How to winterize your Rhodi 0 flow to prevent damage

|Mohammed Sohag

To winterize your Rhodi 0 Flow, you must prevent water from freezing inside the 4-stage housings, which can crack the unit and damage the RO membrane. The process involves draining all 10-inch housings, removing the filters, and storing the 50 lb system in a temperature-controlled environment (above 40°F). For long-term storage, the RO membrane should be kept moist with a specialized preservative solution to maintain its Lifetime Warranty integrity. Following these steps ensures your system delivers its consistent 0.5 GPM flow rate once the spring season begins.

The Danger of the "Hard Freeze"

For a professional window cleaner, winter isn't just a slow season—it’s a threat to your equipment. Water expands as it freezes. If that expansion happens inside your Rhodi 0 Flow, it can shatter the 10-inch housings, snap brass fittings, and "de-laminate" your RO membrane.

Replacing a cracked manifold or a ruined membrane in the spring is an unnecessary "tax" on your business. We designed this system as a 50 lb industrial asset, and we aim to safeguard it during the off-season.

The Step-by-Step Winterization Protocol

1. Drain the Entire System

Don't just turn off the tap. You need to evacuate the "dead water" sitting in the stages.

  • Disconnect all hoses and open the waste and pure water valves.
  • Tilt the system slightly to ensure the base of the housings is empty.

Pro-Tip: Use your filter wrench to unscrew the housings and physically pour out the remaining water.

2. Filter & Resin Management

  • Sediment & Carbon: If your pre-filters are near the 2–4 month replacement mark, toss them. If they are fresh, let them air dry completely before storing them in a sealed bag.
  • DI Resin: Never let resin freeze. Freezing breaks the internal structure of the beads, making them useless for the 10 ppm rule in the spring. Store your resin in a climate-controlled room.

3. The RO Membrane "Wet Storage"

The RO membrane is the heart of the system. If it dries out completely, it will shrink and lose its 98% rejection rate.

  • If you are storing the unit for more than 3 months, use an RO Preservative (hygroscopic solution).
  • This prevents biological growth and keeps the membrane "primed" for that consistent 0.5 GPM flow rate when you restart your commercial contracts.

Storage Logistics: Where to Put Your Rig

The Rhodi 0 Flow stands 49 inches tall, making it easy to tuck into a corner of a basement or a heated shop.

  • Temperature: Keep it in an area that stays above 40°F (4°C).
  • The Van Trap: Never leave your rig in your van overnight during a freeze. Even a "well-insulated" van will eventually hit freezing temperatures, and the small amount of water left in the brass fittings will expand and cause leaks.

Spring Startup: Returning to the Glass

When the temperatures rise, don't just hook up and go.

  1. Flush the System: Run water through the system (without the DI resin installed) for 15–20 minutes to clear out any preservatives or stagnant water.
  2. Test the TDS: Check that your RO membrane is still hitting its rejection target before installing fresh resin.

Check for Leaks: Inspect all seals and O-rings. If they dried out over winter, apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to ensure a watertight seal.

The Verdict: Protect Your Lifetime Warranty

We offer a lifetime warranty because we believe in the durability of our powder-coated steel and brass construction. However, damage caused by freezing is preventable maintenance. Taking 15 minutes to winterize your Rhodi 0 Flow ensures that your business is ready to hit the ground running the moment the spring rush starts.

Don't let a cold snap crack your profits.