Reverse Osmosis Filtration for the Refrigerator

# re: Reverse Osmosis Filtration for the Refrigerator

I am having problems with this unit. The drain continually overflows out the faucet vent causing water damage. I have talked to their help line and made sure the drain line is not clogged. The flow regulating line (red) has its restrictor in place and is the factory length. I am probably out the 150 bucks or so but am aggravated I have to keep fixing this. I never find anything wrong but water will just start flowing out the vent. Plus it makes "chirping" noises all day. I have to shut it off at night and when we leave. Hassle. Considering another unit. 3/2/2008 10:53 AM | David

# re: Reverse Osmosis Filtration for the Refrigerator

You'll have the same problem with any unit. the drain line needs to be as straight and short as possible or water will not drain correctly and come thru the air gap in the faucet. 5/14/2008 1:37 AM | Nate

# re: Reverse Osmosis Filtration for the Refrigerator

take it from the pro - with reverse osmosis U gona screw up your modular ice maker - things to look forward to -jammed ice maker / ice on the ejector fingers / hollow ice qubes / qubes stuck in the slide // included but not limited to broken ice maker module & flood on your floor .

Ps.
If U want to flush out good minerals from your boody by drinking 100% pure water R/O is the way to go

Ps 2
I do HVAC for living with a degree behind it. 2/20/2009 8:25 PM | "Pollack"

# re: Reverse Osmosis Filtration for the Refrigerator

Hello,

I haven't had any issues with the ice maker yet. I've had it for a year + 3 months now. But, you have peaked my interest. I think I will research this a bit more.

Thanks,
Chris 2/20/2009 11:34 PM | Chris

# re: Reverse Osmosis Filtration for the Refrigerator

Have you seen any negative side effects having the fridge hooked up through the RO system? I have read differing arguments and would like to know your experience. 4/9/2009 1:25 PM | Dan

# re: Reverse Osmosis Filtration for the Refrigerator

I keep hearing extraordinary claims of the harm of R.O. systems to people and to refrigerators, with nothing to substantiate them. I don’t have HVAC experience, but I do have a refrigerator hooked to an R.O. system and I do drink R.O. water at home. I also did my research and read the World Health Organization’s “draft” report on the negative effect of deionized water (basically pure water) and concluded that even the WHO is not sure if it’s harmful at all. By their own words, the harm of natural toxins like arsenic and unnatural man made contaminants are far more serious than the harm of R.O. water if any. Read the report to gain more understanding and keep in mind it’s a draft document soliciting comments from researchers and scientists:

http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/nutdemineralized.pdf

I will not make claims that I can’t substantiate, but I can tell you that I have been drinking both distilled and R.O. water for more than 15 years and have not noticed any ill effects yet, in fact I'm a very healthy person at the moment. If R.O. water is harmful, and it may possibly be, I have yet to see its harm.

As for my fridge, I do have an R.O. system hooked up to it for about 13 months now and have yet to encounter any major problems. I did have hiccups initially when I hooked the R.O. system to the fridge, but managed to resolve them. The “pro” HVAC degreed person above got one thing right, I got hollowed ice cubes due to R.O. system, but that was not because the water being free of minerals, but rather because it reduced the pressure feeding into the fridge to an unacceptable level and because, initially, the new R.O. system had a lot of air bubbles from being new. I resolved the low pressure by adding a pressure pump (mine is Aquatec) which increased the pressure too high, but I reduced it with a pressure valve. I also removed the filter that came with the fridge since it reduced the pressure further, but that’s just my setup.

Currently, the fridge makes decent ice, I have not noticed the ice sticking to the sides, no problem with hollowed ice now that I have correct pressure, ice maker didn’t jam yet, and the ice maker is still functioning fine with the R.O. system now installed for over a year. The ice doesn’t come out crystal clear, like I thought it would, but has a slight cloudiness, and occasionally has ice spikes on the flat side.

The ice cubes (crescent really) do stick to each other, when no one dispenses ice for a long time, but that is no different than the ice produced by my old fridge without the R.O. system. Also, ice grounds do accumulate in the bin, but again, not more than my old fridge. The ice will also pick the smell of the fridge, just like without the R.O. system.

So, to be clear, it is quite possible the R.O. system may cause damage to the fridge; I took my chances and have not had problems yet. I personally worry more about the R.O. tubes coming loose and causing flooding more than I worry about the ice maker malfunctioning due to the R.O. water. I installed a flooding sensor just in case.

