Review on Watts Premier 560014 GPD Membrane by Robert Toomey

DESCRIPTION > Color: yellow. All yellow Premier filters are the same size and fit in the same housing. They have a capacity of 18, 24, 36 and 50 g/day. You need the capacity that fits your system. To my knowledge you may need to add a flow restrictor to your system if you install a higher capacity diaphragm. As it turned out for me, my old membrane was a 36 g/day membrane, but the system seems to work well with a 24 g/day membrane. Also note that my 10 year old diaphragm had the black rubber grommet on the other end, but that doesn't seem to matter. > This filter is rated for 24 gallons per day and you should check if it will fit your existing system. > Genuine Watts #11009 --- This is important as Watts diaphragms have a built in check valve. If you are using another manufacturer's diaphragm, you may need to add a check valve to your system. > Dimensions: 11 1/2" overall length; body diameter 1 3/4"; to fit 2" diameter pipe > Comes with instructions which are not very good. Hitting my 25 year old Watts Premier rig but they don't quite close as the housing of more modern premier reverse osmosis units has been redesigned, I had to grab the end of the old filter with pliers to pull it out, one end has two o-rings (closed in bottom right photo see), the other has no o-rings but a notch Note how your old membrane was installed It's good to take photos with a mobile phone at each disassembly step TIPS > Consider replacing all other filters at the same time --- They extend the life of the membrane > I suggest that you start maintenance by cleaning the black drain hose (so subsequent cleaning doesn't accidentally contaminate your new filters) See below > At the same time, consider the Austa usch of the tank --- the rubber membrane in the tank. has a limited lifespan (probably 5-10 years) > Silicone grease is ideal for lubricating the o-ring for a better seal. However, you don't want silicone grease getting into your drinking water. So if you use silicone grease on the o-rings, be sure to wipe off excess grease - just a few molecules thick will do. Permatex PERMATEX DIELECTRIC GREASE 22058 > Silicone grease is also useful on all the "threads" that the filter housings are made on --- it makes them easy to tighten more than usual --- and when it comes time to close the filters change, the housing should be easier to unscrew. SEWLINE MAINTENANCE PREMIER RO --- It is advisable to do this before installing the membrane filter.> After about 6 months of use, the black sewer pipe may become clogged with carpets of bacteria. . If you're careful, there's a weird choking gurgle when the hose is almost clogged. If it's clogged, wastewater will flow onto your meter from the faucet itself. The solution (i.e. prevent the line from clogging) is to regularly clean the black sewer line. An 18 inch weed cable works well. Disconnect the black hose from the sink drain line, insert a weed string into the hose and clean it out. If you've had a root canal, you know how it's done Note that the bacterial mat is a nasty residue - keep an old cloth towel handy to soak up the dirt. Line hose cleaning brush: 3/16" diameter, which worked fine when I used it once (1/4" model may work better). Air gap to prevent bacterial mats from forming. Since I do this every few months, the drain line doesn't clog, so I don't have to use a brush. The closest bottle that works well for this purpose is $3 container storage from Nalgene. A beachcomber! o Applicators, 5 tips, 4 bottles would probably be even better. > Air Gap - Literally a 'gap' ie an open space or 'well' located under the lever, opposite the giraffe's neck. To access Premier flat-sided faucets (no side access hole), pull the giraffe's neck straight up and out, then slide the lever forward (towards the giraffe's neck). Drop a few drops of Clorox into the well. DO NOT touch the small black plastic insert - this is a tiny 'tap' through which the red line dispenses the 'brine' into the air gap or 'well'. To reassemble, slide the lever back (towards the air gap) so the legs slide under the "T", then slide the giraffe's neck back into place. On Premier faucets with a domed body (no flat sides), the air gap is accessible through a hole on the same side as the lever, perhaps precisely to facilitate disinfecting the air gap. If you are installing a dome body faucet, the lever is on the sink, the opening is the easiest to access > Click "Stoney" just below the product name to see my other reviews or leave a comment to ask questions.