RO-DI Installation Question

[JRPhd]

Ok, I know I've asked a similar question before, but how does one setup a RO/DI unit? I'd love to get one, but it seems a PITA to hook up. If I'm not mistaken you also have to cut a whole in the cold water line? And then you almost certainly need a container to hold the water as they produce little output per day?

I have a 40 gallon tank and would like to do up to 10 gallon water changes per week. Would like to put a unit under my kitchen sink. What do I need to do? Is this an easy DIY? Is it me or does it seem like a tight fit to get a 10 gallon reservoir to fit under the sink?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Jon

 

[Reefmedic79]

they have connectors that can connect it directly to the sink tap. As for the resivoir under the sink it would be a tight fit.

I have mine connected to my washer hook-up in the garage, and my reservoir is a 44 gallon Rubbermaid BRUTE trash can.

 

[JRPhd]

"they have connectors that can connect it directly to the sink tap."
that seems like a pain in its own right. I can just picture the 'ole lady griping about that too.

 

[bertoni]

I have the input for mine plumbed underneath the sink. I just added a T-joint to the line. It's all screw-in, screw-out. Very easy to install. The waste water can be done with a saddle joint into the sink drain, but I just shove the tubing down the sink.

 

[MCary]

You can also use saddle valves for the feed line. The saddle valve will seal around the pine and then a hollow screw cuts into your water line. They can be found at the place you buy your RO or also in the refrig department of the store. They're used for ice makers. Drinking water systems usually only have a 3 gallon container and its a pressure tank. If you have a 10 gallon you probably will need a pump of some kind because I don't think a 10 pressure tank would fit under your sink.

 

[JRPhd]

Well, I guess I could use a 3 gallon container and just wait for it to re-fill. I assume the saddle valve and hollow screw, irreparably puncture the water line (i.e., if the ro/di was ever to be removed, that line would have to be replaced?
Jon

 

[TREXRC]

JRPHD,
I was like you last year. Very apprehensive about installing an RO unit. I have never done plumbing work. But believe it or not, I did it. I installed one under my kitchen sink. Here are some minor pointers...
- Take your time and assemble the entire unit at a convenience location. Follow instructions methodically it will work.
- Then there is really 2 connections to make under your sink that is critical - 1 for fresh water and 1 for dirty water to flow out.
- Turn the sink valve off down below and let water run unti it empties the water in the tap.
- Unscrew that section of your cold (good) water under the sink which would fit a T valve you may have with your RO unit and follow instructions
- For bad water coming out of RO unit you may need to drill the PVC pipe that takes bad water away from the sink (drill where you can easily access the driller also follow instruction manual, for e.g. I drilled mine where the PVC pipe turns parallel to the ground since it is easily accessible for me, also I drilled on the top area of the PVC and push one your exit tubes after placing like a sticker they may have provided

Hope this helps. Good luck. Just start and you will be able to slowly do it. It is not bad at all.

 

[Bathel]

Re: RO-DI Installation Question

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6918297#post6918297 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JRPhd
Ok, I know I've asked a similar question before, but how does one setup a RO/DI unit? I'd love to get one, but it seems a PITA to hook up. If I'm not mistaken you also have to cut a whole in the cold water line? And then you almost certainly need a container to hold the water as they produce little output per day?

I have a 40 gallon tank and would like to do up to 10 gallon water changes per week. Would like to put a unit under my kitchen sink. What do I need to do? Is this an easy DIY? Is it me or does it seem like a tight fit to get a 10 gallon reservoir to fit under the sink?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Jon

How big is your Laundry room? I hooked mine up to a utility sink, but you can use a hose connector and a Y on your cold water line for your Washer. I use two 22gal Brute trashcans (one for salt one for ro/di) to store the water in. The RO/DI unit is mounted to the wall. I use a submersable pump to pump the water out of the holding tanks ... but if your wife will let you (note mine would not) you could build a stand for the 22gal containers to sit on and put a spout in the bottom to drain into a 5 gal water cooler container for transport.

Anyway ... they are easy to setup ... even for a novice. I'd recommend not using the saddle valve unless you have to. You are correct ... if you ever want to remove it you have to patch the pipe or risk knocking it out after you close the valve. I'll take a picture of mine tonight and post it for you to see.

 

[MCary]

With a saddle valve if you were to remove the RO unit you would just shut off the valve.

 

[JRPhd]

hmmm. My laundry room is too small. So with the saddle valve, if u wanted to detach the unit, leave the saddle on and shut off the valve?
I guess I could also set up the unit in the guest bathroom and use the faucet attachmnet anytime I wanted to make water...