APEC WATER RO-CTOP Ultimate Countertop Reverse Osmosis System Owner’s Manual
- June 13, 2024
- APEC WATER
Table of Contents
RO-CTOP Ultimate Countertop Reverse Osmosis System
Product Specifications
- Product Name: ULTIMATE Countertop REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM
- Brand: APEC
- Flow Rate: Gallons Per Day (GPD)
- Pressure: Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI)
- Contaminants Measurement: Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in Parts
Per Million (PPM)
Product Usage Instructions
Part I. Hook Up The RO Countertop System to Your Faucet
System Hook Up:
- Remove your faucet’s aerator (if present).
- Attach the RO system’s faucet adapter to your faucet. If the
connection doesn’t match, try using the other Valve Adapters
provided.
Feed Water:
-
Turn the faucet on to FULL (cold water only) to supply maximum
water pressure to the RO system. -
Tap water will flow out the bottom of the diverter head. Turn
the black knob on the diverter head Clockwise to direct the water
into the RO system and Counter Clockwise to shut off water to the
RO unit. -
Adjust the faucet if input water is very cold to supply
lukewarm water (avoid hot water).
Pure Water:
-
Remove the red cap from the end of the pure water output
tubing. -
Place the tubing in your water container to catch the pure
water.
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of a TDS meter?
The TDS meter is used to measure the Total Dissolved Solids
level in the water, indicating the level of contaminants
present.
2. How often should I change the filters in the system?
Refer to the Filter Change Schedule & Instructions in the
manual for guidance on when to replace each filter stage based on
your usage and water quality.
ULTIMATE Countertop REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION & OWNER’S MANUAL
www.FreeDrinkingWater.com
All Rights Reserved © APEC Water Systems
Please keep this Owner’s Manual for future reference.
It contains useful information on how to maintain and care for your APEC
Reverse Osmosis Countertop water filter system.
TABLE OF CONTENT 1. Hook Up The RO Countertop System To Your Faucet:
System Hook Up …………………………………………………….. page 3
2. System Maintenance – Filter Change:
Filter Change Schedule & Instructions ……………………….. page 4 How to Replace Stage
1 Filter …………………………………… page 5 How to Replace Stage 2 Filter ……………………………………
page 6 How to Replace Stage 3 Membrane …………………………… page 7 How to Replace Stage
4 Filter …………………………………… page 8
3. Trouble-shoot Guide:
RO Diagram ………………………………………………………… page 10
4. Other Information:
TDS Meter: Testing Your Water Quality ……………………….. page 12 System Pure Water
Production Rate ………………………….. page 13
5. Warranty ………………………………………………………………… page 14
1
Thank you for choosing APEC Reverse Osmosis Systems. You now own the finest
reverse osmosis system in America!
Please read and become familiar with the instruction before proceeding with
the installation.
Before Installation: Inspect the system: Please take the system and all the
components out of box. Inspect the system and all the connection fittings
carefully, making sure nothing was damaged during shipping. If any part is
cracked or broken, please do not proceed with the installation and contact
APEC or your distributor for an exchange or diagnosis.
Operating Parameter · Operating pressure: 35 psi minimum to 90 psi maximum ·
Feed water temperature: 40-100 degree F (4-37 degree C) · Do not connect or
run HOT water through this system.
Basic Terms GPD = Gallons Per Day (flow rate) PSI = Pounds Per Square Inch
(pressure) TDS = Total Dissolved Solids (contaminants) PPM = Parts Per Million
(unit used to measure TDS level) TDS Meter = A digital meter for measuring the
TDS level in the water
General Installation/Operation/Maintenance Requirements · Installation needs
to comply with state and local laws and regulations. · Do not use with water
that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate
disinfec-
tion before or after system. Systems certified for cyst reduction may be used
on disinfected water that may contain filterable cysts. · This reverse osmosis
system contains a replaceable treatment component critical for effective
reduction of total dissolved solids. The product water shall be tested
periodically to verify that system is performing satisfactorily.
