RO saddle valve question

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I installed the saddle valve on my cold water line. Having a little problem with shutting the RO unit off though.
There is no on/off switch on my RO unit. I have to use the saddle valve's mechanism to turn off the water supply to the RO unit. Basically, I have to spin the saddle valve's handle clockwise to turn off the water.
My problem is that to get the water to stop flowing to the RO unit, I have to spin the valve all the way clockwise. When I do that, water sprays out from the saddle valve - right at the handle. Makes a mess if unnoticed.
If I don't turn the valve all the way (clockwise), water still dribbles out of the RO unit all day.
Anyone know how to resolve the problem? Is my saddle valve faulty?
Should I install a valve on the RO's supply line after the saddle valve to turn the supply on/off?

 

[Anonymous]

Saddle Valves are not ON/OFF valves. It's meant to puncture the line and provide a source of water for the RO unit, period. This is then a constant water supply, and you need to purchase either a solenoid float valve to shut the RO off, or some other type of valve to shut the water supply down.

I know Aquatic Reef Systems has the shutoff valve you need, should be about 10 bucks, you'll have to call Brian though because I can't find it on their website. Your RO/DI vendor may be able to help you as well, or you can probably find a suitable valve at your local specialty hardware store (not sure if Home Depot would carry it) my local Mom & Pop has John Guest ball valves that should work fine.

 

[Anonymous]

hi.
Right, saddle valve is not an on/off valve. Get a brass needle valve or a plastic ball valve and put it between the saddle valve and the RO to turn the unit on and off instead.

 

[Anonymous]

Thank you all.
I guess I'll try to find a ball valve small enough to fit on the plastic tubing that came with the unit.
SPC (Steve) I think I'm good with the instructions provided here. Thanks for the offer. I might run into a problem and in that case I'll take you up on the email.

 

[Anonymous]

They are made, John Guest or DM Fittings are available.

Aquatic Reef Systems has em. I also saw one today at my local mom & pop hardware store.

http://www.aquaticreefsystems.com/dm_fittings.htm

 

[iceman]

I had a similar problem. What I did temporarily was added a separate valve on the line from the saddle valve to the RO unit. I left the saddle valve open and used the installed valve to turn water on and off. I year later had a plumber replace the saddle valve with a real valve (he's was doing other work in our basement).

 

[SPC]

Yes Moe the saddle valves are known for leaking. Actually I don't think they are made for cutting on and off very often, they are made so you can cut them off just on occasion i.e. an ice maker. If you wish you can e mail me and I will try and take you through the steps to make all of this plumbing more permanrnt.
Steve

 

[Anonymous]

The leaking you are getting from your saddle valve is because the packing is loose. If you look at the valve, the shaft goes through a threaded cap on the valve. Tighten this cap slowley. It will compress the packing around the shaft and stop the leaking. As for stopping the waste water, follow the advice above and get a water actuated solenoid valve. Kent is one source.

[ March 12, 2002: Message edited by: cwa46 ]</p>