With so many types of water filters available in Toronto, many consumers are confused about which is best for them. One such popular water filter is the reverse osmosis system. If you are also looking for a detailed guide about the reverse osmosis system cost, this one’s for you!
On average, smaller set-ups of reverse osmosis filters like under-sink water filters cost less, and large-scale set-ups, like whole house filters, cost more. The pricing range for a reverse osmosis system starts from $400 and goes up to $5000. We have discussed numerous factors that affect its costs, like the efficiency, installment charges, number of filters, its unique functioning, and benefits.
So, without further ado, let’s start reading and find out if reverse osmosis is worth your money or not.
Reverse Osmosis Cost Breakdown
To make the cost analysis of a reverse osmosis system easy, we have briefly described some elements that play a major role in its pricing. Although It is a relatively expensive water filter because of its complex functionality and a few other factors, it will provide you with 100% guaranteed purified water.
But what are the main factors that add up to its total cost? Here’s a glance at them:
Water Testing
Before you purchase a reverse osmosis, you need to get your water tested. You can purchase DIY water testing kits, which are available at cheap rates, or you can schedule a Free Water Test at WaterMart. All you have to do is fill out this form, and we will contact you soon. Otherwise, you can also contact any nearby local water experts, and they will help you analyze your water results.
Expert Installation
Another thing that adds up to the cost of reverse osmosis is its installation. The more skilled the technician, the higher he will charge. You can also install it yourself, but there can be chances of loose connections or leaks.
Get experts from Watermart who have detailed information about everything you want to know about the water system and its maintenance. We will provide you with experts at very reasonable charges.
Accessories
Accessories refer to the number of filters it has. Usually, it has a sediment filter and a chlorine filter with a membrane, but some brands add additional features. These make it more efficient and increase its cost. For instance, at Watermart, we have an extra filter in our reverse osmosis system that amplifies mineral content in the water. An additional faucet with the filter also costs extra.
Smart Technology
Some filters come with a smart app that can help you keep track of your water consumption and alert you for any filter replacements. Plus, you can also check contaminant levels and reduction of chemicals in your filtered water using the app. So, if you are buying a smart RO system, it is a bit expensive.
Third-Party Certifications
NSF certified RO systems have high costs because they are of better quality and have been tested to remove all contaminants, unlike a few cheaper ones that do not purify your water completely. That’s why it is better to invest in third-party certified RO systems since they are reliable.
Long Filter Life
If you are investing a handsome amount of money, you should purchase one with greater longevity. At Watermart, our filters and their membranes and cartridges work for a long period very effectively. Therefore, you should look for brands that offer a long filter life.
Design
Buying a cheaper RO system means it will have a typical design and will be a bit more difficult to use. It will also not have multiple and efficient filters. On the contrary, a more expensive reverse osmosis has an ideal size, is easy to use and install, and works more effectively.
Maintenance and Repairs
The cost of filter maintenance and replacement can reach $250 annually. The membranes in the RO system also drain away sufficient waste water, causing high water bills.
Satisfaction Guarantees
Some brands also offer money-back guarantees that ensure a full refund in case your RO system does not meet your needs. Although it is not an issue, choosing an RO system with a satisfaction guarantee is a risk-free investment.
Payment Options
A lot of payment options also help you manage your money. If you do not have an adequate amount of money at the moment, you can opt for brands that provide installment options. Some also offer RO systems on rent. You can choose from different payment options as well as a few banking methods that may also provide you with discounts.
What Makes Reverse Osmosis Filtration Unique?
Reverse osmosis takes a different approach than most filters to remove the contaminants from the water and this is what makes it unique. It makes use of a filter with tiny pores instead of any separate material. We will be briefly discussing below how it functions amazingly to filter out harmful particles. You will also find out if you must have one in your house or not.
How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?
A reverse osmosis water system consists of a main water tank connected to a multi-stage filtration process. The main component of this system is its semi-permeable membrane, which pushes water into it through pressure.
Due to the holes in the membrane, all the contaminants are separated from the water and a permeate (pure water) is produced that flows through your pipes. Since it works uniquely and proficiently, it is becoming very widely known, but does everyone really need an RO system?
Does Everyone Need Reverse Osmosis?
The straight-up answer to this is: YES! Even though all Toronto water suppliers guarantee that their water plants only generate pure water, the municipal committee warns that due to the high population in this city, it is obvious that chemicals get mixed in the water before it reaches your house.
Therefore, to avoid the potential risks of impure water, installing a good water filter like reverse osmosis has now become necessary.
When to Consider Reverse Osmosis?
