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advice on RO Systems

soonermajic

Well-known member
I have found 2 used RO systems. Would you guys buy brand new, or the used sytems I found? Used systems are:

* Ryko Rainmaker 1600 gpd & needs new membrane & gauges. $700 asking price
* Pure Clean 1600 gpd & needs new membrane: $500

If you are dead set against buying used, what RO system would you suggest & why? I'd really like something NOT complicated. lol
 
Great question and this applies to not just car washing but anything "used". Would I purchase them used, sure. My RO machine is 28 years old and in great condition. Keeps up with everything I need. Over those 28 years I've rebuilt the pump once and replaced the membranes once. I'm sure that you wouldn't want to purchase it as "28 years old!!!". However, everything that any of us own is "used". My RO is that old and I have no intention of ever replacing it with a newer model. I'm guessing it'll require a rebuild in the pump again and some new membranes but it's fine. Purchasing used equipment comes down to the price of the sale and what it'll take to get it running, if anything, again.
 
I wouldn't recommend buying a used unit unless it's in place and working so you can see it or guaranteed to operate. If you pay more for a unit than the pump costs and the pump is no good, you've come out way behind before you've even started.
 
There is not a whole lot to a RO Unit. I am a big advocate of buying good used equipment. I did 2 total rehabs of washes with pretty much all used equipment, saving myself hundreds of thousands of $$$$$. I am a tinkerer and do most all my own work. I have installed 2 Used Washworld H V's, 2 Jim Coleman Super Saver pumpstands(11 bays) 20 used Coleman combo vacs, changers venders and more. If you know how and can do most your own work buying decent used equip. will save mounds of cash. How many of us have purchased new equipment and had nothing but problems with it?
Back to the RO unit if the pump(main part) is good I would make offer knowing you would replace membranes and filters.
I never offer asking price of anything.
 
There are two pumps on my set up and the one that pumps water out to the bays for spot free works but the one that increases the city water pressure into the system has not worked for I think four years and I’m still on the same membranes.
 
Be sure to get one with automatic backlash feature. Saved lots of money by not having to replace membranes all the time.
 
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