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Sometimes, we don’t get the best-tasting water out of the faucet. Water pitchers with filters can give you clean water, but they don’t remove all the contaminants. Plus, you have to wait to fill the container before you can enjoy a fresh glass of water. If you are looking for a permanent solution, consider reverse osmosis.
What exactly is reverse osmosis, and how does it work in a home water filtration system? Here is what you need to know, courtesy of our plumbing service pros.
What Is Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process. It removes contaminants by pushing water through a fine filter called a semipermeable membrane. You can think of it like a super-tiny strainer that only allows pure water molecules to pass through. Dissolved salts, heavy metals, bacteria, and chemicals are prevented from entering your water system. In turn, you get clean, purified water for drinking and cooking.
How Does It Work in Your Home?
Your home’s water must go through a process to remove contaminants. Here is what happens when you have a reverse osmosis system installed:
Pre-Filtration
Before the water reaches the RO membrane, it passes through filters that trap dirt, rust, and chlorine. These pre-filters do the heavy lifting to protect the delicate membrane.
The Membrane
Next, the water is pushed through the semipermeable membrane. This is where the real purification happens. The membrane layer removes up to 99% of dissolved impurities.
Finishing Touches
After the membrane, the water will flow through another filter to make sure it tastes crisp and clean. After that, the purified water is stored in a small tank under your sink. It is ready to flow from a dedicated faucet when you need it.
This is a multi-step process. However, it works seamlessly in your home. All you have to do is turn on the tap and enjoy water that tastes as fresh as a mountain spring.
What Does It Remove From Your Water?
One of the biggest reasons people choose RO systems is their ability to filter out a wide range of contaminants. These include:
- Chlorine and other chemicals that cause bad taste and odors
- Heavy metals like lead and arsenic
- Dissolved salts and minerals
- Microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses
- Pesticides and nitrates that sometimes make their way into water supplies
If you have noticed your tap water tasting “off” or worry about what might be lurking in it, reverse osmosis takes care of those concerns. Many homeowners choose reverse osmosis as a permanent solution for their water systems. With that, you can have some peace of mind knowing that your home has clean and better-tasting water.
Is a Reverse Osmosis System Right for You?
RO systems are an excellent choice for many homes. However, there are a few things to consider. Since they filter water slowly, they use a storage tank to make sure you always have purified water ready to go.
Some homeowners add a remineralization filter to their water. A standard RO filter removes harmful contaminants and some natural minerals. The remineralization filter helps restore healthy minerals like calcium and magnesium.
If you have been thinking about upgrading your home’s water quality, you may want to have your water tested first. This step can help you determine whether an RO system best suits your needs.
Professional Installation Makes a Difference
While some homeowners attempt a DIY installation, you want a professional to handle it. A trained technician can make sure the system is set up correctly and running at top efficiency.
Maintaining your system is easy. All you have to do is change the filters and the membrane at the recommended intervals. This will keep your water fresh for years to come.
Enjoy Cleaner, Fresher Water Every Day
Installing a reverse osmosis system is one of the simplest ways to improve your home’s water quality and your family’s health. This small change makes a big difference.
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of reverse osmosis for yourself, contact Patterson Plumbing. We have proudly served our customers for over 100 years with professional residential plumbing services. Our team is ready to help with everything from toilet installation and pipe maintenance to sump pump repair services. Time to install a reverse osmosis system in your Greenville home? Call us at Patterson Plumbing.
