DIY Fail: Top off for RODI buckets

[JammyBirch]

Ok so i'm pretty crafty...at least i thought. I ordered a valve, float switch and powersupply to build a top off system for my RODI buckets.

The thought being, I'd drill and attach the float switch to the lid of the bucket, once the switch was tripped the valve would close the house supply water and the RODI unit would stop producing water.

My problem is the valve cannot handle the line pressure of the house, it will open but will not close, the spring return must be too weak.

Anyone know of a valve that can handle 50-80psi, or is there a system out there that does this already?

i'm sick of hanging around waiting for water, checking them 10 times...lol

 

[fishgate]

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/auto-shut-off-kit-for-reverse-osmosis-systems.html

 

[CuzzA]

You should install an auto shut off for the rodi and a solenoid on the product water line between the unit and your container. Also you should have a float valve on the container.

 

[timmydatoolman]

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/auto-shut-off-kit-for-reverse-osmosis-systems.html

X2 this is what yo need to shut off the water to the ro unit.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

I had the same problem,I had the auto shut off and still didn't work.After I installed a pressure gauge on my rodi my water pressure was at 105.So I got a reducer put on my water line comeing into the house.Cut pressure back to 60 and it works great now.

 

[JammyBirch]

well lucky for me i have a BRS RODI unit so it should have the check valve and all i need is the float switch. here's a dumb question...

How does this thing work? I see it has tubing that runs to the float valve, i would guess that the RODI water runs from the the system to the valve, once the level is reached the float stops the water flow. I'd have to drill the bucket on the side and hope it doesn't leak...worth a try.

Thanks for the help.

 

[CuzzA]

Yep. Just like your toilet. It shouldn't leak with the supplied gasket and being that it's not under pressure. If it does just dab some silicone around the fitting.

 

[fishgate]

The water level does not come above the hole that you will drill in addition to being sealed with the gasket.

Not sure you have the right stuff. Do you have the square piece that is in the link? That is the important piece and not built into the RO/DI unit. The float valve alone is not going to do it for you.

 

[JammyBirch]

Hey thanks for the help...never occurred to me to use a float valve, EEngineer here everything naturally goes to electronics...lol

I found an EShopps float valve that can be attached to the lid of a bucket, so no hole in the sides. That would have been a pain, since i need to carry the bucket up stairs and hook it up to my ATO...this way i can leave the lid at the RODI.

 

[salty joe]

Beyond the good advice you've gotten so far, I installed a safety overflow. Just a fitting above the intended waterline with a tube to the floor drain.

 

[smedlin]

What if you have an booster pump? How does that get auto-shut off?