Everyone loves to have clean water to drink. With so many filtration options out there, it’s overwhelming to make a choice. The most popular way to filter water is through carbon filters on refrigerators and filter pitchers. Carbon filters are the most affordable filtration option. Despite the savings, they are not foolproof, and filters only remove a small number of contaminants. By far, reverse osmosis is one of the most effective ways to ensure your drinking water is clean and pure. So, what is reverse osmosis filtration? Let’s dive into it.
What Is Reverse Osmosis Filtration?
Reverse osmosis, or RO, is a filtration process that removes up to 99% of contaminants from water. Research has shown that RO removes up to 99.9% of pharmaceuticals from drinking water. A pharmaceutical removal rate of 99.9% is great to hear because the most common filters only remove around 90% of pharmaceuticals. Reverse osmosis works by pushing water through a unique semi-permeable surface.
The process of traditional osmosis involves a diluted solution passing through a semi-permeable surface and moving into a higher-concentrated solution to equalize the concentration levels. Reverse osmosis is different because it requires force to take place. First, polluted water is passed through the membrane. Then, contaminants are left on one side and clean water on the other.
How Does A Reverse Osmosis Filtration System Work?
Reverse osmosis filtration is a multi-step process. Five key steps get your water as clean as possible: initial filtration, reverse osmosis, special filtration, remineralization, and drainage. Reverse osmosis is the best way to get clean water for you and your family, so read on to see how it works.
Initial Filtration
For this initial filtration stage, water is run from your water lines into a series of sediment and high-capacity carbon filters. Then, that water goes into a holding chamber. These initial filters remove mineral deposits and chemicals, such as chlorine.
RO Filtration
During this stage, that water in the holding chamber goes through the reverse osmosis filter. The membrane stops 99% of contaminants from passing on with the water. Pressure adjusts based on the amount of contaminants in the water, so the time it takes to filter can vary.
Special Filtration
Special filtration is simply another stage of filtration. These special filters often specialize in removing lead, VOCs, additional pharmaceuticals, and more.
Remineralization
The reverse osmosis process often cleans water so well that it strips away necessary nutrients and minerals that give water its smooth taste. The remineralization process runs the clean water through a mineralizer and into the RO storage tank.
Drainage
Finally, the RO system will empty the wastewater into the drain. Treated water remains in the reverse osmosis storage tank until you need it. If you opt for a tankless RO system, the water will flow right to the tap.
Fixture Or Whole House System?
There are plenty of options when it comes to customization. Some people only want to filter their tap water, but others want a whole-home system. The cost will be the most significant factor to change with system size. In our opinion, it’s best to start with a single-fixture system to see if it’s something you think is worth the time and money.
Call The Experts In Plumbing
With so many options out there for water filtration systems, it can be confusing. So, now you know when reverse osmosis filtration is and why it’s important. With that said, you can rest assured you’ll be making an informed decision. These filtration systems can be complex. To help with the process from selection to installation to maintenance, Drain Express is here for you. Give us a call, and you’ll have clean water in no time!