RO/DI Question

Is there any other function of an RO/DI system besides producing 0 ppm TDS?

 

That's a super important function that you're no going to get otherwise.

 

Yeah, I guess I should have been more specific. I realize the importance of that but does it perform any other function in the purification process. The reason I ask is because I recently bought an RO/DI system which does give me 0 TDS but doesn't have some of the features that higher priced, name brand systems have. I was just wondering, if the purpose is 0 TDS water, then what benefit is there to spending the extra $100. I'm having a little buyers remorse and the phrase "there's no such thing as a bargain" is playing on a continuous loop in my head. I'm thinking of returning it if I can but I want to make the decision based on fact and not my inclination to blindly think that more cost = more quality. It's a Water General System I bought on ebay and the research I did after the fact seems to indicate that the bargain ebay units are unpopular. Do any of you have any experience with this unit?

 

Typically, with higher end units, you get a pressure gauge, multiple TDS meters, and far higher quality fittings/filters/resins/membranes.

The biggest thing with the eBay units is that you're likely going to be changing resin constantly, the membrane won't last nearly as long, the prefilters will let too much stuff through to the membrane. There won't be any way of adjusting the wasteure ratio.

I personally have a Spectrapure MaxCap (bought it for $250 + shipping) and love it. Over 300 gallons made so far, and still 0 TDS even before it gets to the 2nd DI cartridge.

So, in sum, spending the extra money is a long term thing. My unit will last forever. The eBay ones, not so much. Also, mine was made in the US, while yours was probably made in China by what's basically slave labor.

 

I had the same question about a month ago.

Here is the thread:

Scroll down and read AZDesertRat's post. It explains a lot in good detail.

 

The mark of a quality RO/DI system is how long the membrane and DI resins last. Lower end units may make 0 TDS water for little while but usually not for long as they are not as efficient. Better units may cost a little more up front but maintain 0 TDS for much much longer which ends up being less money in the long run, its pay me now or pay me later, and later, and later.......Its costs more to operate forever.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I guess I'll have to make the best of it and dig a little deeper next time before making a purchase.