My fridge is a low-end Kenmore and the manual recommends avoiding R.O. but it doesn’t say not to use it and it doesn’t say why it recommends avoiding it – my guess: probably because it reduces pressure. Some fridge manuals clearly state not to use R.O. and you probably should follow the manual to avoid voiding the warranty.

When I installed the R.O. system to my fridge, it was brand new -- ironically the old fridge was replaced because the solenoid that controls the water valve stuck in open position (while I was dispensing water) and only way to reset it was to unplug fridge and plug it back up… and that happened without an R.O. system. It was 15 years old and I opted to replace it.

Hope this helps.

Ned. 4/13/2009 8:27 PM | Ned

# re: Reverse Osmosis Filtration for the Refrigerator

Very interesting Ned. Thank you for the great read. I have a Samsung model and I really have had little to no problems with it. I actually used to have a problem with the water freezing in the top tube to the ice tray before this system. The water here is really nasty. We live by the largest Naval base in the US. The water can turn some things pinkish in color. It's simply not something I want to drink with even normal filters. I chose to do this since it seemed easy and the fridge is on the garage wall. So, it was a simple solution to add the RO system.

I love it. Everyone tells me how great my water tastes.

I also have this strange issue now (who knows if this is related to most minerals missing). But, I find myself craving water quite a bit. It's not uncommon for me to want to drink 6+ glasses a day. Just wondering if anyone else experiences that with RO water. 4/14/2009 12:10 AM | Chris

# re: Reverse Osmosis Filtration for the Refrigerator

I will also admit that I also thought the ice would be clear. The ice just being pure is not the issue. Air dries in the ice. I've heard a few methods of getting the air out of ice. Vibration of the water should clear it up.

I am considering trying a small vibration motor for the tray. Who knows if that would work. But, I think it would be fun to try. But, keep in mind that it is only for looks. Since the ice is pure anyways! 4/21/2009 6:51 PM | Chris

# re: Reverse Osmosis Filtration for the Refrigerator

Refrigerators with built in ice makers require water pressure (typically 20 psi minimum) to work properly. Refrigerator manuals recommend against reverse osmosis because it reduces the water pressure (by about half), which can cause problems for the refrigerator. If you have 50-60 psi water supply, the refrigerator will play nice with the RO system. Installing a booster pump, as Ned did, will increase water pressure and improve operation of the plumbing in the refrigerator. If you plan to install a booster pump, be sure not to exceed the upper pressure limit for obvious reasons.

In order to flow properly, the reverse osmosis drain line will need to run downhill. A straight drain line will flow better than one that bends up and down.

Reverse osmosis does remove minerals and fluoride as well as less desirable contaminants. Minerals are added back in to some bottled water for taste, not health. If you like the way pure water tastes, drink up. For health, eat your fruits and vegetables, take a multivitamin, and brush your teeth to get the fluoride.

Here are a few suggestions to get the most from a reverse osmosis system. Consider a water softener if you have a hard water supply (more than 10-15 grains). Reverse osmosis filters will last longer using soft water. Replacement filters for reverse osmosis can be expensive. For water with a lot of suspended solids, you may want to put a particulate filter ahead of the reverse osmosis system. Make sure the replacement particulate filters are less expensive than the reverse osmosis filters. 5/28/2009 11:52 AM | kennedy

# re: Reverse Osmosis Filtration for the Refrigerator

For anyone looking to buy high end RO's I recommend Air, Water & Ice (AWI). I just purchased one to use with my saltwater tank and can't be happier. 9/17/2009 12:28 AM | Kerry C.

# re: Reverse Osmosis Filtration for the Refrigerator

I have just installled a Watts system and my issue is that the RO water causes the water dispenser on the fridge to drip. Is the water so pure it leaks through the stop valve? When I remove the RO line an re-connect the standard water line the drip goes away. Any recommendations on this issue? 1/30/2010 8:10 PM | DCH

# re: Reverse Osmosis Filtration for the Refrigerator

I don't mean to be blunt, but here goes.

Anyone who drinks water with arsenic, unnatural levels of fluoride, chlorine, or mercury is playing with fire. Anyone who listens to the World Health Organization or the American Dental Association is completely ignorant. America is the only country who puts fluoride in our water. Read the back of your toothpaste. Fluoride is HORRIBLE for you and it doesn't do a darn thing to your teeth, that is a myth. Fluoride is a byproduct of metal manufacturing and a bunch of people are getting really rich selling it to companies and the government and the dental industry. It is probably one of the biggest hoaxes of our time. I will filter my water so I know what I am getting. 5/18/2010 11:33 PM | Billy