Flooded my kitchen again....

[VW_TDI_02]

So this is the third time I've flooded part of my kitchen. This time was the most amount of water that I've pumped onto my floor at about 1.5-2 gallons. This is of course my own fault for forgetting that I'm making RODI water and then coming back an hour or two later and seeing 1/4" of water. The good thing is that it's an apartment and I'm on the ground floor so underneath the cheap linoleum is just concrete. It's a cheap apartment too so if anything it just looks like the floor got cleaned. I have a nano tank and the tank for my fresh RODI water is just my 5 gallon reservoir for my auto top off. Reservoir Image.

 

Idea 1

I'm thinking about a solenoid valve between the water source and the filter but then I'm not sure how to control it. I don't do it at the same time so a regular AM/PM timer won't work. Would have to be something like an actual timer that counts down from however long you set it. Once the timer shuts off, the power to the solenoid valve is cut off and the valve closes.

 

Idea 2

This would function with a float switch. Pretty much the float switch would be mounted on some sort of flat metal/plastic that goes across the opening of the reservoir. Once the float switch gets to the top, some sort of valve would shut off. I'm thinking this would work the way an auto top off system would work but instead of the sensor turning on a pump, it would open a solenoid valve connected to the sensor. As soon as the water level trips the sensor, power gets cut to the solenoid valve and cuts the water to the filter.

 

 

Any other ideas are welcome but I am trying to do this as cheap as possible (price wise). In about 8 months I'm going to be buying my own townhome and I definitely need to get this locked down by then.

[tetraodon]

So this is the third time I've flooded part of my kitchen. This time was the most amount of water that I've pumped onto my floor at about 1.5-2 gallons. This is of course my own fault for forgetting that I'm making RODI water and then coming back an hour or two later and seeing 1/4" of water. The good thing is that it's an apartment and I'm on the ground floor so underneath the cheap linoleum is just concrete. It's a cheap apartment too so if anything it just looks like the floor got cleaned. I have a nano tank and the tank for my fresh RODI water is just my 5 gallon reservoir for my auto top off. Reservoir Image.

 

Idea 1

I'm thinking about a solenoid valve between the water source and the filter but then I'm not sure how to control it. I don't do it at the same time so a regular AM/PM timer won't work. Would have to be something like an actual timer that counts down from however long you set it. Once the timer shuts off, the power to the solenoid valve is cut off and the valve closes.

 

Idea 2

This would function with a float switch. Pretty much the float switch would be mounted on some sort of flat metal/plastic that goes across the opening of the reservoir. Once the float switch gets to the top, some sort of valve would shut off. I'm thinking this would work the way an auto top off system would work but instead of the sensor turning on a pump, it would open a solenoid valve connected to the sensor. As soon as the water level trips the sensor, power gets cut to the solenoid valve and cuts the water to the filter.

 

 

Any other ideas are welcome but I am trying to do this as cheap as possible (price wise). In about 8 months I'm going to be buying my own townhome and I definitely need to get this locked down by then.

i put my bucket in my bath tub, and snack the waist water into the drain, its pretty makeshift but it works, i only run my RO a couple times a week so its no big deal, you can use valves but they would need to shut off the water before the RO unit to make sure pressure wouldnt blow one of the fittings, <- i did that with a python water changer once.

[StevieT]

Put it on a cheap sprinkler timer. Hook it to your supply, hook it to your output. Done. No worry, turns on the water when you want it, turns it off automatically.

http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/354747-stupid-employees-rodi-refill/page-2

 

[Neebles]

I set a timer/alarm for myself. I've flooded my mudroom enough times that I now know how long it takes to fill a bucket.

[ajmckay]

i put my bucket in my bath tub, and snack the waist water into the drain, its pretty makeshift but it works, i only run my RO a couple times a week so its no big deal, you can use valves but they would need to shut off the water before the RO unit to make sure pressure wouldnt blow one of the fittings, <- i did that with a python water changer once.

 

+1 if it's in your kitchen just put your bucket in the sink and snake the waste line to the drain.

 

Set your phone alarm for how long you need to fill the bucket, and if for whatever reason you forget no worries the water will just overflow into the drain.