2
Part I. HOOK UP THE RO COUNTERTOP SYSTEM TO YOUR HOME FAUCET
System hook up: Remove your faucet’s aerator (if there is one). Hook up the RO
system’s faucet adapter to your faucet (see Figure A). If the connection does
not match, try using the other Valve Adapters provided.
Figure A
Point A. This is the Pure Water
Point B. Please hook up faucet
Outlet Line. Please remove the Red adapter to your kitchen faucet.
Cap from the end of the tubing.
Figure B 1. Feed water: Turn the faucet on to FULL (cold water only) to supply
maximum water pressure to
the RO system. Tap water will flow out the bottom of the diverter head. Simply
turn the black knob on the diverter head Clockwise to direct the water into
the RO system (See C, Figure B). Turn back knob Counter Clockwise to shut off
water to the RO unit (See D, Figure B).
If input water is very cold, you can adjust the faucet to supply Luke warm
water (No Hot Water Please!). Strong input water pressure and warm water
temperature will help increase output flow rate.
2. Pure Water: Remove the red cap from end of the pure water output tubing
(See A, Figure A). Place the tubing in your water container to catch the pure
water.
3. Brine water: Brine (waste) water will drain through the brine outlet on
the diverter head (all reverse osmosis systems must generate brine water to
make pure water).
4. Flushing system: Let the RO run for 10-15 minutes to flush out the new
Membrane discard the output water during the flush. When done flushing, the
fresh pure water is now ready for your enjoyment!
3
Part II. System Maintenance – Filter Change Instructions
Filter Ports: All filters have Quick-Connect ports. Remove and connect tubing
to filter ports as shown in the below “Quick-Connect Guide” diagram.
Remove Filter: Please change one filter at a time to avoid mixing up the
filters. New filters come with 2″ protective plugs on each end. You can take
them out by pressing on the collet ring with one finger and using a pair of
pliers or hand to pull out the protective tubing (See Figure C1).
Connect Tubing Figure C2
Figure C1
Press down on collet to pull out tubing Figure C3
Quick Connect Guide
How to Connect: – See Fig. C2. Push the tubing into the Quick-Connect fitting, then gently pull back on the tubing to make sure connection was secure.
– No inserts, sleeve, or nuts are needed to secure the connection. – No Teflon tape!
To Disconnect:
– See Fig.C3. Push in and hold down on the collet ring square against the fitting. With the collet held in this position the tube can be removed.
4
How to Replace Stage-1 Sediment Filter (CT-1SED) Change every 6 months or after 600-800 gal pure water used:
Figure D (Back View Of System)
The Stage-1 Sediment filter is tucked behind the membrane housing. For ease of access, pull and lift the 2nd stage filter to the top position. Then, do the following:
Step 1. Disconnect tubing from Point D & Point E (See Figure D). Discard used filter. (Follow “Quick-Connection Guide” for connection tips)
Step 2.
Snap on the new filter onto the 2 holding clips. Make sure the Flow direction “arrow ” on the filter is pointing toward the right direction (See Figure D). Re-connect tubing to both ends of the new filter.
5
How to Replace Stage-2 Carbon Filter (CT-24CAB) Change every 6 months or after
600-800 gal pure water used:
Figure E (Back View Of System)
The Stage-2 Pre-Carbon filter is located between Stage-1 and Stage-4 filters
(See Figure E). Locate it, and follow these steps: Step 1. Disconnect tubing
from Point F & Point G (See Figure E). Discard used Filter.
(Follow “Quick-Connection Guide” for connection tips) Step 2. Snap on the new
filter onto the 2 holding clips. Make sure the Flow Direction ” Arrow” on the
filter is pointing towards the left direction (See Figure E). Reconnect tubing
to both ends of the new filter.
