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What to Look for When Buying a Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System
What Should I Look for when Buying a Reverse Osmosis (RO) System
Millions of households in the U.S. have installed reverse osmosis (RO) filtration systems to not only improve the taste and odor of their drinking water, but also as a preventative measure to keep their families safe from lead, pesticides, chlorine, too much fluoride, organics, and other contaminants.
Water Pressure Considerations Before Installing RO
Reverse osmosis filtration does not rely on electricity to function, but rather operates with water pressure. Sufficient water pressure is needed to push contaminants through the RO membrane and filter cartridges in order to produce clean water. An RO system needs a minimum of 40 psi (pounds per square inch) to operate properly, but 60 psi is optimal.
Most municipal water suppliers provide this amount of water pressure. If you're concerned about low water pressure, you may need to test your water pressure and if below 40 psi, install a booster bump or install a different type of drinking water system such as a water cooler.
City vs. Well Water Considerations for Reverse Osmosis
Eighty percent of U.S. households are on city water, where water is supplied from a local treatment plant. If you're on city water, a reverse osmosis system is an excellent choice to improve your household's drinking water.
For the 20% of households on private well, a UV water disinfection system is highly recommended to remove bacteria and viruses, something an RO system is not equipped to handle. A reverse osmosis unit (to improve the taste and odor of drinking water) when paired with a UV light sterilizer, make a winning combination for those on well water.
How to Choose the Right Reverse Osmosis System
When buying a reverse osmosis drinking water system, there are many different features to consider. We suggest thinking through what is the MOST IMPORTANT factor to YOU, as you select an RO drinking water system:
1) Easy Filter Changes:
If you want to be able to quickly and easily swap out filters each year when it's time for replacement, you might opt for the PuROTwist RO system. To replace the filters, simply twist the used filter off and twist the new filter on. No tools, no buckets, no mess. 
The PT4000T50-SS is a 4-stage, point-of-use reverse osmosis system that treats 50 gallons of water per day. This system's compact size makes for simple installation under your kitchen sink. The PuROtwist 5-stage drinking water system reduces odors, removes lead, pesticides, fluoride, organics and more.
2) Price:
For an affordable RO system, we recommend the PureValue 5EZ50 five-stage RO System. The PureValue is a high-quality, low priced Reverse Osmosis System, that produces up to 50 gallons of pristine water per day. This 5-stage water drinking water system improves water taste and odor, plus removes fluoride, chlorine, chemicals, lead, and more.
3) Quiet System with Fast Water Flow:
If you're looking to buy a high-capacity RO system that has fast water flow rates, yet is quiet (no loud gurgling noises), the Hydro Guard HDGT-45 RO system is an excellent choice. The Hydro Guard RO system is easy to install and features a 4.5 Gallon Storage Tank.
When it's time for filter changes, simply twist and lock, making the replacement process quick and easy. Added benefits include the "Shok Blok" (a system-wide protection valve designed to protect the RO system from water pressure spikes) and "Flowlok" (a unique leak detector shut off valve to turn off the system when a water leak is detected).
4) Affordable replacement filters:
depending on which reverse osmosis system you install, the price of replacement filters can vary a lot. Proprietary name-brand filters for Culligan(TM) and Rainsoft(TM) RO systems, for example, can be costly. If you're looking for a system that is affordable to upkeep with low-priced filter replacements, the PureValue 5EZ50 Five Stage RO System is a good option.
This 5-stage water filtration system is also effective in reducing odors, chlorine, fluoride, pesticides, chemicals, lead, and more. NOTE: If you install a name brand system, we carry a high-quality, compatible filter replacement bundles for brands such as Culligan, Rainsoft, Proline, Rayne, iSpring, EcoWater, and more.
5) High Capacity Water Production:
The Microline TFC-400-ESP RO System produces up to 50 gallons of pristine, filtered drinking water each day. This system features the highest of quality and performance standards, affordable replacement filters, 4-stages of filtration, and a compact under-sink storage tank.
If you'd like to talk through with a professional, which type of reverse osmosis system is right for your household, water experts are available Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Central Time to answer your call. Call: (877) 377-9876.
6 How to Maintain a Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System
If properly maintained, a reverse osmosis drinking water system can last for many years. Proper maintenance will also ensure you continually have high-quality drinking water and effective water output. We recommend following the specific maintenance instructions for your RO system, but provide detailed RO maintenance instructions here.1. Change Filters
Replacing the RO membrane and filters on schedule is the most important aspect of maintaining your reverse osmosis system.
RO membranes and filters will become clogged and foul with time. When this happens, the RO system will begin to produce less and less drinking water. How often you should change the filters will vary based on water usage and local water conditions.
Generally, RO replacement filters should be installed based on the following schedule:
- Pre-filters (sediment and carbon filters): Replace every 6-12 months
- Reverse Osmosis Membrane: Replace every 24 months
- Post filter (GAC polishing filter): Replace every 12 months
Best Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Systems
50 GPD Reverse Osmosis System
Hydro Guard HDGT
- Quick-Change No-Mess Replacement Filters Under Sink
- Compact Size for Simple Installation Under Sink
- 50 Gallon Per Day Rated Membrane
- 4-Stages of Filtration
- Made in USA
- Free Shipping
Sale $259.00 View Now
50 GPD Reverse Osmosis System
Microline TFC-400-ESP RO Drinking Water System
- Includes designer chrome faucet
- Comes with airgap and non-air gap faucet connection
- 50 Gallon Per Day Rated Membrane
- 4-Stages of Filtration
- Proven, high-quality system
- Compact 3.2 gallon storage tank
- FREE Shipping
Sale $299.00 View Now
50 GPD Reverse Osmosis System
PureValueRO 5EZ50
- Stardardized Design for Customization and Cheaper Operation
- Compact Size for Undersink Installation
- 50 Gallon Per Day Membrane
- 5-Stages of Filtration
- Made in USA
- FREE Shipping
Sale $228.90 View Now