Setup of Your FaceLift Zero High Volume Reverse Osmosis System
Thank you for purchasing the FaceLift Zero RO/DI System. We’ll have you up and running in no time! The system is relatively simple to install and maintain and for the most part comes ready to use.
Your system can be one of a few variants, though the fundamentals of the system remain the same. The system will purify the water in 4 stages. The first and second stages are classed as pre-filters, these are sediment (first) and carbon (filters). The goal of these filters is not to purify a great deal but to protect the membrane(s).
The Membrane is the third and most important stage, this takes anywhere from 80%-95% of the total dissolved solids (TDS) out of the water, leaving almost pure water to hit the final stage, the DI Vessel.
The DI vessel, sometimes known as the polishing vessel, takes the remaining minerals out of the water bringing the TDS reading down to 0.
Before You Use the FaceLift Zero System
Prior to using the system for the first time, you will need to complete an initial flush. This will ensure that any residue in the system is flushed out leaving you with clear components, ready to purify water completely.
Here is what you will need to do:
1. Connect a water source to the stage one sediment filter housing. This will either be a standard garden HozeLock connector or a hose tail (to simply sleeve the hose over), depending on model of Zero system.
2. Locate the RO Membrane Housing, this will be 20’’ or 40’’ (depending on the model) and cased in a large housing.
3. At the base of the membrane housing will be red handled red waste water valve with a small blue fitting attached. This is the waste water outlet, when in use this will need to be run to a drain. Turn the waste valve anticlockwise fully to open the valve and set the system to flush.
4. Turn on your water source and leave run for 30 minutes. This will not produce any pure water.
5. After thirty minutes, turn the valve fully clockwise to close the valve and the system will now begin to produce pure water.
Maintaining the FaceLift Zero System
For normal usage, keep the waste valve closed, however the FaceLift Zero system will need flushing regularly to prolong the life of the consumable components. Over time contaminants will build up on the membrane, by repeating the flush process (opening the waste valve) for 15-20 minute intervals 2-3 times a week, you can increase the life of the components significantly. If you find your water production decreases over time, a 2 hour flush is recommended.
Replacing the Consumable components:
1. Pre Filters
The sediment and carbon pre-filters (light blue housings) should be changed every 3-4 months. If the source water is hard (above 300ppm), it may be worth replacing them every 2-3 months. The pre-filters are inexpensive; however not changing them runs the risk of fouling the membrane. Regular filter changes and a regular flushing schedule will mean your membrane should last 12-18 months minimum.
To replace them, simply remove the ‘bowl’ of the housing by unscrewing it from the lid, simply take out the filter and drop the replacement in and then replace the bowl by screwing it back into the lid – it’s that simple!
You can purchase replacement filters via the links below. You will need to measure the size of your filters; they will be either 10’’ or 20’’dependent on the system model.
2. Membranes
The Membranes (large housing either stainless steel or white & black) are a little more difficult to change but you should only need to change them every 12-18 months. You will know when it is time to replace a membrane as it will stop purifying the water as efficiently, though there is no definite symptom. For argument sake if the input water is 100ppm, the membrane should purify down to approx 5-15ppm (before the water hits the DI Vessel). When the output water starts to creep up above 20 – it’s time to change the membrane or run the risk of spending more money replacing the DI vessel resin more often.
You can purchase replacement membranes via the links below. Depending on the model you will need either a 20’’or 40’’ membrane.
- Replacement 20'' or 40'' Membranes (Choose Option HF4)
3. DI Vessel (resin)
The final stage in the filtration process is the DI vessel (this looks a little like a divers oxygen tank). The DI vessel is filled with mixed bed deionising resin and is very simple to change. You can do so by simply emptying the tank, swilling inside and refilling with loose resin. We recommend filling the tank approximately ¾ full and be sure to leave enough space for the riser tube (this tube extends from the DI vessel lid into the tank). There are plenty of online videos demonstrating how to do this if you are unsure.
The simple way to determine if the resin needs changing is to check the purity of the water leaving the system. If it is not reading 0 – the resin isn’t doing its job and will need changing. How long resin lasts is dependent on if you are in a hard or soft water area. The harder the water, the more the resin has to work and therefore you will need to change it more often. You should budget to change your resin from 3-6 months (soft water areas will find it lasts longer than this).
You can purchase DI Resin via the link below:
- Unger Mixed Bed Premium Resin - 25L
Key Points about the FaceLift Zero System
- Production Rate. RO Membranes require significant pressure to run efficiently. If you find the system produces water at a very slow rate, this is almost always the reason. As a rule of thumb, 100psi is the ideal running pressure – though many choose to run at lower pressures and simply accept slower product water rates
- Waste Water. All RO/DI systems produce waste water, though a sign of a system running incorrectly is a very high waste –to-product ratio.
- Winter Considerations. Water expands when it cools and so during the winter, freezing conditions WILL cause the filter and membrane housings to crack. It is advised to insulate the system if it is left in cold conditions over night. You will also notice that during the winter, production rates will decrease when compared with warmer water in the summer.
- External Factors. Direct sunlight may cause algae to grown inside the filter and membrane housings. Its advised to store the system away from direct sunlight
Leaving the RO for extended periods.
It is advised to leave the RO/DI system running continuously without extended breaks. Doing so limits build up of contaminants within the system. That said, we understand that even the dedicated Window Cleaner needs a holiday now and again and if the system is being left, before using the system again we recommend following the procedure below.
1. Disconnect the hose leading from the Membrane housing to the DI Vessel and allow to drain.
2. Open the waste valve and flush the system for approximately 30 minutes.
3. Close the valve and run for thirty minutes (with DI Vessel disconnected).
4. Connect the DI vessel and begin working as normal.
