RO water setup

[firestorm]

I'm thinking of buying a RO filter setup. If I go for the 100gpd type how much actual flow in reality would I get ? Would it be better to get one with a storage tank ? Or do you just run the outlet into water container ? What stops the water flow (...I know how to use a tap) ?

Thanks

 

[ChrisRD]

It's impossible to say how much flow you'll actually get because it depends on the pressure and temperature of the water coming-in. Generally speaking you'll get nowhere near the 100 GPD rating on regular household tap pressures running just a cold water line to the RO. Probably more like half the rating or less.

I just run RO output into a plastic storage container. I simply turn the unit on/off with a valve but there are other, more automated ways to do this such as float valves (shut off unit when water in the storage containter reaches a certain level), garden watering timers (allows flow to the unit for a set period of time) etc.

 

[firestorm]

Thanks for the reply Chris, if I left the water running, I could see me forgetting to switch it off and flooding the place ;-)

A watering timer or electrically controlled valve is a good idea.

 

[ChrisRD]

Yeah, I agree - it's easy to forget. I usually set the oven timer when I open the valve so I have a reminder that it needs to be shut in a few hours.

If you have specific questions about the different ways of automating the setup, ask in our Do It Yourself Forum - I think you'll get some good feedback there.

HTH

 

[wade1]

You can buy or make topoff switches that will automagically keep a bucket filled for you as well. Spectrapure makes one, or you can DIY it for around $45 with dual switches.

 

[Anonymous]

Yes, RO's are very easy to forget and cause flooding.

I don't remember where I saw it (probably here or at RC) but there was a poll not all that long ago and about 75-80% of people who had a flood of some sort had one due to leaving an RO open.

I've done it three times. - The third wasn't so bad and only affected my possessions, but the two before really pissed off / worried the girlfriend.

 

[supergiantrobot]

I recently set up an RO/DI, as follows:

Water from a garden hose comes to the RO/DI unit. An adapter goes from the garden hose down to 1/4" OD tubing, which then goes into a booster pump. The booster pump increases pressure to 100 PSI.

The output of the booster pump goes to the RO/DI. Then, the processed water goes into a 30 G Rubbermaid tub that has been fitted with a float valve. When the float "floats", the water stops and a pressure switch turns off the pressure boost pump.

To get the water out of the tub, I use a simple on-demand water pump. Whenever I draw water off the tub, the pump turn on to deliver the water.

I have a separate line from the tub for my kalk reactor. It automatically draws water from the tub in small amounts.

So, whenever the float "unfloats", I make more RO/DI. It makes water changes and top off a breeze.

The only trouble I had was debugging the drain line in the RO/DI. I think I had a faulty auto-off switch, so the drain line continued to leak, reducing small amounts of pressure, causing the entire system to cycle every five seconds. Once the drain problem was solved, everything has been smooth.

I have one remaining problem. The garden hose is connected to a traditional side-of-the-house hose bib. The water rushing through that line causes the pipes to whistle, perhaps because the pressure boost pump is boosting. At some point, I need to run a dedicated water line or replace the hose bib so more water can pass through easily.

Suggestions? And I hope this helps.

So far, no floods.

 

[Fatal Morgana]

supergiantrobot, what is your water pressure without the pressure pump?

Water whistle is due to small orifice/opening. It can be a valve that is not opened fully. Rarely do one need a dedicated water line for RO since the water flow is very low. Look for constriction in valve or plumbing.

 

[supergiantrobot]

I'd have to plumb around the booster to measure the baseline PSI. I'll do that next time I am doing maintenance. I wonder if the whistle is at the hose bib itself or where the PVC meets the hose bib. I need to listen the next time it runs, too.