6
How to Replace Stage-3 Membrane (MEM-90) Change every 2-3 years: If Stage 1 &
2 pre-filters are changed regularly, the Stage-3 Membrane can last 2-3 years
depending on your input water’s quality. The Membrane needs replacing when:
The TDS (total dissolved solids) level in the pure water starts to increase
(detected by a TDS meter), or when the water taste quality starts to decline.
Replace the Membrane as follows: 1. Locate the Membrane-Housing (with “Filmtec
Membrane” label on it.) 2. Disconnect tubing from the Membrane-Housing Cap.
Remove membrane-housing cap by turning it
counter-clockwise. Pull out the old membrane using pliers. Then insert the new
membrane into the housing. Make sure the end with “2 small black rings” goes
in first as shown below (See Figure F). 3. Close the cap on membrane-housing.
Reconnect tubing to the cap. Let RO run for 10-15 minutes to flush out the new
membrane discard the output water. When done flushing, the pure water is
ready for use.
Figure F (Front View Of System)
7
NOTE: Please proceed to Section 1 if you own a RO-CTOP, or proceed to Section
2 if you own a RO-CTOP-PH 1. How to Replace Stage-4 Post-Carbon Filter (CT-
24CAB) for RO-CTOP Change every 2-3 years:
Figure G
Figure H
Front View Of System Follow the same procedures as for changing the Stage-2
carbon filter. They are identical 10″ carbon filters. To remove the pure water
output line, first use a pair of pliers and remove the tubing lock (red clip)
from Point K (See Figure G). Use a flat head screwdriver to push and hold the
collet ring into the stage 4 filter. Then pull out the pure water line.
Discard the old filter and reconnect pure water line to new filter. Make sure
the Flow direction “arrow ” on the filter is pointing towards the right
direction (See Figure H).
8
2. How to Replace Stage-4 pH+ Calcium Re-mineralization Filter (FI-PHPLUS-QC)
Change every year:
Figure I
Figure J
Front View Of System Follow the same procedures as for changing the Stage-2
carbon filter. They are identical 10″ carbon filters. To remove the pure water
output line, first use a pair of pliers and remove the tubing lock (red clip)
from Point K (See Figure I). Use a flat head screwdriver to push and hold the
collet ring into the stage 4 filter. Then pull out the pure water line.
Discard the old filter and reconnect pure water line to new filter. Make sure
the Flow direction “arrow ” on the filter is pointing towards the right
direction (See Figure J). *Important: We recommend changing pure water output
line every 6 months.
9
Part III. Trouble-Shoot Guide After installation, if you encounter any of the
problems described below, please follow this guide to trouble-
shoot. In most cases, the problem is quickly solved by following this guide.
RO DIAGRAM
Figure K
(Stage 1-2, 4 filter flow arrow = water output) Figure L1 10
Figure L2
RO Points Identification:
Point A: Compression nut #1 Point B: Male adapter for compression nut Point C:
Compression nut #2 Point D: Feed water inlet to stage 1 Sediment filter CT-
1SED (red tubing) Point E: Stage 1 Sediment filter CT-1SED outlet Point F:
Stage 2 CT-24CAB inlet Point G: Stage 2 CT-24CAB outlet Point H: Stage 3
membrane pure water outlet Point I: Stage 3 membrane housing inlet Point J:
Stage 4 CT-24CAB inlet. Point K: Stage 4 CT-24CAB outlet. Point L: Compression
nut #1 Point M: Male adapter for compression nut Point N: Compression nut #2
Point W: Drain water outlet (Do not remove flow controller inside)
11
TDS Meter (Option)– How to Test Your Water Quality
The TDS meter is used to test your water’s quality before and after the RO
system. It also tells you when the membrane needs to be changed. Please follow
instructions below: Use 2 clean glasses, fill one glass with Tap water, fill
the other glass with Product (filtered) water (rinse this glass with filtered
water several times to get an accurate reading). Remove the Sensor cap on the
TDS meter and rinse the meter sensor with filtered water several times, then
Turn on the meter. The meter will show “000” reading on its screen. Place the
TDS meter into the Product water. Record Product water’s TDS reading. Then do
the same for the Tap water. Record the Tap water’s reading. Compare the 2
readings. The Product water’s TDS should be about 3%-10% of your Tap water’s
TDS. This is a normal range.
