RO Flow Restrictor Direction – Which Way Is Right?
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Last Updated: Aug 7, 2023
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Installing a flow restrictor on your reverse osmosis system is straightforward and doesn’t require any special skills or equipment.
One important factor to consider besides the size of the flow restrictor is the direction of its installation.
Let’s discuss!
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Key Takeaways
- Pay attention to the installation direction of your flow restrictor.
- Inline-style restrictors typically indicate the flow direction with an arrow.
- Insert-style restrictors are usually installed tail-first.
RO Flow Restrictor Direction – Which Way Is Right?
Which direction you’re going to install your flow restrictor depends mainly on its type. The two most commonly used designs in household reverse osmosis systems are inline-style and insert-style restrictors.
Inline-Style Flow Restrictor
Inline-style flow restrictors almost always have their flow direction indicated with an arrow painted on the unit itself.
Usually, the arrow is right beneath or above a number which indicates the size of the flow restrictor.
The arrow points at the output side of the restrictor.
Insert-Style Flow Restrictor
With an insert-style flow restrictor, you should push it into the tubing with the tail going forward.
Keep in mind that some models don’t have a tail though. In this case, consult your manual to figure out what to do.
What Is a Reverse Osmosis Flow Restrictor and How Does It Work?
A flow restrictor is an integral part of a reverse osmosis system. It limits the amount of water that flows into the drain line, thereby improving the overall performance of the reverse osmosis system.
Without a flow restrictor, much more water will naturally flow down the drain line and bypass the RO membrane almost entirely, leading to large amounts of water being wasted and lower permeate water quality.
Further Reading:
If you have any questions about RO flow restrictor direction please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
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