How to plumb the RO/DI water to an automatic Top off?

Sambo · 11-14-2006, 02:21 PM

This could be another very basic plumbing question...

I've seen people talk about plumbing the RO water for topping off directly into the sump, regulated by a float valve. How? What fittings would I need to hook my blue water line (can't remember the diameter - 1/4"? 1/2"?) up to a float valve? (and what sort should I buy?) Next question - does it matter that the RO filter is at the other end of the basement (ie approx 20 feet away) or should I replumb the filter?

cheers

sambo

Geoff · 11-14-2006, 08:27 PM

first you need to make sure your RO/DI filter has an ASOV (auto-shut off valve) on it. this keeps the waste water from continuously running while the float valve is blocking new water from going into the system.

i have a 3 way backup system. i have a float switch that actually controls the water level in the tank. this consists of a float switch, a transformer, and a RainBird 3/4" sprinkler soleniod. if this were to fail than i have a Kent Float valve on the end of the line going into the sump. if this were to fail i have a water sensing shutoff valve that will cut off the water supply before the RO/DI filter.

so far it has been working fine.

G~

Sambo · 11-14-2006, 09:50 PM

I like the built-in redundancy! So (sorry to be so dense) - the rainbird solenoid is the electrically operated valve? And where did you get it? (did you have to modify the fitting to take the hose from your RO unit??)

sambo

Geoff · 11-14-2006, 09:54 PM

i got my soleniod from Home Depot. they are in the sprinkler aisle. they are about $15. i actually have two on my system one for the auto top off the other for the semi-auto Water Change system.

i got the threaded versions. it took me about half an hour in the plumbing aisle before i found the minimum amount of connectors necessry to go from the 3/4" solenoid to the 1/4" Guess fitting.

G~

Sambo · 11-14-2006, 09:55 PM

And now have just found the Kent float valve on the marine depot site (I kept finding float switches that were designed to operate pumps rather than gravity-fed)

Thanks for the help (again again)

Geoff · 11-15-2006, 10:36 PM

those float switches that are designed for operating pumps can also be used for operating the sprinkler valves.

G~