Copper Pipes?

sandalscout · #1 12/20/2007, 05:28 PM

Hey all,

Not really interested in keeping up with an ever disappearing thread in the normal forums, hope this one is okay. I know copper=bad for tanks. I just purchased the Premium 160 RO/DI from Buckeye Field Supply (http://www.buckeyefieldsupply.com/sh...ry=168&Sub=166), and I was planning on tapping into the hot water pipes that are next to the unit, until I realized that the feed was copper (and warm somewhat). I am planning on tapping into the sink feed now, but am concerned as to why the water heater is using copper, and whether I should be concerned about more copper being used elsewhere and possible "Backflow" of copper into other pipes... Is it even a problem?

Thanks!
Matthew

Sk8r · #2 12/20/2007, 05:32 PM

Tap into the cold water line. Hot water doesn't help filters at all, as I am told. Best not use it. Cold water I know is safe.
The copper will deplete your ro/di faster, but we're talking by a little percentage. What comes out the business end ought to be at 0 tds. WHen it does deplete, you can usually replace just one of your cylinders, not all.

foggy54 · #3 12/21/2007, 07:59 AM

Matthew,

That filter should do a good job of cleaning your water, Some places that sell the filters also sell the tds testing pens so you can check the filter output, and know when its time to change filter cartridges.

I usually change mine annually.

Do put it on a cold water line tho.

sandalscout · #4 12/21/2007, 09:09 AM

Thanks Sk8r and John. I will be hooking it to the cold water pipe. I suspect that the water heater is the only thing that has copper lines, not sure why.

John, I actually got a TDS pen with my system, and was somewhat suprised that the initial reading I was getting on untreated water was only 164ppm.

OH, I do have one more question, If you don't mind. I plan on setting up a mixing bucket for saltwater with a powerhead and heater, but my treated water will be sitting in a 20-30 gallon covered container prior to mixing. I imagine I will be able to turn over this amount in a week or so, but will I need to keep it moving/aerated in the meantime? Throw a powerhead in with it?

Thanks again!

foggy54 · #5 12/21/2007, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sandalscout
Thanks Sk8r and John. I will be hooking it to the cold water pipe. I suspect that the water heater is the only thing that has copper lines, not sure why.

John, I actually got a TDS pen with my system, and was somewhat suprised that the initial reading I was getting on untreated water was only 164ppm.

OH, I do have one more question, If you don't mind. I plan on setting up a mixing bucket for saltwater with a powerhead and heater, but my treated water will be sitting in a 20-30 gallon covered container prior to mixing. I imagine I will be able to turn over this amount in a week or so, but will I need to keep it moving/aerated in the meantime? Throw a powerhead in with it?

Thanks again!

I would leave a power head in there.

sandalscout · #6 12/21/2007, 07:47 PM

Thanks John. I spoke with West, and he also said that he would use a powerhead.... He also said that with a powerhead I won't have to build a stand to raise the storage tank as I would have a siphon always available! One less thing to worry about, at least for now....

Thanks again!

BuckeyeFS · #7 12/22/2007, 03:44 PM

Most of the plumbing in most of the homes in the country are copper. Not to worry - your RODI will take care of it.

Russ

sandalscout · #8 12/22/2007, 07:25 PM

Thanks Russ, I really appreciate everyone's assistance, and I will have my next order into soon for the rest of the stuff I need!