Amana Refrigerator/Freezer

[MajorApp]

 I got a call about ice dams building up under  the icemaker after installing reverse osmosis system. Repair-man wrote in a post back in june of 2008 that R/O systems can't be used on Amana/Maytag refrigerators. Will somebody explain why?  
 OK, I just found out that the R/O system does not have enough water pressure to keep the water valve closed. Is it just Amana/Maytag? Is there a solution?  

Model SXD26VW                                                  

[JWWebster]

Don't the icebox have it's own filter?

[Repair-man]

Here's the reason behind my topic-

On page 7 of the Service & Install Guide for this model it states:

"To avoid property damage, observe the following:
• Confirm water pressure to water valve is between
20 and 100 pounds per square inch."

This particular manual did not mention R/O systems because they had not yet been recognized as consitent trouble-makers. In 2002 all the manuals were amended. You may save a copy of this manual HERE for your perusal.

[JWWebster]

So in plain english can they run an ice maker on a reverse osmosis machine or not RM?

[theoldstoveguy]

I have seen 2 Amana refrigerators with issues,1 GE & 1Whirlpool.ALL on reverse osmosis systems. Hooked them up direct & no more troubles. 

[BrntToast]

frigidaire says ...  just say no to RO

they have a warning in the books against ro systems on the fridges, ive seen them on the back of a few fridges too

ive seen the RO affect a few units, no floods, they just wouldn't open the valves to fill

[JWWebster]

The ice boxs have their own filtration system anyway. No need to connect it to the system anyway right?

[whirlpooltech]

The ice boxs have their own filtration system anyway. No need to connect it to the system anyway right?

Yes, if the refrigerator has it's own filter there is no point in connecting it to a RO system anyway, but that's not the American way.

If one filter system is good then two filter systems must be better so why not connect it to the RO.

[whirlpooltech]

What's even better is when you have to fight with the plumber that sold them the RO system as to why it can not be connected to the refrigerator.

[JWWebster]

My guess is the problem probably occurs only when the system does a backwash and the pressure drops.Therefore certain conditions must be met before a problem occurs and thus it is a pain in the butt to diagnose and pisses the homeowner off because the tech says not to connect it and the plumber says connect it. I bet you they have some sort of tank in these fancy smancy houses to compensate for that. Just a guess.

[Icehouse]

HOSHIZAKI CARE
TECH-TIPS
____________________________________________________________________________________________
_______
Danny Moore Hoshizaki America, Inc. Volume 125
Editor 618 Hwy. 74 South January 16, 1996
Peachtree City, GA 30269
Care Facsimile: (800) 843-1056
____________________________________________________________________________________________
_______
REVERSE OSMOSIS
There are many different types of water treatment
systems available today. Due to the increased concern
over the quality of water, Reverse Osmosis " R O "
systems are more prevalent.
An RO system produces almost pure water with a pH
well below 7.0. This water has been forced through a
membrane under high pressure. The membrane serves
as the filter media and has a pore size in the sub micron
range. Due to the small pore size, the amount of water
that will pass through the membrane is reduced. The
rejected water is flushed down the drain. A ratio of
three gallons of waste water to one gallon of processed
water is common in producing RO water.
As the water is forced through the membrane, solids
larger than the pore size are deposited on the membrane
surface. At some point , the membrane surface loads
up with solids and must be cleaned or replaced. In
areas with a high mineral content in the water, more
frequent cleaning is required. The final purity of the
processed water will depend on the quality of the
system and how well it is maintained.
The water produced by an RO system is extremely
aggressive and is considered an active solvent. The low
pH makes it highly acidic. RO water will attack most
metals and plated surfaces. The RO process increases
the galvanic action of the water which will shorten the
life of rubber parts and can cause plastics to weaken.
As you can see, this could cause problems in an ice
machine.
Due to it's aggressive nature, Hoshizaki America
Inc. does not recommend the use of RO water in
our ice machines. If RO water is used the following
damage could occur : Over a period of time, RO water
flowing down the center of a KM evaporator could
wash away the copper/stainless bond and cause
separation of the evaporator plates. If RO water is used
in a flaker, premature bearing wear and damage to the
mechanical seal could result. Other ABS and rubber
parts could also be effected. Any failures caused by RO
water would not be covered by warranty.
Care should be taken in explaining the effects and
discouraging the use of RO water in ice machine
applications. Please advise any customers now using or
planning to use RO water with Hoshizaki ice machines
of these possibilities.
__________________________________________
__________________________________________

[JWWebster]

All the salt and soft water is good for the clothes but bad fer the ice machine.

[Icehouse]

Not too good for the body though.