Just Got An Ro Filter, But I Can't Pierce My Apartment's Pipe

[Revision17]

I just got a 5 stage RO+DI filter off ebay. The kit came with a connector to pierce the cold water pipe for it's cold water supply. However I don't want to do that since I live in an apartment. What parts would I need if I want to hook it up to the faucet, or what places should I look for information on this?

I'm very ignorant about plumbing, so please bear with me

Edit: Also, I can't turn off my cold water pressure. So if I remove the "saddle valve", water will spray out and I won't be able to stop it

 

[BigC]

Hi,
First of all I don't know what part of the globe your from, that said
The method I used below is British based, and the parts are from an British based company but should be availabe from a local RO stockist where you are.

Dont pierce the pipe, I chose that method years ago and when it came to selling the house I had to get a plumber to fit a new pipe section for the new buyers.
I have just bought another RO unit for my venture into setting up a small Nano Reef.
I hope you have a washing machine, If so buy these connectors from <a href="http/www.ro-man.com/index.php" target="_blank">http/www.ro-man.com/index.php</a>
1/4" Ball valves. [URL="http/tinyurl.com/2v4tha"]http/tinyurl.com/2v4tha[/URL]
Washing machine "Y" connector <a href="http/tinyurl.com/35ysxo" target="_blank">http/tinyurl.com/35ysxo</a>
and finally a 1/4" tap connector <a href="http/tinyurl.com/2uujqz" target="_blank">http/tinyurl.com/2uujqz</a>
Turn off the Blue (cold water) washing machine valve and disconnect the washing machine blue pipe from it.
Screw the "Y connector onto the washing machine cold water mains feed (blue tap) connector (using PTFE tape)
Screw the washing machine blue cold pipe onto one of the "Y" connector legs. (using PTFE tape)
Screw the 1/4" tap connector onto the other "Y" connector leg (using PTFE tape)
Insert your mains feed RO pipe into the 1/4" tap connector
Fit a ball valve inline between the connections and your RO unit.
Turn the blue washing machine mains valve back on.
And thats it
Regards
BigC

P.S. Buy a couple of Ball Valves while your there (never know when you'll need one)

 

[yorkcoparamedic]

Washing machine "Y" connector <a href="http/tinyurl.com/35ysxo" target="_blank">http/tinyurl.com/35ysxo</a>

Just a note of caution on the "Y" connector. Make sure this is of a good grade PVC for use indoors. For that matter make sure everything is a good grade PVC for indoor use. I made the mistake of trying to save a couple of bucks and purchased a cheap plastic one from Target for garden hoses. I screwed it on to the input line for the washing machine and after a couple of weeks in broke off. Good thing the wife and I were in the basement when it happened or we would have had a total flood in our finnished basement!!!

Also see if you can find one with an "on" and "off" ball valve. It will give you an extra place to shut the water off in case something breaks further down the line.

If you can not get the landlord to shut the water off for a minute or two while you install the valves then use a faucet connector to your kitchen or bathroom sink.

Depending on who makes your RO unit just check with the company for extra parts for the faucet connector or this one should work just fine for you. Faucet Connector

Hope this helped

p.s
Making RO is a very slow process. Make sure you dont forget about it and goto work or bed, you could end up with a wet house if your buckets overfill. Have a safety like setting them in a large tub, bathtub, or better yet a RO unit overfill shutoff.

 

[sandfire]

This works for me:

I have mine fitted to the tap in the garden.

Just fit a section of hose pipe to plastic plumbing pipe the same diameter as your water supply pipe and put an end cap on it. Then cut into the plastic pipe with the RO. You might have to put the hosepipe in hotwater to soften it then push it good few inches down the pipe and secure with strong metal pipe clip.

Works great, plus if it's to cold you just disconnect the pipe from the tap and store it someplace safe. If I need water when it's cold outside I just wrap the RO unit in a blanket all snug. Just don’t leave it out overnight if you're expecting frost because if the water expands inside the unit it will break it.

As it's in the garden if I forget to turn it off it just waters my plants…. garden path…plus lawn!

http/www.homebase.co.uk/webapp/wcs/store...rtNumber=174711

http/www.homebase.co.uk/webapp/wcs/store...rtNumber=040725

http/www.homebase.co.uk/webapp/wcs/store...rtNumber=343963

http/www.wickes.co.uk/invt/424993

http/www.wickes.co.uk/invt/424967

 

[steelhealr]

You can get faucet and garden hose connectors. SH

 

[Revision17]

I just ordered the faucet connector yorkcoparamedic linked to. I actually went to home depot to see if they had a similar part, but they didn't. $20 is more than I'd like to spend on a little adaptor, but considering I've already purchased the RO unit, I can't really not get it (well, I guess I'd have a cool looking paperweight then ).

I totally forgot plumbing is different sizes in different countries. I live across the pond from most members of this board in the US.

Thanks everyone

 

[Revision17]

Awesome, the faucet adapter I got worked

Thanks guys

 

[yorkcoparamedic]

No problem.

They also sell automatic shutoff valves and float switches for less than $20 that will keep you from making a accidental mess. I learned the hard and flooded my basement with about 20 gallons of water overnight.