How To Install a Reverse Osmosis System & Alternate Location Options - RO Drinking Water System

[@242sp]

Glad to see you instructing how to install one of these systems. I'm a water treatment plant operator and I installed one in my home 2 years ago and love it. It's the same water you buy in bottles but better because you know where it's coming from. I can test my tap water against the RO water and it does take 99% of the fluoride and chlorine out. Do a test -next time you buy your beautiful wife roses, put half in treated municipal water and half in RO water and tell us the results. I don't drink any water unless it's RO. I give my two Jack Russells RO water because I think (my opinion) that all the "crap" in the municipal water has lead to many of the diseases in dogs and or at least contributed to them. Your doing a big service showing how to do this. Thanks

[@Samlol23_drrich]

I agree with everything you said except the fluoride part. It’s really the only thing that prevents cavities and has no side effects.

[@aperson9495]

@@Samlol23_drrich You might want to research that a bit more. The concentration in the drinking water is worthless with regards to cavity prevention, and there's research suggesting that fluorides cavity prevention ability is questionable at best. Even if Fluoride DOES have true 'protection qualities', it's through concentrated topical application, not ingesting it. And on top of that, fluoride is a neurotoxin. Take a look at toothpaste labels - for example 'Toms of Maine' fluoride vs non-fluoride. If you look at the box with fluoride, there's a warning about 'if more than used for brushing is swallowed, call poison control'. That warning is not there on the non-fluoride variant. I wonder why that might be.....

[@Samlol23_drrich]

@@aperson9495 I've researched it for my 30+ years as a practicing dentist. Systemic fluoride certainly has a set of benefits its just different than topical. Having said that you are entitled to be anti fluoride just as I am entitled to be pro fluoride.

[@aperson9495]

@@Samlol23_drrich Well, by saying you're a 'practicing dentist', you just tossed ANY objectivity out the window. In my experience, doctors of ALL variations tend to just 'tow the line' and not do any critical thinking or research of their own. There ARE exceptions, but that's not the norm. My daughters dentist was trying to push fluoride treatments, saying it's 'completely natural' and 'completely safe'. BULL****. Within this topic of conversation, I do not believe ANY dentists actually do research or learn for them selves, they just parrot what the 'ADA' says. You might have a look at this: www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/features/fluoride-childrens-health-grandjean-choi/. Here's another one to consider: www.healthfirstdental.com/oral-health-issues/fluoride-health-concerns-calgary/. The bottom line is fluoride NOT safe, it is NOT harmless, and is ABSOLUTELY something that should NOT be added to drinking water. Now, if, by some chance, Dr Featherstone's conclusions are wrong and it DOES actually provide some actual benefit, that would be topical application of high concentrations. Adding it to drinking water is ZERO benefit. The contact time with the teeth is too short and the concentration level is too low. Again, assuming that there really is any real benefit, the concentration that would likely be required in drinking water to be beneficial to the teeth would likely be fatal. IF there is any benefit to it, that would ONLY be topically applied high concentrations at the dentist. NOT in drinking water. If nothing else, the neurotoxicity of fluoride should not be ignored.

[@nonyafkinbznes1420]

@@Samlol23_drrich Sure, but fluoride should not be added to municipal water supplies. You're always free to get your own fluoride.

[@noHandle1776]

we run a 40-60psi jet pump, but were on a CSV not a traditional large pressure tank. This setup works very very well and keeps our RO tank toped off with no issues.

[@Paul-hl5ls]

Exactly the way I wanted to install my system but everyone on KZbin shows the under-sink method which had me doubting my plans

[@publicmail2]

Just changed my RO membrane (screen and control orifice), pre and post and sanitized, I've had mine for 20 years so far. For every gallon made, about 3-4 goes down drain, no big deal. Buying bottles of water if a rip off. A tip when changing under sink is to detach RO and put in a shallow container to catch some water when changing filters. Get for ice maker too, remember never copper for RO water.

[@rkramer5629]

@@guyfaux5010 Just don’t stick the black line down the nearest drain pipe. Plenty of secondary nonpottable uses for the runoff if you put in the effort Just remember that (especially for well water) the ppm of dissolved minerals and metals and such is going to be a lot higher than what went into the filter...

