Booster pump for RODI wastewater?

[FortyFour44]

I’d like to start preserving water by running my RODI wastewater into the garden. The only problem is is that my RODI unit is in the basement, and there isn’t enough pressure to push the wastewater upstairs. I tried, and nothing comes out the wastewater line. It’s something like 15ft. up.

Would it be pretty simple to install a booster pump on the tail end of the RODI unit to push the waste water upstairs? Any watchouts?

 

[Llyod276]

Why bother. Getting an 80dollar pump just to push it out? Nah go to a second hand store, get a used pump put it on a float type switch(e.g. an old sump pump) and then shoot it out to the garden.

Also just how much rodi water are you making? At 75g perday theres what 60% percent rejection. So 105g is a lot of water to dump into the garden...

 

[HuduVudu]

I’d like to start preserving water by running my RODI wastewater into the garden. The only problem is is that my RODI unit is in the basement, and there isn’t enough pressure to push the wastewater upstairs. I tried, and nothing comes out the wastewater line. It’s something like 15ft. up.

Would it be pretty simple to install a booster pump on the tail end of the RODI unit to push the waste water upstairs? Any watchouts?

@FortyFour44

I wouldn't pull with the booster pump. Especially not off of the RO unit. This wouldn't harm the booster but it wouldn't be good for the RO IMO.

If you want to use a booster put it in front of the RO membrane. In other words use it as a regular booster pump. This should give you the pressure you need with the added bonus of providing higher pressure over the membrane.

Alternatively you could pull the waste water into a container and then use a cheap pump like a Mag to push the water to the upper area.

My 2 cents.

 

[FortyFour44]

Why bother. Getting an 80dollar pump just to push it out? Nah go to a second hand store, get a used pump put it on a float type switch(e.g. an old sump pump) and then shoot it out to the garden.

Also just how much rodi water are you making? At 75g perday theres what 60% percent rejection. So 105g is a lot of water to dump into the garden...

I’m making 50-100g at a time. I’d redirect water to the yard until the garden and lawn are watered, then redirect the wastewater down the drain. It’s worth $80 for me to do that and not have to rig more float valves and increase risk of a flood in my basement. Just need to figure out if a booster pump can help with that.

 

[Llyod276]

Idk honestly. I think your better off with a tub and a sump pump. Its your call. Your cash good luck either way.

 

[FortyFour44]

@FortyFour44

I wouldn't pull with the booster pump. Especially not off of the RO unit. This wouldn't harm the booster but it wouldn't be good for the RO IMO.

If you want to use a booster put it in front of the RO membrane. In other words use it as a regular booster pump. This should give you the pressure you need with the added bonus of providing higher pressure over the membrane.

Alternatively you could pull the waste water into a container and then use a cheap pump like a Mag to push the water to the upper area.

My 2 cents.

Thanks for the reply. Do you know for sure that this would harm the RO, or is it your opinion?

I have good pressure going in and increasing it more would do harm to the RO membrane according to BRS.

I’ve considered using a brute trashcan and then using a mag to pump it up, but with the volume I make it is not worth the flood risk. Hence why I’m asking about the booster.

 

[Llyod276]

The rodi i have requires 80-90 psi. The booster buddy something( the white one from BRS) pump i have puts it there. HOWEVER that is the pressure for the ro/di memebranes only id have to get another gauge to see output pressure but it isnt much from the pump to the brute can its 1.5 up and 5 feet over. And it trickles l, not sprays. So id say maybe 20psi tops. I forget the required psi for it to actually work. If this is a stand alone unit then maybe????

But if you're expecting the ejection water directly from the rodi unit itself no even with the pump its not gonna happen, not with 15ft head pressure.

 

[HuduVudu]

Do you know for sure that this would harm the RO, or is it your opinion?

I do not know for sure, but think of this. You are going to create a vacuum on the backside of the RO membrane. If you are already where you need to be with input pressure then you are creating a pressure differential. My opinion is that this is going to be a problem.

What is your input PSI? Do you have a gauge?

What about moving the RO itself up higher, to try to cut the amount of head you are pushing against.

 

[outhouse]

. Do you know for sure that this would harm the RO, or is it your opinion?

Harm no

effect proper function, well yes thats factual because your now screwing with the restrictors functions.

In your shoes, buy a 100g rubbermaid stock tank and or a 200g old food container and plumb a drain for once it fills. You will now have what ever amount you want to store ready to maximize waste.

Then use your booster or what ever to push water where you want it.


Me? I plumbed in 3 RO units in series and gave mine a custom tune with different restrictors, and now have 3 X the output with the same waste.