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UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: windows_chepstow on May 13, 2005, 10:42:35 pm

Title: Do RO Systems have to be 'garaged'?
Post by: windows_chepstow on May 13, 2005, 10:42:35 pm

A local window cleaner recently showed me his RO system; it was screwed to the wall by his outside tap.  He told me winter didn't cause him any problems.  He just 'lagged' it with insulating stuff.

I haven't got a garage; but was considering erecting a shed to do the job.

What I'm asking is, 'is this okay?' to just leave it outside; lagged?

Does anyone else do similar; and what problems have you experienced? 

Title: Re: Do RO Systems have to be 'garaged'?
Post by: matt on May 13, 2005, 11:15:02 pm

i would put it in a small shed, as if the membrane freezes its had it and ready for the bin (some1 will correct me if i am wrong)

put it in a small shed and have a little oil heater with frost protection (about 20 quid in argos or focus DIY)

Title: Re: Do RO Systems have to be 'garaged'?
Post by: poleman on May 13, 2005, 11:37:40 pm

Have to agree ROs are not cheap, best to be safe than sorry and keep your RO nice & warm in the winter.

Andy
Smart Cleaning Ltd

Title: Re: Do RO Systems have to be 'garaged'?
Post by: Ian_Giles on May 14, 2005, 07:42:14 am

Mine is hanging on the wall outside my kitchen window :-\ I wrapped some lagging around it on the coldest part of the winter, didn't have a problem.

The ideal of course is to have it inside a building of some sort, but providing you protect the membranes from frost you are ok.
This becomes more important the further north you are, this winter we only had one morning cold enough to freeze the water on the pavement as I was cleaning, wasn't cold enough to freeze it on the glass though, thank god :o
Further North than Chepstow South wales and I'm sure that would be different.

And talking of the weather; Have I missed something? I could have sworn that summer comes before winter, have we skipped a season? I'm going out to work bundled up like an arctic explorer :'(

Perhaps I'd better check the lagging on my membranes.....


Ian

Title: Re: Do RO Systems have to be 'garaged'?
Post by: thewindowcleaner1 on May 14, 2005, 09:39:50 am

Mine is in a shed and this year I've lagged it withinsulation, old jumpers and coats. Look after your tools and they'll look after you.

Previous years when a really cold night was forcast I would disconnect it and bring it indoors along with the dog.

Title: Re: Do RO Systems have to be 'garaged'?
Post by: Gordon Watson on May 17, 2005, 05:17:35 pm

I have my RO filters in my kitchen. The output pipe goes through the exterior wall to an IBC tank in the garden. The only part I have insulated is the outside portion of pipe. I'm not sure whether to insulate the tank. Maybe I will just try without. (I live in Devon).

Gordon

Title: Re: Do RO Systems have to be 'garaged'?
Post by: windows_chepstow on May 17, 2005, 08:06:52 pm

Thanks, Guys, you've given me some food for thought.

A shed is impracticle as it would block out the kitchen window and I couldn't take it down a bit (easily) as my back garden looks beautifull in the winter; on a steep downward incline; just like a ski-slope.

Housing the RO system in the kitchen is impracticle too; as Wor Lasses cleaning stuff fills those cupboards.

I think I'll place it outside, by the outside tap I have yet to install (trauma time) and build a large wooden case around it; big enough to lag and fit a small greenhouse heater in; for the winter!

Title: Re: Do RO Systems have to be 'garaged'?
Post by: easycleanwindows on May 18, 2005, 10:27:43 pm

how long to the membranes,filters last.?
thanks