Ever since its massive breakthrough in the early 2000s, reverse osmosis (RO) has become an effective method of water purification. According to manufacturers like APEC, RO systems can remove up to 99% of contaminants present in ground and surface water. Sounds incredible, right?

Well, assuming that these claims are true, that means RO systems can produce some of the cleanest, safest and best-tasting drinking water for your household. These systems can be found in many industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical, agriculture, dairy, semiconductor manufacturing, and metal fishing, just to name a few.

It’s also worth mentioning that RO accounts for 80% of the desalination plants worldwide. This comes as no surprise since RO systems are cost-effective, easy to maintain, and eliminates most contaminant plaguing our water today.

If you are worried about any possible contaminants in your water, purchasing an RO system can solve your water problems and put your mind at ease. If you’d like to learn more about these systems before making the investment, this article will provide you with everything you need to make an informed decision. 

In this article, we’ll cover:

• The science behind Reverse Osmosis and RO systems;
• Why you need an RO system;
• What to consider when purchasing one;
• Expert reviews of the 10 best reverse osmosis systems of 2019;
• The installation and maintenance of your RO system

Stay tuned!

What is Reverse Osmosis?

Reverse osmosis is the process of using external pressure to force water through an extremely fine membrane filter to remove impurities. This filter has pores that are so small that it prevents larger molecules like minerals, salts, and bacteria from passing through the membrane. Hence, only clean, desalinated and particle-free water emerges on the other side. All the rejected contaminants left behind are then discharged from the system using another stream of water. This wastewater is sometimes flushed into the drain or sent back into the main water supply to be recycled. Besides, most RO systems can reroute the wastewater so you can use it for things like watering your garden and washing your pavement.

What Contaminants Do Reverse Osmosis Systems Remove?

RO systems remove a wide range of contaminants from water. In fact, these systems can eliminate up to 99% of the dissolved salts, ions, particles, bacteria, organics, pyrogens and other pollutants from water. RO systems can remove 95 – 98% of lead, mercury, zinc, cadmium, and barium, 94 – 98% of calcium, iron, selenium, magnesium, manganese, and 85 – 94% of sodium, potassium, and fluoride. Other contaminants include chloride, cyanide, nickel, phosphate, arsenic, nitrate, and sulfate. Because of their superior water filtration efficiency, RO systems are highly effective at treating ground and surface water. Despite that, they are not efficient enough to completely remove bacteria and viruses from your water. In this case, a UV filter can be used with the RO system.

What are the Stages of Reverse Osmosis?

In general, RO systems consist of three phases: pretreatment, reverse osmosis, and post-treatment. However, some RO systems may include other optional stages. As water passes through each stage, a different treatment process is applied before the water is ready for consumption.

Here’s a brief breakdown of each stage in the purification process:

1. Sediment Removal – When the water first enters the system, it is pre-filtered with a sediment filter. Here, larger particles such as rust, stones, dirt, sand, and silt are trapped. These and other particulate matter often affect the taste and appearance of the water.
2. Prefiltration with a carbon filter – The water then enters a carbon filter where it is pre-filtered again. This time around, the activated carbon blocks out oils, chlorine and other harmful organic chemicals that can damage the membrane used for the reverse osmosis filter. Multiple carbon cycles may be required, depending on the quality of the carbon and the contact time.
3. Reverse osmosis – The reverse osmosis membrane is where reverse osmosis occurs. This membrane removes most organic and inorganic compounds such as arsenic, lead, fluoride, copper, and cysts. It also removes pollutants known as Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), which include calcium, sodium, magnesium and other inorganic salts. This is where most of the purification happens.
4. Remineralization – Because the water produced by reverse osmosis is usually a bit acidic, a remineralizing filter is used to add healthy minerals such as calcium and magnesium to balance the pH and improve the taste of the water.
5. Storage (Optional) – The water is then stored in a storage tank after it has gone through the major phases of the purification process. Most systems will immediately direct the water to your faucets while other systems might include additional stages.
6. Destruction of biological contaminants (Optional) – A UV filter helps protect against harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, microbes, E. coli, and fungi. Here, the UV rays penetrate and destroy these disease-causing organisms by attacking their DNA. This stage enhances the taste and smell of the water and makes it better suited for consumption.
7. Removal of Remaining Total Dissolved Solids (Optional) – Usually, there is a small amount of TDS left in the water after being filtered by the RO membrane. If the water will be used in aquariums, for instance, lowering the TDS for all aquatic animals is vital for their health and wellbeing.
8. Removal of any tastes and odors – In this stage, a final carbon filter or “polishing” filter eliminates any bad odors or tastes that the water may have picked up from the storage tank.

