RODI install

goody · Apr 3, 2020

Due to COVID, I had to bring home my livestock from my classroom nano tank which made me get my 80g set up and running. Looking at connecting an RODI to make water changes and topoff on bigger tank easier. Laundry room is upstairs and on other side of house from the tank which is in a 3rd car garage. I was thinking of connecting it to my water heater in the main garage. Any issues with doing this? Is it as easy as putting an adapter in place of the end cap and opening blue valve in photo below?

TripleTruble · Apr 3, 2020

They come with an adapter usually that will thread right onto a hose spout

Mikeltee · Apr 3, 2020

I'm just stating the obvious and if your garage freezes this is a bad idea.

goody · Apr 3, 2020

Mikeltee said:
I'm just stating the obvious and if your garage freezes this is a bad idea.

Thanks, but haven't had that problem in So Cal yet and hopefully won't in future.

Brad ward · Apr 4, 2020

goody said:
Due to COVID, I had to bring home my livestock from my classroom nano tank which made me get my 80g set up and running. Looking at connecting an RODI to make water changes and topoff on bigger tank easier. Laundry room is upstairs and on other side of house from the tank which is in a 3rd car garage. I was thinking of connecting it to my water heater in the main garage. Any issues with doing this? Is it as easy as putting an adapter in place of the end cap and opening blue valve in photo below?

PLUMBER HERE that looks like a tankless water heater
That port is used for servicing, draining, and de scaling. You need to tap into the cold water line ahead of the water heater and it’s fittings . I hate to suggest a saddle valve but... maybe in your situation it will be your easiest solution

goody · Apr 4, 2020

Brad ward said:
PLUMBER HERE that looks like a tankless water heater
That port is used for servicing, draining, and de scaling. You need to tap into the cold water line ahead of the water heater and it’s fittings . I hate to suggest a saddle valve but... maybe in your situation it will be your easiest solution

You are correct. It is a tankless water heater. Are you saying I would need to tap in to the pipe covered in foam? Is that difficult? It almost looks like I could just unscrew that and put a t-fitting or a fitting I need on there? However, I am not a plumber. Is that why you are suggesting a saddle valve? What does that look like and why do I hear the hesitancy in that suggestion?

I've attached some more photos. Top and bottom flex pipe and fittings inside foam.

Brad ward · Apr 6, 2020

Wow, where do you live?
I’ve never seen that type of piping used for a water line.
That seriously looks like a flexible natural connector.
The foam is just insulation.
Any copper piping to tap into?
Google saddle valve
You could go with a tee but you will need a few fittings,reducers an adapters to get from garden hose to 1/4” compression

CK00020 · Apr 6, 2020

Just put where it’s easiest and the next time the plumber comes to clean the tankless have him put a tee in

goody · Apr 8, 2020

Brad ward said:
Wow, where do you live?
I’ve never seen that type of piping used for a water line.
That seriously looks like a flexible natural connector.
The foam is just insulation.
Any copper piping to tap into?
Google saddle valve
You could go with a tee but you will need a few fittings,reducers an adapters to get from garden hose to 1/4” compression

San Diego. Home is only 5 years old, but I think they cut corners to build the community faster.