RODI system hook up question

drknudsenx2 · Feb 9, 2020

Hey all, I have a spare washing machine hookup in my basement which is where I was planning on setting up my RODI system. However I’m not sure which faucet I should hook it up to, I don’t know which is hot or cold or how to tell the difference. I do have the adapter to hook it directly up to the faucet. I’m addition, I should just be able to run the waste pipe directly down the middle pvc pipe, correct? I have no knowledge on plumbing, so I would appreciate the advice!

Crabs McJones · Feb 9, 2020

Usually (not in every instance) cold water is the outlet on the right. What you could do is put your fitting on and run a small chunk of ro line into the drain and see if it stays hot or cold, then when you've figured out which one is cold run it to your ro unit and yes you can put the drain down the center tube. Be sure to secure it somehow.

PapaShrimp · Feb 9, 2020

Like the above comment, cold is usually on the right. If it were me I would get a bucket and just open right one up a little but so it comes out and run it long enough to see if it heats up. As long as you’ve got a steady hand as if you open it up too much you may have to explain to the mrs why there is a small flood and yes, straight down for the waste pipe with some clamp keeping in place. Good luck.

Mical · Feb 9, 2020

You could always connect a garden hose to either tap and other end to a sink & test.

drknudsenx2 · Feb 10, 2020

Thank you guys for the input! The system is up and running, unfortunately I have a leak from the GAC chamber. I think it is just a faulty O-ring (system was used) so hopefully will be an easy fix!

drknudsenx2 · Feb 10, 2020

UPDATE: I have tried 3 different O-rings that came with the unit, and I am still having a leak. I have the cannister on as tight as it will go using the wrench key tool, and the o-rings appear to be seated appropriately. Does this leak look like it is coming from somewhere else? Any advice on what to try next? Allegedly the system worked just fine previously, so I’m at a loss and would love to not have to buy a new system. I can also try ordering a brand new O-ring, maybe all of the ones I have now are worn down? Thank you!

hans4811 · Feb 10, 2020

Hard to tell where the leak is coming from in that vid...try this to pinpoint where the leak is. Shut down the flow and dry off everything real good...so no water anywhere. Then turn the system back on while watching the area where the leak is. Then if it's coming from that oring area, which is my guess, then it has to be either a pinched oring when you put it in, or an old one, which you can replace with. Definitely don't need to be buying a new system just cuz of a leak...it's fixable, just have to find out where. Also check to make sure you pushed your RODI lines in realll tight, you should a click and feel it seat.

Opus · Feb 10, 2020

That looks like it is coming from the hose connection between the 2 canisters and not the o-ring. I personally don't like systems that are put together that close. I prefer to have some hose going between each canister.

drknudsenx2 · Feb 10, 2020

Opus said:
That looks like it is coming from the hose connection between the 2 canisters and not the o-ring. I personally don't like systems that are put together that close. I prefer to have some hose going between each canister.

You were right, it was not the O-ring and it was a faulty connector between the two canisters. However, when attempting to detach the two canisters, it looks like the connector pieces has broken in half and may not be easily removed/replaced. I'm not sure that I'm going to easily be able to salvage this unit, and may have to buy a new RODI source.

Opus · Feb 11, 2020

You should be able to carefully wedge a screwdriver into the connector and unscrew it from the canister top.

Replace with this or the elbow version.

Mur-lok Male NPT x Push Connect

Mur-lok Reverse Osmosis fittings are the only RO fittings that feature dual EPDM O-rings to ensure a straight leak free fit. We believe GA Murdock Mur-lok fittings to be the best so strongly that we use them virtually exclusively on each of our BRS reverse osmosis systems and BRS media reactors...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Mur-lok RO Elbow - Male NPT x Push Connect

Mur-lok RO fittings are the only RO fittings that feature dual EPDM O-rings to ensure a straight leak free fit. We believe GA Murdock Mur-lok fittings to be the best so strongly that we use them virtually exclusively on each of our BRS reverse osmosis systems and BRS media reactors. These high...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

B7Joe · Feb 11, 2020

Ditto on the above. Also advise that you only install the canister units hand tight. You don’t want to use the tool to install, only to remove the canisters. Otherwise you risk cracking them.

Seanb1 · Feb 11, 2020

Put it in your laundry room you use and use the waste water to do laundry.
Just mount it on a board and hang it on the wall.
Ro filters waste hundreds of gallons of water to produce a hundred gallons.
Think about it and do it right.

Opus · Feb 11, 2020

Seanb1 said:
Put it in your laundry room you use and use the waste water to do laundry.
Just mount it on a board and hang it on the wall.
Ro filters waste hundreds of gallons of water to produce a hundred gallons.
Think about it and do it right.

That won't work for everyone. My washer empties all the water before it will start washing a load of clothes. Plus, the cost of a few hundred gallons is negligible.

eggplantparrot · Feb 11, 2020

depending on how old that thing is, it may be better to purchase a couple of new housings.

i tried to salvage a 2 stage filter housing from my work, who knows how old that thing was. but the biggest problem was that the plastic (looks just like yours btw) became very brittle. considering these things will have pressure built up to work, i wouldnt want to use old plastic like that. the housings are very cheap (~20$ on amazon), and you can use any fittings you want on the inputs and outputs.

drknudsenx2 · Feb 12, 2020

Thank you everyone for the input! I was able to get the pieces, and great news... no more leaks! However I can't figure out why it is not producing water... I have a slow but steady stream out of the flow restrictor to the drain, but no production out of the line. I don't currently have the DI hooked up, was going to wait until I had it up and running. I have followed the diagram for all of the lines, I appreciate your help!! (And I have a BRS DI canister not the one pictured here)

drknudsenx2 · Feb 12, 2020

Could the check valve in the elbow fitting coming off of the membrane be broken and causing this issue? That seems to be where the issue is- water flows out of the membrane when the elbow is not attached, but when I do attach it the water stops flowing.