First RODI install. Where to connect with well water?

[Mjm1121]

Hey all, so I’ll be installing my 5 stage RODI soon. Just not sure what water line to tap. I don’t have a sink in my utility room where this will be going. I plan on drilling a small hole to connect my waste water line to the washer drainage which is just behind the wall in that first pic. I do have a well so not sure if that affects where I should set it up. I’m reluctant to tap into the copper pipes at this point. Here are some pics of what’s going on in there:

 

[KStatefan]

Cold water line where it is convenient

 

[Mjm1121]

Cold water line where it is convenient

Got it thanks. I know you use metal saddle valves on copper lines, can you use those same ones on the plastic tubing?

 

[twentyleagues]

Do you have a softener? If so after that. You can use the saddle valve but it would be better to use a pex fitting if its going in pex with an on/off valve. If its going into pvc use a t with a valve and a murlock fitting for the rodi line.

 

[Mjm1121]

Do you have a softener? If so after that. You can use the saddle valve but it would be better to use a pex fitting if its going in pex with an on/off valve. If its going into pvc use a t with a valve and a murlock fitting for the rodi line.

Thanks that clears it up I think I’d be putting it on the cold water Pex after the filter. Don’t have a softener.

 

[twentyleagues]

Thanks that clears it up I think I’d be putting it on the cold water Pex after the filter. Don’t have a softener.

Yup just get a pex fitting with a t, valve, and a 1/4" murlock, that would be to correct way to go.

 

[Mjm1121]

Yup just get a pex fitting with a t, valve, and a 1/4" murlock, that would be to correct way to go.

Is this what you’re talking about? Or adding a separate valve after the t?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/SharkBite-1-2-in-PEX-x-1-4-in-OD-Compression-Tee-Stop/5001429171?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-plb-_-ggl-_-CRP_SHP_LIA_PLB_Online_E-F-_-5001429171-_-local-_-0-_-0&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD2B2W-PmkBSb_6iliGmFJValY6lI&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[theMeat]

Is this what you’re talking about? Or adding a separate valve after the t?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/SharkBite-1-2-in-PEX-x-1-4-in-OD-Compression-Tee-Stop/5001429171?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-plb-_-ggl-_-CRP_SHP_LIA_PLB_Online_E-F-_-5001429171-_-local-_-0-_-0&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD2B2W-PmkBSb_6iliGmFJValY6lI&gclsrc=aw.ds

No. That valve only works with pex tubing and you’ll need a crimping tool. You should get one like this. Works on copper or pex, no special tools needed

https://www.lowes.com/pd/SharkBite-1-2-in-Push-to-Connect-x-1-2-in-Push-to-Connect-x-1-4-in-dia-Reducing-Tee-Push-Fitting/1000182473

A saddle valve is not long lasting.

For the drain you can just stick it into the top of the pipe, the same place the washing machine hose goes into

 

[Mjm1121]

No. That valve only works with pex tubing. You need one like this.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/SharkBite-1-2-in-Push-to-Connect-x-1-2-in-Push-to-Connect-x-1-4-in-dia-Reducing-Tee-Push-Fitting/1000182473

A saddle valve is not long lasting.

For the drain you can just stick it into the top of the pipe, the same place the washing machine hose goes into

I’m planning on installing it on pex tubing

 

[theMeat]

I’m planning on installing it on pex tubing

Yup, just noticed that and edited my post

 

[Mjm1121]

Yup, just noticed that and edited my post

Ok thanks. So that first one should work?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hey all, so I’ll be installing my 5 stage RODI soon. Just not sure what water line to tap. I don’t have a sink in my utility room where this will be going. I plan on drilling a small hole to connect my waste water line to the washer drainage which is just behind the wall in that first pic. I do have a well so not sure if that affects where I should set it up. I’m reluctant to tap into the copper pipes at this point. Here are some pics of what’s going on in there:

When I had well system, I ran my water through a water softener, then a whole house filter then to RODI unit

 

[theMeat]

Ok thanks. So that first one should work?

If you have pex crimp rings and crimping tool it will.
Also, the first valve is barb style which goes inside the pex which will reduce flow in that line

 

[RWReefer]

Also on well. Do you have an RO system for your drinking water? I just teed off the supply for our kinetico system with a pex T and valve.

 

[twentyleagues]

Is this what you’re talking about? Or adding a separate valve after the t?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/SharkBite-1-2-in-PEX-x-1-4-in-OD-Compression-Tee-Stop/5001429171?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-plb-_-ggl-_-CRP_SHP_LIA_PLB_Online_E-F-_-5001429171-_-local-_-0-_-0&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD2B2W-PmkBSb_6iliGmFJValY6lI&gclsrc=aw.ds

Yes or the sharkbite one that @theMeat posted. On the sharkbite one you may need to find the inserts that need to be in the fitting for it to work properly for pex they dont always come with the inserts dont leave them out. But if you have a crimp tool the one you posted will work the exact same, then just screw a female 1/4" mur-lok fitting on it and plug in the supply to the rodi. If you want you can do it separately too sharkbit makes 1/2" pex to mur-lok valves and t fittings, you would need a small section of pex tube also. I have seen the valves with a male fitting designed to go into a sharkbite fitting instead of the line section I think brs sells them still. The lowes close to me closed so all I have is hd and menards now lowes had a better selection. Dont forget the inserts if you go sharkbite! Ask me how I know.....lol

 

[Buckeye Hydro]

Got it thanks. I know you use metal saddle valves on copper lines, can you use those same ones on the plastic tubing?

Suggest you DO NOT use a self-tapping saddle. You will regret it if you do.

Better option if you're installing under the sink: Undersink shut off valve https://www.buckeyehydro.com/feedwater-fittings/

 

[Mjm1121]

Sorry for the delay team, life is life-ing. But I’ve got the right fitting I believe, haven’t connected anything yet. I also have the tank and stand in, so it’s getting real! Is there a way for me to know if I’ll need a booster pump before the install? I have decent pressure with the well but not what I’m used to from the city obviously.

 

[Buckeye Hydro]

Your well pump is controlled by a pressure switch. Assuming you do not have a variable speed well pump, then your pump will turn on at 30 or 40 psi, and off at 50 or 60 psi. So your pressure will vary. If you have a Filmtec brand membrane, it is spec'ed at 50 psi. Most other brands are at 60 or 65 psi. Would you benefit from a booster pump? Very likely. You can always install your system and run it for a while and monitor your water pressure with the pressure gauge on the RODI. Adding a pump after the fact is no harder/more expensive than adding it during the initial installation. https://www.buckeyehydro.com/booster-and-delivery-pumps/