- Is certification important for RO systems? Yes, certification (e.g., NSF/ANSI Standard 58) ensures that RO systems meet rigorous safety and performance standards for removing contaminants and providing safe drinking water.
- What can RO water be used for? RO water can be used for a variety of applications, including:
- Drinking
- Cooking
- Ice-making
- Household cleaning
- Plant watering
- Aquariums
- Medical applications
- Cosmetic and personal care
- Battery maintenance
- Colloidal silver production
- What does an RO water purifier do? RO purifiers use a semi-permeable membrane to filter out contaminants such as lead, arsenic, fluoride, chlorine, and many more, providing clean and pure water.
- Do RO systems waste water? Yes, RO systems produce some wastewater as part of the filtration process. However, this wastewater can often be repurposed for tasks such as watering plants, mopping, or other non-drinking uses.
- Can I remineralize RO water? Yes, some RO systems come equipped with a remineralizing filter that adds essential minerals back into the water, improving its taste and pH balance.
- How long does it take to fill the RO tank? Depending on water pressure, temperature, and the tank size, it can take between 2 and 4 hours for a standard RO system to fill its storage tank.
- Do I need a plumber to install or change the filters? While the initial installation of an RO system typically requires a plumber for optimal performance and warranty coverage, many systems feature user-friendly filter replacement mechanisms that make DIY changes easy.
- How often should I change RO filters? RO filters should generally be replaced every 6 to 12 months, depending on water usage and quality. The RO membrane typically lasts between 2 to 3 years.
- Can I use RO water for appliances? Yes, using RO water in appliances like coffee makers, humidifiers, steamers, and irons can prolong their lifespan by preventing mineral buildup.
- Is remineralizing RO water necessary? Remineralizing is optional but recommended if you want to restore minerals like calcium and magnesium, improve taste, and balance the pH of the water.
- Does an RO system improve the taste of water? Yes, by removing contaminants and impurities such as chlorine, sediment, and heavy metals, RO systems significantly improve the taste of drinking water.
- What contaminants does an RO system remove? An RO system can remove a wide range of contaminants, including:
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Fluoride
- Chlorine
- Hexavalent chromium
- Total dissolved solids (TDS)
- Bacteria and viruses (in combination with UV or additional stages)
- Which filter removes the most contaminants? RO systems are the most effective at removing contaminants, typically removing up to 99% of particles like lead, arsenic, fluoride, and other impurities.
- Can RO systems be used for aquariums? Yes, RO water is ideal for aquariums as it provides a clean and safe environment for fish and aquatic plants by removing harmful chemicals and impurities from the water.
- Will I need a plumber to change the filters? For many RO systems, filter changes are designed to be simple and can often be done without a plumber. Systems with twist-lock filter mechanisms make the process even easier.
- What is the maintenance for an RO system? Regular maintenance includes replacing filters every 6-12 months and sanitizing the system at least once a year to prevent bacterial growth. The RO membrane should be replaced every 2-3 years, depending on usage.
- How can I minimize the wastewater produced by an RO system? To minimize water waste, look for high-efficiency RO systems with lower waste-to-purified water ratios, or repurpose wastewater for non-drinking uses.
- How do I clean my RO system? Periodically, you should sanitize your RO system by:
- Shutting off the water supply
- Draining the tank
- Cleaning with unscented bleach or a recommended sanitizer
- Flushing the system thoroughly before use
- How do I choose the right RO system for my needs? Consider factors like your water quality (testing for contaminants), daily water usage, budget, system efficiency, and whether you want additional features like remineralization when choosing the best RO system for your home or business.
Is it ok to drink RO water all the time?
Reverse osmosis (RO) water is generally considered safe for drinking and is widely used for its ability to remove a broad spectrum of contaminants from water.
However, it's essential to consider a few factors:
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Mineral Content: One potential drawback of RO water is that it can remove beneficial minerals along with contaminants. While some minerals are essential for health, they are typically obtained from the diet rather than drinking water. If you rely on RO water as your primary source of drinking water, you will want to ensure you're getting essential minerals through remineralizing the water such as the Oasis DP RO
Remineralization:
Our quality Oasis DP RO comes complete with a remineralizing filter as the last and final 6th stage. Here are the benefits:
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Mineral Content: RO systems remove minerals along with contaminants during the purification process. While some minerals are essential for health, they are primarily obtained from food rather than drinking water. If you have concerns about mineral intake or prefer water with a slightly higher mineral content for taste reasons, a remineralizer can be beneficial.
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pH Balance: RO water tends to be slightly acidic due to the removal of alkaline minerals. If you prefer water with a balanced pH or have concerns about the acidity of RO water, a remineralizer can help adjust the pH and improve taste.
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Health Considerations: If you rely heavily on RO water as your primary drinking water source, especially if you consume large quantities daily, you may want to ensure you're getting essential minerals. Remineralizing the water can help replenish some of these minerals.
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Taste Preferences: Some people find that remineralized water tastes better than pure RO water, which can sometimes taste flat or lacking in flavor due to the absence of minerals.
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On the other hand, if you are primarily concerned with removing contaminants and prefer the purest water possible, you may opt to forgo a remineralizer and continue drinking pure RO water.
Ultimately, the decision to use a remineralizer with your RO system is a personal one based on your preferences and individual circumstances. If you're unsure, you could try both options and see which one you prefer in terms of taste and overall satisfaction.
