Installing saddle valve for RO waste water.

[Itchy Trigger]

I'd like to install a saddle valve on the drain under my sink so that I can send my RODI waste water directly into the plumbing. My question is though, will the self piercing valves be able to puncture the pipe that's there. I've attached a pic. Most of the drain pipe appears to be galvanized steel, which I'm guessing would be impenetrable. But there is one length of pipe just before the trap that looks like it may be chrome? Not sure. Can any of you tell? And should that part of the plumbing be an ok place to install a saddle valve?

 

[john08007]

I may be wrong but I thought I have seen some saddles that wrap around the pipe and have an O-ring sealing it, you then take a small drill bit and drill though the saddle into the pipe. Then put the fitting where you just drilled and you are good to go.

http://www.amazon.com/Saddle-Connec...UTF8&qid=1407120034&sr=8-1&keywords=RO+saddle

I believe that is how this one will work, the black gasket seals it, you then drill through the Red circle, then install the hose into the red circle

 

[Itchy Trigger]

Oh cool. So basically if I can drill through it, it'll work. That looks like a good one in the link. Thanks!

 

[LelandF.]

I'm a plumber, that's a brass trap w galvanized 1.5" drain. They make a saddle drain for home drinking water RO systems that will work. Put it on the vertical chrome pop-up that comes out of your sink base. You'll have to cafe fully drill the hole. Don't put it on the brass. If you put it on the galvanized pipe, drill the hole on top of the pipe, no where else, or you'll have problems.

Good luck,
Leland

 

[Itchy Trigger]

Great. Thanks, Leland!

 

[sleepydoc]

Does anyone know if saddle valves are code on drains? I know in my city they aren't code for supply lines, but I don't know about drains.

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

http://www.superwater.com/asvpp1lf....3ZKfncQawCbG9GB--zgXK6eur7emi_uCnMaAiX08P8HAQ

MUCH better choice

 

[Itchy Trigger]

I can definitely see how that would be a better choice on the water supply side. But on the drain side I think the saddle should be fine, no?

 

[mcgyvr]

Does anyone know if saddle valves are code on drains? I know in my city they aren't code for supply lines, but I don't know about drains.

That is for water "supply".. not drain.

Drain saddle valves should be installed on the tailpiece before the P-trap and on non-disposal fed drains only.

 

[Dproch]

It will meet code if installed upstream the trap. Chrome pipe below the white Teflon tape is only good spot

 

[LelandF.]

Saddle valves of any kind are against code in my state, but code is only a problem if you sell your house and have it inspected. You're supposed to get a permit to do any plumbing work, including your aquarium, if you want to be specific, but I don't think any of us really are that concerned. You definitely want it in the tail piece above the trap of the drain ideally, to create an air break, and so that sewer gas does not escape, which is impossible through the RO drain, and so that there's not a back flow/contamination possibility.
The saddle drain made to fit 1.5 PVC tailpieces for home RO units is still the easiest way to connect an RO drain without adding more PVC fittings.

Leland

 

[Itchy Trigger]

Got it installed on the chrome pipe right above the trap. All good - works great. Thanks again!