Whole House and Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Systems

A reverse osmosis (RO) water filter makes sure your water is clean and tasting fresh. Because water pollution and contaminated water supplies are a problem everywhere, not just in developing countries, companies like Bishop Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning offer water purification systems to clean tap and well water which is polluted with chemicals and minerals. An RO filter is a porous material, activated carbon filters, metallic alloy filters, or ceramic filters that trap contaminant in their tiny crevices, allowing clean and filtered water to pass. It is important to change the filters when they become full of contaminants. Another term for the process of reverse osmosis is hyperfiltration. Reverse osmosis is more than the filter. Osmosis is a chemical profess where fluid, water in this case, moves from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration through a semipermeable membrane, the filter mentioned above. The filter has microscopic holes in it that allows particles smaller than the hole to pass through to one side, while keeping particles that are larger than the holes on the other side. When an equal amount of fluid and particles of contaminants are on both sides of the semipermeable membrane, the whole system is balanced and in equilibrium, a state in which the transfer of particles across the semipermeable membrane stops.

In plain English, polluted water is held on one side of the semipermeable membrane, pressure is exerted onto the polluted water, forcing it through the semipermeable membrane, and purified water is collected on the other side of the semipermeable membrane. In advanced RO systems, water is continuously passed through the membrane, called crossflow, which allows the contaminants to be swept away without clogging the membrane.

Good RO systems remove arsenic, most bacteria and viruses, chlorine, fluoride, odors, bad tastes, heavy metals, nitrates, debris, sediment and iron. Good RO systems also reduce hydrogen sulfide, benzene, and other volatile substances. Most reverse osmosis filtration systems are installed simultaneously with ultraviolet light filters that can kill pathogens. Reverse osmosis systems are better than almost any water purification system for filtering out contaminants and pathogens. Purified water also prevents rust and mineral build up in bathrooms, sinks, and pipes. RO water is also inexpensive, costing less than 5 cents per gallon to filter. When compared with other filtration systems, it is a bargain.

As pollutants in municipal water supplies increase, more people are looking into installing home water purification systems. While there are many kinds, none surpass reverse osmosis systems in terms of filtering out contaminants. For those interested in drinking the cleanest water available, reverse osmosis water purification systems should definitely be considered.

Impression Series filters from Bishop Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning are specifically designed to effectively and efficiently treat a multitude of water problems, from both city and well sources. These filters are manufactured to use water efficiently, conserving your water supply and preserving your well and its components. The Impression Series water filter can provide the quality water you want without all the unwanted minerals, odors, tastes or acidity. Impression Series water filters are available for treating acidic water which can corrode entire plumbing systems, for removing harmful particles, for removing chlorine and sulfur odors. We can also advise you on the need for an upflow acid neutralizer or a downflow filter (IMF).

Bishop Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning also offers the Hague WaterMax RO water systems, designed as a complete, self-contained water filtration system appliance that uses three stages of primary filtration and separation. WaterMax Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Appliances replenish at about one-half gallon per hour, depending on your tap water pressure and the water temperature. Your RO will actually perform better and last longer with heavy use. Hague encourages owners to water house plants, provide water for pets, cook, mix drinks, fill batteries, etc., with RO water. It can be connected to your automatic ice maker and cold water dispenser in the refrigerator door. You may also want to install additional spigots in remote locations such as at a wet bar. Never run warm or hot water through your RO system. The rate that water will dispense through your treated water spigot will not be as strong as your regular sink faucet. It will operate at up to 90% of your regular sink water pressure.

The frequency in which membranes and filters should be replaced depends upon the quality of the water that enters the appliance (feed water). Pre-filters to remove impurities before the feed water reaches the reverse osmosis membrane. The RO membrane is critical for effective reduction of total dissolved solids. The product water should be tested periodically to verify that the appliance is performing satisfactorily. The RO membrane should be changed when it rejects less than 75% of the dissolved solids. A noticeable change in water quality and taste may occur and indicates that a change is needed. When RO systems are installed on a soft water supply, it will greatly increase the life of the membrane.