How do I choose the right RO?
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Water Quality Testing: Begin by understanding the quality of your tap water. You can do this by either using a home water testing kit or by obtaining a water quality report from your local water utility. This will help you identify the specific contaminants present in your water and determine the type of filtration needed.
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Contaminant Removal: Based on your water quality test results, identify the contaminants you want to remove or reduce with an RO system. Look for RO systems that are certified to effectively remove those contaminants. Common certifications to look for include NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for RO systems.
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System Capacity: Consider the daily water usage in your household or business to determine the capacity of the RO system you need. RO systems are available in various capacities, ranging from small under-sink units to larger whole-house systems. Choose a system that can meet your daily water demand without overburdening the system.
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Efficiency and Wastewater Ratio: Pay attention to the efficiency of the RO system and its wastewater to purified water ratio. Look for systems with higher efficiency ratings and lower wastewater ratios to minimize water wastage.
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Ease of Installation: Determine whether you prefer a DIY installation or if you'd prefer to hire a professional. Some RO systems are designed for easy installation with detailed instructions, while others may require professional installation.
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Budget: Set a budget for your RO system purchase, taking into account not only the initial cost of the system but also ongoing maintenance expenses such as filter replacements. Consider the long-term cost-effectiveness of the system, including its energy efficiency and lifespan.
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Additional Features: Consider any additional features or options you may want, such as remineralization cartridges. These features can enhance the performance or convenience of the RO system but may come at an additional cost.
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Brand Reputation and Warranty: Research the reputation of different RO system brands and manufacturers. Look for reviews and customer feedback to gauge reliability and customer satisfaction. Additionally, check the warranty coverage offered by the manufacturer to ensure adequate protection against defects or malfunctions.
How long does it take to fill the tank?
Note An RO tank will never be full. If you have a 12 litre tank for example you will have 1/3 of that in purified stored water.
The time it takes for an RO (Reverse Osmosis) storage tank to fill up depends on several factors, including the size of the tank, the water pressure, and the flow rate of the RO system. However, I can provide a general estimate.
A standard household RO system with a 15 litre storage tank and average water pressure (around 40-60 psi) can take approximately 2 to 4 hours to fill completely after a fresh installation or if the tank has been completely emptied.
The flow rate of the RO system also plays a role in determining how quickly the tank fills up. Higher flow rate systems can fill the tank faster than lower flow rate systems. Additionally, factors such as the temperature of the water and any pre-filters or additional treatment stages in the RO system can affect the filling time.
It's important to note that once the tank is initially filled, it will continuously refill and maintain its water level as long as there is water in the system and the faucet is not in use. The exact time it takes for the tank to refill after each use will depend on the demand for water in your household or business and the capacity of the RO system to produce purified water.
Certified Quality Brands
NSF/ANSI Standard 58 certified
- Atlas Filtri Italian water technology company since 1975
- HydroGuard American water technology company 1980
- Pentair American water filter companies since 1966
- Ecosoft Ukraine, Germany & Belgium water specialists founded in 1998
Flush it out
If the RO system has been unused up to 7-14 days it is best that the system is completely flushed out. Completely empty the storage tank.
Cleaning your RO
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Maintenance: It's crucial to properly maintain your RO system by replacing filters when the pressure drops by 1 bar and also sanitising the system to prevent bacterial growth and ensure optimal performance. Neglecting maintenance can compromise the quality of the water produced.
it is very important to clean the system with a sanitiser with an unscented bleach at least every 12 months
Steps
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Shut off the cold water supply line leading to the RO system.
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If your system is connected to your refrigerator or icemaker, turn off the water line that connects to the icemaker.
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Open the faucet of the RO water system and allow all water to drain from the system and storage tank.
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After emptying the system, make sure to close the RO faucet handle.
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Unscrew the pre-filter housing, typically the filter closest to the feed water line. If you plan to replace the pre-filter, remove and discard it. Keep the filter housing off.
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Remove all remaining filters and the reverse osmosis element (membrane). If your RO filter system includes an inline post-filter, retain the old filter unless you are installing a new one. Discard any old filters when replacing them. Refer to the filter manufacturer's instructions for installation and removal guidance.
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Reattach all empty housings to the system, excluding the pre-filter housing. There should be no filters in any housings at this stage.
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Add two or three tablespoons of unscented bleach (5.5%) to the pre-filter housing.
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Reattach the pre-filter housing to the system, now containing the sanitizer solution.
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Turn on the cold water supply line to allow the system to fill with the sanitizing solution.
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Check for any potential leaks.
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Allow the system to fill with water, which may vary in time depending on water pressure. However, it should be full within 5-10 minutes without filters or a membrane installed.
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Turn on the RO faucet until water begins to flow out, and then turn off the faucet.
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let the system sit for at least 30 minutes.
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After the specified time, flush the system by turning on the RO faucet and letting water run through the system for 5 minutes or until the bleach odor is gone.
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Turn off the cold water supply line. Turn on the RO faucet to drain the system completely. Repeat this step twice.
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After draining the system completely the second time, either replace or reinstall all filters and the membrane.
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Turn on the cold water supply line and inspect for leaks.
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Allow the system several hours for the RO membrane to refill the storage tank.
