Reverse Osmosis Systems vs. Water Filters

Homes can experience an array of water complications each day, from hard water to a low flow rate to a strange odor. In many cases, homeowners need help from a filter to remove these troublesome occurrences.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about reverse osmosis systems and water filters to discover which option is ideal for your home.

Reverse Osmosis Systems

Reverse osmosis systems utilize a semi-permeable membrane to capture contaminants. The in-depth system hooks up beneath the sink to provide access to clean water in the kitchen at any time.

The system ensures the water flowing from the faucet is safe, clean, and tastes delicious! But how do reverse osmosis systems truly work? And are they worth the cost?

How Reverse Osmosis Systems Function

The technical design of RO systems allows some substances to pass through but not others. The reverse osmosis process traps various contaminants while letting the cleansed water pass through the membrane.

However, unlike the average water filter, this system doesn’t just present one line of defense. Reverse osmosis filters run through a minimum of four stages and a maximum of six stages. Each stage prioritizes a different cleaning process.

In the four-stage system, the water runs through a sediment filter, carbon filter, RO membrane, and an in-line activated carbon filter. The six-stage system also includes each of these filters. The difference lies within the system running water through the carbon and RO membrane filters twice.

Before you consider buying one of these options, it’s important to know about the job each filter does for your drinking water.

Sediment Filter

Sediment filters serve as the first line of defense in any RO system. Dirt, sand, silt, and rust can linger in water. Since these are the largest particles found in water, the sediment filter functions to remove them at the beginning of the process.

Carbon Filter

The primary role of the carbon filter is to eliminate chlorine from the water. Chlorine is an additive that water companies use to disinfect the water of bacteria, viruses, and various microorganisms.

While it’s a helpful substance, it’s not overly pleasant to consume. It can create an odor and odd taste in drinking water. That’s why the presence of carbon filters is essential in reverse osmosis systems.

RO Membrane

This semi-permeable membrane comes into play during the next stage of the cleansing process. Depending on the type of RO system you purchase, you’ll either have a 50 GPD membrane or a 75 GPD membrane.

The 50 GPD membrane is available in the four-stage RO system to remove TDS, sodium, arsenic, copper, lead, and much more!

The 75 GPD membrane comes with the six-stage model. It removes the same types of contaminants and produces a higher-performance filter. Additionally, the six-stage RO system will also run two cycles through this membrane to ensure it eliminates all contaminants from the water.

Activated Carbon In-Line Filter

After running through each of the other filters, the final step filters the water through an activated carbon in-line filter. It removes any lingering items that may have slipped past the previous filters.

The carbon in-line polishes the water. Then, the water sits in the reservoir so that it stays clean and ready to drink at any moment!

Are Reverse Osmosis Systems Worth the Cost?

Long story short, RO systems are absolutely worth the price! They are more expensive than most water filters, but that’s due to the incredible properties these machines possess.

The six-stage system is a little more expensive than the four-stage system, but you will notice a difference in quality between the two. When you require perfectly clean water in your kitchen at all hours, reverse osmosis systems are an extraordinary option!

Water Filters

Rather than conducting intensive cleaning like a reverse osmosis system, water filters follow a more simplified process. This alternative method isn’t as effective but will improve water quality immensely.

Activated Carbon Water Filtration

Activated carbon filters are the primary source of filtration for a variety of water filters. They physically remove contaminants through the process of adsorption. Adsorption separates one substance from another. The unwanted substance sticks to the filter and is blocked from passing through.

In this case, the water passes through the activated carbon filter. The filter adsorbs things like organic chemicals, chlorine, unpleasant odors, and hydrogen sulfide. Most of the time, the water will retain various healthy minerals.

Finding a Proper Solution for Your Home

After reading through all the various features of reserve osmosis systems and water filters, let’s discuss which option is best for your needs. To find the right choice, you must consider your end goal. What do you hope one of these filtration devices will help you accomplish? Read through some of the common water issues homeowners encounter to find the solution that may suit your need!

How To Get Clean Water in the Bathroom

In some instances, it’s possible to install an under-sink RO system in the bathroom. Since the tanks for RO systems are quite large, some bathroom cabinets don’t allot the proper space.

However, most homeowners prefer to install faucet-mounted water filters instead. They’re very easy to install and provide clean water instantly after turning the switch.

Additionally, you may want to install a showerhead filter to create a continuous clean water supply. Perhaps the water your faucet currently supplies makes your hair appear dull or causes your skin to feel dry. To easily resolve that issue, all you need is a showerhead filter that attaches to the existing fixture.

How To Achieve Clean Water in a Small Space

If you have a limited amount of space or live in an apartment, there’s still a way to get clean water in your home. This is where activated carbon water filters come in handy.

First, you can install a countertop drinking system in the kitchen. They’re very easy to set up and incredibly convenient. Additionally, you can utilize a water filter pitcher. Fill it up with tap water and store it in the fridge for cold, clean water whenever you need it!

How To Resolve Hard Water

Hard water can greatly impact a variety of components within your home, from plumbing and appliances to unpleasant-tasting drinking water. You want to eliminate the strong presence of minerals from the water supply to ensure the proper use of these appliances and the safety of your family members.

The best solution is to install a reverse osmosis system in the kitchen sink. It will purify the water used for drinking, cooking, and even washing your hands. You’ll notice an immense difference in the quality of the water used in every small task.

When choosing between reverse osmosis systems or water filters, you need to consider the extraordinary benefits of both products! Luckily, Premier H2O has an array of both types of filters to choose from! Visit our website to browse through our wide selection of efficient filters that are sure to improve the water quality in your home.