Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy a Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
Have you ever heard of a Reverse Osmosis System? If you’ve recently decided to buy a water filter, chances are you might have come across this term.
A reverse osmosis system or RO system is one of the most effective ways to produce clean and safe water for your consumption. Moreover, this type of water filter can eliminate 96% to 99% of contaminants found in drinking water.
RO filters are pretty common these days. That’s because they are easy to install and work effectively. If you’re also on an RO filter hunt for your household, you’ve landed on the right page.
We have everything you need to know before investing in a system, so read on to kill the suspense.
What is Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse osmosis is an advanced technology used to purify water. It’s the opposite version of a well known procedure, osmosis.
Osmosis is a natural process that involves movement of a weaker solution to a concentrated one. This migration often takes place through a semi permeable membrane.
The concept of the osmosis process revolves around the tendency of a solution to seek high concentrations.
Reverse osmosis runs on similar principles but in reverse. Instead of a low concentrated solution moving to a higher one, the latter migrates to the former. This reverse movement is made possible through the involvement of an external force.
How Does Reverse Osmosis Work In Water Filters?
Reverse osmosis filters come with a semi-permeable membrane that allows only specific particles to pass through.
When the higher contaminated solution reaches the membrane, the filter removes all suspended and dissolved particles. This process helps to generate safe quality water.
RO filters can eliminate particles as tiny as ions and bacteria. It is why these units are considered quite effective in the industrial production of potable water. Moreover, RO technology has pretty much made its way into our private homes.
But, before you welcome an RO water filter in your house, please consider the factors below.
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Factors to Consider Before Buying a Reverse Osmosis Filter System
Here are some important things to look at before you purchase your first RO filter:
Large Space
Unlike many other water filter types, RO systems require large space. They adjust under the sink, so make sure you have enough space down there.
Moreover, the huge tank and components need an adequate surface to settle properly. In short, only buy a reverse osmosis water filter system if you can arrange enough space for it.
High Water Pressure
These filters require a water pressure of at least 40 PSI to operate. Some water lines do not produce such force.
Hence, you may need a booster pump to do the job. Some RO filters come with a pump.
However, you need to test it before you buy. If the pump fails, you should prepare yourself to opt for some other unit.
Excess Water Use
Unfortunately, most RO systems consume plenty of water to work.
Some units require a high amount of unfiltered water only to generate a few gallons of filtered water. If that’s the case, you may not want to invest in a system.
Before you buy a RO filter, make sure it has an acceptable pure water to wastewater ratio. Moreover, it should be eco-friendly and efficient.
Removal of Healthy Minerals
RO systems are pretty diligent in water filtering.
However, while removing contaminants, these filters can also remove some essential minerals. Therefore, you may want to buy separate re-mineralizers to add those minerals back to your drinking water. Adding calcium hypochlorite into the water is also an effective way to make the water healthy and sanitized.
Maintenance of Filters
An RO water system comes with more than one filter stage. It means you have to keep track of any maintenance required. Also, replacing filters does cost a lot. If you can afford this expense, no problem, but if not…
The reason for mentioning the above considerations was to make sure you invest in something you can love and use for a long time. If your home can’t support the attributes of an RO filter, it’s always wise to find another compatible machine.
However, if you can handle it, RO filters are one of the best drinking water filters to own.
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Top Four RO Water Filter Systems Compared
There are many RO filters available in the market today, and all of them promise to produce remarkable results. However, to help you choose the best one out of the lot, we have curated a list below. You can go through it and see if any of the options meet your requirements.
Disclaimer: The information below was derived from the BOS Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Guide.
1. Waterdrop Water Filter
If you’re looking for a compact yet effective RO filter, this one may strike your fancy. The Waterdrop RO filter doesn’t have a tank to take up a lot of space. However, don’t be fooled by its slim body.
This machine has brilliant filtration accuracy and can make your water almost 99% contamination-free. It also comes with two different displays, one to tell the water quality and the other to show the TDS number.
Installation of this machine is easy and quick. However, it comes with three filters, which may require regular maintenance. To prevent the filter from leaking, make sure it’s placed straight and not sideways.
2. APEC PH75 6 Stage Filter System
This system is another super efficient filter to remove almost all contaminants from your water. It’s available at a reasonable price but functions like any other expensive machine.
APEC RO filters work with a similar purification sequence that other units use. But, it comes with a separate filter to add important minerals to your drinking water. This additional treatment is essential to improve the taste and texture of your resultant solution.
The carbon filters in this unit have a pretty long life and require little maintenance. Moreover, the installation is pretty convenient.
But, the first two filters need replacement after every six months. This demand may make this purchase a little costly long term.
3. iSpring RCC7 Filter System
If you are on a strict budget, the iSpring RCC7 filter may be a great option for you. It’s an affordable unit and performs pretty efficiently.
The RCC7 comes with five different filters and produces a wastewater to pure water ratio of 2.5:1. It’s pretty brilliant for a system like this.
The iSpring RCC7 also has an NSF certification and guarantees the best quality of water. However, make sure you have enough space to accommodate this setup. With five filters, this unit is quite large in size.
4. Home Master HydroPerfection Filter
Another best RO filter on this list, the HydroPerfection system, is an accomplished model in every way. It comes with Fast Flow technology that ensures to double the current flow rate of the water.
Also, the system has a remarkable pure water to wastewater ratio. It reduces the waste by as much as 80 percent. Moreover, 99% of contaminants will be eliminated.
This setup comes with four filters, and all of them have a long life. You won’t require replacement at least for a year. It may take a little storage space in your kitchen, but that’s acceptable as long as it produces the promised results.
Parting Thoughts
RO systems are one of the most efficient water filters for both domestic and industrial use. With most units removing 99% of contaminants, you can relax and enjoy the filtered water they produce.
But before you buy a system, make sure to go through our buying guide. You should consider the factors and top filter options to save your money.
Main Image Source: Pixabay
Also See: 7 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Whole House Water Filter
