Rainfresh RO450 User manual

REVERSE OSMOSIS DRINKING WATER SYSTEM
(MODEL RO450/RO450H)
INSTALLATION AND USER MANUAL
Thank you for purchasing a Rainfresh product.
We are committed to ensuring that you are totally satisfied.
If you have any questions or concerns while installing, operating or maintaining your new
system, don’t go back to the store –please contact us !
QUESTIONS?
Canada Toll Free
1800 667 8072
Toronto and Area
[phone]
(Mon to Fri 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM EST)
[e-mail]
www.rainfresh.ca/RO450
Tested and Certified by CSA Group to CSA Standard B483.1, to NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for
reduction of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Sodium, and to NSF/ANSI 372 for lead-free
requirements
Additional testing and verification for reduction of Barium, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Cysts
(Cryptosporidium & Giardia), Fluoride, Lead, Mercury, Nitrates and Chlorine performed by independent
laboratory. Claims not performance certified by CSA Group.
CONTENTS
A. Introduction.................................................. 3
B. Safety Instructions ........................................ 3
C. Technical specifications................................. 3
D. Water Quality Parameters............................. 4
E. Installation.................................................... 4
a. Install air-gap faucet......................... 6
b. Make drain connection..................... 6
c. Mounting the main unit.................... 6
d. Install RO Membrane........................ 7
e. Install supply valve ........................... 7
f. Connect storage tank........................ 8
g. Start-up............................................ 8
F. Maintenance ………………………………… ............. 9
G. Troubleshooting ........................................... 11
H. Parts list........................................................ 12
I. Warranty ...................................................... 12

2
DO NOT RETURN TO STORE
Need Help?
Call toll free at:
1-800-667-8072
Mon –Fri 8:30 AM –5:00 PM EST
Assistance is available for:
Missing parts
Installation, operation or maintenance or any other
questions about your new system
NOTES
Once unit is installed, it may take up to 5 hours before
maximum flow is available from the faucet. This is because
of the high level of filtration performed by the system.
It is normal to hear a small gurgling noise from the faucet
which is caused by a small amount of water going to drain.
When the storage tank is full, this will stop.
Ensure that you have a minimum of 45 psi water pressure
at all times. System cannot produce filtered water at lower
water pressure.

3
(A) Introduction
This 4-stage RO system reduces dissolved contaminants such as Barium, Cadmium,
Chromium, Copper, Fluoride, Lead, Mercury, Nitrates, Sodium, TDS, Chlorine, Taste
and Odour. It also traps >99.95% cysts (Cryptosporidium & Giardia) greater than
99.95% and filters sediment, silt and rust. Water produced by the Rainfresh RO
system can be used for drinking, cooking, juices, beverages, watering plants, steam
irons, humidifiers, aquariums etc.
How your RO system works: Water first flows through a 1 micron sediment filter
(HP1 or SW1) followed by an activated carbon filter (CF2) that reduces chlorine, taste
and odour. The third stage is the membrane that rejects most of the dissolved
contaminants listed above, while the filtered water (permeate) passes through a final
stage of taste and odour polishing, before flowing out of the faucet. As the RO
membrane rejects contaminants at a molecular level, some of the water, along with
the contaminants, flows to the drain. To achieve such fine filtration, the water
production rate is slower than conventional under-sink filtration systems. Therefore,
a pressurized storage tank is used to provide RO water through the faucet at normal
flow and pressure. When the storage tank is full, an automatic valve shuts off the
water supply to the RO membrane. As water is used from the faucet and the
pressure in the tank drops to about 65% of full pressure, the automatic shut-off
valve opens and allows feed water into the RO membrane until the storage tank is
full again.
(B) Safety Instructions
oThis filter system is designed for residential point-of-use indoor use only. Protect filter from direct sunlight.
oIf water pressure will at any time exceed the 100 psi maximum, a pressure regulator and water hammer arrestor
must be installed before the filter to prevent potentially damaging shocks caused by high pressure.
Recommended regulator setting is 75 psi / 5.1 bar/ 517 kPa or less.
oNote: Do not install in multi-storey buildings over 4 storeys.
oDo not subject to freezing temperatures with water inside the unit. If your unit will not be used in winter, or will be
subject to freezing temperatures, drain unit completely (see “Maintenance”)
oThis system is intended for use with cold water only. Do not install on hot water.
oUse only Rainfresh replacement cartridges. Only Rainfresh filter cartridges will function with this system.
oDo not lubricate head O-rings with petroleum based lubricants. Only food-grade silicone (Dow 111
compound) should be sparingly used.
oClean with warm soapy water only. Do not use cleaning sprays
oInstallation of this unit may involve some water spillage. Keep paper towels or an absorbent cloth handy.
oDo not attempt to operate the system without the pre-filters. This can severely damage the membrane.
oEnsure that there are no kinks in any of the tubing that can restrict or stop the water flow.
(C) Technical Specifications
MODEL ⏵
RO450
RO450H
Membrane Capacity
50 gallon per day
Dimensions (excluding faucet)
11.2”W x 13”H x 5” D
3.2 Gal Storage tank Dimensions
11.5” dia x 16” H
Air-gap chrome faucet
Included
Tubing size
¼” OD
1 Micron Pre-filter 1 model (Life)
HP1 (6 months)*
SW1 (6 months)*
5 Micron Pre-filter 2 model (Life)
CF2 (6 months)*
RO Membrane model (Life)
ROM50 (1-4 years)*
Post-filter model (Life)
IM200 (6 months)*
*Cartridge and membrane life is directly dependent on your water conditions and the volume of water filtered.

