DIY Maple Syrup RO System | How to Build & Operate Homemade Reverse Osmosis Setup

Описание: Post Video edit: My first time using this it took 1.5% sap and this brought it up to 6%—totally exceeded my expectations! Flow rate wasn’t bad and was slightly below my boil rate; just get started about 2 hours before you boil to get a good few gallon base going. You have to flush it after each use and I keep clean water in there so the membranes don’t dry up.

If this video helped you let me know—I hope to give back to the community as videos like this were instrumental for me.

Video Description:

Learn how to design, build, and operate a homemade reverse osmosis (RO) system for maple syrup in this hands-on tutorial. Whether you’re a sugarhouse operator, homesteader, or hobbyist, this video breaks it all down—from parts and assembly to startup and performance testing.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:
• Component selection: membranes, pumps, fittings & plumbing
• Step-by-step assembly of the RO system
• Operating parameters: pressure, flow, and rejection rates
• Adjustments, maintenance, and troubleshooting tips
• Best practices for maximizing syrup yield & efficiency

📌 Who This Is For:
Sugar makers, maple syrup hobbyists, homesteaders, DIYers, small-scale syrup producers.

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Timestamps / Chapters:

00:00 — Intro & overview
01:45 — Parts list & system layout
04:20 — Assembly: plumbing & connections
07:10 — Startup & pressure testing
09:30 — Operating the RO system
11:45 — Troubleshooting & adjustments
14:00 — Tips for yield & efficiency
16:10 — Final thoughts & next steps


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Hashtags
#MapleSyrupRO #DIYSyrupSystem #MapleSugaring

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Call to Action:

If you found this helpful, please like, comment, and subscribe — it really helps me keep making these tutorials.
Let me know in the comments if you’d like a deep dive into specific topics like membrane types, pump sizing, or cleaning protocols.

Homemade DIY RO System assembly and operation! Here’s how I put the system together and how it works to increase sugar content in sap to produce maple syrup. I haven’t used it live in production yet, but I’m anticipating I’ll be able to convert 1-2% sap into 4-5%+ (post video edit—I got over 6%), and if if you’re unfamiliar with this, it’s to reduce the amount of time it takes to boil/evaporate water from sap to create maple syrup. In theory, it should cut my boil time in HALF or more by using this system. #RO #ROSystem
#MapleSyrup #sap #Sugaring #DIY #Homemade #reverseosmosis #reverseosmosissystem #timelapse

I purchased most of the components via Amazon and through my local hardware store:

Pay attention to the difference of the 3/8 tubing and 1/4 tubing. BEFORE the pump I used 3/8 tubing…AFTER the pump I stepped it down to 1/4 inch. If that line didn’t make sense, it will when you put it all together. Here’s the list:

1) House Water Filter and container - Pentair Pentek 158643 3G Slim (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003JMRJ6Y?... bought actual filter at local hardware store

2) Pump: Aquatec 8800 Booster Pump Kit (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MWYZH29?...)

3) FOUR of these: 400 GPD RO Membranes - (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DM2JB2ZK?...)

4) Pressure Valve (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VUXD7ZG?...)

5) 1/4 tubing / Connectors / Values: Malida 1/4 inch O.D. Length... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CRMDDYG?...

6) 3/8 tubing / connectors and valves, blue tubing: MATTOX 3/8 inch RO Water blue... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08B4XYRG2?...

7) Malida Tube Fitting Stem Straight... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LSD8CS2?...

8) Jett Water Systems 3.5” Reverse... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TW65M33?... - I used this to attach the membranes to my wood board.

9) Needle Valve - Bought at my local hardware store. Make sure it’s 1/4 inch

10) PureSec 15ft Red 1/4 Inch O.D. RO... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D632X1R?...) - I went with red to show the difference of the permeate and sugared water; you can honestly go with one color tube to save on cost—but I’m glad I went with the different colors to make it easier to use.

11) YZM Tube Quick Connector fittings... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6FSSJ2?...

12) 2 Pc Household Hose Filters,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNXDP65T?... - You probably don’t need this if you filter your sap before putting it in the RO, but it was cheap enough and make my setup look professional. Cheap filter prevents clogging the pump.

13) Spare piece of Plywood - From ‘Ye ‘ol pile of wood that I keep in the shed that I should have thrown out 5+ years ago but never did and finally came in use…

Cost about $425 in materials (My wife gave me approval, let the record show…); sure I could have gone with the RO bucket, but where’s the fun in that? Was cheaper than the RO bucket / Bucket systems, but similar concept.