Here are a few times when you should consider a Reverse Osmosis:
- A water expert tested your water and reported that it was contaminated. In this case, the water experts usually suggest buying a water filter that removes all contaminants. Reverse osmosis is a good option because it removes around 99% of all the contaminants, making your water clean.
- Most people have a simple water filter installed, like a countertop filter, which is not very effective for large amounts of water purification. If you also want to upgrade your old, outdated filter system, it is time to consider a reverse osmosis filter. It has a comprehensive filtration process and uses its advanced methods to filter out germs and provide better quality water.
- Switching to reverse osmosis is a sensible option, especially if your water has been tested for VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). RO systems are best for removing such compounds and other microscopic bacteria.
- Moreover, if you are wasting a lot of money on bottled water, you can purchase an RO system and save money with a one-time investment. It will also save you the extra cost of gas bills, as you will not have to boil water frequently anymore.
Choose the Right Reverse Osmosis System for Your Home
As we have already discussed, you can use the reverse osmosis system for two types of water filter set-ups: one-location water systems or whole-house water filtration systems. Which one is the best for you depends on your budget and your needs.
If you want purified water running in every tap of your house and have a high budget, you should go for whole-house reverse osmosis filters. Otherwise, if you are looking to purify water in one area of your house only, you can buy a small reverse osmosis system.
Should You DIY vs. Professional Reverse Osmosis System Installation?
The answer to this depends on the type of reverse osmosis system you are planning to install. You can easily DIY with the right basic tools if you have purchased a small system.
However, if you want to install a whole house reverse osmosis water filter, we prefer to hire installation experts for that. That’s because installing a filter to the main water line needs high plumbing skills, and one little mistake can damage the whole system, causing your money to go in vain.
At Watermart, we have installation experts who have been highly trained to install filter systems accurately and carefully. With our services, you can blindly trust the installation process. Whether you want an installation for your house or any commercial building, you can contact us now to book an installation.
What Are the Benefits of RO Systems?
The best part about installing RO systems is that they will provide pure drinking water that tastes, smells, and feels better. If the water test results show the presence of contaminants in the water, the RO system is a good choice. Here are some benefits it offers for its price:
Reduced Contaminants
It does not only remove large chemicals and bacteria but also the tiniest microscopic germs as well. This is due to the presence of tiny pores in its semi-permeable membrane that separate the smallest bacteria from the water. The water that is left is called the permeate and is free of any contaminants. The RO systems remove 99% of the contaminants and chemical compounds like:
- Lead
- Chlorine
- Fluoride
- Inorganic Compounds
- Pesticides
- Volatile Organic Compounds
- Aluminum
- Pharmaceuticals
Less Sediment
It also separates sediment and dust particles from the water. All the large particles are filtered out and added to the brine water (wastewater), which is drained away through the drain lines.
The removal of all the contaminants and sediment makes the water pure, clean, healthy, and safe to drink and use.
Energy Efficient
Good quality water makes the appliances and machines that use water more efficient and increases their long life. RO water systems are also compatible with other water systems like a water softener if you have one already installed in your house. Although RO systems use up a lot of energy, they are quite energy efficient at times.
Conclusion
We hope that we provided you with every information you needed regarding the budgeting of a reverse osmosis filter setup. The reverse osmosis system price depends on many factors we discussed and choosing the right one that is affordable for you is in your hands.
We suggest our customers purchase a reverse osmosis water filter because it is reliable, works longer, and provides a consistent supply of pure water to your house for drinking, washing, cooking, and showering.
If you are looking for a trusted brand, Watermart can be the best choice. As one of the top water filter suppliers in Toronto, we manufacture our water filters with multiple filtration processes that produce pure drinking water for everyone! Our filters are highly reasonable, scientifically tested, and have an energy-efficient membrane.
FAQs
Is it worth getting a reverse osmosis system?
Yes, it is worth investing in a reverse osmosis system if you have a sufficient budget because they are more efficient than other filters in filtering and purifying dirty water.
Is reverse osmosis water safe to drink every day?
Yes, RO systems drain away the waste water and only let pure water flow through your taps, so it is safe to drink all the time. However, replacing filters every 6 months is a good practice.
Does reverse osmosis really purify water?
Reverse osmosis is known to remove 99% of contaminants from the water, so it purifies your water from all chemicals, contaminants, sediment, and bacteria.
How much does a gallon of reverse osmosis water cost?
On average, a gallon of reverse osmosis water ranges between $0.50 to $2.00.
How much does a reverse osmosis system cost to maintain and operate?
The maintenance and replacement of reverse osmosis filters cost between $100 and $250 annually.
What’s better, a whole house reverse osmosis system or a point-of-use system?
It depends on your budget and requirements. A whole-house reverse osmosis system costs more but is effective because it filters out the whole water supply to your building.