Why You Need an RO System – The Benefits

If you are like most people who rely on municipal water, you might trust that the water flowing through your home is always safe for drinking. The truth is that many municipalities will add chemicals to purify the water, but as it travels to your home, it might pick up certain harmful contaminants. Even if your water comes from a river, a well or a stream, there’s no telling what it contains – unless you test it.

RO systems provide clean, refreshing water and are superior to regular filtration systems. In fact, RO systems provide a host of awesome benefits, which includes:

1. Eliminates all types of contaminants – Believe it or not, RO systems can remove up to 99% of contaminants from water. The semi-permeable membrane blocks out contaminants such as dirt, ion, heavy metals, bacteria, and viruses.
2. Removes odors and inorganic molecules from water – A major drawback of most regular filtration systems is that they do not remove odor and inorganic compounds from water. In contrast, RO systems have a carbon filter with activated carbon that filters out contaminants that cause bad odors. Besides, these systems can also remove inorganic molecules with the membrane. These inorganic compounds may include inorganic carbon, inorganic phosphorus, and inorganic nitrogen found in salt water, which can cause “hard water.”
3. Uses UV radiation – UV radiation helps disinfect bacteria from your water after it has been filtered. RO systems use UV lamps to destroy bacteria, viruses and other dangerous microorganisms.
4. Easy to Maintain – While filtration systems usually need to be washed and rinsed regularly using manual labor, RO systems can clean themselves. This makes it easier to maintain the system, thus extending its lifespan.
5. Durable and economical – RO systems are often more durable and longer-lasting than regular filtration systems. Because the system basically washes and rinses itself, RO systems can last for a long time – up to a couple of years. They are also very economical since they require little maintenance, unlike regular filtration systems.

What to Consider when Buying an RO System

Depending on the contaminants that you want to remove from your water and the size of your home and family, you probably have a slight idea of what you are looking for in an RO system.

Here are some key considerations when purchasing an RO system:

Features

• Storage Tank: This is where the water is stored after filtration. This tank allows you to store water in advance should any unfortunate situations occur. For instance, if your water supply is disrupted, you will still have fresh, clean water to drink. However, since the filtered water does not contain chlorine, bacteria might infect the water in the storage tank, especially if the water sits there for a long time. It’s a good idea to bleach the tank twice a year to disinfect it. Depending on the size of the tank, you’ll have less or more water to use.
• UV Filtration: A UV filter destroys bacteria and keeps them out of your water after its filtrated. It’s an alternative to disinfecting your storage tank twice a year. The UV filter is placed after the tank and prior to the faucet to remove any bacteria that have migrated towards the faucet.
• Post Carbon: This feature helps remove the taste and odor in the water after the filtration process. These cartridges normally contain burnt coconut shells that give your water a nice taste.
• Permeate Pump: A permeate pump is a device that increases the efficiency and productivity of the RO system. It allows the system to produce water at a much faster rate.
• Wastewater Efficiency: A major downfall of some RO systems is that they waste a lot of water to provide you with clean water. Many systems only recover about 5 – 15% of the water they filter. Some models are designed to recycle the wastewater while some will just flush it into the drain or repurpose it for other uses like dishwashing or laundry.
• Flow Control: This feature helps regulate the flow of water passing through the membrane to increase its lifespan.
• Lifespan: If you’re going to investing in an RO system, you might as well find out how long it will serve you for. It’s best to go with a brand that is well regarded in this space. Also, scope out solid reviews to find the most long-lasting systems.

Some other features worth mentioning include: air gap faucet, TDS meters, twist off filters, rejection of impurities, warranty, remineralization, and automatic shut off. 

Other Considerations

• Water source: Whether your water comes from a municipality or a private well, there’s potential for harmful pathogens and chemicals to invade your water. RO systems can be a great addition to your whole-house treatment system.
• Budget: How much is it going to cost you to purchase the system? And how much is it going to cost for installation if you hire a professional? The budget factor may affect which RO system you use or whether you use one at all. You also have to consider any possible on-going maintenance. How much is it going to cost to replace the filters every year or twice a year? That will depend on your style of the RO system.
• Water demand: You also need to consider how much water you and your family are going to use on a daily basis. You will also need to account for things like your ice machines, refrigerator, and all your other water-using appliances.
• Ease of Installation: A system that is easy to install will most likely not require you to hire a professional. RO systems usually require a dedicated faucet and a drain connection to prevent backflow. In this case, an air gap faucet will be ideal. But if you live in an apartment or a rental home, an RO system might not work for you.
• Storage Space: Some RO systems are compact and take up less space while some models are the total opposite. Make sure to know how much space you have in your home to comfortably install an RO system before purchasing one.

