Water Filtration System - Staff Guide

iSpring RCB3P Reverse Osmosis System - Why clean water matters for every drink.

⚡ What You Need to Know

Where is the filtered water?

• Special faucet on sink (labeled "RO" or "Filtered")
• Turn on just like regular faucet
• Water flows slower than tap water (this is normal!)

When to use filtered water:

• ✅ ALL drinks (milk tea, coffee, fruit tea, etc.)
• ✅ Making ice
• ✅ Espresso machine water tank
• ✅ Hot water dispenser
• ✅ Any water that customers will drink

When NOT to use filtered water:

• ❌ Mopping floors
• ❌ Handwashing
• ❌ Dishwashing (regular tap is fine)

Why Filtered Water Matters

Clean water = better tasting drinks! Our RO system removes chlorine, minerals, and impurities that affect taste. Every drink you make will taste cleaner and better.

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🚰 How to Use the RO System

Getting Filtered Water:

1. Turn on RO faucet (separate from regular tap)
2. Water flows slowly - about 5 minutes per gallon (normal!)
3. Fill your container - pitcher, espresso machine tank, hot water dispenser
4. Turn off when done

Tips:

• Fill containers ahead of time during slow periods
• Keep a pitcher of RO water ready
• Takes ~5 min to fill 1 gallon (be patient!)
• Slower flow = more thorough filtering

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🧊 Why Clean Water = Better Drinks

What the RO system removes:

• ✅ Chlorine (chemical taste)
• ✅ Minerals that cause scale buildup
• ✅ Heavy metals
• ✅ Bad taste and odors
• ✅ Impurities

Results:

• 🫖 Tea tastes cleaner, true flavors come through
• ☕ Coffee/espresso tastes better
• 🥤 Milk tea is smoother
• 🧊 Ice is crystal clear (not cloudy)
• ⚙️ Equipment lasts longer (no scale buildup)

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⚠️ What to Watch For

Slow or No Water Flow

What to do:

• Normal: RO water is always slower than tap
• Problem: If it stops completely or becomes much slower
• Tell manager - filters may need replacing

Water Tastes Bad

What to do:

• This shouldn't happen with RO water!
• Tell manager immediately - filters need attention
• Use bottled water temporarily if needed

Leaking Under Sink

What to do:

• Tell manager right away
• Don't use RO faucet until fixed
• Use bottled water as backup

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🆘 When to Get Manager

Get help if:

• No water coming from RO faucet
• Water tastes weird or bad
• Leaking under sink
• Strange sounds from under sink
• RO faucet broken or loose

This is important equipment - report problems immediately!

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💡 What New Staff Should Know

1. RO water is for drinks only - not for cleaning
2. Always flows slower than regular tap (by design)
3. Fills espresso machine faster if you use a pitcher
4. Check water before shift - is pitcher full and ready?
5. Better water = happier customers - it really makes a difference!

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❓ Quick Questions

Q: Why does filtered water flow so slowly? A: RO filters water very thoroughly - removes 99%+ of impurities. This takes time! It's normal.

Q: Can I just use tap water for drinks? A: NO! Tap water has chlorine and minerals that taste bad and damage equipment. Always use RO water.

Q: Which faucet is the filtered water? A: Look for the separate faucet labeled "RO" or "Filtered". Ask your trainer to show you.

Q: What if RO faucet isn't working? A: Tell manager immediately. Use bottled water as temporary backup.

Q: Do I need to do anything to maintain it? A: No - manager handles all maintenance. Just report any problems.

Q: Water looks slightly cloudy - is that okay? A: Tiny air bubbles are normal. If it stays cloudy or colored, tell manager.

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📞 Need More Info?

