It may surprise you to learn that a single reverse osmosis water filtration system can keep up to 3,000 plastic water bottles out of Ontario’s landfills annually. Most households buy bottled water because they desire a crisp, clean taste, although they wind up paying up to 2,000 times more per litre than they would for tap water. Installing a reverse osmosis system not only improves the quality of your water, but it also makes fueling your home more economical and sustainable.
One of the best methods to turn the dubious water in your house into crystal clear water is to install a reverse osmosis system. Even though the Greater Toronto Area’s municipal water satisfies safety regulations, it frequently passes through outdated infrastructure and picks up mineral deposits, sediment, and tastes of chlorine.
In this blog, we will learn how a reverse osmosis system works, the specific contaminants it removes, and why it is the gold standard for drinking water filtration. We’ll also go over how a reverse osmosis water filter may save you money while safeguarding your family’s health, compare RO system options, and talk about the significance of hiring a skilled installer.
Contact us today through our form or call +1 (416) 252-5557 for expert plumbing, drain, and related services in Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, and across the GTA.
What Exactly is a Reverse Osmosis System?
Fundamentally, reverse osmosis (RO) is an advanced technique for filtering water that surpasses the capabilities of a typical pitcher or refrigerator filter. Tap water is forced over a semi-permeable reverse osmosis membrane in this process, wherein this membrane works as an extremely fine sieve, capturing bigger molecules, chemicals, and dissolved particles while only permitting water molecules to flow through.
Consider it similar to an orange juicer. When you squeeze an orange, the juice runs through the sieve, but the seeds and pulp stick behind. On a microscopic level, a reverse osmosis water filtration system accomplishes the same thing. It separates the “juice” (pure water) from the “pulp” (harmful contaminants). Because the pores in the RO membrane are so small, it can reduce up to 99% of impurities, providing you with clean drinking water that is often higher quality than what you find in bottled water.
How Does a Reverse Osmosis System Work to Purify Your Home’s Water?
The fact that a high-quality reverse osmosis water filter system actually requires several rounds of treatment surprises the majority of homeowners. It is a complete water system made to safeguard both your health and itself, not just one filter.
The Multi-Stage Filtration Process
- The Pre-Filter: Sand, rust, and dirt are usually gathered in the first stage using a sediment filter. Because it keeps these particles from obstructing the fragile reverse osmosis membrane, it is essential.
- Carbon Filtration: To get rid of chlorine, many systems use a carbon water filter stage. For municipal water consumers, this is crucial because over time, chlorine can harm the RO membrane and give your tap water a “pool water” scent.
- The Reverse Osmosis Membrane: This is the heart of the ro water system. Under water pressure, water is pushed through the membrane, leaving behind harmful water contaminants like lead, arsenic, and nitrates.
- The Storage Tank: Because the RO process is slow and precise, the filtered water is collected in a pressurized tank so you have drinking water available on demand.
- The Post-Filter (Polishing): Before the water reaches your sink water faucet, it passes through one last carbon filter to ensure great-tasting water.
5 Benefits of Choosing a Reverse Osmosis System for Your Home
If you are looking for the best reverse osmosis system, you are likely looking for more than just “clear” water. You want pure water that tastes excellent and is safe for your kids and pets. Here is why an RO system is a smart investment for GTA homes.
1. Superior Contaminant Removal
Standard filtration systems might improve the taste of the water, but they often leave behind dissolved solids. A reverse osmosis filtration system is made and designed to tackle:
- Lead and Heavy Metals
- Fluoride and Chlorine
- Pesticides and Herbicides
- Sulphates and Nitrates
- Bacteria and Viruses (in specific high-end models)
2. Significant Cost Savings Over Bottled Water
How many water bottles does your household go through in a month? By having a reverse osmosis water filter installed, you generate a sustainable source of cleaned water right at your sink. By doing away with the need for bottled water, the majority of households discover that the installed system pays for itself in less than a year.
3. Better-Tasting Food and Beverages
If you’re a coffee or tea enthusiast, you know that the water tastes matter. RO water provides a neutral base that allows the true flavour of your coffee beans or tea leaves to shine. It’s also the best drinking water for cooking, as it won’t introduce chemical odours into your pasta, soups, or home-baked bread.
4. Eco-Friendly Living
For many people in Toronto, cutting down on plastic trash is a top issue. By preventing thousands of throwaway bottles from ending up in landfills, a home reverse osmosis system benefits the environment. Additionally, carrying bulky cases of water from the grocery store to your car is no longer necessary.
5. Protection for Your Home’s Plumbing
While most RO systems are “point-of-use” (under the sink), they provide clean water that won’t leave scale or buildup on your coffee maker, kettle, or ice maker. This extends the life of your small appliances.
Why Toronto Homeowners Need a Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
In the Greater Toronto Area, we deal with two main types of water: municipal water and well water. Each presents its own set of challenges that a reverse osmosis ro system can solve.
