 6 – 12 months, depending on source water quality and clean
water usage..............................................................................................................................................12
How to Change In-housing Cartridges in 1st – 3rd Pre-filter Stages......................................................13
Stage 4 RO Membrane: Replace every 2 – 3 years or sooner if TDS level starts increasing..................13
How to Change Reverse Osmosis Membrane.........................................................................................13
Stage 5 T33 Fine Carbon: Replace every 12 months .............................................................................. 14
How to Change Inline Cartridges in 5th – 7th Stages.............................................................................14
O-rings: Replace every 3 years or sooner if leak happens at O-ring....................................................... 14
Extra Installation ..........................................................................................................................................14
UV Lamp (part# iSpring UVF11A) and Ice Maker Kit (part# iSpring ICEK) .......................................14
Warranty Registration..................................................................................................................................15

Before Installation
Inspect the Package
Please open the box and take all the components and tool kit out. Inspect them to ensure that
nothing is damaged during shipping. If any part is cracked or broken, please immediately contact
iSpring Customer Support for a replacement. Identify and get familiar with the components.
Recommended Tools List
•Variable speed drill with two bits: 1/4" (for drilling a hole on PVC drain pipe), 1/2"
hollow diamond (for drilling a hole on the countertop for drinking faucet)
•5/8", 9/16" open-end wrench, or adjustable wrench, pliers
•Phillips screwdriver
•Scissors or utility knife
Operating Conditions
•Maximum water pressure: 80 psi, or a pressure regulator (part# APR70) is required if
there is high water pressure or water hammer.
•Minimum water pressure: 40 psi, or a booster pump is needed to improve RO
efficiency
•Water temperature: 40 – 100 °F (4 - 37 °C) (This RO system is NOT designed for HOT
water.)
•Maximum TDS: 750 ppm
•Install this RO system where it is protected from hot/cold weather and direct sunlight.
Avoid hitting, dropping, or dragging as they may cause cracks and leaks.
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Components Identification
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Installation Tips
How to Use Quick-connect Fitting
To Connect:
1. See Figures above. Check and cut the tubing end square and clean with a utility knife or
scissors.
2. Make a mark at the end of the tubing. The length is about 1/2" - the depth of the fitting
body.
3. Fully insert the tubing until the mark is almost invisible. This ensures that the O-ring seals it
near the bottom.
To Disconnect:
1. See Figures above. Remove the blue Lock Clip.
2. With two fingers PUSHING IN and PRESSING DOWN the Lock Sleeve to eliminate the
Gap that the blue Lock Clip occupied, pull the tubing out. (Pressing down the Lock Sleeve
releases the spring-loaded steel teeth that grab the tubing inside the fitting body.)
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How to Drill a Hole in Sink or Counter-top
1. It is highly recommended that you watch the YouTube video "How to Drill Faucet Holes."
2. Choose a 1/2" Diamond Core Bit for granite and a titanium drill bit for steel. Do NOT use a
hammer drill on natural stone, glass, and ceramic.
3. An indent should be made with a punch on steel before drilling to help guide the bit.
4. Use caution when drilling on a Porcelain sink, as it could be easily chipped—set drill speed
on slow. Press the bit downward firmly until it breaks through the slippery surface.
5. Use a coolant to disperse heat. Choose water for granite and oil for steel. Use the Water
Suction Cup to hold coolant inside and prevent the drill bit from slipping.
6. Hold the drill firmly and vertically at the slowest speed to prevent the drill bit from slipping
on the counter.
7. Once you break through the smooth surface, swirl the drill a little to evenly apply pressure
in a circle.
8. Be patient and deliberate. It can take 20 – 40 minutes to drill through 1".
Ice Maker Kit
An Ice Maker Kit (part# iSpring ICEK) can be purchased separately to feed RO water to the
refrigerator and get crystal clear ice cubes and great tasting water at ease. It could make the
Drinking Water Faucet unnecessary.
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Installation Steps
Before you begin the installation, it is highly recommended that you watch the video
"iSpring reverse osmosis installation" on YouTube.
Note: Steps 1 – 7 are independent and can be performed in any order.
