Water FAQs

Reverse Osmosis technology in terms of an RO drinking water system is the process of using pressure to filter water from a highly concentrated contaminated solute solution across a semipermeable membrane resulting in a freshwater solvent. An RO System typically works by filtering tap water through three initial stages (sediment, GAC, and carbon block) to remove larger sediments such as sand, dust, and dirt as well as chemical contaminants such as unpleasant tastes and odors and chlorine from the water. The fourth and most important stage is the membrane filter stage, where the reverse osmosis technology comes into play. The pressure from the RO system helps the filtered water flow through a membrane where the remaining microscopic contaminants are separated from the water, thus creating pure water.

Check Out Puroflo ERO 5 Stage RO system or ProQ 5 Stage  Quick Change System

Single Stage: Only uses one filter, typically carbon which filters chlorine and bad tastes and odors from the water.

3 Stage: Typically uses sediment, carbon, and membrane filters which gets rid of sand, dust, and dirt particles as well as unpleasant tastes and odors. The membrane stage creates pure water.

5 Stage: Standard RO system design—uses sediment, GAC, carbon block, membrane, and a post carbon filter. Most thorough residential water filtration process. Includes a tank and faucet along with installation kits.  

Yes, reverse osmosis water is healthy and safe to drink. The reverse osmosis process helps to eliminate many harmful contaminants that are found in typical city tap water such as lead, mercury, and chlorine.

The membrane is the filter that is responsible for removing bacteria. There are also ultraviolet (UV) lights that are used in some RO systems that can kill bacteria as well. If a filter system does not have a membrane or a UV light, then it is not adequately equipped to remove most bacteria.

No, boiled water is not the same as filtered water. Boiled water can kill some bacteria but most impurities and chemical contaminants need to be removed through the RO filtration process.

No, there are smaller countertop RO system options available that aren’t required to be installed under the kitchen sink.

Generally speaking, tankless RO systems takes up less under-sink/counter space. Tankless systems also drain less water, with the waste water to pure water ratio being 1:1.5 so they are more environmentally friendly. Traditional RO systems come with a 4 gallon storage tank and the waste water to pure water ratio is typically 1:4.

It is typically recommended to replace filters every 6 months to 1 year depending on the water quality in your area.

Maintenance is recommended once a year and costs vary from dealer to dealer but can range from $50-$100.

How often you change your filter depends on your usage and also the water quality in your area. If you are getting high TDS water and lots of sediment, we would recommend changing your filters as often as needed.

How much an RO system costs depends on how difficult of a job it is in install the system in your home as well as your local dealer. It is possible to DIY install a reverse osmosis system. We would recommend thorough research before installing one on your own.

TDS stands for total dissolved solids. It describes the small matter that is present in water. The higher the TDS rating, the more inorganic and organic elements are in the water. Typically, you would want to drink water that is lower in TDS.

It depends on the tap water entering your system. If your inlet TDS is high, then your outlet TDS will also be relatively high. However, as long as the RO membrane can perform about a 90% reduction in the TDS rating, it is usually safe to drink.

There are TDS meters you can purchase online to test your water from the system.

Yes, usually the filter used in faucet filters are a carbon filter. But because faucet filters are usually quite small, they need to be replaced often.

It is not typically recommend as there are many impurities other than chlorine and sediment in city water, it is better to drink filtered water where the water goes through a membrane

You can set a schedule to change your filters, for example every 3 months, every year, etc.

No, normally RO systems come with a standard drinking water faucet.

Yes, it is.

A few of the top reasons why a faucet may leak is that there are issues with the tube connection or the handle/inner valve may be broken.

Most pool filters are pleated filters which can be re-washed and re-used a few times before needing to be replaced.

Your pool has a water pump that helps to circulate the water daily in order to maintain pool water quality. The filters get dirty easily because they are constantly catching sediments and impurities from the pool and daily circulation.

It depends, many systems are available from the market, price from a few hundreds to thousands.

Sediment filter are typically used to catch the larger particles such as dirt from the water. However, sediment filters are not able to remove chemicals from the water so it depends on what your water treatment goals are. 

Normally whole house water filters are found in the garage after feed water pipe into the house and before the water heater.

If it is water softener system with an automatic control valve, the resin can last for years. If it is simply a water conditioner, then it depends how often the homeowner changes the filters and does maintenance.

Most refrigerators come with refrigerator filters built in, so Yes

Not really, but it depends on your preference.

Yes

It depends on the refrigerator, but most come with a filter change alarm that alerts you once it’s time to change the filter.

No, the filters are usually disposable and meant for single use.

You can by-pass ( use a Tee connector) the line before your RO storage tank to Ice maker.