What is the clear sludge coming from the discharge?

[zengel442]

Howdy folks, I have a GE R.O. that periodically emits a clear sludge from the discharge. I just cleaned out my Kenmore Elite free standing ice maker that is fed from the R.O. unit and the sludge was in the reservoir tank and difficult to clean out. I had to remove it and clean it with a bleach solution.. Is this material a bacteria?

[Andy CWS]

Howdy folks, I have a GE R.O. that periodically emits a clear sludge from the discharge. I just cleaned out my Kenmore Elite free standing ice maker that is fed from the R.O. unit and the sludge was in the reservoir tank and difficult to clean out. I had to remove it and clean it with a bleach solution.. Is this material a bacteria?

Chances are, if it is slimey, it is organic.

[zengel442]

ergo bacteria?? and... is that a bad thing?

[Andy CWS]

No way for me to tell. Is it BAD? Most organics are not bad, but nonetheless, if shouldn't be there as it can make conditions unfavorable. I wouldn't drink from it until it is resolved or replaced.

Do you sanitize your system on each filter change? Which GE RO is it?

[zengel442]

Sanitize - yes but may not be as vigilant in my timetable as I should be.. The G.E. R.O. is an older one - GXRV10ABL01... I'll shut er down and clean it and replace the filters.. Haven't had the slimy sludge from the unit recently just noticed it in the stand alone ice maker in the bar. It's spic n Span now..
Been contemplating a new one but haven't decided on which one yet.. I see the K5 is popular, but I'd want to install it myownself.. I don't like it when manufacturers get all proprietary n stuff..
Have looked at whole house units too.. Still undecided..
Thankx Andy

Frank

[Nuwwave]

I have seen the same thing in my whole house filters. I had thought it may be from the new piping or maybe the filter housing since all was new, but don't know for sure.

[zengel442]

Happened after running for a long time - years.. May be cause I haven't changed the filters as regularly as I should..
and... on the stand alone ice maker I'm certain that it's from shutting down the Ice Maker and leaving water in the upper tray for weeks.. (Didn't know about the reservoir)