What Is Reverse Osmosis?
If you've been researching ways to improve your home's water quality, you've likely come across reverse osmosis systems as an option. It's one of the most effective water filtration methods available for homeowners, but the process itself can sound more complicated than it actually is. Here is what reverse osmosis is, how it works, and why it's a popular choice for East Valley homes.
Key Takeaways:
Reverse osmosis pushes water through a semi-permeable membrane to remove dissolved minerals and impurities
Most systems use multiple filtration stages, including sediment and carbon filters, alongside the membrane itself
Reverse osmosis is typically installed at a single point, most often the kitchen sink, for drinking and cooking water
It's commonly paired with a whole home water softener, which addresses hardness throughout the plumbing system
Proper installation matters for water efficiency and pressure, and is best handled by a professional
1. What Is Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis is a water filtration process that pushes water through a semi-permeable membrane, a barrier with microscopic pores small enough to block contaminants while still allowing water molecules through. The result is water that has had a significant portion of dissolved minerals, sediment, and other impurities removed, producing noticeably cleaner and better tasting drinking water than what comes straight from the tap.
2. How Does Reverse Osmosis Work
A reverse osmosis system typically uses a series of filtration stages rather than a single step. Water first passes through a sediment filter to remove larger particles like dirt and rust, then through a carbon filter to reduce chlorine and improve taste and odor. From there, water is forced under pressure through the reverse osmosis membrane itself, which removes dissolved minerals and smaller contaminants that earlier filters can't catch. Many systems finish with a final carbon polishing filter before the water reaches your faucet, resulting in water that has gone through several layers of purification by the time it's ready to drink.
3. Why Reverse Osmosis Matters in Maricopa County
Maricopa County's water is naturally hard, generally running 12 to 18 grains per gallon, which means it carries a high concentration of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. While a whole home water softener addresses hardness throughout your plumbing system, a reverse osmosis system is typically installed at a single point, most often under the kitchen sink, to specifically improve the taste and quality of drinking and cooking water. Many East Valley homeowners run both systems together: a softener to protect pipes and fixtures throughout the house, and a reverse osmosis system for drinking water specifically.
4. What Reverse Osmosis Removes
Reverse osmosis is effective at reducing a wide range of dissolved solids, including excess minerals that contribute to hard water, as well as certain other contaminants that can be present in municipal or well water supplies. It's worth noting that reverse osmosis systems also remove beneficial minerals along with unwanted ones, which is a normal tradeoff of the filtration process and not a concern for most households using the water for drinking and cooking. For homeowners who want those minerals back, an alkalizer or remineralization stage can be added to the system, reintroducing beneficial minerals and raising the water's pH after it passes through the membrane.
5. Installation and Maintenance Considerations
Reverse osmosis systems require periodic filter changes to keep functioning properly, and the frequency depends on household water usage and the specific system installed. Because the process produces some wastewater as part of filtration, proper installation matters both for water efficiency and to make sure the system is correctly tied into your home's plumbing and drain line. A poorly installed system can also affect water pressure at the connected faucet if not sized correctly for your household's needs.
When to Call a Plumber
While some reverse osmosis systems are marketed as do it yourself installs, proper installation involves tying into your home's water supply and drain lines correctly, which is worth having a professional handle to avoid leaks or pressure issues down the road. A plumber can also help you decide whether a single point system under the sink or a system that serves multiple fixtures makes more sense for your household.
For 45 years, Superstition Plumbing has helped homeowners across Mesa, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, and the surrounding East Valley communities improve their water quality with the right filtration solutions for their home. As a family-owned company, we take the time to explain your options rather than pushing a one size fits all system. If you're considering reverse osmosis for your home, give us a call.
