Anyone ever use one of these RO fittings?

[brewmaster15]

I was going through some old fishroom stuff and came across this..

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Its got to have been there for 10-15 years. I dont remember buying it ..lol.. probably got with an RO unit. I am pretty sure its used to tap into a cold water copper pipe. Place it on the pipe.. turn the handle and a pointed spike comes out and puncture the pipe. You then have a quick and easy RO feed. At least thats what I think it is and how it works. Question is am I right ??
and has anyone used one like this??

I have a big enough problem here with copper pipes springing leaks without my help.. so a tad leary of even trying this. Theres probably a really good reason why I never used it!

Al

[dagray]

Have one similar on a solid carbon block filter for our drinking water

[jeep]

Yeah, it's a tap for the cold water line. They can also be used for the drain line if the clamp is large enough.

[brewmaster15]

Cool... thanks Dave. .. I just happened to find a booklet in another box of stuff...

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Looks like a match.

Al

[Charlyc11]

My RO unit came with one and indicated that it was for the waste line. This is a fairly new unit.


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[brady]

Al
I was just on a site yesterday re: those and I think there against code in Ct. I also know that after a while they leak.
I would look for an alternative.
Jay

[brewmaster15]

Al
I was just on a site yesterday re: those and I think there against code in Ct. I also know that after a while they leak.
I would look for an alternative.
Jay

Hey Jay thanks! I knew there was a reasonI never used it!
Al

[AquaticNerd]

Al, you were spot on with what that device is. The 'legitimate' term is a saddle valve or a self-tapping saddle valve. It was common for these to be installed for things like ice makers for your fridge, whole-home humidifiers, etc.

Like Jay said, you'd likely want to check your plumbing codes. These valves do have a tendency to leak when the rubber membrane that 'seals' it to your copper pipe starts degrading or hardening. They're quickly being phased out and being made against code in many jurisdictions. If you're looking to install something in an accessible and visible place, sharkbites (while many will groan about them) are a good alternative if you aren't comfortable soldering pipe. They're expensive for what you get, but something like this is the equivalent to what you have there.

[brewmaster15]

Jake thanks for the confirmation and link... I definitely don't have a problem soldering copper pipes here... lots of practice.My water chews through copper pipes so always repairing pipes.. I literally stock copper pipes and fittings here! But I really love sharkbite fittings. They are expensive but I've yet to have them leak and they really are a lifesaver for emergency repairs and hard to solder places.
Al

[brewmaster15]

My RO unit came with one and indicated that it was for the waste line. This is a fairly new unit.


20230328_194016.jpg

Hmmm...looks like your is for use on plastic pipes.. the one I have is for copper pipes.. same concept though chuck... I was curious how the under the sink version waste line is plumbed.. my Ro unit is in the basement laundry room.. I can run the drain to the washer drain if need be in the winter but most of the time I run it through a small hole I drilled to the yard outside for waste water storage..Im thinking I may try this spring to bury that line and run it down hill to my chicken coops... that waste water should make some good egg shells!

Al

[Charlyc11]

I don't use that connector at all. The Ro waste line is connected to the drain from my fish tank water. I setup a drain system so when I do water changes. I have the two Fluval X4 drains connected (two 75 gallon tanks) and also quick connects for hoses to drain tanks with a small pump. I use the drain with my electric gravel vac also. The drain goes from my finished basement to my water room where I have the RO drain connected then it goes through my workshop to the back yard all downhill for less a chance of freezing when its off. So far it has worked out. I also have a separate pipe running alongside the drain for filling direct from my RO barrels, piped to the 75 gallon tanks and quick connects for a hose to fill smaller tanks. The less buckets the better.