K5 system with mineral filter. What TDS range is normal?

[sidneyhop]

I recently checked my TDS through my K5 system and it seems quite high compared to my unfiltered tap.

Unfiltered city tap was around 170 ppm

Through system was 110 ppm.

I had a mineral filter on, but removed it to perform the test. Is the water in the storage tank in line after or before the mineral filter? Im assuming there would be some residual if its after and this would explain the elevated numbers. What would be the normal range once the minerals are all flushed out, or if the tank is before the filter?

Thanks!

[pawaterguy]

110 sounds normal with the filter in use. Without it I would expect somewhere close to 10. Maybe 15 or so depending on the age of the membrane, water temp and pressure...etc.

[sidneyhop]

Thanks for the info. Do you know if the mineral filter is before or after the water tank?

[pawaterguy]

Thanks for the info. Do you know if the mineral filter is before or after the water tank?

The water passes through the 2 optional slots before going to the tank and then through the post filter when the faucet it opened.

[sidneyhop]

Ok, good to know. I've had the mineral filter off for about a month now and still getting a reading of 100 ppm. Would it take this long to purge the tank of any mineral residue?

[pawaterguy]

Ok, good to know. I've had the mineral filter off for about a month now and still getting a reading of 100 ppm. Would it take this long to purge the tank of any mineral residue?

I wouldn't think so. Does it stay at 100 or does it fluctuate at the beginning of the tank vs when the tank empties and you get just the trickle off of the membrane?

[sidneyhop]

At the beginning its 100 and at the end with just a trickle its 104.
Also the straight tap water is just 130, so not that much higher.
My drain clogged a few months ago and I tried plunging it. Do you think the potential pressure through the drain hose could have damaged the membrane?

[pawaterguy]

Anything is possible I suppose, but I'd replace the membrane and go from there. If there was a wider swing in the TDS I'd say check/replace the bladder.