[@franktartan6808]

I have mine in the garage and run the waste water into the washing machine. No wasted water!!

[@Bubby1100]

@@guyfaux5010 - I understand your concern but consider that all the water used is water that you would have bought in plastic bottles. Besides the plastic waste (and possible consumption of plasticizers), there's also the added carbon footprint of transportation. This is healthier, eco friendly, and saves money over time. Diverting waste water to a secondary usage (outdoor plants, etc.) would remove your final concerns.

[@sobrevida157]

@@franktartan6808 Thank you for this great idea! I'm concerned that with the water in the machine, mold will grow. . .have you had any problems with mold? Thanks again!

[@franktartan6808]

in 8 years only 3 times did the water ever get a smell. If you put clothes in, you cant let it sit or it will grow. If you are concerned about growth, just add a squirt of bleach. My whole house filter and ro filter removes the city added bleach.@@sobrevida157

[@hiseminencetheholymacdiarmada]

I’ve found that using an open end wrench 🔧 makes disconnecting SUPER EASY. 1/4” 3/8” etc. use the wrench instead of your finger nails to hold back the retaining lip.

[@PatrickSalisMEDIA]

The sanitizing is a valued inclusion. The methodical hook up got me confused at the most needed part for why I watched. The quick pace and video glimps left me again looking for the 4th to final filter connections.

[@SR-pb6kq]

I liked "He he" at 6:50 Great video! Thanks!!!

[@walterbordett2023]

I had one of those 5-unit RO systems with the bladder storage tank years ago. I stopped using it because I was not drawing enough water through it to keep the system from plugging up with bacterial biofilm before the filters were due to be changed. I think my mistake was filtering onlyu the water dispenser and not filtering the cold water to the main sink faucet. I spent a lot of money on filters and membranes for very little actual product water. I have good quality municipal water and all I really needed was particulate and carbon filters. YMMV.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Definitely agree that it's not a 1 size fits all sort of thing.

[@andresgil1449]

Omg dude you just saved my life, I just watched the car door latch video I was in the parking lot with my two little ones and was able to close the car door thx to you thank you

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Glad I was able to help!

[@brucestorey917]

Hey, Ben! Thanks for the video. I watch all of your videos, but I rarely comment because you do such a good job of explaining things. However, there are a couple of things I’d like to point out that you didn’t mention - things you may not know. Did you realize you created a cross connection when you connected the RO drain to the sink drain? If your kitchen sink drain clogs, it is possible, albeit unlikely, that the waste water from your kitchen drain will siphon into the RO system, contaminating your RO water. Hardly any RO system manufacturers consider this, but some do and either instruct you to use an air gap at the drain connection or sometimes an ASSE 1024 backflow preventer to prevent the possibility of backflow. You should have drilled the hole a little larger for the dispenser for a couple of reasons. First, you know you’re going to have to replace that one day, or you’re not going to like that the one you installed is chrome and doesn’t match your faucet. The problem is, there are different sizes of dispenser posts, and the small hole you made may not accommodate the next one you use. Did you notice the round bump on the plastic washer you placed under the counter? That’s how big your hole should have been - that bump on the washer sits inside of the hole to keep the dispenser centered and to keep it from shifting. Back to the drain. I have been plumbing for forty years, and over the last fifteen or so years where RO systems have become very popular, I have run into the following major disaster about six times: an RO system does not know when a kitchen drain is clogged, so it keeps chugging along, dumping its waste water into the kitchen drain if it doesn’t have an automatic shutoff for when the tank is full - most of the cheaper systems don’t have this. I have arrived at customers’ homes whose kitchen, basement, entire first floor, etc., have been destroyed because they were out of town and the RO system kept dumping water into their clogged kitchen drain -water just kept spilling over their sink and onto the counter and floor for however long they were gone. Granted, these people should have addressed their clogged kitchen drain and should never have let them get as bad as they did, but some people just don’t think this way, plus they just had no idea something like this could happen. Lastly, most people use their RO water as drinking water. What they don’t realize is, RO water will not hydrate them. They may feel refreshed as they drink the water, but there is absolutely nothing in the water that will allow their body to retain the water. People who drink RO water will notice they urinate more often - especially those who fill their sports bottles or Camelback-type hydrating systems with it, then go work out, hike, run or bike. The RO water just goes right through their system without hydrating them since the system has removed all of the minerals (e.g. sodium) required to “bond” the water to their body. This is why municipalities that use RO systems add these minerals back to the water after passing through the RO phase of filtration. I hope what I wrote makes sense and is helpful.

