The presence of pollutants and toxins in our water is an ever-growing problem. Countless contaminants lurk in our drinking water, some that can make us sick, and others that can change the look, smell, and taste of our water (we’re looking at you, iron and sulfur). The most common of these water issues is hard water, which comes from excess minerals like calcium, fluoride, and magnesium in our water.
In addition to affecting our water, they also leave build up in our pipes, wreaking havoc on favorite appliances like sinks, coffeemakers, and washing machines, shortening their overall lifespan. However, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), reverse osmosis is the most effective way to filter household water. It can also rekindle our love with the liquid that makes up 70 percent of our bodies. The best place to find such a filter is in a whole house reverse osmosis system.
You may be wondering what reverse osmosis is, and you’re in luck; we’re happy to explain! In the following sections, we’ll break down the definition of reverse osmosis, as well as what to look for in whole-house systems, and our suggestions for the best systems out there.
What is Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse osmosis, or RO, is a filtration process used by many water filters. Its popularity comes from its ability to filter many common and dangerous contaminants found in your water. What makes it one of the most effective filtration methods is its process, which uses polarity to remove impurities in water. How RO works is water passes through a semi-permeable membrane. Because water particles are smaller than that of contaminants, clean water can pass through the semi-permeable membrane, leaving the impurities trapped inside. Here are a few common and dangerous contaminants reverse osmosis systems can remove:
-Lead -Phosphate
-Arsenic -Radium
-Nitrates -Chlorine
-Chromium -Bacteria
-Selenium -Viruses
-Fluoride -Barium
In addition to great-tasting and contaminant-free water, it’s also believed that drinking water filtered by reverse osmosis contains a host of benefits. Those benefits include reducing high blood pressure, alleviating nerve damage and anemic conditions, and combatting low fertility issues.
What to Look for in a Whole House Reverse Osmosis System
Although a whole house reverse osmosis system is incredibly beneficial in providing your family and home with clean, clear, and contaminant-free water, it’s not a simple purchase. RO systems, as they’re sometimes called, aren’t cheap, especially whole house units. So, before you invest in a system for your entire house, here are a few things to consider:
Size
Not every house reverse osmosis system is the same; they come in all shapes and sizes. Before purchasing, be sure to measure your home’s dimensions to ensure that you have enough space to install the system and all of its parts. For example, if you purchase an under the sink filter, you want to make sure all hoses fit comfortably so that the system can run efficiently.
Installation and Maintenance
One of the beauties of whole house systems is that most of them are relatively easy for the average homeowner to install with a few tools. In some cases, though, you may need help to install the system if there are too many parts or require installation outdoors. If this sort of problem arises, check with a plumber or filtration system dealer and see if they can take care of the installation for you.
As with all machines, maintenance is an unavoidable part of ownership. Before purchasing a filtration system, do some research on how frequently you’ll need to change the system’s active carbon filter or other components. It’s important to know these details, as the safety of your water depends on it. A crucial piece to remember is to budget out the potential cost of replacements and maintenance over time. The numbers can add up pretty quickly, and you don’t want to start cutting corners to maintain your system. It can compromise your water.
The Best Whole House Reverse Osmosis Systems
Puronics’ Micromax 6500 Water Treatment System
The sister system to Puronics’ four-stage Micromax 6000 system, the 6500 model packs a five-stage filtration system in a slim profile. This low maintenance solution to your household drinking water woes is known for its maximum quality and performance, which is celebrated because it doesn’t require electricity or water usage to run at peak efficiency. This means homeowners can save on their electricity bills.
The Micromax 6500 is easy to install under the sink, but if you need an installer, dealers like the Science of Water are more than happy to take care of your system’s installation and maintenance.
iSpring RCS5T High Flow Reverse Osmosis System
This whole house reverse osmosis filter is hailed as the most affordable system for its capabilities. It features a high-grade, long-lasting five-filter set, which works together to remove more than 1,000 contaminants from your home’s drinking water. The high-performing filter is also compliant with the highest environmental and health standards and is a perfect option for small businesses, small restaurants, and large families.
Users will also love it because it’s easy to install, no experience necessary, and its see-through first stage housing allows them to see when it’s time to change filters. And better still, iSpring’s system features a dual-flow reverse osmosis membrane, which produces 500 gallons per day of bottle-quality water and saves 70 percent more water than a regular reverse osmosis membrane.
WECO HydroSense — 500 GPD
One filter doesn’t fit every water need, and California-based company WECO Filters understands this. Their HydroSense model comes in five variations, each designed to best suit your water problems. The Standard HydroSense — 0500 is a light, commercial reverse osmosis system that boasts six filtration stages. It’s ideal for residential use, schools, medical offices, and hydroponic growing operations, and more.
What makes the HydroSense —0500 a favorite is its filtration system, which uses a sediment and carbon block to remove larger particles and a host of chemicals including, chlorine, chloramines, and their cancer-causing byproducts. After which, its reverse osmosis membrane rejects 98.5 percent of all remaining impurities found in the system.
Home Master TMAFC Artesian Full Contact Under Sink Reverse Osmosis System
There are reverse osmosis systems, and then there is the TMAFC reverse osmosis filtration system. This system is a favorite of homeowners and experts alike and is touted as being one of the most innovative designs on the market. It features a 7-stage filtration system, which removes 98 percent of all chemicals, heavy metals, sediment, and other contaminants, ensuring only the purest, healthiest water finds its way to your glass.
Included in its many stages is one for restoring the balance of your water’s pH levels, as well as a level that restores the natural calcium and magnesium minerals that typically get removed during the reverse osmosis process. Best of all, the under the sink system requires a filter change every 2,000 gallons.
The Science of Water
Are you unhappy with the quality of water in your home? Does it taste or smell funny? Is it leaving a slimy film that won’t seem to go away? Does it take more shampoo than usual to work up a good lather? Hard water and more might be to blame. Our team at The Science of Water can help provide your home with the cleanest, contaminant-free water you’ve ever tasted. However, the first step to better water is by requesting one of our free water tests. Knowing what’s in your water is the best way to treat it!
For more information about Puronics’ filtration systems or our services, please call us at (352) 745-7070 or (904) 580-0000.