Reverse Osmosis Filters
Reverse osmosis filters were originally engineered and built to remove the salt from seawater to make it potable for human consumption. The technology quickly evolved to make reverse osmosis filters a popular choice among homeowners to remove the bad taste, smell and color in tap water or well water as well as certain substances that might have contaminated the water supply and are negated for good health. Reverse osmosis filters are not right for every household; a basic water test may be needed to establish whether the contaminants in your water would be best treated by reverse osmosis filters or another method.
How Reverse Osmosis Filters Work
Reverse osmosis filters are sometimes referred to as ultra-filtration filters. A reverse osmosis filter system is made up of a pre-filter, a reverse osmosis membrane unit, a pressurized tank for storage of treated water, and a post-filter. Most systems also feature a dual tap that allows for treated or non-treated water to be dispensed. Let's look at how each part of the systems works to make water healthier:
• Pre-filter – removes sediment and small particles, as well as chlorine from the water before it moves to the membrane unit.
• Membrane unit – removes other contaminants and bacteria from the water that are too small to be caught in the pre-filter.
• Storage tank – holds the water that has been treated by reverse osmosis filter; typically, the storage tank holds from three to five gallons. The storage tank is usually pressurized so that the end user gets a good water flow when they open the tap. Tanks usually store under the sink.
• Post-filter – removes undesirable tastes and residual organic material from the water; these post-filters are usually carbon filters.
Cost of Reverse Osmosis Filter System
If reverse osmosis filtering is the best solution for your water filtration needs, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to a few thousand dollars for a system. Replacement membranes and replacement reverse osmosis filters can cost anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on the type of system you purchase and install.
Purchasing a Reverse Osmosis Filter System
After your initial water test, you can find the best deals on reverse osmosis filter systems by shopping with reputable dealers on the Internet. Look for those models that are made by well-known companies and that are backed by a five-year or longer warranty against defects in workmanship.