The 10 Best Reverse Osmosis Systems of 2019 (So Far)

1.     iSpring RCC7AK-UV 7-Stage Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis System

If you’re looking for a high-quality RO system that can remove even the foulest of odors in water, the iSpring RCC7AK-UV 7-Stage Reverse Osmosis System is your best bet. With 7 stages in its purification process, this system packs all the features of almost every RO system on the market. The system can handle 75 gallons each day, which is enough for an average-sized family. Its wastewater ratio is 3 gallons for every gallon of purified water, which is pretty darn good considering that it doesn’t come with a permeate pump.

Another major advantage of the RCC7AK 7-Stage system is that it comes with a UV filter, which can kill most/all of the bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms potentially present in your drinking water. The UV light automatically switches on when it detects the flow of water and switches off a few seconds after the flow stops. This feature makes sure that the water in the system is already filtered.

Another awesome feature is the remineralization filter, which helps restore the healthy minerals and balances the alkalinity of your water, thus producing high-quality, great-tasting water.

The filters of the iSpring RCC7AK-UV needs to be changed every 6 months to a year. However, iSpring filters are said to be one of the most affordable in the industry. Hence, replacing them shouldn’t be a tough task.

This system has received the WQA gold seal, which indicates that its components have been thoroughly tested. Not only that; The system also meets several rigorous safety standards and is well known for its high level of durability.

A small drawback of this system, however, is its user manual. The manual is poorly written. You’ll be better off viewing video tutorials online to assist with the installation.

What We Like

• Remineralization present
• 7 stages of filtration
• UV filter present
• 75 gallons per day (GPD) capacity

What We Don’t Like

• 3:1 wastage ratio
• No Permeate Pump

2.   Home Master TM ULTRA-ERP Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis System

The Home Master TM ULTRA-ERP RO System is one of the best systems on the market in 2019. First off, it can supply 75 gallons of fresh, clean water per day to your household. Secondly, it comes with a permeate pump that reduces wastewater to as little as 1 gallon for every gallon of pure water it produces.

The TM ULTRA-ERP will efficiently remove 98% of contaminants present in water without using harmful chemicals. It uses six stages of purification to remove up to 98% of iron, chloramines, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, dissolved solids, metals and other harmful contaminants from your water.

In fact, the system comes with a UV filter that can destroy bacteria, viruses, and many other microorganisms that might be present in your water. The UV filter uses radiation to penetrate and destroy these harmful microbes.

Another awesome feature of this system is its automatic on-and-off switch that turns on the UV light when water flows through the system and turns it off once the water stops flowing.

The filters that come with this Home Master system are easy to change. It’s best to change them once a year or every 3,000 gallons. The installation process is quite easy and straightforward. You can install the entire system in under an hour – if you have some basic DIY skills. Furthermore, the installation kit contains everything you need for the installation, but you should keep a good size screwdriver, a crescent wrench and a drill close by.

The installation guide is easy to follow and goes into detail about how to connect the system to the feed and drainage pipes. However, if you would prefer to watch a video guide, Home Master has developed a series of instructional videos to assist you.  

What We Like

• UV filter present
• Filters are easy to change
• Impressive water output
• Efficient filtration

What We Don’t Like

• Short power cord
• Require electricity

3.   APEC ROES-50 5-Stage Whole House Reverse Osmosis System

The APEC ROES-50 is a fairly simple system – no fancy features and functions. Regardless of that, it still packs a punch, considering its low price. The system can handle 50 gallons of water per day and produces 3 gallons of wastewater for every gallon of purified water.

The ROES-50 does not come with a UV filter or remineralizing phase in its filtration process, but the system still does a decent job at removing contaminants from water using its 5-stage filtration process. This APEC model does not have a permeate pump, which explains its low 50-gallon capacity.

A cool feature of this RO system is that it comes with a faucet and a storage tank, despite being a low-budget RO system. If you want a simple, low-cost system that is easy to use and produces reasonably pure water, then the APEC ROES-50 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis System is the model for you.

