Reverse osmosis water system (install, faucet, cost, refrigerator)

[adventuregurl]

I just got a place with a reverse osmosis water system and know nothing about it. The people I got it from don't either as it was an estate. Does anyone know what service etc. is required? Also will it remove all the toxins etc. in the water? The Verde Valley is known for arsenic in their water and it has a higher incidence of breast cancer (don't know if it's related).

Thanks in advance.

PS a reverse osmosis water system would not be my first choice.

[harry chickpea]

When they work, RO systems are pretty close to distilling in efficiency of removing toxins. Think of it as an extremely fine filter that only stuff the size of water molecules can penetrate. Salts, minerals, and any organisms aren't small enough. The problem is that the RO membranes are VERY delicate, and require pre-filters to remove chlorine that would otherwise destroy them. Most have a TDS meter or other sensing device on the output to indicate the status of the filter. The cost of regular replacements of pre-filters, then (less frequently) of the membranes, and any post filters made me take mine off-line. The water waste was only a minor factor in my decision.

[Coldjensens]

We have one. It seems to work great. The water certainly tastes wonderful coming out of it and testing came back with just water. The down side is the pre-filters need replacing 2-3x a year and the membrane at least 1x a year. They are expensive. They waste quite a bit of water as well. Just part of their normal operation. Ours is not whole house, it is just one spigot for drinking and cooking water. I cannot imagine the cost of running one that is for the whole house.

[LivingDeadGirl]

I have one and LOVE it. It is under alot of pressure so it is advisable to have it serviced rather than trying to change the filters yourself. Mine has 3 filters. I live alone but drink alot of water so the filters are changed about every 18 months at a cost of about $100. I use the water for making ice cubes, coffee, cooking. Some people argue it takes all the good minerals out of water and you will get a mineral deficiency but I take a salt/mineral tablet every day (low blood pressure) so I don't know about that.

[Lauraboucher]

Good morning,

I work on a project about water and the system of filtration. I need to know your consumption habits about water and for that, I create a questionnaire. It will be really helpful if you can answer it.

[url]https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZGIhGNAOI_BKF0_D63iiynFgSkNU_UomV97pAUASies/viewform[/url]

Thank you

[arleigh]

I start with a whole house filter on the line coming into the house .elements are cheap and easy to replace.
It stops sand from ruining the valves for starters and removed a certain level of other debris. I had a RO system years ago but the Britta faucet filters worked fine for me..

[BostonMike7]

Had one come with our house when we purchased it. I ended up modifying to plumb into my refrigerator for the icemaker and water dispenser. Give you very clear ice cubes.


Only real maintenance is changing out the filters regularly. Coming from salt-water aquariums, I was familiar with RO/DI systems (don't drink the water for those) but the filters are similar so I was able to source them quite easily.


Overall I like it. I wouldn't have paid money to install it after the fact, but since it's there, i'll use it.

[AlaskaErik]

I have one in my Arizona winter home. It's recommended you change the filters once a year. Cost me $130, which I think is pretty expensive. I might just rip it out and go with the one you get at Costco.

[intecamericacorp]

yes changing filters is good to go every year..