• Equipment that uses RO water:
  • Espresso Machine
  • Hot Water Dispenser
• Ask your trainer to show you which faucet
• Questions? Ask manager or [email protected]

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📚 Technical Details (Management Only)

Click for maintenance schedule, filter replacement, and troubleshooting

System Specs

• Model: iSpring RCB3P Tankless Reverse Osmosis System
• Capacity: 300 GPD (gallons per day)
• Flow Rate: ~0.21 gallons per minute
• Pure to Drain Ratio: 1.5:1 (efficient, less waste than traditional RO)
• Installation: Under sink
• Pressure: 40-80 PSI (booster pump included)
• Purchase: Amazon Link

How RO Works

Process:

1. Pre-filters remove sediment and chlorine
2. RO membrane filters out dissolved solids, heavy metals, bacteria (99%+)
3. Post-filter polishes water for taste
4. Clean water to faucet
5. Waste water (concentrate) to drain

Filter Replacement Schedule

Critical Maintenance

Filters MUST be replaced on schedule. Old filters reduce quality and can damage the expensive RO membrane!

Filter	Replace Every	Cost
Sediment Pre-Filter	6-12 months	$15-25
Carbon Pre-Filters	6-12 months	$20-30 each
RO Membrane	2-3 years	$80-120
Post-Carbon Filter	12 months	$15-25

Annual Filter Cost: ~$110-140/year Compared to Buying Bottled Water: Saves $3,000+/year!

Monthly Maintenance

Manager/Trained Staff:

1. Check for leaks (all connections)
2. Verify pressure gauge reading (40-60 PSI normal)
3. Check water flow rate (time filling 1 gallon)
4. Inspect tubing for kinks or damage
5. Listen for pump noise (should be quiet hum)
6. Clean RO faucet, remove mineral buildup

Filter Replacement Process

Before Starting:

• Order correct replacement filters
• Have towels ready (water will drip)
• Turn off water supply to system
• Relieve pressure (open faucet)

Steps:

1. Turn off feed water valve
2. Open RO faucet to relieve pressure
3. Unscrew filter housing (counterclockwise)
4. Remove old filter
5. Insert new filter
6. Check o-ring condition (replace if worn)
7. Reinstall housing (hand-tighten, don't overtighten)
8. Turn water supply back on
9. Flush new filter 5-10 minutes
10. Check for leaks
11. Mark replacement date on filter

RO Membrane Replacement (Every 2-3 Years)

When to Replace:

• Every 2-3 years (typical)
• TDS output increases significantly (>50 ppm)
• Flow rate drops dramatically
• After replacing pre-filters doesn't help

Professional replacement recommended - more complex, requires sanitization.

Water Quality Testing

TDS Testing (Total Dissolved Solids):

Purchase TDS meter ($10-20) and test monthly:

• Good RO Water: 0-50 ppm (lower is better)
• Fair: 50-100 ppm (membrane still working)
• Replace Soon: 100-200 ppm
• Poor: 200+ ppm (replace filters/membrane)

Baseline:

• Test inlet (tap water): typically 200-500 ppm
• Test outlet (RO water): should be <50 ppm
• Record readings monthly
• Increase of 50+ ppm indicates filter issue

Troubleshooting

Low Water Flow:

• Filters clogged → Replace pre-filters
• Membrane fouled → Replace RO membrane
• Low pressure → Check booster pump operation
• Kinked tubing → Straighten water lines
• Closed valve → Verify all valves open

Water Tastes Bad:

• Old carbon filters → Replace carbon pre and post-filters
• Old membrane → Replace RO membrane if >3 years
• System not flushed → Flush for 20 minutes
• Contaminated storage → Flush thoroughly

System Leaking:

• Loose housing → Tighten filter housing (don't overtighten)
• Bad o-ring → Replace o-ring gasket
• Cracked housing → Replace filter housing
• Loose fitting → Tighten push-fit connections
• Damaged tubing → Replace section of tubing

High TDS Reading (>50 ppm):

• Old membrane → Replace RO membrane
• Chlorine damage → Replace carbon pre-filters first
• Membrane bypass → Check membrane seals
• Defective membrane → Replace under warranty

Loud Pump Noise:

• Low water pressure → Check feed water pressure
• Air in system → Flush to remove air bubbles
• Pump failure → May need pump replacement
• Vibration → Secure pump mounting

Constant Drain Water:

• Check valve failure → Replace check valve
• Auto-shut-off valve issue → Check ASO valve
• System not reaching shut-off pressure → Check membrane, filters

Emergency Procedures

System Leak:

1. Turn off feed water valve immediately
2. Turn off under-sink main if needed
3. Dry area to prevent damage
4. Identify leak source
5. Tighten or repair
6. Monitor for 30 minutes after fix