In terms of installation, the ROES-50 comes with a clear, detailed instructions guide. The images are highly visible and the instructions are quite concise. This system also comes with a spare set of filters, so once you purchase it, you won’t have to spend money on filters for about a year.

What We Like

• Highly effective at removing contaminants
• Up to two times faster at producing purified water than regular systems
• High capacity filter, which means fewer filter changes and less maintenance

What We Don’t Like

• Some users have problems with receiving the wrong manual for installing the system
• The tank takes about an hour to be completely full once it’s empty

4.   Brondell RO Circle Whole House Reverse Osmosis System

Small, compact and efficient, the Brondell Water Saving Reverse Osmosis System is a unique RO system with many great features. This system is Golden Seal certified and boasts a Water Saving Smart Technology, which makes the system up to 10 times more efficient than traditional RO systems.

The Brondell RO system has an impressively small footprint, leaving ample space under your kitchen counter for other components. What’s more thrilling is that is it super easy to maintain and install.

The system uses 4 vital advanced filters to remove many harmful contaminants from water. These filters include the sediment filter, the pre-carbon filter, the RO membrane, and the post-carbon filter. Because of the system’s non-electric design, no pumps are required for the Circle system.

This Brondell RO system also has a cool Designer Chrome Faucet with an integrated LED filter that changes color to tell you when the filters need to be changed. If the chrome finish doesn’t appeal to you, then you can simply connect the system to other faucets. Just make sure to contact customer support to check if your faucet is compatible before making a purchase.

The system is easy to install and is a complete all-in-one system. It has a patented Smart Value and an exclusive circular design of the reservoir to make the system more efficient.

We must also mention that this system saves an average of 2.1 gallons for every gallon of drinking water. Plus, the refill rate of the Circle is twice as fast as non-electric systems, and just as fast as electrical pumps.

What We Like

• The unique patented circular design of the reservoir
• The Smart Value that makes the system fast and efficient
• Easy to install and maintain
• Gold Seal certified and meets NSF/ANSI requirements

What We Don’t Like

• Some customers say that the system is a bit too large to fit under a regular sink
• The faucet runs a bit slower than some systems

5.    APEC ROES PH75 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System

The APEC ROES PH75 is an upgraded version of the ROES-50 model. There are two major changes worth mentioning in this version: Firstly, it is capable of producing 75 gallons of fresh, clean water per day as opposed to the 50 GPM on the ROES-50. And secondly, this version has a remineralization filter.

This model is dubbed the Mineral pH+. It is a 6-stage filtration system with an efficiency ratio of 3:1. While it uses a similar purification process as most other RO systems, it has an additional filter that adds healthy minerals to your drinking water, which often get filtered out in the RO process.

The ROES PH75 does not have a permeate pump but still manages to give a good flow rate and water output. Setting up the system is a breeze. In fact, the entire installation will take about 1 hour of DIY time. It also comes with a detailed instruction manual for easy installation, but if you prefer video tutorials, you can find many helpful videos on YouTube and other online sources.

Another thing that truly stands out with this RO system is its longevity. The first three filters will have to be changed every six months while the RO membrane and the carbon filter only need to be changed every 2 to 3 years. Well, it all depends on your water source. The neutralizing filter must be changed once every 4 to 6 years.

All in all, the APEC ROES PH75 is a great low-cost option with some good features for your water purification needs.

What We Like

• Low price
• 75 GPD capacity
• 6 stages of filtration
• Remineralization present

What We Don’t Like

• No permeate pump present
• No UV filter present
• 3:1 wastage ratio

6.   Express Water RO5DX 5-Stage Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis System

The Express RO5DX is a unique mid-budget system with a wide range of notable features. This RO system provides 50 gallons of filtered water every day and produces gallons of wastewater for every gallon of pure water it provides. While it is not the most efficient RO system on the market, this unit will save you money over time by wasting less water.

One of the biggest advantages of this system is its high-quality filters. These filters consist of a granular-activated carbon, sediment, and carbon block. The other filters include the post-carbon, alkaline, and system membrane and only need to be changed once or twice a year.

Apart from that, the system uses a 5-stage filtration process and can remove up to 99% of harmful contaminants present in your drinking water. The filtration process is super quick, delivering your water at a flow rate of 0.8 gallons per minute (GPM).

Another special feature of the RO5DX is its NSF-certified steel tank. For most people, steel is a better alternative to plastic. If you are concerned about the tank rusting, don’t be. It is made of a flexible, tough, rust-free material. Plus, the water will never come into contact with the steel outer casing of the tank. 

