5 Main Components Of A Reverse Osmosis Home System

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water treatment technology that is used to remove various impurities and contaminants from water. This is commonly used in home water filtration systems to ensure that the water is clean and safe for drinking. The components of a reverse osmosis home system are what keeps the contaminants away from the water. Curious to know what they are? This blog post will discuss the 5 main components of a reverse osmosis home system.

Pre-Filters

In a reverse osmosis home system, the first component is the prefilter. Usually made from activated carbon, these filters help remove sediment, chlorine, and other large particles from the water. Prefilters also protect the reverse osmosis home system’s membrane from getting damaged, thus improving its overall performance. 

Reverse Osmosis Membrane

This component is considered the heart of the RO system. It is responsible for getting rid of dissolved solids from the water, such as minerals and contaminants. Made from a thin layer of a semipermeable material, the reverse osmosis membrane enables water molecules to penetrate through while keeping the large particles out.

Post-Filters

Once the water passes through the reverse osmosis membrane, then here comes the post-filters. Just like the pre-filter, it’s typically made from activated carbon that helps remove any remaining contaminants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and any taste or odor caused by chlorine. Therefore, post-filters help improve the water’s taste and quality.

Storage Tank

Of course, the water needs a place to be stored. This is where the storage tank comes in. This component is generally made from food-grade plastic and holds 2-4 gallons of water. The storage tank stores a supply of purified water without having to run the reverse osmosis home system continuously.

Faucet

The very last component of a reverse osmosis home system is the faucet. Generally installed on the kitchen sink, this specialized faucet is used exclusively for dispensing purified water from the storage tank. It is designed to prevent cross-contamination between purified and untreated water.

Maintenance and Replacement of Components

Keep in mind that all the components above need proper maintenance and regular replacement to ensure the efficiency and longevity of a reverse osmosis home system. Neglecting these may cause the RO system to break down or fail to provide you with clean and safe drinking water. You will need to replace pre-filters and post-filters every 6 to 12 months, while the reverse osmosis membrane replacement is every 2 to 3 years. The storage tanks need to have periodic cleaning to avoid the build-up of harmful bacteria. At the same time, a faucet must be checked for leaks to prevent wasting valuable water. 

Bottomline

There is no doubt that a reverse osmosis home system is a life-changing water filtration system that provides us with clean and safe drinking water. They rely on various key components which work together to remove contaminants thus improving the taste and quality of the water. Therefore, you need to understand the main components of an RO system. Contact us at Vita Water Filters for more information about the reverse osmosis home system.