- Best whole house reverse osmosis system comparison
- What is the whole Reverse Osmosis Water System?
- How Reverse osmosis water system works
- 4 Best reverse osmosis system for whole house
- Review of the whole house reverse osmosis systems
- What to consider before purchasing a whole house Reverse Osmosis water system
- Is a whole house reverse osmosis system necessary?
- Related
One of the best ways to make sure contaminant presence in your entire home water is removed is by installing the whole house reverse osmosis system.
Best whole house reverse osmosis system comparison
What is the whole Reverse Osmosis Water System?
Reverse Osmosis is a water purification method that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove water contaminants such as heavy metal, dead bacteria, dissolved impurities, and large particles. In short, it is called RO.
The whole house reverse osmosis system is installed at a point of home entry. Meaning the system will treat all water that enters your home. Every faucet in your house will get non-contaminated water. Be it water for cleaning, drinking, cooking, shower, and water used to flush the toilet.
Whole house reverse osmosis system guarantees your entire house is free from any traces of organic and inorganic contaminants.
The system is used if your water source has extreme contaminants that cannot be treated by the whole house water filter. Such contaminants include a high concentration of dissolved salt and high levels of TDS.
The method involves a number of filtration stages. Each stage removes specific contaminant in water. Most of the reverse osmosis system comes in four, five or six stages.
The following are some of the contaminants that are removed by Reverse Osmosis system:
- Lead
- Chlorine
- Fluoride
- Pesticides
- Mercury
- Arsenic
- Hard water minerals
- Radon
- Benzene
- Nitrate
- TDS-total dissolved solids
It is significantly used to purify water from lakes, rivers, and tap water (public water supply).
How Reverse osmosis water system works
In Reverse Osmosis, water passes through a semi-permeable membrane that has small pores that only allow clean water to pass through, and water containing contaminants is blocked.
There are additional filters (like Sediment Filter, Granular Activated Carbon, Micron Carbon Filter, Thin Film Membrane RO Membrane, Inline Granular Carbon Filter, and Polishing filters) in the process which remove impurities and then you remain with clean, safe drinking water.
Must watch the video how reverse osmosis water system works
4 Best reverse osmosis system for whole house
- Crystal quest1500 GPD Whole House Reverse Osmosis System
- Best tankless reverse osmosis system: WECO HydroSense Light Commercial Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
- iSpring RCB3P 300 GPD Light Commercial Reverse Osmosis RO Water Filter System
- Best tankless reverse osmosis system: Hydro-Logic 31023 1000-GPD Evolution RO1000 High Flow RO System
- Apex Commercial Reverse Osmosis System
Review of the whole house reverse osmosis systems
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Crystal Reverse osmosis system provides filtered water throughout your home.
This system contains two membranes, sediment filter, and carbon filter. The membrane filter lasts two years. Sediment and carbon filter lasts 12-18 months depending on usage.
The kit includes TDS Meters, Pressure Gauges, Membrane Housings, storage tank, RO water pump/ motor, and float switches.
The storage tank is available in different sizes such as 165, 220, or 550 gallons.
It is also available in a stand-alone unit no storage tank
This system will make 2-3 gallons per minute of wastewater
- WECO HydroSense Light Commercial Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System (HydroSense-0500GAC-CAL-UV)
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WECO Hydrosense Reverse osmosis drinking water purification system is ideal for residential and light commercial applications.
The system consists of Thin Film Composite reverse osmosis membrane, Sediment, and compressed carbon block pre-filtration.
The Thin Film Composite reverse osmosis membrane removes up to 98.5% of water contaminants like radon, benzene, nitrate, TDS, fluoride, lead, sodium, and mercury.
The Sediment removes tiny particles like rust, silt, and insect parts
Compressed carbon block pre-filtration removes taste and odor-causing chemicals like chlorine, chloramine, and rotten-egg odors. It also removes organic contaminants like herbicides, insecticides, and industrial chemicals that seep into groundwater.
When water goes through the membrane the pressure is boosted and water squeeze through a special membrane.
It comes with Automatic electric booster pumps with pressure sensors that keep the system operating in optimal condition
It includes a UV disinfection system and pH neutralizing filter
The system is stand-alone so does not include storage tank but for high flow application you can connect the system with atmospheric tanks or pressure tanks
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iSpring RCB3P Reverse Osmosis RO Water Filter System treats water in 5-stages. Which include:
Stage 1: pre-sediment filter-removes sediments, dust, sand, particles, dirt, and rust. The filter lasts 6-12 months
Stage 2: GAC carbon filter that removes cloudiness, color, chlorine taste, and odor. It lasts 6-12 months
Stage 3: CTO carbon filter that removes chloramine, VOCs, and harmful chemicals. The filter last 6-12 months
Stage 4: Ro membrane rejects impurities down to .0001 micron. It removes hardness and heavy metal. The membrane provides 300 gallons of water and lasts 2-3 years
Stage 5: post carbon that removes any taste and odor.