[@intheboxaliveordead781]

Thanks for the info on your experience. The last part on "hydrate" or "bond" the water to the body isn't quite accurate. The human body absorbs the bulk of ingested RO water through the intestines. If it didn't you would have endless diarrhea. The RO water enters into epithelial cells composing the intestinal lining through aquaporins. Then into tissues and capillaries of the circulatory system. The RO water could dilute the ions in the tissues and blood, but typically the kidneys retain the ions via cotransporters activated through a complex signal cascade regulated by antidiuretic hormone produced in the brain. In extreme cases a healthy runner can dilute these ions with enough water intake that could lead to hyponatremia. However, as long as the body has a sufficient amount of sodium (136 and 145 mM in blood of healthy person) from the diet the intake of RO water has no significant difference for water loss. Municipalities add minerals to help reduce the likelihood of deficiencies from poor diets. So use a mineral drop if you're worried the RO water is diluting essential ions.

[@brucestorey917]

@@intheboxaliveordead781 Thank you!

[@inee107]

as long as your diet is sufficient, the body is smart enough to keep homeostasis and provide essential minerals to keep it working. no need to worry about minerals in water. all this alkaline water and ph stuff that marketing companies use is BS and not medical science.

[@SayHelloToOblivion]

I didn't read your entire post, but if you are worried about backflow, the company has said that it is a one way valve (or check valve) so it cannot reverse flow.

[@solinsh3766]

Do you know any good company that sells an asse 1024 back flow preventer I tried researching but couldn't find any?

[@Bronco-1776]

The one piece of instructions I really need was skimmed over. The drilling of the hole through the laminate counter top. What size and type of drill bit? (I'm a real dummy here, OK?) What is the maximum thickness of countertop the faucet will go through? Would it be OK to drill through stainless steel of the sink itself?

[@AmericanDrinker]

To all the people here concerned about the amount of wastewater that is sent to the drain. Try taking shorter showers or get rid of your thirsty lawn and you will EASILY offset the amount of water use by your RO system. For extra points, you can flush your toilet only after every third piss you take. Cheers mates

[@nonyafkinbznes1420]

Or just shower in your urine.

[@buckdangt3343]

You should always install a feed shutoff valve to facilitate filter changes or anytime you want to work on the system.

[@rkramer5629]

IMO if you’re looking for a new system, look for a filter that’s setup for 3/8” output line. Most seem to be 1/4”. I’ve used both and the flow difference is night and day.

[@Samlol23_drrich]

Great suggestion. I agree. I’ve got my RO Teed off. It’s 3/8 and I had to tee it down to 1/4 for my ice maker and I ran a line to my garage faucet near my kitchen to fill water bottles et. I left a 3/8 line in my basement for my grow area (veges only…….) and it’s a world of difference between 3/8 output and 1/4 output.

[@Shalmaneser1]

I'd like to find the guy who designed this type of plastic fitting. A company installed the thing. Several clips left off and two leaks. As for these RO systems, they should standardize on one size of tubing. Your system is fancy! It has labels!

[@xDrziodbergx]

Thankyou for explaining the compression fitting to the tap! The geekpure brand provides both styles of fitting but explains neither of them

[@aperson9495]

Given the placement of the dish rack, I probably would have moved the soap to the right side and put the RO faucet in the hole previously occupied by the soap dispenser, assuming the soap dispenser hole wasn't to big to be adapted.

