RO/DI pressure only 32

One idea I've heard used for raising temperature of input water safely is to extend the in line to the RODI to a 20+ foot line, coil it up into a bucket, fill the bucket with water, and put a fish tank heater in @ a decent temperature. That way, you don't get the swings associated with people turning on and off faucets in the house.

 

It does not work well for a couple reasons. For one the watts required to raise and keep the temperature up in the bucket is significant due to the laws of thermodynamics. Sounds simple but is actually complex. Add to that the fact plastic tubing does not exchange heat and cold readily and acts as an insulator so adds another layer of inefficiency.

For another the pressure drop through the coil of 1/4" line can have an adverse effect on the pressure available to the RO membrane, especially if you are low or borderline already. Friction or headlosses in a piece of 1/4" tubing are significant, especially on the pressure side more than the atmospheric or waste side. The shorter the 1/4" tubing run the better, you want to be as close to the source as possible.

 

I wasn't planning on using that technique.... I've taken from these replies that bottom line...... getting a booster would be a good investment.

Plus the fact that it's already on the way so it would be a pain to send it back anyways