Water Softener Resin Inside An RO System
Water Softener Resin Inside RO System
Recently Complete Water Solutions was called out due to a RO system having quality and pressure issues. Upon further investigation, we found that there was water softener resin inside the RO System. This resin came from the recently newly installed softener systems. The contractor broke the lower distributor (internal piping) in the softener system.
Why Does Internal Piping Break?
This can happen a few different ways but the most common 2 ways the softener piping can break 1.) Media installation. When installing the softener gravel under bedding it is recommended to take your time. We recommend filling the softener tank up with water before installing the gravel. This will help slow the rate of which the gravel will fall to the bottom of the tank. This will help lesson the impact on the piping in the tank. The 2nd most common reason is not cutting the distributor piping to fit. This is more common on top mounted tanks or tanks where the valve sits on top of the tank. This is important due to the weight the valve may put on the piping. If the pipe is cut to long it can crush or put a lot of stress on the lower internal piping causing it to eventually break.
Other not so common ways, hot water or heat, chemical incompatibility, vacuum, pressure, manufacture defect, corrosion, water hammer and others.
Once the internal pipe breaks on the softener system the resin will leak past into the water line. Once resin gets into your water lines it is very hard to get out and can be found for years after. We recommend installing a Y strainer down stream of the softener to help provide some insurance and re-assurance that if the pipe were to break that the resin would get trapped in the strainer.
In this case the customer did not have a strainer down stream and the resin ended up in the RO System. We had some question as to why it did not get stopped in the pre filter. It did, however the pre filter had so much resin in it that the DP across the filter was so great that it began to pass through and ended up in the RO. Pre filters are meant to stop a little bit of debris, but are not meant to stop all the resin in a water softener.
If you need help with your RO system contact complete water solutions (855) 787-4200
With over 30 years of hands-on experience in the water treatment industry, Nathan Olszak is a trusted water treatment expert. He specializes in designing, engineering, and servicing water treatment systems. As the owner of Complete Water Solutions, Osmonics, and Membrane Cleaning Pro, Nathan has built a reputation for delivering customized water treatment solutions that enhance efficiency, reliability, and water quality across various industries, including the medical, commercial, and manufacturing sectors.
Nathan’s journey in water treatment began as a service technician. He gained in-depth knowledge by working with all major brands of equipment, including Veolia, Suez, Bruner, Culligan, Pentair, Aquamatic, Osmonics, GE Water, Marlo, Lakeside, Fleck, Autotrol, US Filter, ION Pure, Siemens, Evoqua, and many others. This hands-on expertise, combined with his technical certifications, has made him a leader in water system engineering and water management.
Credentials & Expertise
- Certifications: David H. Paul Reverse Osmosis Certification, PLC Programming
- License: Power Plant Operating Engineer 3rd Class
- Specialties:
- Design & engineering of water treatment systems and advanced water systems
- Custom water filtration systems and solutions
- Installation, automation, and repair of water treatment systems
- Expertise in Reverse Osmosis (RO), Deionization, Water Softening, Carbon Filtration, Iron Filtration, UV Treatment, Ultrafiltration (UF), Process Filtration, CEDI/EDI, and more
- Specialized knowledge in Boiler Feed Water, Tower Makeup Water, and drinking water production for industries such as bottling, pharmaceuticals, and food processing
- Project management and reclaiming of water system waste for other uses
- Evaluation of raw water sources and potential contamination risks
- Industrial water treatment strategies to prevent corrosion and optimize system performance
- Boiler water treatment to enhance energy efficiency and system longevity
Nathan’s commitment to excellence extends beyond equipment sales and service. He works closely with clients to develop tailored water treatment services that optimize performance and meet their operations’ unique demands. His expertise covers methods that mitigate water impurities, ensure fresh water accessibility, and maintain regulatory compliance. It also includes the design of high-efficiency reverse osmosis systems for industrial use.
Nathan focuses on the latest technology in water conditioning, water softeners, filters, and pumps to improve maintenance and efficiency. His experience in laboratory testing and biofilm control ensures the highest industry standards in water treatment processes and water management.
Additionally, his deep understanding of infrastructure and water data analysis provides long-term, cost-effective solutions that promote health and safety. His expertise ensures that businesses receive top-tier, quality water treatment solutions.
For insights into the latest industry trends, innovations, and best practices, explore the Complete Water Solutions Blog, where Nathan shares valuable information on water filtration systems, sustainability, and water solutions engineering.
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