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How do I use the HM Digital TDS-EZ meter?
Please watch this video for instructions on how to use the TDS meter.
How can I measure the contaminants in my drinking water? Is there a home test to measure the contaminants in my tap water?
The easiest way to measure total dissolved solids (TDS) in your tap water is with the HM Digital TDS-EZ meter. This meter uses an electrical pulse to measure the conductivity of the dissolved salts. The number on the digital readout is expressed in parts per million (ppm).
When should I change the membrane cartridge in my RO system?
We recommend a yearly change-out for the membrane cartridge and the post-filter on your RO system. This ensures that you will have consistently high quality drinking water. In some cases, depending on the characteristics of your local tap water, you may need to change the filters earlier or later.
The HM Digital TDS-EZ meter can measure the conductivity of the TDS in both your incoming water and the water from your RO faucet. When the TDS of the purified water is 20% of the TDS of the incoming water, it is time to change the RO membrane and filter cartridges. For example:
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Tap water:
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500 pmm
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Purified water:
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50 ppm (10% of the incoming TDS)
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Result:
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The system is working well and does not need a filter change.
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Tap water:
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500 pmm
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Purified water:
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100 ppm (20% of the incoming TDS)
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Result:
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The RO membrane cartridge should be changed.
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How often should I test the TDS in the product water?
We suggest monthly testing. Once you know the starting point for your specific local water, testing can be performed in seconds. Fill a small container (drinking glass) with purified product water from your RO faucet, place the digital TDS tester in the water and press the test button. Note the reading. Empty the container and fill with regular tap water. Place the digital TDS meter in the water and press the button. Note the reading. When the TDS of the purified water is approximately 20% of the TDS of the incoming water, it is time to change the RO membrane and post-filter cartridges.
What does TDS mean?
Total dissolved solids or TDS is a term for all of the salts and hardness that are dissolved in water. TDS is usually expressed in parts per million or ppm. For example, high TDS drinking water might have a TDS measurement of 500 ppm. In general, TDS that is higher that 500 ppm is considered unsuitable for human consumption. water has more salinity than fresh water, but not as much as seawater. Brackish water contains between 500 and 30,000 ppm salt. Seawater may be 30,000 to 50,000 ppm.
What are Dissolved Solids?
Pure water has the ability to dissolve a wide variety of substances. If you place a small amount of salt or sugar in water and stir, you will see the solid particles dissolve into the water. This is similar to what happens as water travels through or over certain kinds of rocks. Small amounts of salts and hardness will dissolve into the water - for example calcium carbonate, magnesium sulfate, sodium chloride and bicarbonate. These substances are not harmful in small concentrations but there are many areas in the world where the total dissolved material may exceed accepted standards for good hydration, generally 500 ppm. In addition, many people feel coffee, tea and cooking water tastes best with lower TDS or total dissolved solids.
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