saltkreep88
NJRC Member
Is it okay to have an RODI unit in the garage year round? I would guess the temperature range is 40-90. It would be hooked up to a hose bib and used.
Thanks is advance!
Thanks is advance!
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RO/DI in Garage?
- Thread starter saltkreep88
- Start date
As long as it does not freeze in the winter you should be ok. You will however most likely notice slower water production in the colder months. This is because when the water is colder the membrane "contracts" for lack of a better term.
saltkreep88
NJRC Member
I always see the lower rate in the winter because my tap water is very cold. Thanks for your input.
I've had mine setup in the garage since 2009 and never had an issue. Hooked up a Y splitter with valves on the hose bib so I can still use the hose too.
I found a cool trick to solve this issue. Take a 5 gallon bucket and fill it with tap water. Take the line that come from the water source to the rodi and run an extra couple of feet of tubing so that it will coil in the bucket a few times. Drop it on the bucket with a heater and let the water warm up. As the water wraps around the excess tubing in the bucket it will warm up. Works great for me
It’s been too many years since I’ve done the calculations, but I would surmise that with the flow rate, size of the tubing, and heat transfer rates, that you would need 30 – 50 feet of tubing in that five gallon bucket to see a significant temperature swing. In addition, if you were getting that amount of heat transfer, you would also need a pretty hefty heater to maintain temperature. Have you ever measured the incoming verses outgoing water temperature of this little contraption?
My winter tap water is so cold you can’t keep your hands under the faucet. I actually run a little hot water with my cold to boost the water temperature during the winter. I know others have said you shouldn’t do this, but I could never understand why not.
As others have stated, with colder temperatures, your ratio of waste water to good water will increase significantly.
I've been doing the same for quite some time. I currently make mine in the kitchen during off hours. It clearly make more water when warmed.
I really need to get into the garage though I keep overfilling my 5 gal containers and its wearing thin on the floor and my wife.
Put the five gallon container in the sink so when it overflows, it just goes down the drain. I do this in the wash sink in our laundry room.
The other option, which I use on my 55 gallon waste water container, is a water alarm. When water hits the sensor, it sets off a loud alarm. I’ve flooded by basement a couple times before picking up this alarm.
The other option, which I use on my 55 gallon waste water container, is a water alarm. When water hits the sensor, it sets off a loud alarm. I’ve flooded by basement a couple times before picking up this alarm.
I simply cannot believe I didn't figure this out on my own.
John, also make sure the container doesn’t block the drain or you’ll be having yet another “DOH!” moment. I stick the handle of a knife under the edge of the container to make sure the excess water has a place to drain.
So im basically wasting my time.... Thanks for nothing Paul.... hahahaha. This is why I dont do anythign without asking you first!!!!!
Edwin, I’d never, ever say you were wasting your time. If it makes you feel warm and fuzzy, keep doing it. 
Now I can’t remember the simplest of derivations in calculus, but I will assure you that it takes many, many feet and a lot of heat to get significant transfer of heat. I like to think of it as the Law of Liquor…..when you pour that warm scotch on the rocks, look how long it takes for the ice to melt. I usually finish the scotch long before that ice is melted......and then have another! 
Now I can’t remember the simplest of derivations in calculus, but I will assure you that it takes many, many feet and a lot of heat to get significant transfer of heat. I like to think of it as the Law of Liquor…..when you pour that warm scotch on the rocks, look how long it takes for the ice to melt. I usually finish the scotch long before that ice is melted......and then have another!
saltkreep88
NJRC Member
I prefer to have the option to mix it with hot water during the winter, however the wife is getting annoyed when she cannot use the powder room, and the fact that a few floods occurred. haha.
I agree with the comment above, neat is the only way!
I agree with the comment above, neat is the only way!
They say this for two reasons.
First, hot water may pickup metals from the hot water heater.
Second, is to protect the membrane. The membrane has an upper temp limit that can cause damage. You could be mixing at the right temp but if someone flushes the toilet, you could cook the membrane if there is a temp spike. A lot of it depends on your house.
My wife likes to wait until I get in the shower to do the dishes and I have to opposite problem. Less hot water = cold shower.
haha I actually do this. I flooded the kitchen twice before recognizing the superiority of the in sink method