Last summer, we were actually reviewing a reverse osmosis (RO) install for a prospective new customer and had a call from an existing customer who was requesting a quote for the same kind of system, and rather quickly! The customer seemed to be in a little bit of a hurry for having his RO install done very soon. Hugh said that he’d be able to take care of it within the next day or two. As he had three other AC jobs lined up before this, given the 90+ degree heat in recent days. But he was curious and asked what the rush was.
The homeowner answered by saying his young teenage daughter had just met a new friend. This friend recently moved into their neighborhood. And that they had an RO system in their home. His daughter said the water tasted so much better than theirs. And she could not understand why their own water did not taste so good!
Well, needless to say, the homeowner did some quick research into RO systems (shown below under “Advantages of RO systems”) and while it may or may not make your water taste better, it certainly has many other benefits. And, it probably will make your water taste better too, at least for a little while until you get used to the new/different taste.
The Solution: “Two Birds with One Stone”
Our homeowner decided to go forward with the reverse osmosis install. Yes, this would this make his young daughter happy. But more so, for the many other benefits offered by this kind of a system.
Advantages of a Reverse Osmosis System
Before the homeowner decided to go forward with the install, he reviewed the advantages as shown below:
Reverse osmosis can remove many types of dissolved and suspended species from water, including bacteria, and is most commonly known for its use in producing drinking water (purification) from seawater by removing the salt and other effluent materials from the water molecules.
Reverse Osmosis is capable of removing up to 99%+ of the dissolved salts (ions), particles, colloids, organics, bacteria and pyrogens from the supply water (although it should not be relied upon to remove 100% of the bacteria and viruses). It will also remove common chemical contaminants (metal ions, aqueous salts), including sodium, chloride, copper, chromium, and lead; and it may reduce arsenic, fluoride, radium, sulfate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, nitrate, and phosphorous.
If you live in an area that’s plagued with water issues and concerns (like the city of Pgh.), RO can be a good way for you to feel safe about the water that you’re drinking. If pesticide or herbicides are a concern in your community, filtering your water through a reverse osmosis system makes a lot of sense.
Should I Install a Reverse Osmosis System in my Home?
It’s not an easy answer. It is a personal decision for you and your family. If the water supply in your area is really sub-par, and you feel that the reverse osmosis system is a better option than other filtration systems, then it’s definitely better than ingesting such ingredients like lead or arsenic.
However, if you’re merely curious about whether or not to install a home reverse osmosis water system, you might want to do some additional more detailed research for yourself before deciding. Finally, price would likely be a factor in your decision, too. RO systems/filters range from simple countertop and under-the-sink “contraptions” to household-wide systems.
A wide variety of RO systems can be explored including pricing by going to this link.
How do I Install a Reverse Osmosis System in my Home?
Your RO system may be located/installed under a sink or in a basement. And you should not install the unit where it could be exposed to freezing temperatures. If you are interested in having an RO system installed in your home contact us – Proudfoot Plumbing, Heating and Air. We help can steer you in the right direction when it comes to testing your water/evaluating your water situation. But we can also assist you with the installation of a reverse osmosis system for your home. Please give us a call at 1-412-461-2198. We will be glad to help out and/or make recommendations for you!
