sounds like no aso valve and not enough pressure. I just did a solid month of research before I just bought mine and an auto shut off is a must. Also the 50gpd is based on specific stats and running constant into a rez rather than a small pressurized tank. The unit should be NSO and water quality certified, use carbon block style cartriges instead of GAC(granular), made in the USA, otherwise they can claim it performs however they want and parts are said to fail on the reg. I personally would never use softened water on plants or an RO. The performance of an RO is heavily based on water pressure so Water supply should be tapped before the softener and enough pressure to run them both if not bypassed. The parts should be designed for well systems as well. My tap is 420ppm(I swear! hydro shop guy laughed his ass off) my 5 stage system is USA made, certified, uses blocks, puts 3gal to drain, 50gpd and my water tested at 25ppm, only 10 ppm higher than store bought RO water(15ppm). OOPs, I type slow as hell. Sounds like you got it straight.