If you are looking for a way to improve the purity of your water supply, you might be thinking about a reverse osmosis system for your home. Before you finalize your decision, you should consider the pros and cons of reverse osmosis.
There are plenty of reasons why you should go with reverse osmosis filtration for your home. For example, reverse osmosis water filtration can remove most contaminants, will improve the taste and odor of your water, and generally does not require a lot of maintenance.
On the other hand, this system can waste some water, will remove healthy minerals as well, and has a slower filtration process when compared to other options.
So, is the reverse osmosis process right for your drinking water? Learn more about RO systems below, and reach out to an expert for help finding the best option for your needs.
How Do Reverse Osmosis Filters Remove Contaminants?
Before diving into the pros and cons of reverse osmosis, it is important to take a closer look at how they work. Many reverse osmosis systems work by forcing water through a membranous filter at high pressure. The result is that only water is able to pass through the system itself. Most particles that are larger than water should get trapped against the membrane.
Then, as tap water goes through the process, the contaminants are flushed down the drain with the waste, leaving only filtered water left. The efficacy of reverse osmosis units has made them very popular, and some RO water filters even have activated carbon filters that will remove lead and other contaminants that might not be caught by other systems without them.
The Pros of Reverse Osmosis Water Filters
With an overview of how the entire process works, it is time to take a closer look at some of the top benefits. A few of the key benefits of RO systems include:
- Will Remove the Vast Majority of Contaminants
- Does Not Require Much Maintenance
- Your Water Should Taste Better
- There Are Plenty of Choices Available
Will Remove the Vast Majority of Contaminants
One of the top benefits of RO systems is that they can remove the vast majority of contaminants that they come into contact with. Of course, you should always read the package, but many systems are able to remove 99 percent of all contaminants, or more, from your water supply.
For example, a RO system could remove VOCs, lead, nitrates, bacteria, PFAs, and numerous other impurities that you might otherwise drink. You may want to purchase a water test kit to see which contaminants are present in your drinking water, but there is a good chance that the RO system can remove most things that might be present.
Does Not Require Much Maintenance
It is true that you need to consider maintenance costs before you decide which system to go with, but most RO systems do not require a lot of maintenance. Newer units are fully automatic, so you should not have to worry about regeneration or backwashing after the system itself is installed, but you should take a look at what is required before you buy the system.
You will have to change the filter from time to time, but the process is pretty easy. The frequency with which you need to change the filters will depend on the system you have and how much water you go through.
Your Water Should Taste Better
If you feel like your drinking water tastes a bit off, there is a chance that there could be some contaminants present. Fortunately, if you install an RO system, your water should taste better right away. There are plenty of reasons why your water might taste a bit off, but the contaminants you remove from your water should help your water taste better once again.
Remember that smell can have an impact on taste, and your RO system should improve the odor of your water supply as well. If you want to improve the taste and odor of your drinking water, consider going with an RO system.
There Are Plenty of Choices Available
You will have plenty of options available if you decide to go with an RO system, allowing you to customize your system to meet your needs. For example, you might be interested in a system that will sit on your counter. Or, you might want to go with a system that will go under your sink and save the counter space. You might even want a unit that will filter the water for your whole house.
Each option has its own price point and its own list of pros and cons. If you aren’t really sure which option is right for your needs, consider reaching out to an expert who can help you.
Clearly, there are lots of reasons why you should go with an RO system for your home, but you need to think about the drawbacks as well before you decide if this type of water filter is right for you.
The Cons of a Reverse Osmosis Water Filter
Before deciding if RO water filters are right for your home, you should consider the drawbacks as well. A few key points to consider include:
- An RO System Wastes Water
- Removes the Good With the Bad
- More Frequent Filter Cartridge Replacements
An RO System Wastes Water
One of the main drawbacks of using an RO system is that it wastes some amount of water. For example, the typical RO unit may waste as much as four gallons of water for every gallon of water it purifies. This can be a major concern, but you can mitigate this issue if you buy a newer unit.
New RO water filters do not waste as much water as older ones might, but they also could be more expensive. Always take a look at how much water the system purifies when compared to the amount of water it wastes. This will help you make the best decision for your home and the environment.
Removes the Good With the Bad
Keep in mind that the water you get likely has plenty of healthy minerals in it as well. If you put your water through an RO system, it will remove some healthy minerals.
As an example, some calcium and magnesium in your water is good, but these could be stripped away by the RO system. The unit may also remove fluoride, which is added to protect your teeth. There are some remineralization filters that could restore these minerals, but not all units may do this. Consider this before deciding if RO is right for you.
More Frequent Filter Cartridge Replacements
When you compare reverse osmosis to other options, you could find yourself replacing filter cartridges a bit more often than you would like. Because this system removes so many contaminants from your water supply, the filters also get clogged a bit more often. As a result, you may have to replace the filter cartridges more often as well.
The cost can add up quickly, and there could be multiple filters you need to replace. While they do not take that long to remove and put back in, this is another cost to consider.
These are just a few of the key drawbacks to keep in mind as you consider whether to go with an RO unit for your home. If you want to figure out whether this, or a different choice, is right for your house, our experts are here to assist you.
Call DROP Today for Help Finding the Best Water Filter System for Your House
You and your family deserve to have a reliable source of clean water, and there are multiple ways to get there. It may be reverse osmosis, or it may be a water softener. The right option for one house might not be the best option for yours, so count on our experts to point you in the right direction.
At DROP, we have a significant amount of experience working with homeowners of all backgrounds, and we can help you with your water supply as well. From reverse osmosis systems and water filters to smart water softeners, we have just about everything you could need.
Take a look at our selection today! And, if you have questions about which one is best for your needs, our experts are here to help you! We would love to help you take care of your plumbing system and water supply.