R/O water smells skunky

[mike31154]

If you like spending money on replacing DI resin often, then go ahead & plumb your system to your ATO. I think it's been fairly well documented that short runs of an RO system with high input TDS is going to burn through DI media in a hurry since the RO membrane rarely gets a chance to stabilize at a low TDS output.

So yes, disconnect the system from the auto top off & only run it when there's an opportunity to produce at least 10 gallons or more in a single session. Another good idea is to produce at least 5 gallons of RO water only and only after you've done that, start sending the output through your DI stage. You'll need a T-fitting & a shut off valve to divert the RO water before the DI stage. Find something to do with the RO only production water, like making tea or coffee, or beer & bubbly drinking water. This way, the RO TDS has a chance to get to the lowest possible level before feeding the DI stage and your DI media will last longer.