Auto topoff

[Viv]

Ro/Di is by the washer, the other side of the basement. I'd like to hook it up for auto top off (carrying buckets just isn't cool anymore!). I have a new sump which has a float valve built in so that's ready. Currently the water drips into a garbage can. I can run tubing from the garbage can straight up along the ceiling to the other side of the basement where the tank is located, but what kind of pump do I use? Is there something that will turn off (pump, I mean) when the float valve rises and stops water from entering the sump? Is this an ok way of doing it, or is another way better?

[Geoff]

there are several options. running the outlet line into the float valve is the easiest. there are auto-shut off valves for RO filters that when pressure builds up behind the float valve it causes this valve to shut off the infeed line to the RO. that way it is not just dumping all kinds of wastewater when the tank does not need its level changed.

you can also use a float switch to control a pump, but you will still need to find a way to shut off the filter.

i would think the first option is the easiest/cheapest. those auto shut off valves are less than $20. Kent has a full kit, but it also includes the float valve which it sounds like you already have.

G~

[Viv]

so, there are two float valves? One in the sump, one in the garbage can-the one in the garbage can controlling the ro? Do I understand this correctly? How does the pump turn off? Is it a specialized pump?

[Geoff]

not necessarily. i was thinking of just using one float valve on the sump for water level control. you can use the garbage can if you want, but why. it would be better used for the water changes and not for normal top off.

the auto shut off valve goes by the RO/DI filter. then the long run of 1/4" line to the float valve in the sump. i would put a tee in the line so that you can put a valve on it for filling the garbage can for water changes when needed.

you can use a pump for doing top off. this would require a float switch to turn on the pump. a bit more complicated, but just as good. it all depends on how you want to do it.

i would do my first suggestion. i also have a magic water sensing shut off valve before my filter as a just in case. it has a sensor on it that if it touches water it shuts off the supply to the RO/DI that way if the sump were to overflow or the water line feeding the top off were to break it would shut off all extra incoming water to the system.

G~

[Viv]

You've been providing me with a lot of great help and information! Thanks!

[Geoff]

does that mean you understand what i was saying?

i can never tell if i am just confusing more people than i am trying to help.

G~

[Viv]

Yup, I believe I was quite confused and thinking to use water for the wc as top off. What you say makes what I'm trying to accomplish a helluva lot easier than the way I was thinking of doing things. With the tee off the top off line I can even place a garbage can for the w/c close to the tank! I think besides everything else I'm gonna have to check out that magic sensing valve! Thanks again G!