The Process of a Reverse Osmosis (RO) System
The RO system begins with pre-treating the water. It first passes through a sediment filter, removing larger particles such as sand, sediment, and dirt. Next, the water flows through a carbon filter to eliminate chlorine and other chemical contaminants. Once pre-treatment is complete, the water undergoes the crucial step of passing through the semi-permeable RO membrane. This fine mesh membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while trapping impurities such as ions, minerals, salts, and other dissolved contaminants.
A pump generates the pressure to force the water through the membrane, separating it into two streams: pure water and “reject water” with high impurity content. The pure water then undergoes post-treatment, which may include additional filtration through a carbon filter for further polishing. It may also pass through a UV sterilizer to eliminate any remaining bacteria or viruses. The result is water free from dissolved impurities and safe for drinking, cooking, and other household uses.
Benefits of Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System
One of the primary benefits of a reverse osmosis drinking water system is improving the quality of your home’s water. By removing impurities, the system enhances the taste and odor of the water, making it more pleasant to drink and use for cooking purposes. For example, chlorine, commonly added to municipal water supplies as a disinfectant, and other dissolved contaminants like minerals, salts, and microorganisms can negatively affect the taste and odor of water. Reverse osmosis effectively removes these impurities, resulting in clearer, cleaner, and fresher-tasting water. On the contrary, water treated with chlorine can leave a distinct taste or odor.
Easier To Swallow
In addition to taste and odor improvement, a reverse osmosis system can make your water easier to swallow. This is because carbon filters used during the pre-treatment stage absorb chemicals like chlorine, effectively removing them from the water. As a result, you can enjoy chlorine-free water that is more pleasant and refreshing to drink, cook with, and use for various household needs.
Purified Water for Household
Moreover, a reverse osmosis drinking water system provides purified water for all household uses. Since it is installed at the main water supply line, it ensures that every tap in your home delivers purified water. You can enjoy the benefits of clean water for drinking, cooking, showering, and laundry. A whole-house reverse osmosis system can significantly impact various aspects of your daily life. You’ll notice improvements in the health of your hair and skin and the absence of water spots on your shower doors and countertops.
Benefits on Appliances
Beyond personal benefits, a reverse osmosis system reduces appliance wear and tear. Hard water, which contains mineral deposits, can accumulate in appliances like water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and coffee makers. Over time, this mineral buildup can reduce its efficiency and lifespan. By removing these minerals, a reverse osmosis system prolongs the life of your appliances and the overall plumbing system.
Overall Health Benefits
Another significant benefit of a reverse osmosis drinking water system is its contribution to overall health and well-being. By removing a wide range of dissolved impurities, including heavy metals, salts, fluoride, bacteria, viruses, and even dissolved gases such as radon, reverse osmosis ensures your water is free from potential health hazards.
What’s In The Water Before the RO System
The presence of contaminants in drinking water can pose serious health risks. For example, heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic, which may be present in water sources, can harm human health, particularly when consumed over an extended period. In addition, these contaminants can accumulate in the body and lead to various health issues, including organ damage, developmental problems, and an increased risk of certain diseases.
Salts like sodium and chloride are also commonly found in water supplies. While these minerals are essential in moderation, excessive intake can be harmful, especially for individuals with specific health conditions like high blood pressure or kidney problems. Reverse osmosis effectively removes these salts, ensuring that your water is safe and suitable for consumption, even for those with dietary restrictions or health concerns.
Fluoride is another substance commonly added to municipal water supplies to promote dental health. However, excessive fluoride intake can lead to a condition known as fluorosis, which causes discoloration and damage to tooth enamel. A reverse osmosis drinking water system can help regulate fluoride levels, ensuring you receive the optimal amount for dental health without exceeding safe limits.
Other Surprising Items in the Water
Bacteria and viruses in water can cause waterborne illnesses and infections. Traditional water treatment methods may not always effectively eliminate these microorganisms, but reverse osmosis provides additional protection. By passing water through the semi-permeable membrane, reverse osmosis removes bacteria and viruses, providing you with safe and clean drinking water.
Furthermore, reverse osmosis effectively removes dissolved gases such as radon, which can seep into groundwater. Radon is a radioactive gas linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. By eliminating this harmful gas, reverse osmosis helps ensure your water is free from potential carcinogens.
How The Household Will Benefit From the RO System
A reverse osmosis drinking water system supports overall health and well-being by providing clean, pure, and contaminant-free water. It reduces the risk of exposure to harmful substances, promotes proper hydration, and contributes to a healthier lifestyle. In addition, since your drinking water is free from impurities, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are taking proactive steps to safeguard your health and your family.
Plumbing Benefits From RO System
Regarding the house plumbing, the pipes in your home can also benefit from a reverse osmosis system. Hard water deposits can build up in plumbing systems, particularly in regions where the water supply contains high calcium levels and other minerals. These deposits can restrict the flow and pressure of water, ultimately shortening the lifespan of your pipes. However, a whole house reverse osmosis system safeguards your pipes from calcium deposits, effectively extending their lifespan and reducing the need for replacement.
RO System Benefits Our Environment Too
In addition to its numerous personal and household advantages, a reverse osmosis drinking water system positively impacts the environment. Providing clean and safe drinking water directly from your tap eliminates the need for single-use plastic water bottles. This reduction in plastic waste helps prevent further damage to our landfills and oceans, contributing to the preservation of our environment. In addition, installing a whole-house water treatment system saves you time and money and promotes sustainable living.
An A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
Murrieta Plumbing, Murrieta, CA, is a trusted provider of water treatment systems with over a decade of experience. As a licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing contractor (#986152), they have earned an excellent reputation backed by thousands of five-star reviews on Yelp, Facebook, and Google My Business. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they are committed to delivering top-notch service. Contact Big B’s Plumbing today to receive the service you deserve and embark on the journey to clean, safe, and refreshing water for your home.
