
GENERAL
Do not use with water that is microbiologically
unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate
disinfection before or after the system.
Systems certified for cyst reduction* may be
used on disinfected waters that may contain
filterable cysts.
*NSF/ANSIStandard58certifiedtoreducecystssuchas
Cryptosporidium and Giardia by mechanical means.
Filter must be protected against freezing, which can
cause cracking of the filter and water leakage.
Because of the product’s limited service life and to
prevent costly repairs or possible water damage, we
strongly recommend that the bottom of all plastic
housings be replaced every five years for clear and
ten years for opaque. If the bottom of your housing
has been in use for longer than this period, it should
be replaced immediately. Date the bottom of any
new or replacement housing to indicate the next
recommended replacement date.
NOTE:
•Yourwatermustbewithinrequiredlimitsforsatisfactory
operation. If not, your membrane life may be shortened and
your warranty will be voided (see Specifications on page 1).
•Thisreverseosmosissystemwillnotprotectagainstdisease-
causing bacteria or remove naturally-occurring harmless
bacteria.
•Installoncoldwaterlineonly.
•Donotusewickingorsealertofitconnectionsintothecapof
the filter. Plumber tape is recommended.
•Makecertainthatinstallationcomplieswithallstateand
local laws and regulations.
•Thereplacementcartridgesandreverseosmosismembrane
included with this system have limited service lives. Changes
in taste, odor, and color of the water being filtered indicate
that the cartridge should be replaced (see Replacing the Pre-
andPost-Filtersonpage8,andReplacingtheMembrane,on
page 9).
•Afterprolongedperiodsofnon-use(suchasduringa
vacation) it is recommended that the system be flushed for 5
minutes before it is used.
•Adrinkingwatercartridgemaycontaincarbonfines(very
fine black powder). After installation, flush the system for 5
minutes to remove the carbon fines before using the water.
•Itisrecommendedthatyourunthetapatleast20seconds
prior to using water for drinking or cooking purposes.
•Thecontaminantsorothersubstancesremovedorreduced
by this water treatment device are not necessarily present in
your water.
RO MEMBRANE PRECAUTIONS
Chlorine will destroy the TFM-50 membrane. If you
use the RO-2550 with a chlorinated or periodically-
chlorinatedwatersupply,itisABSOLUTELY
NECESSARYtouseacarbonpre-filter(included
with the system). This carbon pre-filter should
be changed at least every 3 months to avoid
chlorine bypass. See Warranty for disclaimers and
limitations that apply to the TFM-50 membrane.
HOW REVERSE OSMOSIS WORKS
The RO-2550 Reverse Osmosis (RO) System uses a semi-
permeable membrane to reduce dissolved salts and minerals,
improving the taste and odor of your water. The RO membrane
is made of layers of micron-thin film wound around a hollow
center core. Water molecules can pass through the membrane,
but dissolved salts and minerals are rejected.
The RO-2550 Reverse Osmosis System features 4-stage filter
action.Yourwatersupplyispre-filteredtoreducedirtand
chlorine that may foul the membrane. The RO membrane
separates this pre-filtered water into PRODUCT WATER and
DRAIN or REJECT WATER. Incoming water pressure forces
the product water through the membrane and into the storage
tank. Dissolved solids and other contaminants cannot pass
through the membrane and are sent to the drain as reject
water. When you open the drinking water faucet, product water
is drawn from the storage tank through an activated carbon
post-filter, providing you with cleaner, great-tasting water.
For each gallon of water produced, several gallons are
discharged as reject water. The storage tank can hold up to
2.8gallons(10.6L)ofwateratatime,fordrinkingandcooking
needs. When used under the Specifications on page 1 of the
manual, your Reverse Osmosis membranes should last 12-24
months.
BASIC INSTALLATION PROCEDURE GUIDELINES
•Forstandard,under-sinkinstallationon3/8-inch(10mm)
steel, brass, or copper cold water line.
•Pleasereadallinstructionsandprecautionsbeforeinstalling
and using your RO-2550.
•Numbereddiagramscorrespondwithnumberedsteps.
PRECAUTIONS
•Readallinstallationandoperatinginstructionsbefore
installing and using your RO system.
•Numbereddiagramscorrespondwithnumberedsteps.
1. Installing the Water Supply Adapter
The supply adapter fits 1/2-inch 14 NPS threads. If local codes
permit, it may be used to connect the RO-2550 to the cold
water supply line. If local codes do not permit the use of the
supply adapter, alternate connectors can be obtained from your
local plumbing wholesaler.
Directions:
(A) Turn off cold water inlet supply line. If cold water line does
not have a shut-off valve under the sink, you should install
one.
(B) Turn on the cold water faucet and allow all water to drain
from line.
(C) Disconnect cold water line from 1/2-inch 14 NPS threaded
stub on bottom of main faucet.
(D) Using the nut that previously connected the cold water line
to the faucet, screw the cold water line to the male supply
adapter threads.
INSTALLATION CONTINUED . . .
NOTE:
•Tomakesurenochlorineispresentinthewaterthatreaches
the membrane, you may want to use a chlorine test kit to
check the brine/reject water that flows from the membrane to
the drain. No chlorine should be detected.
•TheTFM-50membraneisresistanttonaturally-occurring
bacteria.
Pentek®RO-2550 Installation and Operating Instructions•3