RO Tubing outlet from Brute trash can

Ashwinclement · Feb 16, 2023

I am trying to setup a gravity fed system from my brute trash can to my ATO reservoir. I want to connect RO tubing from the bottom of the brute trash can to the my reservoir. I am wondering what bulkhead/uniseal should I use to get a good seal on the curved wall? I guess I should be using a uniseal but having troubles finding one for 1/4 Ro tubing.

crusso1993 · Feb 16, 2023

Ashwinclement said:
I am trying to setup a gravity fed system from my brute trash can to my ATO reservoir. I want to connect RO tubing from the bottom of the brute trash can to the my reservoir. I am wondering what bulkhead/uniseal should I use to get a good seal on the curved wall? I guess I should be using a uniseal but having troubles finding one for 1/4 Ro tubing.

Here you go...

1/4'' UNISEAL Tank to Pipe Seal - The Uniseal Warehouse

www.aussieglobe.com

1/4" Black Uniseal® Pipe-to-Tank Seal | U.S. Plastic Corp.

Uniseal® products replace traditional plumbing hardware with a single injection molded unit requiring no component parts. It was designed...

www.usplastic.com

1/4" Rubber Grommet

Secure your boat wiring with Boat Outfitters' 1/4 Rubber Grommet. Shop now for the best selection and prices!

www.boatoutfitters.com

Home :: Equipment & Supplies :: Plumbing & Fittings :: Bulkheads & Uniseals :: Uniseals - All Sizes :: Uniseal - 1/4 inch

alliedaqua.com

theatrus · Feb 16, 2023

Not a huge fan of Uniseals for something at the bottom.

https://www.mcmaster.com/3770K41/ (can be had cheaper in thinner material from BRS))

Attach to https://www.mcmaster.com/3619N211/ or https://www.mcmaster.com/46555K497/

Ashwinclement · Feb 16, 2023

crusso1993 said:
Here you go...

1/4'' UNISEAL Tank to Pipe Seal - The Uniseal Warehouse

www.aussieglobe.com

1/4" Black Uniseal® Pipe-to-Tank Seal | U.S. Plastic Corp.

Uniseal® products replace traditional plumbing hardware with a single injection molded unit requiring no component parts. It was designed...

www.usplastic.com

1/4" Rubber Grommet

Secure your boat wiring with Boat Outfitters' 1/4 Rubber Grommet. Shop now for the best selection and prices!

www.boatoutfitters.com

Home :: Equipment & Supplies :: Plumbing & Fittings :: Bulkheads & Uniseals :: Uniseals - All Sizes :: Uniseal - 1/4 inch

alliedaqua.com

I have looked at these, but these 1/4" uniseals say they are for pipes for 1/4" ID not OD, RO tubing is 1/4" OD.

Ashwinclement · Feb 16, 2023

theatrus said:
Not a huge fan of Uniseals for something at the bottom.

https://www.mcmaster.com/3770K41/ (can be had cheaper in thinner material from BRS))

Attach to https://www.mcmaster.com/3619N211/ or https://www.mcmaster.com/46555K497/

So basically use regular bulkhead for 1/2" pipe and use a reducer to fit RO tubing

theatrus · Feb 16, 2023

Ashwinclement said:
So basically use regular bulkhead for 1/2" pipe and use a reducer to fit RO tubing

Yup. 1/4" bulkhead might be findable as well but 1/2" is more available.

Sean Clark · Feb 16, 2023

Parker LIQUIfit Bulkhead Union - 1/4 x 1/4

Features: Engineered Hi-Performance Nylon High chemical resistance EPDM O-ring FDA Approved material NSF Standard 51 & 61 Certified Temperature rated up to 200º F Suitable for potable liquids and food applications Both ends unscrew Gaskets (to create seal): YES 1/4" x1/4" Bulkhead Unions John...

www.freshwatersystems.com

colossal_tater · Feb 16, 2023

Ashwinclement said:
So basically use regular bulkhead for 1/2" pipe and use a reducer to fit RO tubing

I have a feeling you’d have a harder time getting that watertight myself. I’ve had this setup awhile now and it’s perfect.

1/2 inch uniseal (just make sure there are no burrs in the hole with some light sanding)
1/2 inch slip to threaded
1/2 inch threaded to 1/4 inch push fit

here’s the threaded to push connect I bought: MALIDA Quick Connector Female...
If you’re looking for a good float valve, these are what I use and they’re 100% plastic, adjustable, and happen to attach to 1/4 RO with the above threaded to push connect adapters. ROYHOO 4PCS 1/2 Inch Float Ball...

Dom · Feb 16, 2023

I do what you describe. I have a 40 gallon brute with RODI. I have a spigot for bulk water demands (water changes), but have included this bulkhead with feeds a gravity fed ATO.

1/4" Push Connect Bulkhead Tank Adapter

The ¼" push connect bulkhead tank adapter is a great solution for connecting ro tubing through hard-walled barriers, such as sump walls or container lids/caps. These come with a plastic nut to secure the bulkhead to the container wall, but do not have a gasket. These are designed for above-water...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Just remember the you will need to use a washer (not included). I used one from a garden hose which worked nicely.

colossal_tater · Feb 16, 2023

I bought some 1/4 inch uniseals to do the job at first, but the second I got them I felt they wouldn’t work. They’re just too small and thin and then RO tubing is not as stiff as some bigger PVC tubing, so I didn’t think it could possibly make a good seal.

As for bulkheads in a curved surface, it’s possibly to get them working and I’ve done it with a 1/4 bulkhead on a feed and seed container, but it took me multiple tests and tightens to get it water tight. I would have to fill it up and only once it was full would it start leaking with the extra pressure. Save yourself some trouble and just get a 1/2” uniseal. Just don’t drill it too low in case you mess up the hole. You can always go up a size in uniseal if you mess it up.

HuneyBear · Feb 16, 2023

I would use a 1/2” or 3/4” uniseal myself. You will never be able to get low enough to get all the liquid anyway so at least make it usable for future if change setup. Short piece of 1/2” pipe and and npt female end. Then 1/2 npt male to 1/4” pushlock fitting. Is it the cheapest route no. But the lower you put the 1/4” uniseal the harder it is to redrill if change uses because you are drilling off center.

Dom · Feb 16, 2023

Ashwinclement · Feb 17, 2023

Dom said:

This doesn't leak? I got the murdock 1/4" bulkhead but it has no gasket, did you add a gasket?

Ashwinclement · Feb 17, 2023

Sounds like the best approach is to use 1/2" uniseal and use a reducer to get it to 1/4" RO tubing size. 1/2" uniseal would also make it future proof incase I want to use it for a mixing station. I will explore this option. Thanks for the help guys, really appreciate it.

Ashwinclement · Feb 17, 2023

Ashwinclement said:
This doesn't leak? I got the murdock 1/4" bulkhead but it has no gasket, did you add a gasket?

Nevermind, I just saw your previous comment about using a washer

Dom · Feb 17, 2023

Ashwinclement said:
This doesn't leak? I got the murdock 1/4" bulkhead but it has no gasket, did you add a gasket?

A washer from a garden hose did the trick. And you have enough rigidity in the bulkhead to allow you to tighten it down without stripping it.

thecodingart · Nov 5, 2023

Dom said:
A washer from a garden hose did the trick. And you have enough rigidity in the bulkhead to allow you to tighten it down without stripping it.

Wait, so what was specifically used here?

The murdock 1/4" bulkhead and a garden hose gasket?