ARTICLES

WHOLE HOUSE WATER FILTRATION VS REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEMS

NOV 07, 2016

Reverse Osmosis Systems and Whole House Water Filters – is there a difference? Don’t worry, we get these questions a lot. There are some big differences between RO and whole house systems; we’re here to shed some light on the topic and help you determine which system is right for you and your family.

REVERSE OSMOSIS

Reverse osmosis is what we call a point of use or POU system. That means the filtration components are installed at the point where the water exits the water line. For reverse osmosis, this means we install the system under the kitchen sink to treat water that is used for cooking and drinking.

Reverse osmosis is the most convenient and effective method of water filtration. Originally designed to desalinate seawater, bottlers, and homeowners now employ the process to rid drinking water of heavy metals and other detrimental contaminants at the point of use.

The RO system uses a membrane rated at 0.0001-micron size as the main filter. Water is pushed through the membrane and anything larger than that size is prohibited from passing through. The membrane successfully blocks 99% of all contaminants that are in the water including nitrate, arsenic, chromium, fluoride, radon and others leaving us with a pure, clean, bottle quality water straight from the faucet!

WHOLE HOUSE WATER FILTER

As opposed to the reverse osmosis system that purifies water as it leaves the pipes, a whole house filter system cleans our water as it enters the house. Whole house filters are installed at the main water line to treat the entire home. Whole house filters are designed to treat water for general usages such as cleaning, bathing and laundry applications. They remove chlorine and bad tastes and odors. Whole house systems also utilize a filtration membrane, but at a larger size than the RO.

WHICH IS RIGHT FOR ME?

A whole house carbon filtration system is a great choice. This system is recommended for general multi-purpose whole house purification or a whole house softener is recommended if you require soft water for a scale free environment and spotless glassware.

If you have specific water problems then we would advise a whole house system dedicated to treating that problem.

If you have hard water, water that tastes funny, and water that leaves residue behind consider a whole house system in combination with a reverse osmosis. These two systems together can ensure that all of your house water is filtered properly and that your drinking water is purified to the highest standard.

For more information about the water treatment system that is right for you, call one of our water experts at Donley Service Center today.