When searching for the perfect water filter or purifier, reverse osmosis systems are the best option to choose. The reason why this specific water filter is considered by many to be superior is because of its efficiency in cleaning water. The installation and maintenance process can be a more complex one than with a simple pitcher filter. The benefits of the improved water quality it provides, outweigh the technical challenges this filter comes with.
The installation process of Reverse Osmosis Systems
Before the actual process of installing this filter begins, some preparation is needed. For one, choose a brand that produces one such filtration system by checking online reviews and comparisons like this one. Measuring the space under the sink, gathering all the components of the filter and making sure nothing is missing as well as making sure all the tools required are available.
Installing the separate faucet
RO systems usually come with a separate faucet so that no hot water from the eating system will pass through the device. Installing this faucet will require drilling a hole in the countertop to accommodate it. Measuring for this drilling will be needed in order to make sure the faucet will actually fit.
Wooden countertops will be the easiest to drill into, as opposed to marble or other hard materials. Different drill hole saws will be needed depending on the countertop material. Mounting the faucet comes next, with a rubber washer to prevent leaking and provide a tight seal.
Valve installation and tubing
Turning off the entire water main is important for this step. Before beginning the process of installing the reverse osmosis system, drain the plumbing system of any remaining water by opening the tap on the cold side. Using a wrench, disconnect the pipe tubing from the cold water, to then install the water filter extension. There is also the option to install a T connector in place of the old one to separate the flow of water that will go into the filtration system.
This extension will accommodate the water feed for cold unfiltered water as well as for the tubing that will go into the RO filtration. From the filtration unit, another tube will come out to connect with the separate water tank that will hold the filtered water until the faucet is turned on. The separate faucet can now supply clean filtered water from the water tank.
Cartridge installation
An RO system comes with a number of cartridges that filter the water one by one. This unit of cartridges will need to be mounted inside the cupboard under the sink on either the left or right side. Each cartridge will have to be set in place and tightly screwed with a special plastic wrench that fits them. Once installed and fed into the storage tank, prepping with water can begin.
Additional installation needs
The storage tank will need to be filled in advance so as to supply the necessary pressure for the system, which will help pinpoint any leaks. This will also offer a pre-flushing of the activated carbon cartridge to prep it for filtration. A little tubing management may also be required to make sure everything fits neatly in the cabinet under the sink and out of the way. Cutting tubing at the right length is a step to take in the installation process. Having the tube that connects the reverse osmosis filtering medium and tank, as short as possible will ensure a better flow of water.
Installing an RO system by yourself should not pose too much difficulty, but there are of course considerations. One may not wish to risk spilling water or not properly managing to install the unit. There are many licensed plumbers that can do this easily and there can even be areas that require it to be done by a plumber.
Maintenance requirements for a reverse osmosis system
The hard part of owning an RO system is its installation. Maintenance on the other hand will prove quite easy. Specific periodic maintenance will be needed to ensure the unit is functioning at optimal efficiency. This will mostly consist of changing the cartridge filters and semi-permeable membrane, at specific intervals.
Usually, the sediment, carbon block, and carbon post filter need to be changed once every year. The reverse osmosis membrane is the only exception that will last for up to 2 years. Each of these units can be detached using the special wrench provided with the unit and reattached after.
Wrap-up
A reverse osmosis system is a great water filtration system that can provide the best-filtered water. If you are going for a kitchen remodel, a RO system is a must as it will increase the value of your kitchen and home. Improved water quality is the goal, and to get that one must first go through the process of installing the water filter. Either with the aid of a professional plumber or just using your DIY skills, an RO system is a little more complex than a typical water filter. Maintaining an RO system is the easiest thing about it and will undoubtedly ensure proper functionality.