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Reverse osmosis undersink filter recos?

pronstar

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Looking to have one installed, would prefer made in the USA from a reputable company with good parts availability.

What’s are you guys using?
 

havasujeeper

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The filter replacements usually costs as much as an entirely new unit. I look for Home Depot or Costco specials, and just replace it all every 1-2 years. I believe they are the #1 source of water damage claims here in Kommiefornia, so you need to have fresh equipment.
 

185EZ

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You should have a designated RO line in the garage where your water shut off is located.
I would install in garage if you could,
Had an undersink fail and flood a house when the threads cracked on the filter canister but house water was left on..
Even if water is shut off there is a gallon or 2 of water in the tank that could leak out if a line fails because there is pressure in the tank
You can find deals on amazon for a year or 3 year supply of filters
The membrane only needs to be changed 3 to 5 years depending on use.
I have 2 whole house filters before the RO system. Saves me a lot by only changing sediment filters
 

MPHSystems

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Looking to have one installed, would prefer made in the USA from a reputable company with good parts availability.

What’s are you guys using?
Yes, don’t fuck around. Just buy spectrapure and be done with it.

I’ve built, owned and maintained many RO systems for decades. I finally bought a spectrapure about 4 years ago for the garage and very shortly thereafter replaced the kitchen one.


The only exception is I’d use the BRS universal carbon block for your first stage after mechanical filter unless you are 100% sure that your supply water is free from chloramines year round and never buys chloramine treated water from another municipality.



 

Shrub Lurker

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Normally these get installed down line from a softener. Filters need to checked annually more if a softener isn’t pre filtering …
Any one you buy will be fine based on my experience of Kenitico boning me then replacing with a big box brand which works just fine.
 

Ziggy

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I kinda agree with @havasujeeper insomuch that filters/membrane/remineralizer cycle of replacement is financially equal or more than a complete system.
I just did a full round of all filters on my AO Smith system only after scouring the internet for deals....saved $80.
Storage tanks have failed me just as often, anytime from a couple years & on.🥴
 

MPHSystems

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Chloramines make holes in membranes. From the municipalities standpoint chloramines are awesome. They last a long time they are very effective. You don’t use so much. But if you have a RO membrane, they are hell.


 

NicPaus

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Chloramines make holes in membranes. From the municipalities standpoint chloramines are awesome. They last a long time they are very effective. You don’t use so much. But if you have a RO membrane, they are hell.


Just like the pin holes in Copper. Just replaced 80' of the 1 1/2" main line copper at my Exs house. House has now been completely repiped its a 2008 build. The last stretch was under the driveway. 5th pinhole in the main. First one was within 10 years.

It is at the end of the run from the treatment plant. Reason that Cal water switched to chloramine from chlorine years ago. Yesterday She was telling me the water smelled like rotten eggs few days ago. They must of got complaints. Cause I could smell the chloramine as soon as I turned on the hose bib in front of the house. They must of hit it with a heavy treatment due to complaints.

I would look for a RO that used brass connections instead of the sharkbite style plastic push connectors that are prone to fail and get brittle. Or install it where if it leaks or pops a line it won't destroy your house.
 

mjc

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When I found out those thing waste 4 gallons to make 1 gallon I got rid of mine. Now I just drink what comes out of the faucet of refer with 1 little filter.
 

havasujeeper

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Last year, i borrowed a neighbor's water quality tester. Bottled water got me 50 PPM of particulates. My R/O system also got me 50 PPM. My fridge water with a new filter got me 500 PPM, and for fun, I tested the pool, and got 850 PPM. I gave the pool an acid wash and changed out the water in it.
 

SixD9R

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I have had this one or a very similar model for about 5 years now and very happy with it.

The company is based in Cali and you can get on the phone or email very easily with a technical assistant who will answer any questions you may have.

 

Ziggy

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I've used these units for about 10 years, been happy with them and water tested after the unit has always been good. Filters and a push button quick connect which makes changing them a breeze.
I have that one in my Cali house, at least as long as you(Costco purchase). Super easy to change filters. I'm on at least my 3rd tank and 3 or 4 check valves.
 

dave29

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Had mine leak a number of times. It was so unreliable that we would shut off the water supply when we left town for a night or two. Finally had enough and just shut off the water supply for good.
 

Sherpa

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I bought a costco kit once. when I read the unit took 50% water wasted to make 1 gallon of purified I said nope. not gonna be installed.
 

pronstar

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Yes, don’t fuck around. Just buy spectrapure and be done with it.

I’ve built, owned and maintained many RO systems for decades. I finally bought a spectrapure about 4 years ago for the garage and very shortly thereafter replaced the kitchen one.


The only exception is I’d use the BRS universal carbon block for your first stage after mechanical filter unless you are 100% sure that your supply water is free from chloramines year round and never buys chloramine treated water from another municipality.



I just bought all of this 👍
There was a thread from 2011 and someone worked in water and posted the same reco
 

MPHSystems

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Last year, i borrowed a neighbor's water quality tester. Bottled water got me 50 PPM of particulates. My R/O system also got me 50 PPM. My fridge water with a new filter got me 500 PPM, and for fun, I tested the pool, and got 850 PPM. I gave the pool an acid wash and changed out the water in it.
At 50PPM, your membrane is pretty much shot. 95% rejection is OK, not good. 97%,98% is good, 99% is great but you are at 91% and it’s time to replace your membrane.
 

Justfishing

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I have had this one or a very similar model for about 5 years now and very happy with it.

The company is based in Cali and you can get on the phone or email very easily with a technical assistant who will answer any questions you may have.

I was going to recommend that one also. Available from lowesfor $210. Replacement filters are inexpensive.

I have the next smaller unit the roes-50. If i did it again i would step up to one that runs 3/8 lines to the dispenser verusus the 1/4 in lines of a smaller unit. I assume that would increase the flow rate out of the dispenser. The lowflow rate is the only complaint i have with mine.
 
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