[VW_TDI_02]

It is set up in the kitchen so I can't use the tub. I would have to put something on the end of the clean water output for it to stay put up about 4' up. Worst part is that means I have to make sure all the dishes are done so that I have an empty sink.. haha. Only other thing is that I'm wondering if the sink can withstand 50-60 pounds worth of water sitting on top of it. That sprinkler timer looks like the key and well within my price range. Would be able to time and see how long it takes to fill 1 gallon of water and from there I can just set the timer for however many gallons I need. I normally do set my alarm but when I started the water I didn't have my phone on me. By the time I got done running about a gallon (I always toss the first gallon) and then setting up the actual reservoir, I had completely forgotten to set the timer on my phone. After reading for an hour or two I was thinking about how I needed to fix the baffle in my sump so my ATO works better when I realized that I had forgotten about the water.

 

[Edit]

I think the next time I'm at Home Depot/Lowes/Walmart (might have it) I'm going to pick up something like this. I saw some other ones that were about $10 that are mechanical but I'm not sure how well or how reliable they are. $10 timer

[CrazyEyes]

Oh god man, I've done this about 5 times, the trick is to notice it before your gf does (if you in fact have a significant other). I use to make small amounts at a time for top off water, so I'd start to make a gallon, about an hour later remember it was running, so around 3 gallons on the floor. Just put the bucket in the sink.

[VW_TDI_02]

Oh god man, I've done this about 5 times, the trick is to notice it before your gf does (if you in fact have a significant other). I use to make small amounts at a time for top off water, so I'd start to make a gallon, about an hour later remember it was running, so around 3 gallons on the floor. Just put the bucket in the sink.

The beauty of the single life. The good thing is that I just finished my taxes and I should be getting a nice return assuming everything goes as planned. I also lucked out in that I'm on the bottom floor so all I have is concrete below me. I usually make it in either 3 gallon for 5 gallon batches. 3 gallons for a water change and 5 gallons for the auto topoff. I may start doing 5 gallon water changes but that's another discussion. I think I'm going to get one of those sprinkler timers just to be safe. I really don't trust my sink or much of anything in this apartment.

[CrazyEyes]

What about a float valve?

[VW_TDI_02]

What about a float valve?

The issue with the float valve is mounting it on top of the reservoir where it won't fall off. Below is a link to what I'm using as a reservoir. Also, if I use a float valve, I would also need to use some sort of valve that runs off of the sensor (no idea how to do that even though I know it isn't that hard). I think at this point the simplest and cheapest solution is the sprinkler timer. This way I can set it for two hours or so and come back whenever. I just need to figure out about how long it takes for my filter to produce one gallon and after that I can estimate about how long I need to set the timer.

 

 

http://static.veracart.com/generalarmynavy/item_images/set_1/24/lg.jpg

[farkwar]

Put your water jug in the sink.

[VW_TDI_02]

Put your water jug in the sink.

To reiterate, I don't think my sink can even hold that much weight. For an example, with one finger I can press on the middle of the sink and can see it flexing. The sink is supported all the way around by a piece of linoleum glued to 3/4" particle board that in some places has clearly gotten wet. Cheap rent, cheap apartment...

[ipodnano]

I did the same thing so many times until I finally got a Leak Controller. Basically it has a sensor that detects water on the floor then shuts off the water to the RO/DI. Money well spent.

 

[GokesReef]

Phone -> timer app

 

Free, easy, fool-proof

[WibblyPig]

Just be aware that if you use your phone timer, you'll have to reset it through the seasons. When the water is cold, the RO doesn't run as fast. As it warms up, you'll get better flow.

[CJJon]

What you need is a container that can use a float vavle and this: http://spectrapure.com/DOSING-TOP-OFF/FLOAT-VALVE-CONTROL-RESERVIOR-FILL-SYSTEMS/Automatic-Shut-Off-Float-Kit-w-1-4in-fittings

[iadubber]

Why can't you use a float valve? Or buy another jug, drill it and put a float valve in that one and transfer water to your top off container? It's a simple fix and you are making it way to complicated. I have used BRS float valves for years and never have had one fail on me.

