How to Assemble and Install a Vectapure NX Reverse Osmosis System

Waterite”s Vectapure NX is a great Reverse Osmosis System.   We typically install these for our customers, but if you choose to install it yourself this is the procedure I recommend.

Step 1. Selecting the System Location

This reverse osmosis system is designed for installation under a sink.   It can however, be mounted anywhere within 20 feet of the faucet, such as the basement.   Keep in mind that filters will need periodic replacement and you will need easy access and there may be some water spilled during the filter change process so plan accordingly.  Both the RO system and the tank may be installed horizontally or vertically.   Also it is usually a good idea to leave slack in the tubing to make it easier for filter changing.

You can also install a tee in the line to the faucet to connect to a fridge.   If you locate your system farther than 20 feet from the faucet you will need to install a pressure booster pump to your line.

Step 2.   The water supply adapter included is intended to be installed between the supply and the faucet connector, under the kitchen sink.

Step 3. Install the Cold Water Supply Faucet Adapter

1. Turn OFF the COLD water supply valve to your kitchen faucet.

2. Turn ON the COLD water on your kitchen faucet to release all the pressure, and completely drain the cold water until the water flow stops.

3. Place some towels underneath the cold water supply valve and then disconnect the faucet supply tube from the cold water supply valve.

4. Wrap male threads on both cold water supply valve and the water supply adapter 4 to 5 times with plumber”s (Teflon) tape.

5. Install the water supply adapter on the cold water supply valve. Do not over-tighten.  

6. Install the faucet supply tube to the water supply adapter.

7. Connect the white ¼” tube to the water supply adapter by inserting the tube firmly and pushing until the tube end contacts the stop. Gently tug the tube backwards to assure a secure connection, follow this same procedure with all of the connectors whenever inserting tubing. Do NOT connect the other end of the tube to the RO system water inlet at this time.

8. Keep the COLD water supply valve OFF until the RO system installation has been completed.

Step 4. Install the Sink Faucet

1. Locate and mark the spot you wish to install the faucet.   Make sure it does not interfere with operation of the main faucet and that there is clearance for plumbing and mounting hardware directly below it under the sink or countertop.

2. Drill the hole 5/8″ diameter for the faucet.

3. The sink faucet can now be mounted to the sink or countertop.

Do not connect the tube to anything at this time.

Step 5. Install the Drain Saddle Assembly

1. Select the location to install the drain saddle assembly.   This is usually on the sink drainpipe and needs to always be located above the “S” trap.

2. Position the drain saddle assembly in the selected location and mark the spot through the threaded outlet.

3. Drill a ¼” hole at the marked spot.   Strip the backing paper from the adhesive side of the saddle gasket and position on the inside of the drain saddle, aligning the hole with the threaded outlet.   Attach the drain saddle to the drainpipe, aligning the push-on port with the drilled hole.   Tighten the clamp snugly. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN.

4. The black drain tube may be inserted directly into the push-on drain port, using instructions in Step 8  below.   Do not attach poly tube at this time.

Step 6. Install the Tank Valve, Preparing the Storage Tank

1. Thread on tank shut- off valve until snug.   DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN.     Move tank valve to the fully open position.

Step 7   INSTALL FILTER CARTRIDGES AND HOUSINGS AT THIS TIME. THOROUGHLY WASH HANDS BEFORE LOADING CARTRIDGES AND MEMBRANE ELEMENTS.

Insert the white 5-micron sediment filter cartridge in the housing as marked and assemble housing.   The housings are seated with o-rings – DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN – 1/4 turn after hand tight is usually sufficient.   Repeat with the carbon block cartridge in the middle housing. Install another carbon block cartridge in the remaining filter housing and reassemble.   Insert the membrane into the membrane housing making sure it is seated right to the bottom.          

Step 8. Connect the System Tubing

1. Connect the cold water supply valve to the first filter housing water inlet push-on fitting (marked “water inlet”), after cutting the ¼” clear tube to the length required.

2. Connect the black ¼” tube (marked “to drain”) to the Drain Saddle push-on connection (your black drain tube is pre-attached to your RO).  Place the storage tank in the location you have chosen for it.   Using the clear ¼” tube connect the system fitting marked “to tank” to the tank valve.   Connect the ¼” tube attached to the faucet to the system fitting marked “to faucet”.

Step 9.   Starting Up the System

1. Open cold water supply valve slightly and let RO system fill with water slowly.   Check for leaks and repair if necessary.

3. Let the system operate for about 10 minutes.   Close the storage tank valve and open the faucet until product water drips out.   Check for leaks and fix if necessary.  DO NOT USE ANY WATER FROM THE SYSTEM UNTIL THE NEXT STEP IS COMPLETE.  

4. Open the storage tank valve and close the faucet.   The system is now operating and filling the storage tank.   Allow the tank to fill completely and the system to automatically shut itself off.   This step may take 1-3 hours.   Open the faucet and let the entire tank drain completely.   You will see dark carbon fines briefly flush from the post carbon filer cartridge – this is harmless and normal for the first flow of water through the cartridge.   Allow the system to re-fill the tank.   Repeat this process two more times and once completed, your system is ready for use.

Step 10. . Mounting the RO Unit

While holding the RO unit in its mounting position, mark the holes for the wall screws.   Using a 1/8″ bit, drill the pilot holes for the screws.   Screw in the mounting screws leaving ¼” protruding.   Hang the RO mounting bracket on the screws.