Ro/di Help

[Jason25]

I finally got around to installing my RO/DI unit tonight, the good news is it does work but the bad news is it will take me like 2 days to produce a gallon of water. The water drips out very slow, slower than Al's chronicle, OK well maybe not that slow,lol. Seriously though it does come out very slow and in my mind to slow. What could cause this? Could it be low line pressure and if so would a booster help?

Next question, how do I stop the unit from making water? I used a piercing valve and pierced the cold water line but it seems the only way to stop it is by turning off the cold water shut off to the sink.

3rd question, the flow coming out of the waste line is a steady stream is this right?

[vdituri]

The steady stream out the waste tube is right.
You will produce more waste water than RO. It's part of the process.

What is the rating of your unit? Some are rated for greater output.
Mine was alot slower in the beginning. It seemed to have a break in period.
I forget now, but there was something in the instruction about letting it run for a while, like 30mins or more to help flush out any manufacturing contaminants.

[Jason25]

It's a 100 gpd unit. Here is the link.
Zero 0 ppm Reef 6st Reverse Osmosis RO+DI Water Filters - eBay (item 110219401754 end time Feb-02-08 13:48:24 PST)

[sasquatch]

no pressure gauge? I would get one first to see what line pressure you have, should be around 60 to 70 psi, for shut off I use a john guest valve, the self piercing will also shut it off if you wind it in all the way

[BigAl07]

It probably SEEMS slow but remember... the rating is for 24 hours.... so it does seem slow but it gets better.

DOOD you should have called me.. I would have told you what to get... I installed an on/off connector on mine so I don't have to shut off the whole water and the on/off is only 1/4 turn on/off so it's fast & easy.

It does get faster bro!! Take a GALLON jug and put the hose in it and time it.

[Jason25]

Al I will give you a call tonight are you going to be busy? I want to be able to shut the system off without having to turn the main cold water supply off in the kitchen.

Here is what I am thinking, 1st remove the piercing vavle and use something to seal the hole in it. Next there is flexible 1/2" line connected to the main 1/2" copper line, I can use a T a few fitting to reduce down to 1/4" and a valve so I can just shut the valve off which will force the water back to the regular faucet for everyday use, sound like a plan?

[Octoman]

Jason, doesn't the piercing valve close? The one they picture on your ebay page has a handle on it to close it when you want to shut it off.

[Octoman]

Originally Posted by Jason25

Here is what I am thinking, 1st remove the piercing vavle and use something to seal the hole in it.

I think you may have a difficult time sealing the hole back if you remove the piercing valve. I have seen people in the past just leave the valve there and shut it off if they didn't want to use it any more.

[BigAl07]

Mark is right. Don't try to "seal" the hole as you're more than likely creating a problem for your future and it will ONLY happen when you're NOT home for the weekend.

I started with a piercing valve and just never really "liked" it. Too much work to screw and un-screw (Warning... thread is officially spiralling OUT of control now) to much to open and close. I replaced the whole line (it was only 18" long so easy replacement) and added a couple of extra fittings to where I could include a on/off valve designed to accept the 1/4 line. I think it's called "John's fittings" or something like that.

Go to your local "Supply Store" ( I don't like to use their name out loud... they are direct competitors of Mine so NO advertisement from Me ) and they will have a whole section of "plactic" components in the plumbing section. In there you will find a "T" fitting with a built in 1/4 turn on-off valve that has these "John's fitting" coming off the side. All you do is screw the supply line into one end.... the other end goes up into the sink fitting and insert a piece of your 1/4" tubing into the "T" section. Then another piece go to the INPUT side of your RO/DI unit. That way you reach under your sink, rotate the valve 1/4 turn and you're making WATER!

Hope that makes sense buddy. Give me a call if you have any questions. If you want/need don't hesitate to call. I'll try to get you a pic if need be.

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

[Jason25]

Yes it dies have a handle on it, now here is where the problem lies. In my haste to get this installed so I can fill my 54 gal. back up. I pierced the 1/4" line that comes out of the faucet instead of the 1/2" main supply line so if I try to close the valve I am pretty sure it's going to go through the other side, lol. Since I have flexible lines connecting the faucet and the main line. I think I am going to remove the faucet solder the hole closed (disclaimer: I have a brazing cert. so I should be OK,lol) install a T between the flex line and piece of 1/2" pvc or something then use a John's Fitting and well I hope it works. Al do you work for ACE? There is one right up the road for me so I can stop there if they carry those fittings.

[BigAl07]

Sounds like a GOOD plan Bro!!!

No I work for a local Independant company... we don't do much plumbing (thank goodness) but I still don't like to give out the Big Boxname just the same. I work for Haywood Builders Supply.

www.haywoodbuilders.com but we are right in the middle of a total SITE re-vamp so don't judge me on the site.. not just yet!! LOL!!

Call if you need any help bro!! When you go, get the parts to where you can simply unscrew and remove the valve and put everything like new when it's time to move.

[Octoman]

Jason, could you just cut the 1/4" vinyl line between the piercing valve and the ro unit and just insert a valve there?

Something like this...

[Jason25]

Aww, now you might be on to something there, let me see if cam find one at local ACE, hmm I think one of my guys just said they ran out of something and need me to go to the hardware store,lol. Great idea save me alot of time with that bad boy. I think I Loce you Octoman.

[Jason25]

Ok got my unit installed and woking now, I used a T between the main line and the faucet a shut-off vavle a 90 degree elbow to bring the vavle out toward the cupboard door and everything is working great no leaks and it is making water at a good pace. About how many gallons should I dump out before I use the water for my tank?

[Octoman]

Glad to hear it's working! You normally want to dump out about 10 gallons.