No Water:

1. Check feed water valve is open
2. Check booster pump is running
3. Verify no kinked lines
4. Check filter housings secured
5. Call plumber if still no flow

Brown/Cloudy Water:

1. Don't serve to customers
2. Flush system for 10 minutes
3. If persists, check filters
4. Replace filters if old
5. Test water before resuming use

Cost of Ownership

Initial Investment:

• System: ~$300-400
• Installation (professional): $150-300
• Total Initial: ~$450-700

Annual Costs:

• Pre-filters: $50-80/year
• Post-filter: $20/year
• RO Membrane: $40/year (every 2-3 years)
• Total Annual: ~$110-140

Compared to Bottled Water:

• 300 gallons/month commercial use
• Bottled water cost: ~$300+/month = $3,600/year
• RO System: ~$10/month = $120/year
• SAVINGS: $3,480/year!

Safety & Best Practices

✅ DO:

• Replace filters on schedule
• Monitor TDS monthly
• Check for leaks regularly
• Use for all drinks and ice
• Flush system after filter changes
• Keep area under sink dry

❌ DON'T:

• Overtighten filter housings (can crack)
• Ignore pressure gauge warnings
• Skip filter replacements
• Use for hot water (damages membrane)
• Force connections
• Delay leak repairs

Regulatory Compliance

Food Service Requirements:

• Maintain water quality logs
• Test periodically (TDS readings)
• Keep filter replacement records
• Ensure system meets local health codes

Documentation:

• Log all filter changes (date, type)
• Record TDS readings monthly
• Note any repairs
• Keep receipts for filters

Training Requirements

All Staff Must Know:

• ✅ Which faucet is RO water
• ✅ Why we use filtered water
• ✅ What to do if leak detected
• ✅ Who to contact for issues

Management/Trained Staff Must Know:

• ✅ How to replace filters
• ✅ How to read pressure gauge
• ✅ How to test TDS
• ✅ Troubleshooting basics
• ✅ When to call for service

System Components

1. Pre-Filters (2-3 filters)

   • Sediment filter (removes particles)
   • Carbon block filters (removes chlorine, taste, odor)

2. RO Membrane

   • Heart of the system
   • Filters out dissolved solids
   • Lasts 2-3 years

3. Post-Filter (Carbon)

   • Final polishing
   • Improves taste
   • Removes remaining odors

4. Booster Pump

   • Increases water pressure
   • Ensures consistent flow
   • Powers RO process

5. Pressure Gauge

   • Monitors system pressure
   • Helps diagnose issues
   • Shows filter status

6. Dedicated Faucet

   • Separate tap for filtered water
   • Mounted on sink or countertop

Supplier Information

Purchase: Amazon - iSpring RCB3P

Replacement Filters:

• Amazon
• iSpring direct website
• Local plumbing suppliers

Service:

• iSpring customer support
• Local plumber (for repairs)

Installation (Professional)

Location Requirements:

• Under-sink space: 15"W x 18"D x 16"H minimum
• Access to cold water line
• Access to drain line
• Water pressure: 40-80 PSI (booster pump compensates)

Process:

1. Clear under-sink space
2. Mount system to wall
3. Connect to cold water line
4. Connect drain waste line
5. Install RO faucet
6. Flush system 2-3 hours initially
7. Test for leaks

Acceptable Performance Ranges

Measurement	Good Range
Outlet TDS	0-50 ppm
System Pressure	40-60 PSI
Flow Rate	0.15-0.25 gpm
Pure:Drain Ratio	1.5:1

Filter Replacement Log

Component	Replace Every	Last Changed	Next Due
Sediment Pre-Filter	6-12 months	[Date]	[Date]
Carbon Pre-Filter 1	6-12 months	[Date]	[Date]
Carbon Pre-Filter 2	6-12 months	[Date]	[Date]
RO Membrane	2-3 years	[Date]	[Date]
Post-Carbon Filter	12 months	[Date]	[Date]

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Purchase Link: Amazon - iSpring RCB3PInstallation Date: [To be added] Last Filter Change: [To be added] Questions? Contact [email protected]