When to Replace the Sediment or Sediment/Carbon Prefilter Cartridge(s) • Every six months to one year, based upon your dealer's recommendation and knowledge of the local water conditions. • A noticeable decrease in water production is an indication that the prefilter requires changing. • Generally, private wells require more frequent sediment prefilter changes while softened feed water usually requires only yearly replacement. • Recommended maximum sediment or sediment/carbon prefilter service life is one year. When to Replace the Carbon Prefilter Cartridge (SQC 4) The carbon prefilter removes free chlorine from the feed water supply to protect the TFCM membrane from chlorine attack. To find out the chlorine level in a water supply, call the public water supplier. • With free chlorine levels up to 1 mg/L, the carbon prefilter should be changed every year. • With free chlorine levels exceeding 1 mg/L, the carbon prefilter should be changed every six months. When to Replace the Carbon Postfilter Cartridge • If the filter is being used to control tastes and odors, replace it every year. • If the filter is being used to reduce chloramines, change it every six months. For critical applications such as aquariums, base the filter change on periodic chloramine (combined chlorine) tests. • If the filter is being used to meet standards for a regulated organic chemical contaminant, then cartridge replacement should be based on a monitoring program established with a public health agency. How to Replace the Prefilter and Postfilter Cartridges 1) Lift up on the faucet handle to drain the tank. Close the feed water tapping valve. Wait five (5) minutes for the purification assembly to completely depressurize. 2) Twist the filter cartridge 1/4 turn clockwise so that the ears on the cartridge are able to disengage from the head. Firmly pull the cartridge from the head. It may be necessary to twist the cartridge slightly from side to side to help free it. (See Fig. 8) 3) Remove the new filter cartridge from its sanitary sealed wrapper. (Double check to see that it is the correct replacement by comparing the labels.) 4) Using tap water, food grade silicone lubricant or glycerin, wet the o-ring seals to make cartridge insertion easier. 5) Line up the cartridge ears, insert the cartridge and push it into the head until it is fully seated. Twist the cartridge 1/4 turn counterclockwise to lock it into place. 6) Open the feed water tapping valve and carefully check for leaks. C. REPLACING THE RO MEMBRANE CARTRIDGE The life of the RO membrane cartridge depends on the local water conditions and proper maintenance, e.g., regular filter changes. Under typical conditions, the RO membrane life ranges from 18-36 months. Unlike the filter cartridges, the RO membrane cartridge life is not determined by the amount of water used because of its self-cleaning feature. 13 When to Replace the RO Membrane Cartridge • As determined by a built-in percent rejection (PR) monitor: The monitor is factory preset so that a green light will be displayed when the water quality is good, and a red or yellow light indicates that cartridge replacement may be necessary. If a red or yellow light is displayed, the faucet should be opened and the storage tank trained. After it has refilled, check the water quality again. If a red or yellow light is still displayed, the membrane should be replaced. • If a PR monitor is not used, your dealer or supplier will offer a bi-annual testing service. How to Replace the RO Membrane Cartridge 1) Close the feed water tapping valve. Lift up on the faucet handle to drain the tank. Wait five (5) minutes for the purification assembly to completely depressurize. 2) Make sure that there is some slack in the red SFC tubing connected to the fitting at the bottom of the RO membrane cartridge. Twist the cartridge 1/4 turn clockwise so that the tubing connection is accessible. (See Fig. 8) 3) Remove the red SFC tubing by depressing the small gray collet and pulling the tubing away from the fitting. Note: It is advisable to check the end of the red SFC tubing for nicks or scratches. If any are observed, cut off 1/4" from the end of the tubing with a sharp razor knife. 4) Firmly pull the cartridge away from the head. (It may be necessary to twist the cartridge slightly from side to side.) 5) Remove the new RO membrane cartridge from its sanitary sealed wrapper. (Double check to see that it is the correct replacement by comparing the labels.) Rinse it with tap water and dry it off. 6) Remove the white plug from the fitting at the bottom of the cartridge by pushing in the small gray collet and pulling out the plug. 7) Remove the red plastic cap from the top of the cartridge. 8) Using tap water, food grade silicone lubricant or glycerin, wet the O-ring seals to make cartridge insertion easier. 9) Reconnect the red SFC reject tubing by inserting it into the fitting at the bottom of the new RO membrane cartridge as far as it will go. Line up th...