Where need to we install an RO system in our new residence
Q. We are presently building a new residence and have decided to install a reverse osmosis drinking water system. Need to we install a system under our kitchen sink and hook it up to the icemaker. What if we desire to put yet another 1 at our wet bar or inside the master bath? Does that make sense? – Signed Bill K.
A. Reverse osmosis systems are rapidly becoming more commonplace in new homes. With that in mind, let’s think about what your greatest course of action may be. First of all, reverse osmosis (“RO”) systems consist of the following components:
* 1, 2 or three Pre-Filters (before the membrane)
* The Reverse Osmosis Membrane
* A Post “Polishing” Filter
* A Storage Tank
* A Faucet
The water is generally filtered having a 5-micron sediment pre-filter and is next filtered by a carbon block or granular activated carbon (GAC) filter (or both), prior to it really is processed by the reverse osmosis membrane (the impurities are literally separated from the water by the membrane and flushed down the drain).
Next, the clean water is sent to a storage tank (usually 2-4 gallons in size) where it really is obtainable for use. Whenever water is referred to as for, it passes by means of a post-filter of GAC to remove any unwanted tastes and is polished to an even higher top quality. Most systems are also equipped with an automatic shut-off valve (ASOV), which stops the flow of water to the drain, when the tank is full.
In times past, most RO systems were rated at 12 to 50 gallons per day. That simply means that if it ran continuously for 24 hours it would produce that amount of water. However, in the Midwest where water temperatures are lower than 77 degrees Fahrenheit; the production is about half the rated capacity of the system. Today, many homeowners are opting to connect their kitchen sink, vegetable sink, pot filler, wet bar, multiple ice-makers and the master bath to the RO system. This necessitates the usage of higher capacity RO systems (75 to 300 GPD) along with larger storage tanks and delivery pumps, which boost the pressure. During the construction of a new home, RO lines can easily be installed to any number of fictures. These lines are constructed of special poly-tubing, designed for high purity water and approved by NSF. The are typically 3/8? in size, 1/2? is sometime used. A manifold can be used to provide multiple connections ans total control for the system, if multiple outlets are utilized.
House owners need to be able to rely on the homebuilder to provide options for top quality water throughout the home. Planning ahead, throughout the construction phase – or just before the construction – can provide an inexpensive solution for high-quality RO drinking water throughout the residence; making the homeowner happy and helping the builder look excellent in the process.
Mark Timmons “The Water Doctor” has been inside the water treatment industry since 1972. He currently is Certified by The Water Quality Association as a CWS-VI, CI, CSR and has held these certifications since 1980. He writes his “Ask The Water Doctor” column for quite a few newspapers and publications.
Mark is Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for US Water Systems, you can find out more about, and acquire, reverse osmosis systems on the US Water Systems reverse osmosis page.
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