Step 1: Install Feed Water Adapter (AFW)
Step 1. a. See Figures above. Turn off the Cold Water Line via the cold Water Supply Valve
(WSV) under the sink. Open the kitchen faucet to release pressure and ensure the water has
stopped before proceeding to the next step. Get a towel or bucket to catch any water drips.
Disconnect the Faucet water hose Connector (FC) pipe from WSV.
Step 1. b. Check the O-ring inside AFW female end, and twist it onto WSV. Tighten it up
using a wrench or pliers.
Step 1. c. Twist the FC onto the male end of AFW. Turn the handle of AFW to the cross
(OFF) position. Turn on WSV slowly, checking for and fixing any leaks.
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Step 2: Install Drinking Water Faucet
Step 2. a. If your kitchen sink does not have an existing 1/2" faucet hole, you will have to drill
one. (Refer to How to drill a Hole on Sink or Countertop). Wipe clean, and dry the area.
Step 2. b. Slip the front plate on the faucet stem, followed by the rubber washer. Insert the
faucet stem into the hole on the countertop. Under the sink, slip on the back rubber washer,
and tighten the nut with the plastic wing.
Step 2. c. Slide the quick connecting up the push-in adapter on the base so that it seats
securely into the faucet stem, then lock it in place by sliding the blue clip under the collet.
Step 2. d. Insert the tubing about 1/2" into the push-in fitting, and again, secure it with the blue
clip.
Step 3: Install Drain Saddle
Step 3. a. Choose a spot on the drainpipe convenient for installing the drain saddle and tubing.
A horizontal pipe is recommended to minimize the dripping sound.
Step 3. b. Drill a 1/4" hole on the drainpipe; paste the black sticky pad around the hole.
Step 3. c. Cut off the 1/4" tubing end to form a 45-degree angle. Slip the plastic nut and front
plate onto the tubing. Insert the tubing into the 1/4" hole in the drainpipe, install the back
plate and tighten two screws with hex nuts while the tubing remains in the hole.
Step 3. d. Tighten the nut on the Drain Saddle by hand. Pull-on the tubing to check if it is
secure.
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Step 4: Install the Vertical Filters: Stages 1, 2, and 3
Step 4. a. Make sure that the O-ring is seated inside
the groove at the top of the filter housing. Food-
grade silicone jelly may help the O-ring stay in
place and seal better.
Step 4. b. Filter cartridges are preserved in shrink
wrap. Note the direction sign on the sticker before
removing the wrap (GAC stage).
Step 4. c. When placing the filter cartridge into its
housing, make sure it is centered, and the knob is
protruding from the bottom of the housing fits in
the central hole of the filter.
Step 4. d. Screw the housing, with filters attached,
onto the housing caps (caps are pre-assembled on
the machine head). The cap also has a center knob
that should be inserted into the center hole of the
filter cartridge. Twist the housing on in a
clockwise direction by hand, and then use a
housing wrench to tighten it up for about 1/4 – 1/2 turn. Do not overtighten. This can
cause leaks and make it difficult to unscrew the housing when replacing filters.
Step 4. e. Follow steps 4.a. – 4.d. to install the GAC and CTO filters. *Note* the second stage
GAC is the only filter that must go in a certain direction. Make sure that the end with the
rubber washer faces up, attaching to the housing cap.
Step 5: Install Tank Shut-off Valve (Optional)
Optionally, this RO system can be used with a 20 – 200 gallons storage tank. A tank helps meet the
impulsive high volume demand and build a commercial or whole house Reverse Osmosis solution.
1. Wrap 10 - 15 turns of Teflon tape clockwise (looking from the top) onto the metal thread at
the top of the tank.
2. Screw (clockwise) the Tank Shut-off Valve on and tighten it by hand. Do not overtighten.
3. An extra Tee fitting is needed for connecting the 5th stage, tank and filtered water faucet.
Step 6: Install Reverse Osmosis Membrane
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Step 6. a. Open the membrane housing cap. A thick rubber band can be slipped on the housing
body for better grip.