The Express RO5DX is easy to install and comes with color-coded push-in connection fittings and a straightforward guide. You will likely complete the installation process in about 2 hours if you choose to do it yourself.

This system is compact and is best suited for houses, apartments, residential and industrial properties, RVs, office use and well water. You can even install it under your cabinet, in the basement, or any other indoor location.

What We Like

• Filters require changing only once or twice a year
• Easy to maintain
• Excessive water flow shut off (a great safety feature)
• Can be installed in different locations in your house

What We Don’t Like

• Some users reported that the system was difficult to self-install
• Some customers also reported that the parts they received weren’t what they expected. They were incompatible with the system.

7.    iSpring RCC7 – WQA 5-Stage Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis System

The iSpring RCC7 5-Stage is another hot competitor alongside the other system on this list. It is a WQA-certified RO purifier with a 4.8-star rating on Amazon and over 4000 customer reviews. This system has 5 stages of filtration and a very respectable capacity of 75 gallons per day, which is very impressive since it does not have a permeate pump to increase the flow rate.

Additionally, there is no remineralization phase or a UV light purifier. Therefore, if the taste of your water is important, this system probably won’t make the cut. Similarly, if your water possibly contains microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, you should be aware that there will be no UV filter to help destroy those harmful organisms.

On the bright side of things, the iSpring RCC7 produces 3 gallons of wastewater for every gallon of purified water, which is certainly not bad considering that there is no permeate pump present.

Furthermore, the system is designed for easy DIY installation. However, the installation instructions might be disappointing. Honestly, instructions are poorly developed and most people will find them difficult to follow. You’ll probably have to contact iSpring’s customer support for expert assistance.

The best attribute of this system is the price. It is very economical. For a high-quality 5-stage RO system, the RCC7 is a good bargain. Plus, iSpring offers a 1-year money back guarantee and a 3-year limited warranty, which is far better than the industry norm.

The iSpring RCC7 definitely deserves its place as one of the best reverse osmosis systems on the market – there’s no doubt about that.

What We Like

• Low price
• 5 stages of filtration
• 75 GDP capacity
• Helpful customer service
• Efficient

What We Don’t Like

• No permeate pump present
• 3:1 wastage ratio
• There is no UV filter present
• No remineralization
• Poor instructions manual

8.   Home Master TM Standard Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis System

The Home Master TM Under-sink RO system is a premium filter designed to convert your regular tap water into pure, great-tasting drinking water. This system uses an advanced purification process that eliminates up to 99% of dissolved solids, metals and other harmful impurities from your drinking water.

The Home Master TM offers a water efficiency ratio of 4:1 and uses a 5-step filtration system to produce high-quality water. It also uses powerful catalytic carbon filtration media in the carbon prefilters to treat persistent chemical disinfectants like chloramine.

The design of this system is surely a plus. You see, the biggest problem with regular RO systems is the canister filter housing design, where only the filters are changed and not the filter housings. Sediments, microorganisms, and biofilm can build up in the canisters over time, which can cause it to weaken and become more prone to leakages. The particular design of the Home Master TM allows you to change both the filters and the housing and the same time.  Not only does this make the filters more efficient and durable, but it increases the overall durability of the system.

The installation kit comes with everything you need to set up the system. Also, the user manual is legible and easy to follow, and the purification unit comes fully assembled. All the cables are color-coded t make it easier for you to make the right connections.

What We Like

• Efficient and long-lasting filters
• Good water output
• Modular filter design

What We Don’t Like

• The chrome faucet looks cheap, which ruins its overall design

9.   Portable Universal 5-Stage Countertop Reverse Osmosis System

If you are one of those people who find joy in the convenience of portable devices, then you’ll be happy that you’ve found this RO system. The Portable Universal 5-Stage RO system is a small and compact enough to fit perfectly on your kitchen countertop.

As you’d expect, the main advantage of this system is its portability. You can take it anywhere with you – whether on vacation or visiting your family and friends out of town. The installation process literally takes just a few seconds to a minute, plus you won’t need any tools. Well, you might need an adjustable wrench just in case your faucet’s aerator is too tightly-screwed to be removed using your bare hands.

This system fits more than 90% of the most popular faucets on the market. What’s even better is that it uses 5 stages to produce 75 GPD of fresh, drinking water to your home. This RO system purifies 1 gallon of water every 20 – 24 minutes, which is kind of disappointing, to say the least. Therefore, we recommend collecting and storing your water in advance each day or every other day to maintain your supply.