[@JAStewart2]

I also am hoping to install this in my basement. The ideal place for me to install is about 3 feet off the ground. Would the drain line be able to drain if it is about 6 feet (over estimate) below the drain pipe in the ceiling of the basement?

[@trumanmiller94]

It is a pressurized line, so yes

[@Dinosaurs-pv7qm]

You made the installation process look fun. Thank you!

[@peteradjei199]

Thanks for the video which one is the most water efficient I do have one now that waste a lot of water I want to get rid of it

[@LOCALOUTLAW1]

Thanks Ben!...helped with my install. Your videos are so well done and helpful!

[@davidharrick469]

Just a heads up for anyone interested installing a RO system, in order to generate 1 gallon of drinking water 5 gallons of water will be flushed down the drain tube. I would highly recommend devising a catch system for the waist water to be used around the house, watering plants, and any other places that you might need to use water. I use my catch system to replenish the water in my pool. If I didn't have my pool I would not use this system, I would go back to using a Brita filter system there is ZERO waist.

[@Samlol23_drrich]

How do you get it to your auto top off for your pool? What a great idea. I never thought of that.

[@davidharrick469]

@@Samlol23_drrich I have the drain tube going into a large bucket that I just empty into the pool. I don't use the tap to fill up one glass at a time, I will fill up a 1 gallon jug and put that in the refrigerator and drink from that. Now, I know that in about an hour or so I will have 5 gallons in my bucket to empty in the pool, never any guess work as to when it's time to empty the bucket.

[@Samlol23_drrich]

@@davidharrick469 thank you for responding. I’ll figure something out. Mine is hooked up to a stand alone ice maker and it makes ice all day. I would use a bucket like you but I don’t want it to overflow .

[@franktartan6808]

I have mine in the garage and run the waste water into the washing machine. No wasted water!!

[@HeyCheznut]

@@franktartan6808 Interesting. How do you get the waste water to go into the washing machine when needed if there's not a load in/ it's not turned on? Does it always drain into the washer?

[@jarednarine8773]

does this system remove chlorine and or flouride from the city/well water?

[@artemjan5441]

Is it possible to install this system without adding that faucet, are there hybrid faucets on the market that can switch from tap water to filtered?

[@hellapellanyc6465]

Hi how long do you flush the filters before putting in the membrane? I have installed a few systems like yours but never thought to flush the filters before putting the membrane. Think its worth it?

[@guidedbygreen1480]

Because you have a garbage disposal, you can alternatively purchase a Y adapter for your dishwasher discharge going into the disposal to accommodate the brine waste line. Instead of drilling into your pvc Pipe.

[@Dinosaurs-pv7qm]

That's what I did.

[@NoahWeir]

“This video has not been sped up” got me lol.

[@franktartan6808]

I have mine in the garage and run the waste water into the washing machine. No wasted water!!

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Clever idea!

[@JAStewart2]

How did you attach the drain line to your washing machine line?

[@franktartan6808]

@@JAStewart2 I taped a sinker to the line and throw it in the top of the machine.

[@jagmeetbajwa8562]

I love the way you make the video to explain everything I also want to install this system in my house but not under the sink. I want to install it in my heat room in the basement. I have a supply of water and a drain in the heat room. But can you please tell me how far it supplies the water because my kitchen is on one side and the heat room is 26 feet away in the basement on the other side.

[@crawpaw322]

Hey Ben - does it matter if the yellow and red tubes are switched?

[@_pikachu_636]

What’s a good system

[@jaybee1570]

6:50 😂 I think I’ve used about 1/2 a percent of my forefathers extra fasteners and fittings, so I’m doing my part!

[@AlanLogston]

what keeps the drain line from backing up into the unit? what if you geta bad clog and both sinks are full causing some seriouse back preasure? Does all that back water flow back into the unit?

[@adriananthony7919]

Great job 👏 bro.

[@Fr4nkSanchez]

If I already have a wholehouse filter system and water softener do I need a 3-stage filter for my RO system?

[@VehanLandman]

Hi, just a question. Does the system stop making waste water once the tank is full? What makes it stop producing waste water when the tank is full if it does stop?

[@GCharlesE]

Did you ever get the answer to this??

