RO unit question

[snuggle2me]

Do you have to run a ro unit all the time or can it be shut off and turned on only when you need to make up some water? Another words could i just make up extra water in a container and then turn it off until i am in need of more water then turn it back on until i get the amount of water i will need again. I am looking into getting one and reading about them. From my understanding they go threw quit a bit of water just to get a small amount of good water. This waste water is then discarded. I have a septic tank and wouldnt this excess water be an overload on it? If anyone has any good info about this issue please share it with me. Also instead of running it from under a sink could it be rigged to run from a cold water outlet of my washing machine?

 

[drummereef]

The RO/DI will only produce water when you need it too. There are valves to turn it on and off. Most RO/DI's have a 4:1 ratio of waste water. I just run the waste down the drain, but others find a use for it like filling the washing machine. I'm not sure if you can 'plumb' this like you are wanting.

Whatever you decide, make sure you get a DI stage with your unit. Spectrapure makes a great unit called the MaxCap. Otherwise I'd look at The Filter Guys.

 

[AZDesertRat]

Yes you can install it with a ball valve and turn it on when you want to make water. A better choice might be to install a float valve or float switch in a rubbermaid brute trashcan so it can be ready when you want it. A RO/DI rated at 75 GPD takes 24 hours to make 75 gallons so you might be waiting around to get the amout you want. Yes you can use a wye and hook it to the cold water line at the washing machine, thats how I have mine.

Waste or flush water can be used for any number of things, water the grass, flowerbeds, fill the pool, fill the washer, etc. Its been sediment and carbon filtered so its good water.

 

[FZ1Rider]

You can install a valve to turn it on and off but unless your RO/DI unit has a Auto Shutoff Switch you will need to install the valve in front of the RO/DI unit (between the source and the unit) if you install the valve in between the output and the RO unit you will probably break it.

Peter

 

[shanersnyder]

I have my RO unit under my sink and the water goes into a Brute in the basement. The RO unit I bought has ball valves going into and out of the unit. When I need water I turn them on, and then usually remember to turn them off.

If you have the time, a float valve attached to your water container will keep you filled without overflowing

 

[snuggle2me]

Thanks for all the replies. I like the idea of using the waste water for my washing machine. I will be keeping this info handy when i go to order mine so i get all the right parts to install it. Thanks again for the help

 

[bgcook]

kent marine sells a float valve kit that works well to shut off the source water once your storage kit fills.