Another good thing to point out about this system is its level of efficiency. It produces 2.6 gallons of wastewater for every gallon of pure water it produces. However, this particular model doesn’t come with a tank, so you will have to turn it on and off manually whenever you need purified water. Or as we mentioned above, you can collect and store the water for future use.

What We Like

• Small, compact and portable
• Efficient filters

What We Don’t Like

• The lack of a tank can be a major disadvantage for some people
• Slow water output

10.                      Express Water ROALK10DCG 10-Stage Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis System

Last (but definitely not least) on our list is the Express Water ROALK10DCG 10-Stage Reverse Osmosis System. You might be thinking that this must be the best RO system ever created since it has 10 stages, or so it is claimed. We’re not saying that an RO system cannot have a 10-stage filtration process, but it surely deceptive in this particular model.

Let us explain. Most manufacturers consider the remineralization process as the sixth step. However, Express Water takes each step of the remineralization phase as a separate stage of the entire filtration process. So, instead of having 6 stages, this specific model is advertised as having 10 stages. Thumbs down!

Moving right along… This system has an efficiency ratio of 2:1, which makes it one of the most efficient RO systems you’ll ever find in 2019. On top of that, it has a great filtration system that removes up to 99% of contaminants from your drinking water. It also remineralizes the water to improve its taste and make it healthier.

With this system, fresh, clean water flows through your faucets at 0.8 GPM! Plus, it can produce 50 gallons of water per day. Keep in mind that the average adult should consume 0.5 – 1.55 gallons of water per day. Therefore, the Express Water 10-Stage RO system produces more than enough for a large family.

Its unique features include double sealed filters to preserve them, a Leak Stop Valve to shut off the water flow when excess water is detected and a Brass Feed Adapter and Quick Connect to save you trips to the hardware store. The pre-filters need to be changed twice a year while the other filters only need to be changed one time each year.

The installation process is pretty simple and straightforward. Also, the color-coded filters make it easier to find the right installation areas, so you’ll finish installing the system in no time. It also comes with a 1-year warranty and great customer support from experts.

What We Like

• Impressive flow rate
• Useful installation instructions
• Produces high-quality water
• Highly efficient

What We Don’t Like

• Exaggerated and deceptive marketing

How to Install a Reverse Osmosis System: 9 Easy Steps

The majority of RO systems in this review article are easy to install. Some units come with color-coded filters and connectors to simplify the installation process without the need for special tools.

Here’s how to quickly and efficiently install a reverse osmosis system by yourself:

1. Disconnect the cold-water feed pipe that runs from the wall to the faucet.
2. Install the T-Connector. If it’s not included, then it’s probably already attached.
3. Connect the waste pipe. Drill a hole in the horizontal section of the waste pipe to install the waste connector.
4. Mount the filter, ideally to the side of the cupboard or somewhere that has plenty of free space.
5. Install the storage tank on a flat, level surface, preferably on the base of the cupboard.
6. Connect the water pipes using the color-coded connectors.
7. Plug the system into an electrical outlet. This step is only required for systems that have a UV filter. Ensure that the outlet is close enough to the RO system and the power cord can reach it.
8. Turn on the water and check for leaks. If you notice any leaks, turn off the water and use a Teflon tape to fix the leak. However, using this type of tape is not suitable for countertop RO systems.
9. Fill and empty the tank to activate the filters. Check the installation guide to determine the number of water tanks you have to fill and empty them before drinking the water.

How to Maintain a Reverse Osmosis System

Once the system is up and running, there’s not much to do than changing the filters. Depending on the type of system that you have and your water source, the interval for changing the filters will differ. This can be anything from 3 to 6 months to a year. It largely depends on your water consumption and the type of filter.

Generally, pre-membrane filters need to be changed once every 6 to 12 months, and the RO membrane must be changed every 2 to 3 years. The filters that come after the RO membrane are usually more durable and must be changed only once a year or once every other year.

But overall, the long-term maintenance of RO systems requires replacing seals and plastic fittings, if any.

Verdict

So, there you have it, the 10 reverse osmosis systems are the best on the market in 2019 to help you decide which one is the best for your needs. In all honesty, any of these systems would be a great addition to your home. They provide safe great-tasting water for an economical price. But remember to compare the different features, pricing, warranty periods and other vital factors. We hope that all the information provided above will help you make an informed decision. Good luck!