[@ThatZenoGuy]

@@GCharlesE RO systems stop making waste water once the talk is full. This is done via four-way valves.

[@JodyKennedy-x5i]

Hi. If I have a cabinet on the back of my sink cabinet (kitchen island) can I install the RO system in that cabinet? I just don't want to lose all the space in my sink cabinet. Thanks!

[@franciscoflores2862]

Hi Benjamin, aren't you supposed to charge the bladder tank with air?

[@rkramer5629]

Most of them come pre-charged anymore. Install instructions will say either way. Mine explicitly said not to mess with it unless there is a problem

[@RafaelSantiagoToro]

No teflon tape?

[@raid3rflynn107]

How is there waste water? Why is it waste if it's been filtered? Also if there is waste water going in the drain does that mean it's running 24/7 just dumping water down the drain?

[@alejandroortiz4510]

I ordered the filters online and received only one carbon filter and 1 GAC filter is that ok or does it have to be two carbon filters?

[@BlahBlah-gb6st]

Does the drain pipe ever stop flowing

[@Z555JR]

How much and how often do you replace the filters?

[@nevadaboy9769]

Great video, now when determing when to replace filters is it decided by useage or months? Thanks

[@MONSTERPHER]

I know you asked a year ago but you need to replace your filters at least once a year. Now if you have let’s say 4 or more people using the ro system on a daily bases it may need replaced every 6 months. My father has an ro system and it feeds 8 people and he has to replace it once every 3 months to put it into perspective. Hope this helps -certified plumber

[@kenittolimited7703]

Am glad and very happy to watch this video am so impressed

[@kalvinnoble488]

Interesting system. Is there such a system as this that can can cover the whole home's water system?

[@mr.niceguy5971]

Thank you

[@n9wox]

It might be better to turn the RO tank shelf upside down so that it's nestled in the frame instead of sliding around on the shelf.

[@HeyCheznut]

Not sure about upside down, but I believe if the tank is positioned on its side it can result in the bottom half of the bladder inside the tank to wear unevenly, fyi

[@Mr._Craig]

Link to video with booster pump?

[@joephillips6634]

I don't understand what the drain line is for. Is it only for maintenance or is it actually used during normal running of the filter?

[@Bubby1100]

Every time you pull water from the system, it must replenish. Rejected water runs to the waste line. Much more water is reject than will make it through the RO system. Most commercial ice machines are the same way. Since only the pure water freezes, rejected water runs down the drain. Important to remember that you are paying for the waste water. On the other hand, the vast majority of in-house waste water makes it back to the water treatment plant, where it is (mostly) recovered. Diverting to a secondary usage is smarter.

[@Runescape.]

how do you stop dirty sink water from splashing up to the tap and hitting it, specially if you're washing a chicken or turkey and the salmonella is flying all around, this is why i do not like these systems at the sink, they are always getting dirty from splashback from the sink. thanks.

[@AbdullahiAli-t2u]

Good job

[@CarlosMorales-wk5bg]

Just a heads up, a brita filter doesn’t remove all the contaminants in the water as opposed to an ro system

[@mr.niceguy5971]

Ty

[@FindLiberty]

Eeesh!. Is that black line tied *directly* into the drain a good idea? Seems like any reverse siphon would be a major health / safety risk.

[@rkramer5629]

IDK about this system specifically but the drain saddles on the filters I’ve installed have had an air gap built into them

[@FindLiberty]

@@rkramer5629 Okay, that's good. I can't tell from video; it might also have an air gap, but seems tricky given short vertical distance from low position. What if the tiny thing fails to seal tight or stop reverse flow?