4
Measuring
Tape
Drill
7/8”& 3/8”
Drill Bits
Utility
Knife
Adjustable
wrench
Pencil
(D) Water Quality Parameters
The unit should be operated with water that meets the following minimum criteria. Source water exceeding chemical
parameters (listed below) requires pre-treatment.
Raw Water Supply
Chemical Parameters
Water Supply
Bacteriologically safe 1
Max water hardness
< 170 PPM (< 10 GPG)3
Feed water pressure
45 psi min to 100 psi max2
Iron (Fe)
< 0.1 PPM (mg/L)
Feed water temp
4°C to 38°C (40-100°F)
Manganese (Mn)
< 0.05 PPM (mg/L)
Feed water pH
6.5 to 9.0
Hydrogen Sulphide
0 PPM (mg/L)
Feed water turbidity
1.0 NTU max
Feed water TDS
1,500 PPM max4
Production Rate
17.7 US GPD (66.9 LPD)5
1Do 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 water that may contain filterable cysts. For effective
disinfection we recommend Rainfresh Whole-house UV disinfection systems.
2Install a pressure regulator and water hammer arrestor if pressure exceeds maximum rating at any time.
Note: If daytime pressure is over 80 psi, night time water pressure may exceed pressure rating. Water pressure lower than 45 psi
will cause drop in filtered water production rate. If water pressure is at any time lower than 45 psi, an RO booster pump is
required. Call Rainfresh to order or order online at www.rainfreshstore.ca
3System will operate with hard water, but membrane life will be shortened
4TDS > 1,000 PPM may require booster pump.
5 Average efficiency rating - 9.1% - Efficiency rating means the percentage of the influent water to the system that is available to the
user as RO treated water under operating conditions that approximate typical daily usage.
Average recovery rating - 18% - Recovery rating means the percentage of the influent water to the membrane portion of the system
that is available to the user as RO treated when the system is operated without a storage tank or when the storage tank is bypassed.
(E) Installation
Installation shall comply with applicable state and local regulations
Tools Needed
RO unit with pre-filters
(HP1 or SW1 & CF2),
post-filter (IM200) and
storage tank (2616)
Drain saddle
(2618)
RO Membrane
(ROM50)
Air-gap chrome
faucet with grey
& black tubes
(2640)
Supply adapter
fitting
(2557-1)
Faucet
Parts Bag
(see Fig 3)
Flat-head & Philips
screwdrivers
PACKING LIST
Blue Tube
(2622)
Insert
1603
Sleeve
1008-3
Nut
726-0

