Tubing Longevity with AWC

[Christopher1492]

Does anyone know the anticipated longevity of RODI tubing (specifically LLDPE) when used for AWC? I plan to run it through an attic (never freezes) so replacing it would be a drag.
Thanks!

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

I feel like if it never freezes and is in a dark attic that doesn't see any light it should last quite awhile. I feel like UV and freezing would be the 2 major contributors. Might I suggest, if it's hard to access, when you secure it use a loose strapping method. Make it loose enough that if you ever have problems in the future, tape a new tube to the old one and use the old tube as a pull string so you dont even have to get back in the attic.

Does anyone know the anticipated longevity of RODI tubing (specifically LLDPE) when used for AWC? I plan to run it through an attic (never freezes) so replacing it would be a drag.
Thanks!

 

[dwest]

I agree with above.

The biggest problem with my AWC change system is that the line from the salt reservoir to the sump will clog over time. As a remedy, I filter my salt water as I mix it and I run citric acid through the line periodically (every year or so)

 

[Christopher1492]

I feel like if it never freezes and is in a dark attic that doesn't see any light it should last quite awhile. I feel like UV and freezing would be the 2 major contributors. Might I suggest, if it's hard to access, when you secure it use a loose strapping method. Make it loose enough that if you ever have problems in the future, tape a new tube to the old one and use the old tube as a pull string so you dont even have to get back in the attic.

Thanks. I was thinking about running it through PVC pipe because no matter how hard we try…we get chewing rodents in the attic so I don’t want them chewing the tube.

 

[Christopher1492]

I agree with above.

The biggest problem with my AWC change system is that the line from the salt reservoir to the sump will clog over time. As a remedy, I filter my salt water as I mix it and I run citric acid through the line periodically (every year or so)

Great ideas. Clogging In the salt line was my concern as well. I am considering upsizing the tube for that reason but probably more trouble than it’s worth with making connections to the pump, operation, etc. I doubt using a larger diameter tube will make much difference and will still have the tendency to clog …eventually.

What do you mean by filtering the salt water as you mix it?

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

Thanks. I was thinking about running it through PVC pipe because no matter how hard we try…we get chewing rodents in the attic so I don’t want them chewing the tube.

Would definitely work! My only advice would be maybe avoid 90's and use 45's as i could seeing plumbing pvc as difficult to pull through a 90. Or better yet, get electrical pvc as all the 90's, 45's etc are designed for pulling cable through, and if your feeling confident, it's really easy to heat and bend so you wouldn't really need to buy fittings.

 

[dwest]

Great ideas. Clogging In the salt line was my concern as well. I am considering upsizing the tube for that reason but probably more trouble than it’s worth with making connections to the pump, operation, etc. I doubt using a larger diameter tube will make much difference and will still have the tendency to clog …eventually.

What do you mean by filtering the salt water as you mix it?

I have a filter on the recycle line on my AWC tanks. I’ll try to send a pic later if I can

 

[dwest]

Bad plumbing but works pretty well

 

[Christopher1492]

Bad plumbing but works pretty well

Interesting! What type of filter is that?

 

[dwest]

Interesting! What type of filter is that?

Edit

 

[UncommonSense]

My Dosatron brand automatic hydroponic fertilizer injectors use a very interesting 3/8” PVC tubing… it looks exactly like generic vinyl; but has been partially submerged, and filled with several quite caustic fertilizer concentrates for over a decade with zero signs of degradation!

 

[UncommonSense]

Would definitely work! My only advice would be maybe avoid 90's and use 45's as i could seeing plumbing pvc as difficult to pull through a 90. Or better yet, get electrical pvc as all the 90's, 45's etc are designed for pulling cable through, and if your feeling confident, it's really easy to heat and bend so you wouldn't really need to buy fittings.

Seconded on a protective sheath of PVC electrical conduit; my electrician buddy did this to the RO tubing run through his crawlspace after rodents got to it, and has had no issues since!

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

Seconded on a protective sheath of PVC electrical conduit; my electrician buddy did this to the RO tubing run through his crawlspace after rodents got to it, and has had no issues since!

I geuss all us electricians think alike :face-with-tears-of-joy:

 

[Christopher1492]

Seconded on a protective sheath of PVC electrical conduit; my electrician buddy did this to the RO tubing run through his crawlspace after rodents got to it, and has had no issues since!

That’s great to hear. Not looking forward to doing all that work in my attic, but I know it’s definitely worth it. Not really excited about the prospect of having a leak in my ceiling. :)