Solving City Water Issues
Toronto’s municipal water is treated with chlorine or chloramines to kill bacteria. While necessary for safety, these chemicals affect the taste of the water. Additionally, water may pick up lead or other contaminants on its way to your house via miles of outdated pipes. Using reverse osmosis at the point of consumption ensures you are getting water straight from your tap that has been “polished” to perfection.
The Importance for Well Water Users
If you live in more rural parts of the GTA and rely on a well, a reverse osmosis system uses are even more critical. Well water can contain high levels of water impurities like nitrates from agricultural runoff or naturally occurring minerals. An RO drinking water setup provides a final, reliable barrier against these unpredictable elements.
Expert Tip: If you have hard water, we highly recommend a water softener in conjunction with your RO system. Hard minerals can “foul” or clog a reverse osmosis membrane quickly. By softening the water first, you ensure your drinking water filtration system lasts for years.
Contact us today through our form or call +1 (416) 252-5557 for expert plumbing, drain, and related services in Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, and across the GTA.
Comparing Your Options: Under-Sink vs. Whole-House Reverse Osmosis
When looking for the best home water solution, you’ll generally choose between two configurations.
Under-Sink (Point-of-Use) Systems
This is the most popular reverse osmosis drinking water solution. The system was easy to tuck away under the kitchen sink, providing water for drinking and cooking through a dedicated, stylish faucet. It is cost-effective and focuses the filtration where you need it most.
Countertop Reverse Osmosis Systems
A countertop reverse osmosis unit is a movable option for tenants or anyone who is unable to install the system permanently. They nevertheless offer the superior water quality associated with RO technology despite having smaller capacities.
Whole-House Reverse Osmosis
Every drop of water that enters the house, from the shower to the laundry, is treated by a reverse osmosis system. These are substantially larger filtration systems that are usually only used in houses with severe water quality problems or certain medical needs.
Maintaining Your Reverse Osmosis System for Peak Performance
To keep your water tastes great, regular maintenance is a must. A reverse osmosis system is a hard-working piece of equipment, and like any machine, it needs a little TLC.
- Time to Change the Filters: The pre-filters (carbon and sediment) should typically be changed every six to twelve months. The filters are saturated if you observe a decrease in water pressure or a change in the flavour of the water.
- The Membrane Life: The reverse osmosis membrane is the most expensive part of the system, but also the longest-lasting. Depending on your local water quality, these typically last 2 to 4 years.
- Sanitization: Once a year, the system should be sanitized to ensure no bacteria build up in the water system or storage tank.
At Absolute Draining & Plumbing, we don’t just install the system; we help you manage the replacement filter schedule so you never have to worry about your water quality.
Professional Installation vs. DIY: Why It Matters
When you see a reverse osmosis water filter system at a big-box store, you might think that it is an easy weekend project. However, accurate installation is necessary to achieve optimal reverse osmosis system performance.
Water Pressure and Drainage
To force water across the membrane in an RO system, a certain level of water pressure is needed. If your home’s pressure is too low, the system will be inefficient and waste a lot of water. A professional and expert plumber can install a booster pump if needed. Furthermore, the system must be properly connected to your drain line to flush away the trapped water impurities.
Integration with Other Systems
Many Toronto houses benefit from a 5-stage reverse osmosis device coupled with a water softener. We make sure these systems are set up to cooperate. In order to automatically provide you with crystal-clear ice cubes and clean water, we can even run a line to your refrigerator.
Customizing Your Water
One common critique of RO water is that it can be “too pure,” meaning it lacks the natural minerals found in water. We can install a remineralization filter that puts healthy minerals back into the water, giving you alkaline water that tastes as good as the most expensive volcanic bottled water.
Choosing the Best Reverse Osmosis System for Your Toronto Home
To make sure you’re buying a high-quality drinking water system, look for the following characteristics when comparing reverse osmosis brands:
- GPD Rating: This stands for “Gallons Per Day.” A 75 GPD reverse osmosis system is usually plenty for a standard family.
- Certification: Look for NSF/ANSI certifications. This proves the system has been independently tested to remove the contaminants it claims to.
- High-Quality Components: Cheaper systems often use plastic fittings that can crack and cause leaks. We prioritize systems with durable valves and connections.
- Efficiency: Modern RO water filters are much more efficient than older models, using less “concentrate” (waste water) to produce pure water.
Transform Your Water Quality with Absolute Draining & Plumbing
You shouldn’t have to guess about the safety or taste of the water in your home. Whether you are dealing with the chemical smell of municipal water or the mineral heavy nature of well water, a reverse osmosis system is the ultimate solution for your home.
At Absolute Draining & Plumbing, we have over 20 years of experience serving the Greater Toronto Area. We understand the local water quality challenges in neighbourhoods. Our team of licensed plumbers can perform a water test, recommend the best reverse osmosis setup for your needs, and provide a professional, mess-free installation.
Instead of carrying heavy water bottles, get clean, fresh water right from your tap. Offering anything from advanced water treatment solutions to sink water filters, our flat-rate pricing and commitment to excellence have made us the best plumbers in Toronto.
Contact us today through our form or call +1 (416) 252-5557 for expert plumbing, drain, and related services in Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, and across the GTA.
