You need safe and clean drinking water in your Indianapolis, IN home. Rather than spending money on plastic water bottles that often end up in landfills, why not consider investing in a reverse osmosis system? Reverse osmosis systems are an affordable option that removes a variety of contaminants from your water using various filters so that you can safely use them. Let’s take a look at what a reverse osmosis system is and how it can benefit you and your family.
Basics of a Reverse Osmosis System
As water flows through a reverse osmosis system, a series of membranes will remove things like particles, fluoride, chemicals, and so on. The number of membranes will vary from one system to another. Usually, a pre-filter will get rid of large particles. After that, a carbon filter can improve taste and remove chemicals. Other filters remove additional sediment. Some reverse osmosis systems even have a UV filter that kills bacteria and removes pathogens from the water. The result is clean and healthy drinking water.
Several benefits are associated with using reverse osmosis water systems.
Healthier Drinking Water
A reverse osmosis system provides on-demand drinking water whenever you need it. Most systems have a tank that fills up as you use water from your dedicated faucet. These tanks are usually at least a few gallons in size. You won’t drain the tank unless you’re filling multiple containers at once. The tank will then be refilled for the next time that you turn on the faucet. You’ll be consuming less chlorine, fluoride, lead, and other contaminants compared to tap water. Many systems can get rid of as many as 99% of these things. This is excellent for your health and can reduce symptoms related to dehydration, including headaches, fatigue, and inflammation.
Reverse osmosis water is also healthier than many bottled water brands. Bottled water can contain chemicals and contaminants, regardless of marketing claims to the contrary.
Good for the Environment
Each year, bottled water contributes to millions of tons of plastic waste in landfills and oceans all over the world. While you might attempt to recycle your plastic bottles, you can’t ensure they’re not going to end up in the wrong place. By installing a reverse osmosis system in your home, you can make the switch to reusable bottles and reduce your carbon footprint. Not only does this cut back on the amount of plastic that’s harming the environment, but you can also use stainless steel bottles, which are more eco-conscious. They’re also healthier without the risk of chemical leaching as with plastic bottles.
Improved Taste
Some homes in the Indianapolis area have tap water that simply doesn’t taste good. You might notice the chlorine or other undesirable tastes. When you drink from a reverse osmosis system, the water is cleaner and fresher-tasting. You’ll notice a difference whether you’re drinking a plain glass of water or making a cup of tea. You can even use your reverse osmosis water when making soups or cooking.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Effective
The initial investment in a reverse osmosis system is budget-friendly. An affordable system with multi-stage filtration costs as little as $150. Ongoing costs are largely limited to filters, which only need to be replaced annually or so. The frequency depends on how often you’re using your reverse osmosis system. Also, some filters last longer than others, so a four- or five-stage filtration system doesn’t necessarily have to be maintained all at once. A light or sound will alert you to the fact that it’s time to change your filters based on when they were originally installed.
It takes very little electricity to run a reverse osmosis drinking water system, even if you have a unit with a UV light. Electricity is only used to provide power to the pump that forces water through the various filters of the unit. The amount is almost negligible, and many systems don’t even require electricity to function.
Bottled water can be expensive, especially if you’re purchasing one of the brands that sell alkaline water or water with added electrolytes. Purchasing fancy bottles only increases the cost, as does grabbing a bottle from a vending machine or gas station. Once you’ve purchased a reusable water bottle, you’ll have no additional costs associated with transporting your water. When you’re home, you can simply use a glass throughout the day, refilling as needed. While Indiana is not one of the states that use a bottle fee, plenty of other states do.
Addressing Hard Water Concerns
Hard water refers to the high mineral concentration of water, including calcium, magnesium, and sulfates. This is common in many areas of Indianapolis. Hard water can affect the taste of water, but it can also affect your health. While we benefit from minerals, too high a concentration can result in GI issues like bloating, constipation, and nausea. Softer and cleaner water is the result of a reverse osmosis system, which benefits both your palate and your body.
Easy Installation
Reverse osmosis systems come in a few different styles. You can choose the design and placement that work best for your home. Many install their system’s equipment directly under their kitchen sink. This makes it easy to monitor the system for leaks and to change the filters when necessary. Reverse osmosis systems are compact, consisting of a main tank and a line of connected filters. There is minimal tubing that connects everything and then attaches to the faucet.
A reverse osmosis system can be installed in your basement or a nearby utility closet to save space. A small tube will be run from the tank to a dedicated faucet on your kitchen sink. This is a nice option if you’re concerned with the noise level of your system. Most systems are very quiet, but when a pump is busy pushing water through the system’s membranes, it can become a little louder.
If you’re interested in learning about the ways that a reverse osmosis system can benefit your home and family, reach out to our team here at Hope Plumbing. We would be happy to discuss the different options that are available to you if you are concerned about water quality. In addition to installing and maintaining reverse osmosis systems, we also take care of other plumbing services. This includes installing new plumbing, fixing leaks, and unclogging pipes. We also help with new construction and remodeling projects. Reach out to the team at Hope Plumbing if you’re located in the Indianapolis area and would like to schedule an appointment.
