Changed RO/DI Filters and Resin

Today, I changed the filters and resin on my RO/DI (Reverse Osmosis De-Ionizing) system from Aquasafe Canada, which is rated 100 gallons/per day, five stage.

On average, they are supposed to be changed every 8 - 12 months, however, mine haven't been changed in a few years.  I took a TDS reading a few days ago and let's just say it wasn't far from what was coming out of my tap!  Luckily for me, our tap water is pretty good.  Anyways, it really motivated me to change the filters and resin.

I knew it was going to be a PITA to do, and sure enough as soon as I tried to remove the first filter chamber, it wouldn't budge.  My RO/DI unit came with plastic wrenches specifically made to remove these chambers.  I cranked and cranked until this happened:

I was not happy!  Anyways, now I needed to find a way to try and get these chambers off.  Luckily for me, my friend Pat had a strap wrench that I could try... thanks, Pat!  Again, I cranked and it still didn't budge.  I was turning counter-clockwise, the same direction as if you were unscrewing lids, screws, etc...  Out of frustration, I decided to try unscrewing in the other direction, and after a couple of cranks, it moved!

Here's was the issue... when opening these chambers, you're actually unscrewing the chamber itself, not the lid.  That is why the direction was reversed.  Anyways, I will definitely remember next time.

I quickly changed the filters and resin, hooked up the RO/DI unit and its currently purifying my water.  Later tonight, I will do another TDS reading to test the water quality.