Skip to Content
Moe Plumbing Services Moe Plumbing Services
Call Us Today! 818-396-8002
Top

Can a Reverse Osmosis System Improve My Home’s Water Quality?

Someone filling a glass with water at a kitchen sink.
|

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are advanced water filtration systems designed to significantly improve the quality of your home's water. By removing contaminants and impurities, these systems provide clean and safe drinking water directly from your tap. Below, we’ll explore how RO systems work and their benefits.

Understanding Water Quality Issues in Homes

Before diving into RO systems, it's essential to understand the common water quality issues that homeowners face. Common water quality problems that plague homeowners include:

  • Contaminants: Lead, chlorine, fluoride, and other harmful substances can be present in tap water.
  • Hard Water: High levels of calcium and magnesium can cause scaling and reduce the effectiveness of soaps and detergents.
  • Taste and Odor: Impurities can affect the taste and smell of your water, making it unpleasant to drink.

How RO Systems Work to Improve Water Quality

RO systems improve water quality through a multi-stage filtration process. The stages include:

  • Pre-Filter: Removes larger particles like sediment and chlorine, protecting the RO membrane.
  • RO Membrane: The heart of the system, this semi-permeable membrane filters out up to 99 percent of contaminants, including heavy metals and dissolved solids.
  • Post-Filter: Further cleans the water, enhancing taste and purity.

Choosing the Right RO System for Your Home

When selecting an RO system, consider the following factors:

  • Water Usage: Determine the daily water consumption in your household to choose a system with the appropriate capacity.
  • Contaminant Removal: Check the system’s certification for the removal of specific contaminants relevant to your water supply.
  • Space and Installation: Ensure you have adequate space under your sink or in your chosen installation area.

Maintenance Tips to Ensure Longevity and Quality

To keep your RO system functioning optimally, follow these maintenance tips:

  • Regular Filter Changes: Replace pre-filters and post-filters every 6-12 months.
  • RO Membrane Replacement: Change the RO membrane every 2-3 years, depending on water quality and usage.
  • Sanitize the System: Clean and sanitize the entire system annually to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect connections and tubing for any signs of wear or leaks.

Benefits of Using an RO System for Your Home

Installing an RO system offers numerous advantages. These advantages include:

  • Improved Taste and Odor: Removes chlorine and other impurities, enhancing water taste.
  • Healthier Drinking Water: Reduces contaminants like lead, arsenic, and nitrates, providing safer water for your family.
  • Cost Savings: Reduces the need for bottled water, leading to long-term savings.
  • Environmental Benefits: Reduces plastic waste from disposable water bottles.

Reverse Osmosis System Safety: Why Air Gaps Matter

Many people enjoy the benefits of reverse osmosis (RO) systems for clean drinking water. However, a common installation mistake can turn that benefit into a health risk.

Here's why air gaps are crucial for safe RO system operation:

  • RO systems filter contaminants and expel them through a drain line. If that line clogs with food scraps or other debris, the wastewater can back up.
  • Without an air gap, contaminated drain water could siphon back into your clean drinking water supply. This creates a serious health hazard.

An air gap is a small device that creates a physical separation between the drain line and the flood rim of the sink. It looks similar to the small bump you might see next to your kitchen faucet, which prevents dishwasher overflow from contaminating your sink.

Here's the takeaway:

  • Installing an air gap is not just a recommendation, it's a plumbing code requirement in most areas.
  • For safe and legal RO system installation, always hire a licensed plumber, such as our plumbing team at Moe Plumbing Services.

By following these steps, you can ensure your RO system provides healthy, clean drinking water for your home.

For more information about reverse osmosis systems, or to make an appointment with our Los Angeles reverse osmosis system installation, maintenance, and repair team at Moe Plumbing Services, call (818) 396-8002 or reach out to us online today to request an estimate.