[@janu525811]

Hi all - I have similar questions - so any comments/advise will be appreciated. I was hoping to install my RO system in the basement - either right below the kitchen sink OR in the utility room (farther away). 1. Under the kitchen in the basement would probably be the easiest but I’m worried if it will drain AWAY properly since I’d have to feed it back up to the drain below the sink or the main drain line in the basement ceiling which is 2” (bigger than provided saddle). Is there some sort of a valve you can install inline to prevent back flow of drain water into the ROS? 2. And IF I install it in the utility room (where there is a floor drain), the problem is that each line (to the sink faucet and the refrigerator) will be 35-40ft. I’ve purchased a Demand pump and an extra 3.2 gallon tank (iSpring) to help with increasing flow, but I’m a little unsure on the best way to tackle it - any advice? Could I replace any of the longer lines with a 3/8” pipe or is that something I’d have to check with the manufacturer? Thank you in advance for any help!

[@Runescape.]

yet another problem with these home RO systems, best to be avoided if possible. get a berky or something else.

[@SayHelloToOblivion]

According to the company, it is a one way valve.

[@bobtakealook6420]

Nothing on auto shut off valve

[@MM-fe9mz]

How can the waste water drain upwards against gravity?

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

It's a pressurized drain.

[@mattaudio]

I have very high pressure well water (home built by a golf course irrigation designer, 50A 24V pump and 2" lines, heh) and a separate 1/2" pex branch to an existing water faucet before the water softener. Any drawbacks to using the existing 1/2" pex from a basement RO filter install to the kitchen water faucet?

[@mauroaparicio1855]

very interesting

[@robertblahnik]

If you knew more about the media you're using and understood the membrane you're using in the relationship to having a reservoir in the system, then you would realize that you could easily down size your system to 1 filter and the membrane. The reason you have a "5" stage system is because you were handled. You were sold on these "extra" filters and the B.S. systems spec that your unit actually wastes only 1:4 ratio when in fact it wastes more like 6-7 gallons. Have you ever tested how much water it wastes? Try this out: Get an empty 1 gal milk jug and put it in your sink. Next, 2ea. 5 gallon paint buckets like the orange kind you see at Home Depot or the blue ones you see at Lowe's. And have it next to the sink. So as long as the R.O. faucet is not trying to dispense water and the system is not trying to fill the reservoir, no water will drain. Now disconnect the drain line from the plumbing drain and see if it will reach the 5 gallon bucket. If it cannot simply find any kind of tubing that fit over the 1/4" drain line and put any kind of tape on the connection. It's ok if it drips every few seconds. You'll be done soon enough. Next, with the R.O. drain line in the bucket, start filling up the empty 1 gal milk container. When the container is almost full, you will feel and hear the ASO valve activate the system and the lines will jump as R.O. system turns on. It will be at this point the drain line will start dispensing water, and it will remain doing so until the ASO valve reaches it's shut off pressure point and the system stops. You will note that you had to put the drain hose in the other Home Depot bucket as it easily past that 1:4 ratio point. Proof is that you have your 1 gallon of purified water sitting on the sink and one bucket is almost over flowing and the other bucket has a few gallons in it? Why? There is several technical answers but the more important one is; There are no water filter police out there to insure everyone is honest... Never forget that in any small business.

[@juanllapa2871]

You not explain that osmosis filter connection

[@CruzWithMe]

You complicated it af

[@cengeb]

What happens if you install an RO system BACKWARDS?

[@242sp]

It becomes an OR system

[@Simeon1111]

Would be cool if these weren’t made out of plastic

[@GEMSGuy]

no sound

[@gordongekko9469]

You didn’t do a very good job explaining ALL the connections. Like that apparatus that has 4 tubes connected to it

[@MyALPHAguy]

you didn't quite go through the process from zero to finish...

[@James-sz2hr]

Note this wastes lots of water

[@no_handle_required]

those nails though, just damn

[@rockroosterfootwearmarketi5378]

Hi, this is Rock Rooster Footwear. We sent you a collaboration invitation email just now. Please check if it’s in the spam. Thanks!

[@nitrozack3062]

Why would anyone put bleach in the water system!?… what

[@MAGAMAN]

Everybody: Plastic is clogging up our land fills and oceans. Nobody: Let's stop making everything out of plastic and go back to metal and glass. Why?

[@tolgagurcimen2957]

Bleach is the last thing you should put in the drinking system that's really really wrong.

[@JB-mo8rs]

I bought an RO system from a company called, “CuZn”. It looks 100% identical.