The system comes with a built-in booster pump and pressure gauge increases the production of purified water by raising the water pressure.
iSpring RCB3P 300 GPD reverse osmosis system replacement filter
iSpring FPFGFC25X1 20 Inch Commercial RO 6-Month Supply, Fits RCB2P RCB3P
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The iSpring FPFGFC25X1 is a commercial reverse osmosis water filter system and whole-house systems. It fits iSpring RCB3P, RCB2P, WCB32, WCB32-O
This replacement filter includes sediment filter, GAC carbon filter, and CTO carbon filter. The sediment filter last 6-12 months, and carbon filters last 6-9 months
It measures 2.5″ (Diameter) x 20″ (Length) x 1 1/8″ (I.D) and fits most housings that use 2.5″ x 20″ filters
iSpring MC1 Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane Replacement 100 GPD
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iSpring MC1 Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane Replacement is made of food-grade high capacity material. It is tested to meet NSF/ANSI Standards and lasts 2-3 years
It has 0.0001-micron size that only allows water molecules to squeeze through
This RO replacement membrane help removes chlorine, fluoride, arsenic, hormones, asbestos, calcium, and sodium.
It measures 11.75” X 1.75” which is a standard size that fits most standard under sink RO membrane housings.
The membrane is capable of providing 100 gallons per day (GPD) but is available in different capacities such as 500, 75 and 50 GPD
iSpring FT15 5th Stage Inline Post Carbon Filter Replacement Cartridge
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The iSpring FT15 is used in the 5th stage of the iSpring Ro system.
The replacement filter is supposed to be replaced about every 12 months depending on your water usage.
It measures length = 10″, O.D. = 2.5″ 1/4″ therefore fits Models RCC7 RCC7P RCC7AK RCC7AK-UV RCC7D RCC7U RCC1UP RCB4T RCS5T RCB3P
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The Hydro-Logic 31023 tankless reverse osmosis system provides 1000 GPD.
It operates at 60 PSI water pressure so if your water pressure is less than 60 PSI pump is recommended
The system lowers TDS by 95% and waste to purified water is 2:1.
It includes two RO membranes (HL22045), one KDF/Carbon material filter (HL22043), and all required fittings
Hydro-Logic Replacement
Hydro-Logic 728774 EvolutionRO 1000 Reverse Osmosis Membrane
Hydro-Logic 741646 Hydrologic Green Carbon stealthRO Reverse Osmosis Filtration System Filter
- Apex Commercial Reverse Osmosis System for Drinking Water & Hydroponic Treatment (1500 GPD)
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Apex Commercial Reverse Osmosis System includes a three-stage filtration system that removes visible particles, chlorine, lead, and other toxins.
The system can be turned on and off manually with the flip of a single switch.
This model provides 1500 GPD and is available in 3000 GPD
What happens to the water that has a contaminant?
One of the disadvantages of an RO system is the amount of water wasted in the process.
The domestic RO system uses four gallons of contaminated to produce one gallon of filtered water.
Three gallons go to waste, but you can reduce this by adding a permeate pump to reduce water wastage.
Some system like Home Master TMHP HydroPerfection Under Sink RO System comes with a pump.
The Home Master TMHP HydroPerfection Under Sink RO System reduces the amount of water wastage to one gallon for every gallon produced.
Other systems have advanced technology like Brondell H2O+ Circle Water Saving that reduces the amount of two gallons for every of pure water produced
All the same, there is the volume of water that will be wasted that is the concern for every person.
In the system, there is a drainpipe or waste pipe. You can connect your waste pipe to the normal faucet or have a collection point and use that water for cleaning, flushing toilet, or watering crops.
Stages of RO water system
Most Ro water system involves five stages of filtering
- Sediment filter– Removes fine and large particles such as sand, silt, and dirt. It also prevents sediment to go through Reverse Osmosis Membrane which is damaged by sediments
- Carbon filter– It consists of Activated Carbon, Micron Carbon filter, and Inline Granular Carbon Filter. It helps to remove unnatural tastes, chlorine, odor, suspended particles, organic particles, and another chemical that can be found in the public water supply.
- Reverse Osmosis Membrane– It’s the main component that removes bacteria, viruses, pesticides, chemicals, and other dissolved impurities.
- Polishing filters – Its final stages or final filter which stabilizes water taste quality and removes any traces of bad odor.
Extra stages
Stage 6: There are important minerals that are removed in the above stage 1-4. At this stage, you can add those important minerals and alkalize water or adjust PH using calcium and magnesium. This stage is called Remineralization
Stage 7: use the UV filter to kill the microorganism
Read more about Reverse Osmosis
What impurities does the whole house Reverse Osmosis system remove?
Reverse osmosis water system operates in five stages and each stage is meant to remove the particular contaminant.