5
Fig 1A
Starting Your Installation: Plan your installation –Typical Undersink Installation is shown in Fig 1A.
Basement Installation (Fig 1B)
The Reverse Osmosis system can also be installed in the basement with only the blue (filtered water) tube running to the
faucet as shown in Fig 1B. This will require a hole through the basement ceiling and may not be possible in every
situation. The max length of the filtered water tube should not be more than 15 feet. The system can be wall mounted at
a location which has a water source nearby and is close to either a floor drain or a laundry tub for the drain water. In this
case, cut-off and discard the black drain tube attached to the faucet. Run the ¼” grey drain tube either to a laundry sink
or a floor drain with appropriate air-gap as per code. You may also need a different fitting (not included) to supply water
to the RO system. This will depend on your pipe size and material. The storage tank can be placed on a shelf close to the
unit. Avoid putting the tank on the floor.
A typical installation is shown in Fig. 1A and Fig 1B. Installation of the unit includes the following steps:
1. Air-gap faucet connection
2. Drain connection
3. Mounting the main unit, installing filters and
membrane
4. Supply valve connection
5. Storage tank connection
Remove each sump (520) by turning it 1/8 turn left (see Fig 2), and then pulling away
from head (2501). Remove both pre-filters (HP1 or SW1 and CF2) by gently twisting
and pulling down from head. Set both cartridges aside in a safe place until final
assembly. The membrane (ROM50) is packed separately
STEP 1: Install Air-Gap Faucet (See Fig. 3)
The faucet (2640) may be installed on the counter-top or the sink, as desired. For
counter-top installation, position faucet on the counter-top beside the sink where it
will not be obstructed from above or below.
Note: The faucet has a 3/8” black drain tube and a ¼” grey drain tube pre-attached to
it. A flow restrictor (2611-1) is inserted at the end of the grey tube (Fig 3).
Caution: Do not remove this or cut the grey tube or the system will not be able
to produce filtered water.
For laminate countertops, mark the location and drill a 7/8” hole.
Fig 1B
Fig 2
2501

6
Caution: For granite or other stone countertops, hole should be drilled only
by a professional. Do not attempt to do this yourself to prevent breakage.
a) Insert the faucet tubing (1/4” grey and 3/8” black) first through the
countertop hole followed by the faucet with drain hole in faucet body
facing sink.
b) Install slotted washer (2650-4), spacer (2650-5), bottom washer (2650-6)
and lock-nut (2650-7). Tighten lock-nut while someone holds the faucet
so it does not turn.
c) Put a compression nut (1030-15) and a ring (1008-3) on one end of the
blue tube (2622) and push the sleeve (1603) into the end of the tube (see
Fig. 3). Insert the tube into the threaded stem of the faucet, and secure it
in place by tightening the compression nut with a wrench. Have someone
hold the tap to prevent it from turning while tightening the nut.
STEP 2: Make Drain Connection
The drain saddle (2618) should be installed above
the trap and preferably on the vertical section low as
possible above the trap.
a) Mark a spot on the vertical drain pipe under sink
and drill a 3/8" hole in it, preferably facing
direction of faucet (Fig 4).
Caution: Make sure not to drill right through
the other side of the pipe.
b) Peel the protective film off the sponge gasket
and apply to inside of drain saddle (2618), using
care to align sponge gasket hole with saddle
hole.
c) Mount the drain saddle on the drain pipe and align the drain saddle hole
with the 3/8” drilled hole (use a flashlight to see clearly). Use a small drill
bit or any narrow straight object to confirm that the two holes are aligned.
Tighten the saddle nuts and firmly secure the saddle in place. Caution: Do
not over-tighten. (See Fig. 5).
d) Mark the black drain tube 3/4” from end and insert firmly until mark touches the end of the fitting. Connect 3/8”
black drain tube from faucet to drain saddle by inserting it firmly until it can go in no further. Caution: This is a
gravity drain line and should be as short as possible (See Fig. 1) or water can leak out of the air-gap hole in the
faucet. Cut off any excess tube.
STEP 3: Install Filters and Mount the main unit
Remove wrapping from sediment pre-filter (HP1 or SW1) and push it into the head carefully. Caution: Pull sump up
and rotate clockwise 1/8 turn to align the sump grooves with lugs on the head (2501) to lock position (see Fig 6).
Repeat procedure for second pre-filter (model CF2).
Sink drain
pipe
Fig 4
Fig 5
Sink drain pipe
3/8” black drain
from faucet
Fig 3
DO NOT
REMOVE

