Question about auto top off

[Engloid]

I have one of the ATO floats with the plastic tubing connection on it. My RO setup has one of the little 4 connector things that I believe is supposed to be used with one of these floats.

As I understand it, this is how it works:

1) The float rises, closing the RO output tube
2) as pressure builds in the RO output line, the 4way thing closes off the water flow coming in to the first sediment filter. Essentially, this cuts off water at the source and all water movement stops until the float ball goes back down. Waste water will stop, maybe dribbling out a little beforehand.

Now, the problem I have is... If I push up on the float, water continues to go into the first sediment filter, and waste water is still running down the drain. Why? I think I have the tubing going to the 4way thing hooked up wrong.

For it to work as I said above, the line that feeds from the house plumbing must first go to this 4 way block. It isn't. I believe this thing has the tubing hooked up wrong. I notice on it that one side says "in" and the other side says "out" but I don't think it's hooked up right other than the direction of flow.

Can anybody look at their setup and tell me how the tubing is routed to and from this block thing?

A picture of this block is below. Mine has threaded compression fittings, but you get the idea.

 

[Engloid]

I think I got the valve set up right....

but when the float valve shuts off the RO output, the wastewater continues. From what I understand, based on youtube videos, I need a check valve in one of the lines still. Neither of the RO systems I have came with one though...and they both had the shut off valve. :squigglemouth:

 

[Runner]

I do not really understand the operation of these so I can not help much. The instructions on the one I have, though, do not mention a separate check valve and I can't imagine how one would apply.

 

[Engloid]

I don't quite understand it either. I watched this video to see how to hook it all up: YouTube - BulkReefSupplyCom's Channel

I don't see how that check valve is what allows pressure to build up in the RO line, but it may have something to do with the valve being BEFORE the valve, instead of between the valve than the float.

 

[macclellan]

Please explain once you figure that valve out; I've got one and don't know what it does.

 

[Engloid]

Please explain once you figure that valve out; I've got one and don't know what it does.

These valves are just a diaphram design, two water passages with a diaphram between them.

It SHOULD work like this:
1) The float rises, closing off the flow out of the RO water outlet.
2) The RO water outlet line begins to pressurize and push the diaphram begins to pressurize, pushing the diaphram towards the side of the shutoff valve that the input (from your water supply) side. In doing this, the water going into the filter system is shut off, and the RO outlet has already been shut off by the float. The only other line in or out of your system is the wastewater line...


hmmmm I'm thinking as I write this... if the waste line is still open, it will "vent" pressure from the RO membrane... Maybe the check valve actually needs to be in the wastewater line. Any thoughts on it? I may just have to go to the Aquarium and pick one up. Their website shows it at about $9, and that's the same price I'm finding online, not counting shipping.

I'll post up what I find, but it may be a few days. I start a new job tomorrow.

I have an extra shutoff valve. I think I will take it apart to verify how it works, but I'm pretty sure I know what I will find.