What RO removes that carbon does not
Carbon filtration is excellent for chlorine, chloramine, and organic taste and odor. It does not remove dissolved solids such as sodium, nitrates, arsenic, or lead. Reverse osmosis addresses those. That is why many Collin County homes pair whole-house carbon filtration with a small RO unit at the kitchen sink instead of trying to make one system do both jobs.
System layout
A typical under-sink RO has a sediment pre-filter, one or two carbon pre-filters to protect the membrane, the RO membrane itself, a small storage tank, and a post-carbon polish stage. Modern tankless designs skip the tank and produce water on demand, which saves cabinet space. Either style ties into the cold water line and a dedicated faucet on the sink deck. Ice makers and pot fillers can also be tied in.
Waste water and efficiency
RO membranes send some water down the drain to keep the membrane clean. Older systems wasted a lot. Modern permeate-pump and high-recovery membranes cut that dramatically. If waste water matters to your household, the installer will note the recovery ratio for the specific system in the quote.
Maintenance
Pre-filters and post-filters are replaced yearly for most households. The RO membrane typically lasts several years before it needs replacement. The referred installer leaves you a filter schedule and can handle changes on a service plan if you would rather not track it yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Does an RO system need its own faucet?+
Yes. RO water comes out of a dedicated air-gap faucet mounted through the sink deck or an existing accessory hole. Some kitchens use a combo faucet that delivers hot, cold, and RO from one fixture.
Will RO remove the minerals I want to keep?+
RO removes essentially all dissolved solids, including calcium and magnesium. If you prefer a mineralized taste, a remineralization stage can be added after the membrane.
How does an RO system pair with a softener?+
Very well. A softener protects the RO membrane from hardness scale, which extends membrane life. Homes with hard water usually benefit from having both.
Related services
- Whole-House Water FiltrationPoint-of-entry filtration that treats every tap, shower, and appliance in the home.
- Water SoftenersIon-exchange softeners that remove the calcium and magnesium behind hard water damage.
- UV Water PurificationUltraviolet disinfection that inactivates bacteria and viruses without adding chemicals.