For example: Your Tap water’s TDS: 100 ppm Your Product water’s TDS should
read within: 10% of 100ppm => 10ppm This means that with 100 ppm input, the RO
system has removed 90% of the contaminants (TDS) from the source, leaving only
10% (10 ppm) residual TDS in the Product water. This is a normal range. Which
means the RO membrane is in good condition. If your Product water TDS reads
less than 10%, that is a very good and normal reading.
You should test your water once or twice a year to monitor the membrane
condition. As the membrane gets depleted overtime, its rejection capacity will
decrease. When this happens, the TDS in the Product water will increase.
When your Product water TDS creeps up to 15%- 20% of input water’s TDS, it’s
time to replace the membrane.
12
RO-CTOP Pure Water Production Rate
Input Water Pressure 60 psi 50 psi 40 psi 30 psi
Time to fill 8 oz cup 60 seconds 72 seconds 90 seconds 120 seconds
Time to fill 1 gallon jug 16 minutes 19.2 minutes 24 minutes 32 minutes
Gallons Per Day 90 gpd 75 gpd 60 gpd 45 gpd
- Production rate is based on input water temperature of 25 C (77 F).
The RO-CTOP runs solely on the input water pressure from your water pipe line. The higher the feed pressure, the faster the unit can produce water. High pressure will also improve TDS rejection.
The chart above shows how different water pressure may effect the performance of the unit. Water pressure can be determined by using a water pressure gauge. You can also use the pure water production rate as a simple guide.
For example, it should take approximately 60 seconds to fill an 8oz cup at 60 psi. For very low water pressure, an optional booster pump (sold separately) can be added to help increase the output rate of the system. -
-
- End of Owner’s Manual *
-
13
LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANTY
Scope
APEC takes pride in selling a superb line of products, including this reverse
osmosis system (“Product”). As such, APEC expressly warrants to the original
purchaser that, for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase, the
Product will be reasonably free of defects in materials and workmanship.
Within that one (1) year period from the original purchase, APEC will, at its
option, repair or replace the Product without charge, or refund the cost of
the Product, if the Product fails or does not perform as warranted solely due
to a manufacturing defect within the warranty period, subject to the
limitations and exclusions set forth in this Limited Product Warranty. This
Limited Product Warranty only applies when the Product is used, stored,
handled, fabricated and/or installed in the manner
recommended by APEC in the Installation Instruction & Owner’s Manual
(“Manual”).
Repair or Replacement
Repair or replacement during this one (1) year warranty shall include
reasonable labor charges necessary to repair or replace the defective Product,
but shall not include freight charges or any other local labor charges from
third parties other than APEC, unless APEC expressly approves such charges in
writing. During the entire one (1) year warranty, APEC’s obligation to repair
or replace shall further be limited to repair or replacement with the styles,
models, products, colors, etc. of the Product that are available at the time
of the repair or replacement, and shall be limited to the repair or
replacement of only the specific Product that fails due to a manufacturing
defect. Any repaired or replaced product shall also remain subject to the
original one (1) year warranty from the date of the original
purchase, and any repair or replacement shall not extend the original warranty
period in any manner or start a new warranty period.
Conditions of Validity of this Limited Product Warranty
Even though the Product has extremely high endurance for operating conditions such as pH, maximum TDS, temperature, and optimum water pressure, THIS LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANTY SHALL ONLY BE VALID IF:
1. The replaceable filters and membrane are changed and maintained on a regular basis as directed in the Manual. Moreover, depending on local water input water quality, regular maintenance may need to be increased.
