Do I need to increase hose diameter for a longer than "normal" run?

[JaxPlanet]

I am installing a reverse osmosis system (50-gal model at www.diyreverseosmosis.com). I cannot spare space near the sink so I have to have it in my laundry room which is approximately 17' away, as the hose lies. All connections are 1/4" OD hose compression fittings. I have public water not a well.

The instructions state that runs longer than 10' from the pressure tank to the faucet require 3/8" OD hose to prevent a pressure drop. As I said above, the distance is 17' and I will add that the tank is 3' higher than the faucet. Does this increase in hose size make sense?

If you agree with increasing the hose size, I am still stuck with 1/4" fittings on both ends. Do these "bottle necks" negate the benefit of the larger hose?

I appreciate anything you can add to help me through this job.

Thank you in advance!
Jax

 

[JRC3]

You want the 3/8 even though it steps back down to 1/4 at the end. It's all about friction loss in the middle. My RO steps up to 3/8 to run from the laundry to the kitchen and I can't imagine the trickle I'd get without the 3/8. Even with my RO booster pump increasing my well pressure well above city pressure.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[JaxPlanet]

You want the 3/8 even though it steps back down to 1/4 at the end. It's all about friction loss in the middle. My RO steps up to 3/8 to run from the laundry to the kitchen and I can't imagine the trickle I'd get without the 3/8. Even with my RO booster pump increasing my well pressure well above city pressure.

Thank you for your quick and clear reply! That is exactly what I needed to know.

I am having difficulty selecting the correct 3/8" to 1/4" coupling and 3/8" hose. My system included 1/4" "food grade piping" so I have that end covered.

What would you recommend?

 

[JRC3]

Tubing
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt...-D-x-25-ft-Polyethylene-Tube-301762/207144264

Reducer coupling
http://www.homedepot.com/p/SharkBite-3-8-in-O-D-x-1-4-in-O-D-Quick-Connect-Coupling-25424/300034893

There's also an quick connect adapter to connect your 3/8 tubing directly to your faucet.

 

[ditttohead]

Exactly correct. Frictional losses are key. You could try the 1/4" through and see if it is acceptable but the performance will be greatly increased with the use of 3/8" as much as possible on the run.

 

[JaxPlanet]

Tubing
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt...-D-x-25-ft-Polyethylene-Tube-301762/207144264

Reducer coupling
http://www.homedepot.com/p/SharkBite-3-8-in-O-D-x-1-4-in-O-D-Quick-Connect-Coupling-25424/300034893

There's also an quick connect adapter to connect your 3/8 tubing directly to your faucet.

Thank you again! I'm off to Home Despot...