7
Insert
tube
Installing the RO Membrane (See Fig. 7): To make membrane installation
easier, the tube to the membrane housing cap (2601) is not connected when
the unit is shipped.
I. Unscrew the membrane housing cap and take it off.
II. Remove new membrane (ROM50) from bag and apply silicone
lubricant (included) on the two "O" rings. Caution: Do not use any
other lubricant.
III. Slide membrane into housing, O-ring side first. Push membrane
completely in until slotted end is flush with housing opening. If you
cannot push membrane fully in, pull it out and apply some more
lubricant and repeat procedure.
IV. Replace cap taking care that the "O" ring inside it does not come out & firmly
hand-tighten
V. Insert unconnected white tubing into housing inlet fitting (2609) –see fig 8.
Mark tube 5/8” from end and push firmly 5/8” through collet past O-ring until
it seats on the tube stop.
Locate best side wall position for mounting unit under-sink near faucet.
Note: Leave a minimum of 5 inches clearance below sumps to allow for removal of
cartridges. The higher and closer to the front you mount the unit, the better it will be
for regular maintenance/servicing.
Unpack unit and pull post-filter (IM200) towards front to expose
mounting bracket (2613). Mark mounting bracket screw
locations using mounting bracket as a template and set unit
aside (see Fig 9).
Partially screw the two mounting screws (1011-0) into screw
locations. Note: If wall is too thin to accept screws, use round-
head nuts and bolts (not supplied) to mount bracket. Install pre-
filters and membrane as per instructions below before mounting
unit on the wall.
Mount the unit on to the mounting screws and tighten screws.
Connect grey drain tube from faucet to drain fitting (2609) (see fig 10)
Measure length of 1/4” blue tube from faucet needed to connect to open left end of post-filter (IM200) without kinks
and cut off any excess (See Fig. 1). Connect the blue tube to the post-filter.
FIG 9
FIG 7
FIG 8
FIG 10
Lubricate O-rings
CAP
FIG 7
WRONG POSITION
Index marks not
aligned
Sump grooves &
head lugs not
aligned. Sump has
not been turned fully
to LOCK position.
CORRECT
POSITION
Index marks aligned
Sump grooves past
the head lug. Sump
has been turned fully
to LOCK position.
LOCK
FIG 6

8
FIG 11
FIG 12
Slide compression nut (1030-15), sleeve (1008-3) on to one end of blue tube and push insert (1603) into end of tube
as shown in Fig 3. Push tube into threaded end of faucet and hold firmly in place and tighten nut securely with a
wrench, again while someone holds faucet so it does not turn.
STEP 4: Install Supply Fitting
Use the 2557-1 supply fitting if the water supply pipe under the sink attaches to a 3/8”
flex pipe from the kitchen faucet. If your piping is different or if you do not have a
shut-off valve under the sink, you can order Rainfresh CK514 or CKT14 valves
(depending upon your piping) directly from www.rainfreshstore.ca
IMPORTANT: Before you install supply fitting, confirm the cold water pipe by running
hot water through your kitchen faucet and touching both pipes.
Push the other end of the RED tube into the INLET fitting on the unit as shown in Fig. 1A.
STEP 5: Storage Tank Connections
a. Place the storage tank on its base under the sink. The tank valve (2617) and white tubing
(2620) are pre-connected to the tank.
b. Insert open end of 1/4” white tube (2620) into “Tee” fitting (2612) at right end of post-filter
(IM200) –see Fig 11.
STEP 6: Start - Up
a. Open supply valve slowly. Close faucet and check all connections for leaks. Carefully
retighten any leaking fittings. It is a good idea to check the unit a few times for slow leaks
shortly after installation.
b. Turn storage tank valve one quarter turn left (counter-clockwise) to open. The handle should
be in line with the tubing as it enters the connection (See Fig. 12).
c. Your unit is now in operation. Note: Do not consume the water prior to three tank flushes. See tank flushing
procedure below.
Note: A mild dripping or gurgling sound should be heard from the drain-hole in the faucet when the RO
system is making water. This is normal.
CKT14
3/8”x3/8”x1/4”
CK514
½”x½”x1/4”
Now turn off the cold
water supply valve to
the kitchen faucet.
Using a wrench,
unscrew the faucet
tube from the supply
valve.
Thread in the 2557-1
supply adapter & then
attach the faucet tube
to it.
Push one end of the RED
tubing into the supply adapter
until it touches the tube stop
and cannot go in any further.
TO
FILTER
INLET
CAUTION: DO NOT TAMPER WITH THE AIR VALVE ON THE STORAGE TANK.
IT HAS BEEN FACTORY PRE-SET AT 5-6 PSI (EMPTY PRESSURE).