Step 6. b. Find the inner end with 4 O-rings, cut open the end of the sealed bag, use it to hold
the RO membrane to avoid contamination, and firmly insert the membrane into the housing
until the outer end with only 2 O-rings is completely inside the housing. See Figure above.
Step 6. c. Before twisting the housing cap back on, check that the O-ring is evenly snagged
on the membrane housing (cap does NOT have an O-ring). Hang tight and tighten up for
about 1/4 – 1/2 turns using a small plastic housing wrench, but do not overtighten. DO NOT
reconnect the tubing to the inlet on the cap at this point (will do it in system startup).
Step 7: Tubing Hook Up (optional sub-steps are marked with * )
Step 7. a. Facing the iSpring logo upfront, locate the pre-filter 1st stage on the right-hand side.
Connect the 3/8" tubing between Feed Water Adapter (AFW) and point A.
Step 7. b. Connect the Flow Restrictor (point C), a 3" long cylinder with a FLOW sign beside
the membrane housing, to the black Drain Saddle with 1/4" tubing.
Step 7. c. Connect the Post Carbon Filter FT15 5th stage (point B) to the RO faucet with 1/4"
tubing.
Step 7. d. If you have a RO storage tank, replace the elbow fitting at point D with a Tee fitting,
reconnect the tubing from the check valve to one T, and connect the other T with the tank
shut-off valve.
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Step 8: System Start-up (optional sub-steps are marked with * )
Step 8. a. Make sure that none of the tubings are kinked. Prepare a bath towel and bucket to
catch water drips.
Step 8. b. To avoid the residual carbon dust in the first three stages from getting into the RO
membrane, remove the tubing to the inlet of the RO membrane housing cap. Flush the first
three stages into a bucket until the water turns clear, and reconnect the tubing to the RO
membrane. You may do this whenever you change the first three stages. (Optional:
disconnect the storage tank if you have one)
Step 8. c. Plug in booster pump power. Turn on the Feed Water Adapter valve (AFW) and
slowly turn on the cold Water Supply Valve (WSV). Finish flushing the first 3 stages, and
then reconnect the tubing to the membrane housing cap.
Step 8. d. Check for leaks. The top 3 causes for leaks are:
1) The tubing was not fully inserted into the quick-connect fitting.
2) The O-ring was not in place or kinked.
3) The Housing/Cap was not tightened up or off threads.
Step 8. e. Turn on the RO faucet. Within 5 minutes, RO water should start dripping. Let it run
for at least 10 minutes. This flushes the system. Water could be black due to fine carbon
dust from new carbon filters (step 8.2 could be taken to expedite the flush). Following this
step will turn clear with some air bubbles. Shut off the RO Faucet. (Optional: turn on the
Tank Shut-off Valve and wait for the tank to be filled up.)
Step 8. f. If you have installed an iSpring UV stage, plug in the UV power and observe if the
RO faucet turns the UV on/off through the Flow Sensor Switch.
Step 8. g. The reverse osmosis membrane is the key part for the effective reduction of total
dissolved solids (TDS), and the produced water should be tested periodically to verify the
system is performing correctly. If the TDS of the source water is 100 ppm, the RO water
should be less than 10 ppm (Rejection rate >90%).
Step 8. h. Check for leaks daily for the first two weeks after installation. Furthermore, a tray
can be put under the system if any leaks occur, and a Flood Alarm can be used together for
better protection.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed the
iSpring Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System!
Start enjoying the cleanest water right from your tap!
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System Maintenance
For replacement filter cartridges, visit 123Filter.com or Google "Model replacement filter" online,
in which "Model" is the model number of the system, e.g., RCS5T.
Stages 1 – 3 Pre-filters: Replace every 6 – 12 months, depending on source water
quality and clean water usage.
The frequency depends on the source water quality and clean water usage. They may last longer in
city water and shorter in well water. Different areas experience good or bad water. Some customers
reported they had to replace the 1st stage every 1-3 months when they saw through the clear
housing where heavy sediments and particles turned the white cartridge into a dark brown color.
Some customers reported they could replace them every 12 months. To protect the RO membrane
in the 4th stage, users must replace the pre-filters at least every 12 months.