The sediment filter is meant to remove sand, silt, and large particles. Removes impurities 0.001 microns
The carbon filter is best for removing chlorine, bad taste, and odor
Reverse osmosis membrane which is the heart of the system removes a wide variety of contaminants such as sodium (salt), sulfate, calcium, potassium, nitrate, iron, zinc, mercury, selenium, phosphate, lead, arsenic, magnesium, nickel, fluoride, manganese, cadmium, barium, cyanide and chloride
Read more the percentage RO membrane removes
What is a Ro water purifier or filter?
Ro water purifier or filter is a water purifier that uses Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology to purify water.
Advantages of Reverse osmosis water system
- The best solution for treating hard water or salty water
- RO water purifier removes heavy metals such as lead and mercury which is dangerous to the human being.
- Removes small and large particles thus give clean, purified water
- Removes bad odor from water
- It’s easier to maintain compared with other purifiers which require being cleaned every month
- RO water purifier comes in small sizes, so they are best for home use
Disadvantages of Reverse Osmosis water system
- Requires electricity to operate- It’s not the best product in the areas which have the power problem.
- Water wastage- a lot of water is wasted in the process of purification. Ro water purifier rejects water which contains dissolved impurities, but this water can be used for cleaning
- Ro water purifier requires high pressure to purify- If water from public supply doesn’t have high-pressure one needs the motor to increase pressure
- Water taste is changed in the process- The process of purification some minerals are removed it alters the taste of water
- In RO water system there is a high chance that some of the microorganism can pass through RO membrane thus doesn’t kill water-borne diseases that are why it is advised you pass RO water through UV purifier to kill microorganisms.
- Removes natural minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and sodium which are required in water and are essential to the human body. Causing mineral deficiency in the human body.
How much maintenance cost does the Ro water system require?
Most Ro water purifiers last for about 10-15 years if they are properly maintained.
Filters and Reverse Osmosis Membrane requires replacement depending on the quality, manufacturer’s instructions, water quality, and usage.
Sediment filters are changed after six months; carbon filter is changed between 6-12months and RO Membrane are changed every 2-3 years
Note that replacement recommendations are listed under each product according to your manufacturer.
There are many different RO water purifiers in the market but most of them differ in various ways such as:
- Numbers of filtration stages– some purifiers purify water in 3 stages others 5 or 4 stages.
- Storage and system purification capacity – It’s measured in gallon per day (GPD)
- Quality of their components
What you need to know before you purchase RO system
- Where do you need to set up your RO system?
There are two places you can install your RO system under the sink or at the countertop.
If you require to set up under the sink make sure there is enough space the whole system will fit properly.
- Check your Water quality
Test your water before installing the system and after treating to confirm whether the system is operating effectively.
You can test the quality of water using TDS meter.
Test the level of your water PH. If your water is acidic buy a system that has an extra stage to balance and stabilize the PH level. Then after installing test your water to confirm the system is working effectively.
You can use PH meters or PH strips to check the PH level in your water.
Contaminant presence in your water
You need to know which contaminants are existence in your water so that you can choose the right system to remove them.
The system that operates well reduce about 90% of most contaminant found in water
What to consider before purchasing a whole house Reverse Osmosis water system
Contaminant it removes
You must know what type of contaminant the system removes effectively. Buy a system that removes most contaminants found in water. You will not worry about the water that you are consuming.
Easy to install, use and maintain
How easy it is to install, use, or maintain. Some require professionals to install how much will it cost for that. Remember filters needs to be changed every year will it be easier to change and how much will it cost.
Production capacity
The capacity of the reverse osmosis system is measured in gallons per day (GPD) and it depends on the amount of water you use per day. If your usage is small, a System filtration capacity of 50 gallons per day (GPD) is enough but if your usage is heavier something closer 100 GPD is okay.
How much water waste
One of the disadvantages of an RO system is water wastage. You should consider how much water waste will result from the system.
Purification Stages
RO system has seven purification steps. The first three are most important. The systems you are going to choose to depend on the impurities present in your water source.
Additional features
Some systems come with additional features such as faucet, extra filter, and filter replacement alert
Warranty and customer care service
If the system doesn’t achieve what it should, will the company repair or replace the system?
Where to install the system
Most systems are of the same standard size make sure before you buy you know the dimension of the system and it fits well the place you want to install
Choosing the best replacement cartridges, membrane, parts, and accessories that go well with your RO water system read the following:
Best Reverse Osmosis Parts and Accessories
After purchasing your RO system make sure you find a TDS meter /water tester to see whether the system is working well.
Components of the RO system
- Sediment filter
- Reverse osmosis membrane
- Carbon filter
- Storage tank
- Post-filter
- Valves
- Flow restrictor
- Faucet
- Drain line
Is a whole house reverse osmosis system necessary?
Whole house reverse osmosis system is necessary where water quality is severe. For instance well water that has presence of severe contaminants but for municipal tap water is already treated you do not need whole house system.
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