Everything You Need To Know About Reverse Osmosis Water Systems

Reverse osmosis is when particles and contaminants are removed from water by forcing the water through membranes that filter it out, similar to an air filtration system. Reverse osmosis improves water for cooking, cleaning, bathing, and other uses. For example, have you ever noticed the buildup around the nozzle of your shower or bathtub head? That is typically calcium and other minerals that get deposited by the water and build up over time. Reverse osmosis can remove those minerals and keep your system from getting build-up.

How Reverse Osmosis Works

Reverse osmosis is osmosis but reversed! Okay, all joking aside, this process borrows its name from the natural osmosis process. In natural osmosis, solutions (i.e., liquids) pass through semipermeable membranes because concentration changes. Basically, the liquid moves from the higher concentration space to the lower concentration space through a semipermeable membrane. Osmosis allows living organisms to obtain nutrients.

Osmosis occurs passively, meaning it doesn’t require energy input to work. Conversely, reverse osmosis moves the solution from the low concentration space to a high concentration space. Reverse osmosis involves pressure (i.e., energy) to accomplish this result. It leaves higher concentration solutes on one side and lower concentration (the water you use) on the other.

Making Reverse Osmosis Work In Your Home

The specific process depends on which system you use, but in general, the following four steps are followed:

1. Pre-filtration: The system uses a feed pump to capture water fed through a series of filters to catch sediment and mineral deposits.
2. Reverse Osmosis: Next, the feed water is pressed through the membrane. The membrane catches the remaining particles.
3. Drainage and Storage: The particulates are drained, and the cleaned water is stored.

What Does Reverse Osmosis Do?

Reverse osmosis removes particulates, fats and oils, bacteria, and other biologics that can damage your home’s plumbing and cause your family to get sick. For example, reverse osmosis removes salts, minerals, pyrogens (proteins produced by bacteria), bacteria, and colloids. Water that is filtered through reverse osmosis will taste better and cleaner. It is also safer to drink.

Thinking About Having Your Water Treated?

Hiring an experienced professional to install and maintain your reverse osmosis system will keep your health and home in tip-top condition! Reverse osmosis is one of the easiest passive systems you can install in your home that adds value and protects your family’s health. 

If you’re looking for a water treatment system Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical Inc. can help with that! You can reach us at (806) 376-8345 or Contact Us by email to learn more. You can also stop by our office at 404 S. Hayden St. in Amarillo.