Ro Unit Help

[sacramonel]

I am about to make my first RO unit purchase. I am going to keep the unit under the sink in my apartment, so I do not have a lot of room for a reservoir. The reservoir I was going to use is a plastic 10 gallon water cooler. I typically need 2-3 gallons a day for top off. My question is as follows.

a. If I only need 2-3 gallons a day would it be better to purchase a bare bones unit that has a maximum output of 10gpd, figuring about 5 gallons a day. Or would a larger, say a 25 gallon be better for my needs. I fear the larger unit will overflow my reservoir.

I will probably have more questions as I get more information from everyone.

 

[aberdeen aquarist]

I am about to make my first RO unit purchase. I am going to keep the unit under the sink in my apartment, so I do not have a lot of room for a reservoir. The reservoir I was going to use is a plastic 10 gallon water cooler. I typically need 2-3 gallons a day for top off. My question is as follows.

a. If I only need 2-3 gallons a day would it be better to purchase a bare bones unit that has a maximum output of 10gpd, figuring about 5 gallons a day. Or would a larger, say a 25 gallon be better for my needs. I fear the larger unit will overflow my reservoir.

I will probably have more questions as I get more information from everyone.

Get a bigger one, the GPH quoted are US gallons. Even allowing for that, how are you going to collect water for water changes with a small unit?
I would get a couple of water containers, camping places sell 25 litre ones for about £10 each.

 

[BigC]

I bought a small unit to start with and it was nowhere near as good a a larger unit. You dont need to run the water through the membrane 24/7 using ball valves you can turn it on and off as required, just flush the membrane once a day for around 5 mins.
I run mine from the washing machine tap rather than spike the mains pipe. (saves messing about if you ever move house)
If you need any more info on this method and parts then just ask.
Regards
BigC

 

[sacramonel]

Thank you both for the quick responses. I've never really ever plumbed anything like this before so I'm a little hesitant. And the fact that my girlfriend would completely lose it if there is a flood in the kitchen doesn't help either.

Ok, so under my sink I have a connection that goes to the dishwasher. Would it be possible to somehow tap into that connection with a Y connector? And from there attach a ball valve?

 

[BigC]

Ok, so under my sink I have a connection that goes to the dishwasher. Would it be possible to somehow tap into that connection with a Y connector? And from there attach a ball valve?

Same connectors

You get the tackle from RO Man
Below is what you need
http/www.ro-man.com/shop/product_info.ph...products_id/136
http/www.ro-man.com/shop/product_info.ph.../products_id/52
http/www.ro-man.com/shop/product_info.php/products_id/44
Buy a half a dozen ball valves (you never know when you'll need them)
Regards
BigC

 

[SkiFletch]

DO NOT connect the RO unit to the water supply for your dishwasher... That line is HOT water, and hot water damages membranes. You have to tap off the cold line. Of larger concern is tapping into the drain line. This can be a bit tricky.

 

[orange shark]

what about washing machines? are they in hot or cold water?

 

[SkiFletch]

what about washing machines? are they in hot or cold water?

Washing machines use both hot and cold. They should have two supply and one drain line. Obviously you'll want to tap into the cold supply line

 

[orange shark]

so i can use a y connector with my washing machine then

 

[BigC]

Sorry Good point Ski
Draw water from you appliances Cold Tap Only
Some dishwashers do have a cold fill option though
Sorry for the confusion
Regards
BigC