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How to Change In-housing Cartridges in 1st – 3rd Pre-filter Stages
1. Shut off the water supply valve and tank valve, open the faucet to depressurize. Place a
bucket or towel under the unit to catch water spills.
2. If there is enough room under the sink and the filter system is hung on the wall, it could be
easier to twist the filter housing off without taking the unit off. Otherwise, it could be easier
to pull the system out, lay it down and work towards the housing bottom. Please be careful
with tubing connections when pulling the system out.
3. Twist off the filter housing in a counter-clockwise direction when looking from the bottom.
Use a housing wrench (the bigger one) if necessary.
4. Refer to Installation Step 4.1 to install a new vertical filter cartridge and twist the housings
back on. Remember not to overtighten, or it will be hard to open next time.
Stage 4 RO Membrane: Replace every 2 – 3 years or sooner if TDS level starts
increasing.
Check the TDS level at least once a month to monitor the system performance. The rejection rate
should be above 90% (NSF/ANSI STANDARD 58 for RO water filter).
How to Change Reverse Osmosis Membrane
1. A reverse osmosis membrane usually lasts about 2 – 3 years, depending on the source water
quality, clean water usage, and the replacement frequency of the three pre-filters.
2. To ensure system performance and water purity, filter cartridges must be replaced on
schedule. Use the TDS meter periodically to check the rejection rate.
3. Shut off the water supply valve and (optional) tank valve, open the faucet to depressurize
4. Place a bucket or towel under the unit to catch water spills.
5. Remove the tubing from the inlet fitting on the membrane housing cap. Use a housing
wrench or by hand to twist off the housing cap in a counter-clockwise direction when
looking from the inlet. Pull out the old membrane. Use scissors or pliers to apply leverage if
necessary.
6. Clean the housing using hot water and optional scent-free dish soap. Rinse thoroughly. Cut
open the small end of the sealed bag of a new RO membrane, hold the new membrane with
the bag, and insert it into housing without touching the membrane with your bare hands,
which may contaminate it.
7. Check the O-ring on the open end of the membrane housing. It is recommended to replace it
every 3 years to prevent leaks. Twist the membrane housing cap back on by hand. Use a
wrench for a final 1/4 turn if necessary. DO NOT overtighten.
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Stage 5 T33 Fine Carbon: Replace every 12 months
Unscrew the elbow fittings on both ends, put them on the new cartridge, and use the new Teflon if
necessary.
How to Change Inline Cartridges in 5th – 7th Stages
1. Please note that the 5th - 7th stages (model specific) have directions, and each end may have
a different fitting.
2. Disconnect the tubing from the Quick-Connect fitting, unscrew the fitting, unwrap a new
cartridge, replace the Teflon tape on the fitting threads if necessary, follow the →sign on
the label to screw the correct fitting on each end, and reconnect the tubing.
O-rings: Replace every 3 years or sooner if leak happens at O-ring.
The package comes with 3 spare O-rings for the pre-filter housing, and 1 spare O-ring for the
membrane housing. Please save them with this manual.
Extra Installation
UV Lamp (part# iSpring UVF11A) and Ice Maker Kit (part# iSpring ICEK)
The UV module comes pre-installed on the models with UV. It should function out of the box. The
images above are for a better understanding of how the components are assembled and work
together.
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Warranty Registration
To register your product for the warranty, visit our website at 123filter.com and go to the
“Warranty” tab.
We provide a 30-day money-back guarantee, a 1-year manufacturer warranty, and lifetime tech
support for all of our products. However, we do not have the order information from websites other
than 123Filter.com (Amazon, Home Depot, etc.), so please fill in that information upon registration
of your system. If you have any questions or concerns about your product, please do not hesitate to
call or email us. Alternatively, you can include any necessary notes/comments upon the registration
of your warranty. Your satisfaction is our business!
If you are happy with our products and service, please show your support by
writing a product review on Amazon, even just a single line. It takes you just a
minute but means a lot to us. Thank you!
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Atlanta, GA USA
iSpringFilter.com
For questions, comments, or technical support, contact us at:
[email protected]
[phone]
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. EST