Neptune Aquatics

Problem with Install - RO Unit for Drinking Water Install (including drain)

Alexander1312

Alexander1312

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I’m currently using an Aquatic Life under-sink water filtration system for my drinking water. My source water measures 32 TDS, and after filtration, it’s still 29 TDS—so it’s time for an upgrade.

I’d like to switch to a standard reverse osmosis (RO) system. My current setup does not appear to have a drain hose, likely because there’s no RO membrane installed.

Has anyone installed a standard RO system in a setup like mine (see photo below)? I’d appreciate any advice or insight on how this would work in my situation.

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www.saltwateraquarium.com

1.5" Saddle Drain x 1/4" Quick Connect RO Tubing Drain Connector (WHITE) Mur-Lok

Shop The Best Saltwater Aquarium Equipment & Supplies at Saltwater Aquarium. We Carry Everything you will Need for your Fish Tank.
www.saltwateraquarium.com www.saltwateraquarium.com

One option, like Mike said

www.freshwatersystems.com

Dishwasher/RO Drain Line Adapter - Universal Fit ( 1/4" and 3/8")

The Neo-Pure Dishwasher/RO Drain Line Adapter - 3/8" and 1/4" Tube Connection is designed for universal installation on all garbage disposals. The adapter connects where the dishwasher drain inlet is located. The Adapter provides a code listed alternative to the use of the drain saddle for quick...
www.freshwatersystems.com www.freshwatersystems.com
 
Whichever route just make sure to watch vids on the right location for installation. You do not want sewer gas back flow or food debris clogging and rotting.. This would be my first two spots for each product mentioned above note Im not an plumbing professional but have installed many kitchen and bathroom sinks along with all the plumbing..
Good luck
 

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I wanted to confirm something with the plumbing experts.

Is it correct that I mount all of this (picture) on the pipe, and then drill through the opening a hole into the pipe?

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I installed this 5-stage RO under my sink and have two main issues with it:

1. The booster pump does not turn on in most cases when I turn on the faucet. Sometimes it does. We have the same pump in the bathroom for the RODI and know how to adjust the high pressure switch, but it does not seem to work well with the RO system.

2. The water out of the faucet comes out super slow - despite the booster pump being on and the water supply line providing very strong water flow when not connected to the RO system.

Water still filters rather well - 30 TDS in, 4 out, but it’s unbearably slow, so I need someone to fix it.

Warning - rant start: I have ordered now two systems from airwaterice.com and must say I cannot recommend this place. The instructions are terribly cumbersome written, and although Chris has 40 years of experience in RO/RODI systems, he is unable to provide truly helpful support when I reached out to him a few times, even though he responds typically within a day. Most, if not all, issues I tried to discuss with him I eventually figured out on my own. Very odd how you can do something for such a long time and be so unhelpful with advice (rant end).
 
psidriven said:
Haha, I’m experiencing that right now and know the pain. Being extremely knowledgeable about something does not mean being able to explain/teach it well. Just as super smart researchers don’t necessarily make decent teachers.
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100%. But if that is your business….

After I pretty much told him in similar words as in my rant my sentiment, yep, no sugarcoating from me when I am unhappy, he finally was helpful by stating that I do require one of these pressure tanks. I had explicitly asked him previously if I needed one since I do not have space for it, but he did not make this clear.

airwaterice.com

2.2 Gallon RO Pressure Tank - NSF

2.2 Gallon NSF TANK - Reef Tank owners need a dependable dealer of NSF Certified Parts for their saltwater aquarium zero tds water changes.
airwaterice.com airwaterice.com
 
I have my booster pump on a hydros WiFi single outlet switch. For the sink if this is just drinking water then yes you'll need a tank otherwise it will just come out at that rate. Mine is sitting on its side to fit and it looks like you have enough room down there.
 
Alexander1312 said:
. I had explicitly asked him previously if I needed one since I do not have space for it, but he did not make this clear.
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That is a double ended question and answer not knocking your rant but your issue should have been resolved easily!. Sure if you don’t have room technically you do not need a pressure storage tank many people use them with no tanks. I used an ro under the sink for years with 3/8 tubing normal water pressure was around 54 PSIg no pump or tank needed water flowed like a standard drinking fountain which was fine..However when I installed an instant hot water appliance I did add an pressure tank after the Ro which helped alot filling up large pots of hot water for pasta etc!. Incoming cold water temp can make a big difference also on output & waste ratio..
Just remember to sanitize your RO system once or twice a year since its for drinking to be safe.
 
PjFish said:
That is a double ended question and answer not knocking your rant but your issue should have been resolved easily!. Sure if you don’t have room technically you do not need a pressure storage tank many people use them with no tanks. I used an ro under the sink for years with 3/8 tubing normal water pressure was around 54 PSIg no pump or tank needed water flowed like a standard drinking fountain which was fine..However when I installed an instant hot water appliance I did add an pressure tank after the Ro which helped alot filling up large pots of hot water for pasta etc!. Incoming cold water temp can make a big difference also on output & waste ratio..
Just remember to sanitize your RO system once or twice a year since its for drinking to be safe.
Click to expand...

Not sure how you were able to get the water flowing out of the faucet at a drinking fountain speed. As you have seen on the video, this is slower even with a booster pump. The water supply is on a 3/8 line and fills a gallon of water in 17 seconds, so rather strong, and the pump pushes PSI to 75. Yet, the water is 65F so potentially that impacts it.

Thank you for the advice to sanitize this regularly - will put a reminder.
 
Alexander1312 said:
Not sure how you were able to get the water flowing out of the faucet at a drinking fountain speed. As you have seen on the video, this is slower even with a booster pump. The water supply is on a 3/8 line and fills a gallon of water in 17 seconds, so rather strong, and the pump pushes PSI to 75. Yet, the water is 65F so potentially that impacts it.

Thank you for the advice to sanitize this regularly - will put a reminder.
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Add a pressure tank for faster filling.
 
Alexander1312 said:
Not sure how you were able to get the water flowing out of the faucet at a drinking fountain speed
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started with an original Amway, eSpring UV
Water Purifier under the sink I got from a neighbor ..Think is was one of the only unit sold using UVC back then...
Then moved on to a tankless 20inch tall three stage system under the sink and tossed on a UV which filled up a pint glass in about sixish seconds..UV on RO systems are still a fairly debatable!
 
PjFish said:
started with an original Amway, eSpring UV
Water Purifier under the sink I got from a neighbor ..Think is was one of the only unit sold using UVC back then...
Then moved on to a tankless 20inch tall three stage system under the sink and tossed on a UV which filled up a pint glass in about sixish seconds..UV on RO systems are still a fairly debatable!
Click to expand...
Yes, I have been looking at adding an UV option, but I am not clear what this means maintenance-wise and the actual benefits/needs this satisfies.
 
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