 

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reverse-osmosis-float-valve.html

[Allathlete5]

I like to set an alarm on my phone... After a few gallons I've found that my unit and water pressure pushes out 1 gallon every 16 minutes.

[VW_TDI_02]

I did the same thing so many times until I finally got a Leak Controller. Basically it has a sensor that detects water on the floor then shuts off the water to the RO/DI. Money well spent.

 

 

I feel like this would work really well as a back up. Only issue is that for this to work, I would still need to spill water onto the floor before it trips the sensor.

Phone -> timer app

 

Free, easy, fool-proof

Unless you don't happen to have your phone on you and forget to start the timer...a few times. haha

 

Just be aware that if you use your phone timer, you'll have to reset it through the seasons. When the water is cold, the RO doesn't run as fast. As it warms up, you'll get better flow.

 

Thanks. Once the weather warms up a bit I guess I should get a good bit more flow. Right now the water is frigid when it comes out of the filter.

 

What you need is a container that can use a float vavle and this: http://spectrapure.com/DOSING-TOP-OFF/FLOAT-VALVE-CONTROL-RESERVIOR-FILL-SYSTEMS/Automatic-Shut-Off-Float-Kit-w-1-4in-fittings

Why can't you use a float valve? Or buy another jug, drill it and put a float valve in that one and transfer water to your top off container? It's a simple fix and you are making it way to complicated. I have used BRS float valves for years and never have had one fail on me.

 

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reverse-osmosis-float-valve.html

 

I'm responding to both of these posts since they are pretty similar. CJJon, BRS happens to have a kit that's looks to be the same thing as that but about $10 cheaper but thanks for the idea. I don't doubt that they will fail but I do not want to deal with transferring water though. I do like the idea though. It would cut down on the amount of water that the reservoir can hold but I think I could still make it work. It would also be a bit difficult trying to get that installed in this container but I still think it could work.

 

I like to set an alarm on my phone... After a few gallons I've found that my unit and water pressure pushes out 1 gallon every 16 minutes.

I guess I should start timing how much is produced. Only thing is that if what Wibblypig said is correct, my flow rate should speed up over the next few months as the water coming from the filter is ice cold.

[Allathlete5]

Its not going to change drastically though. Just set your alarm 2 minutes early and check it out. The nice thing for me is I'm able to set my bucket or jug in the sink, although I've yet to have an overfkow

[WibblyPig]

Its not going to change drastically though. Just set your alarm 2 minutes early and check it out. The nice thing for me is I'm able to set my bucket or jug in the sink, although I've yet to have an overfkow

 

You're in SoCA so not that much of a temp swing. Right now the water is coming out of the tap at about 36 degrees. In the summer it's more like 70 - makes a BIG difference.

[Allathlete5]

 

You're in SoCA so not that much of a temp swing. Right now the water is coming out of the tap at about 36 degrees. In the summer it's more like 70 - makes a BIG difference.

Water coming out of the tap is currently 55 and during the summer will be up in the 70's. Although I live in socal the desert still freezes over at night. By big difference are you saying the 16 minutes per gallon now will turn into sub 10 during the summer? If so I won't have to upgrade my rodi unit anytime soon.

[WibblyPig]

Water coming out of the tap is currently 55 and during the summer will be up in the 70's. Although I live in socal the desert still freezes over at night. By big difference are you saying the 16 minutes per gallon now will turn into sub 10 during the summer? If so I won't have to upgrade my rodi unit anytime soon.

 

If it's coming out at 55 now you'll notice a big difference when it's coming out in the 70s. People with tanks who use big Brutes for water mixing will actually put a hundred feet or so of 1/4" line in the brute to preheat the water before it hits the RO unit.

[VW_TDI_02]

Regardless I'm not making all that much water so the difference won't be as noticeable. I'll time it periodically and will see how it changes. It's in the 20s today so this probably isn't a good day to do it.

[Jackstone]

Is it possible to just put a cheap float valve on the end of the line? For instance, install one in a 5 gallon bucket and when it's full it closes the valve. The water would still be on for the RODI unit though. Would it build up back pressure and damage the membrane or anything?