9
Flushing the Tank : Allow the storage tank to fill up. This can take from 2-5 hours depending on your feed water pressure.
Open the faucet and flush out the tank completely until flow comes to a trickle. Repeat procedure for two more tank
flushes. This procedure is required to flush out the sanitizing solution in the RO membrane.
The system is now ready for use.
(F) Maintenance
Caution: If your unit is not used in winter, or will be subject to freezing temperatures, drain unit and remove
cartridges from sumps. Place cartridges in sink or on a paper towel to dry over several days.
Note: Lubricate Head O-rings (2502) after every cartridge change/cleaning and when draining for winter. Use food
grade silicone grease (i.e. Dow 111 compound) or any other non-petroleum lubricant.
Caution: Due to a limited product service life and to prevent costly repairs or possible water damage, we strongly
recommend that sumps (#520) be replaced every 5 years. If sumps of your RO system have been used for more
than this period, replace immediately. Date the bottom of any new sump to indicate next replacement date.
Do Not clean housing with organic solvents such as those found in sprays for cleaning products or insecticides as
these may cause cracking or crazing and lead to failure and leakage.
Item
PART #
FUNCTION
Replacement
Frequency
Where available
Pre-filter 1
HP1 or SW1
Sediment
4-6 months
Major retailers or
home improvement
stores
Pre-filter 2
CF2
Chlorine, taste & odour
RO Membrane
ROM50
TDS reduction
1-4 years avg
Post-Filter
IM200
Taste odour improvement
6 months
Head seals
2502
1 year
Sump**
520
5 years
Call Rainfresh or order
online at
www.rainfreshstore.ca
Vent pin assembly
2505
5 years
Other parts
*Note: Cartridge life is directly dependant on water conditions and volume of water filtered. Excessive sediment may cause more frequent replacement.
Contaminants reduced by these filters/cartridges are not necessarily in your water.
Pre-filter Replacement Procedure (HP1 or SW1 & CF2)
1. Shut off cold water supply to the unit, shut off tank valve and turn on faucet to de-pressurize unit.
2. Turn sumps 1/8 turn to left, lower to remove (see Fig 2). Discard old filters and insert new filters with
coloured gasket facing up.
3. Replace sumps and turn 1/8 turn to right fully to stop (Lock Position –See Fig 6).
3. Open supply valve, check for leaks, then open tank valve (see fig 12).
Post-Filter Replacement (IM200) (See Fig 13)
1. Shut off cold water supply to the unit, shut off tank valve and turn on
faucet to de-pressurize unit.
2. At each end of the post-filter, push the blue collet in with two fingers and
pull the tubing out.
3. Lift post filter out of double clips (2605). Push new post filter on to clips
(make sure arrow on filter points in correct direction (right to left).
4. Push tubes firmly back into collets 5/8” to tube stop at both ends.
5. Open supply valve, check for leaks, then open the tank valve. Open the
faucet and let water flush. Note: The water will initially have black activated carbon residue which will clear up in
about a minute.
IM200
FIG 13

10
Fig 14b
Membrane Replacement (ROM50)
a) End of membrane life is indicated by increase in TDS of water through
faucet or low or no product water flow.
b) Shut off cold water supply and the tank valve and open RO faucet to
release pressure.
c) Undo tubing on the inlet fitting (2609) of membrane housing by
pressing the collet in with two fingers on either side and pull out the
tubing (see Fig 14a). Unscrew membrane housing cap and using pliers,
pull old membrane out of housing (see Fig 14b).
d) Unpack the new membrane and apply silicone lubricant on the two O-
rings (Fig 7). Slide membrane into housing, "O" ring side first. Push
membrane completely in until slotted end is flush with housing
opening. If you cannot push the membrane fully in, pull it out and
apply some more lubricant and repeat procedure.
e) Replace housing cap. Firmly hand-tighten the cap. Re-insert white
tubing into housing inlet fitting (2609). Push tube firmly through collet
5/8” past O-ring until it seats on tube stop.
f) Flush the unit as described previously under “Start-Up Procedure”.
System Sanitization
It is recommended to sanitize your system for general hygiene at least once a year when the pre-filters and the post filter
are to be changed. Note : This procedure involves some water spillage. Keep an absorbent towel handy to clean up. Use
sanitary rubber gloves for this procedure and read “warning” information on bleach container before using.
1. Shut off the cold water supply and drain the storage tank by turning on the RO faucet. Once this is completed
remove the pre-filters and membrane. Do not remove old post-filter (IM200) at this point.
2. Put 1/2 teaspoon of household bleach in 1/2 litre of water and fill the inlet filter sump, then replace both sumps
and reconnect membrane housing. Open supply valve and faucet and run water until you can smell chlorine
through the faucet. Add more bleach if necessary
3. Close faucet and supply valve and allow the bleach to remain in the system for about 4 to 5 hours.
4. After 4-5 hours open faucet and drain tank completely.
5. Open supply valve and flush water out of faucet for a minute.
6. Remove sumps and membrane housing cap and install pre-filters & membrane. Install new post-filter.
7. Open inlet valve and check for leaks. Open tank valve. Open faucet and flush for a minute. System is ready.
Fig 14a
ROM50