Plumbing advice/help?

[eengmd]

Can anybody here cut some copper piping, add a small extension and place a spick-et properly on easily accessible copper pipes in my basement? I can reimburse for services or trade some frags.

 

[jerseyhokie]

Not a plumber, and ill bet you are aware but copper is not good for a reef tank.

 

[eengmd]

Thanks. I am aware that copper is not good for my reef but I appreciate your concern. I am looking for somebody to assist me in creating an indoor access to my water supply for my ro/di. My piping in my basement is larger than the diameter that you can use for the cooper piercing tool that comes with the bulk reef supply system that is similar to the freezer ice maker set.

 

[firebirdcrzy]

I would look at Lowes/Homedepot for a larger diameter pipe piercing attachment before you start cutting pipe.

 

[ade]

What size pipe do you have? 2 x what firebirdcrzy said lowes carries a bunch of saddles or they did when I was looking for one. If you don't have any luck finding one let me know, doesn't take much to sweat a new tee inline with a ball valve.

 

[RUFISHY2]

I would say don't go with the saddle at all. Lowe's carries these great slip on fittings that just slip on the end of your pipe. They work on copper, PEX, CPVC, etc.

Just cut the section out, slip on your fittings...done.

I was only able to find brass reducer nipple to connect the 1/4 inch hose form my DI, but it's before the DI so there should be no worries.

 

[RUFISHY2]

Actually, in retrospect, I'm not sure what I was thinking. I think I had it in my head that saddle valves are unreliable. (They are on PEX, which is the only reason I didn't use one.) You're using copper though, so I absolutely would just use a bigger saddle valve. Please disregard the last post.

 

[jerseyhokie]

If you have a sink or anything in the basement that maybe the best course of action. Put a T in the sink line and run the RO/DI feed off of that.

 

[eengmd]

How difficult is it to close a saddle in the future? My problem is the ro/di will be in a temporary location until the basement and fish room is complete. Also how is the water controlled through the ro/di on a saddle? The only way I can control it is through a float valve in by rubbermaid. Thanks for all the input. My knowledge of plumbing options is very limited.

 

[manderx]

i'm gonna assume your washing machine is also down there in the basement. you can just tee off that. even if it's across the room, you can run poly tubing as far as you'd need.

 

[eengmd]

i'm gonna assume your washing machine is also down there in the basement. you can just tee off that. even if it's across the room, you can run poly tubing as far as you'd need.

Good thought. I did this in my old house however my house is a 3 year old home and the washing machine is on the second floor. My main display is in the basement. I am going to hook it up there temporarily but hauling 30 gallons of water every two weeks will be a pain. Right now, it is connected to my backyard hose. My basement has one main drain. I have a plan for several more once it starts to get finished in the winter.

 

[RUFISHY2]

All you have to do to close a saddle is crank it down (close the valve).
You probably know but an RO will require more than a mechanical float switch. You'll need to be able to shut the water off going into the RO.

 

[4adam12]

Never had good luck with saddle valves but the slip on valves mentioned work very well. I believe they are called Gator valves. Cut the pipe and stick the valve in, very simple. Just my .02.

 

[eengmd]

Thank you all for the input. I have also heard that saddle valves have a tendency to leak. Since this is a short term area, I hate to pierce it especially since this pipe may sit behind dry wall later.

 

[4adam12]

Did you get this taken care of?

 

[eengmd]

Ade is coming to help me add a ball valve. I am a little leery of a saddleback after several other opinions and research.