2. The Product is operated within the confines of the following standard operating conditions:
Countertop System
Water Pressure 35- 90 psi
pH Range 2-11
Max. TDS 2000 ppm
Water Temperature 40-100 F
Any information or suggestion by APEC with respect to the Product concerning
applications, specifications or compliance with codes and standards is
provided solely for your convenient reference and is made without any
representation as to accuracy or suitability. You must verify and test the
suitability of any information with respect to the Product for your specific
application.
Non-Covered Defects
THIS LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER DEFECTS CAUSED BY:
1. Improper storage, installation, maintenance, handling, use and/or
alterations of the Product, including, but not limited to, noncompliance with
the installation, maintenance and standard operation conditions stated in the
Manual and this Limited Product Warranty.
2. Unreasonable use, unintended use, or misuse of the Product for something
other than its intended purpose as a reverse osmosis system.
3. Use of replacement parts, filters, membranes or other accessories that are
not sold or manufactured by APEC for use with this particular Product.
4. Damage not resulting from manufacturing defects that occur while the
Product is in the original purchaser’s possession.
5. Installation of the Product with known or visible manufacturing defects at
the time of installation.
6. Damage caused by freezing, flood, fire or Act of God.
14
CONDITIONS THAT RENDER THIS LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANTY VOID THIS LIMITED PRODUCT
WARRANTY SHALL BE VOID IF:
1. The Product is not operated in compliance with normal municipal water
conditions for which the particular model of this Product is intended.
2. The person seeking to invoke the warranty is not the original purchaser.
That is, this Limited Product Warranty only extends to original purchasers.
3. The is purchased used. That is, this Limited Product Warranty only covers
new products. 4. The Product is purchased from someone other than APEC or one
of APEC’s authorized dealers. This is because, unless the
Product was sold by APEC or one of its authorized dealers, APEC cannot verify
or guarantee the integrity or authenticity of the Product.
General Conditions The warranties set forth herein are the only warranties
made by APEC in connection with the product. APEC cannot and does not make any
implied or express warranties with respect to the product, and disclaims all
other warranties, including, but not limited to, any warranty of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Products sold by APEC are
sold only to the specifications specifically set forth by APEC in writing.
Other than the limited product warranty set forth herein, APEC makes no other
warranties, express or implied. APEC’s sole obligation under this warranty
shall be repair or replacement of a non-conforming product or parts of the
product, or at the option of APEC, return of the product and a refund of the
purchase price. Buyer assumes all risk whatsoever as to the result of the use
of the product purchased, whether used singularly or in combination with any
other products or substances. No claim by the buyer/owner of any kind,
including claims for indemnification, shall be greater in amount than the
purchase price of the products in respect to which damages are claimed. In no
event shall APEC be liable to buyer/owner in tort, contract or otherwise, for
any special, indirect, incidental, consequential, reliance, statutory,
special, punitive or exemplary damages, including, but not limited to, lost
profits, loss of use, loss of time, inconvenience, damage to good will or
reputation, or loss of data, even if advised of the possibility of such
damages or such damages could have been reasonably foreseen, in connection
with, arising out of, or as a result of, the sale, delivery, servicing, use or
loss of use of the products sold hereunder, or for any liability of buyer to
any third party with respect thereto.
Obtaining Warranty Coverage or General Inquiries If coverage is available, you
may obtain coverage under this Limited Product Warranty by providing APEC with
proof of original purchase, and that you are the original purchaser. For
service under this Limited Product Warranty, you must notify APEC by phone at
1-800-880-4808, by email at
[email protected], or in writing at 301 Brea Canyon Road, City
of Industry, CA 91789. In making the claim, please provide your name, address,
phone number, a description of the product involved, and an explanation of the
defect.
California Proposition 65 Warning WARNING: This product contains chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other
reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
15
www.FreeDrinkingWater.com
301 Brea Canyon Road City of Industry, CA 91789
1-800-880-4808
© This manual is copyrighted by APEC Inc. Under the copyright laws, this
manual may not be reproduced in any form, in whole or part, without the prior
written consent of APEC Inc. Manual print Ver. 3.3, 2024 May.