Clean, great-tasting water shouldn’t be a luxury. If your tap water has a “pool” smell, a metallic aftertaste, or visible sediment, you’re probably not imagining it. Tap water can carry dissolved minerals, chlorine, and other contaminants that affect taste and clarity.
Thankfully, these issues can be addressed through the use of reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration systems. Installing and maintaining one of these systems will give you access to crisp, clean water right at home.
This guide explains, in plain language, what reverse osmosis is, how it works step by step, what it removes, and how to choose and care for a system. If you decide an RO system is right for you, Arnold & Sons Plumbing can design, install, and maintain it so you enjoy worry-free water year-round.
Quick Answer: What Is Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse osmosis is a water purification process that uses household water pressure to push water through a semipermeable membrane. That membrane allows water molecules to pass while dramatically reducing dissolved salts, heavy metals, and many other impurities. The purified water is called permeate. The concentrated wastewater carrying the rejected contaminants is sometimes called brine or concentrate.
Homeowners trust RO because it delivers consistent, bottled-water quality without the cost and plastic waste of bottled water.
Osmosis vs. Reverse Osmosis
In nature, osmosis is the movement of water across a membrane from a low concentration of dissolved solids to a higher concentration, seeking balance. Reverse osmosis applies pressure in the opposite direction, overcoming that natural tendency so water flows from the “impure” side through the membrane to the “pure” side, leaving most dissolved substances behind. That’s the whole idea, just done inside a compact appliance.
How Reverse Osmosis Works at Home: Step by Step
A typical under-sink RO system purifies water through a series of focused stages. Each stage does a specific job, so the membrane can do its best work and your water tastes clean.
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Prefiltration:
Incoming water passes through a sediment filter to catch rust, sand, and silt, then through an activated carbon filter to reduce chlorine and certain chemicals that can damage the membrane or affect taste.
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Pressure and the RO Membrane:
Household water pressure (or a small booster pump on some systems) pushes water against the RO membrane. The membrane’s incredibly fine structure allows water molecules to pass while rejecting most dissolved solids.
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Storage and On-Demand Delivery:
Purified water collects in a storage tank, providing you with a steady supply. Tankless systems achieve similar flow using pumps and sensors rather than a tank.
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Final Polishing and Dedicated Faucet:
Before the water reaches your glass, it goes through a final post-filter to polish taste and clarity.
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Waste Stream Management:
A small amount of water carries away the concentrated contaminants. This keeps the membrane clean and effective.
Every stage is there for a reason: protect the membrane, purify thoroughly, and deliver great-tasting water when you open the tap.
What Reverse Osmosis Removes
Reverse osmosis targets a broad spectrum of dissolved and particulate contaminants. Actual performance depends on your water chemistry and the filters used, but homeowners choose RO because it can substantially reduce:
- Dissolved salts and minerals (sodium, calcium, magnesium) that cause off-tastes and scale
- Heavy metals such as lead and arsenic
- Certain industrial chemicals and agricultural byproducts (for example, some nitrates and pesticides)
- Taste and odor compounds like chlorine
- Many microorganisms (with appropriate prefiltration and maintenance)
No single system removes everything. However, RO is one of the most comprehensive point-of-use options available for everyday drinking and cooking.
System Types: Which One Fits Your Home?
Choosing the right configuration is as important as choosing RO itself. Here’s how the main options differ (and where each shines).
Under-Sink RO
Lives in the cabinet under the sink, uses a small storage tank, and feeds a dedicated faucet. Ideal for most families who want a steady supply of clean water for drinking, ice, coffee, and cooking without changing how the rest of the home’s plumbing works.
Tankless RO
Uses a high-efficiency pump and sensing to provide fast flow without a storage tank. Great when cabinet space is tight or you want higher flow for quickly filling pots and bottles.
Countertop RO
Sits on the counter and connects to the faucet or has a built-in reservoir. Best for renters or dorms. They require very little setup and are easy to move.
Whole-House RO
Treats all water entering the home. Appropriate when the source water has extreme salinity or contaminants that make point-of-use RO insufficient. This route requires careful design, pre-treatment, and maintenance.
Arnold & Sons can test your water, talk through your usage, and recommend the configuration that hits the sweet spot for performance, cost, and convenience.
Efficiency, Flow, and Taste: What to Expect
RO systems trade pressure for purity. Here are a few practical notes to help set expectations and optimize results:
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Water-to-Waste Ratio:
Older RO systems may send several gallons of concentrate down the drain for every gallon of purified water. Newer designs, permeate pumps, and tankless units boast a significantly better water-to-waste ratio. If efficiency matters to you, ask about high-recovery options.
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Flow Rate:
Storage tanks even out the flow, so you don’t wait on the membrane. Tankless systems use pumps to maintain strong, consistent delivery. When sized correctly, either approach can keep up with normal daily needs.
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Taste and Mineral Content:
RO water is very low in dissolved minerals, which many people perceive as clean and refreshing. If you prefer a “spring water” taste, adding a remineralization cartridge can restore a hint of calcium and magnesium for mouthfeel and pH balance.
Benefits vs. Limitations (So You Can Decide Confidently)
Benefits you’ll notice quickly:
- Taste you’ll actually enjoy, which encourages better daily hydration
- Clarity for beverages and ice
- Convenience and savings vs. buying and hauling bottled water
- Less plastic waste and less kitchen clutter from jugs and dispensers
Real-world limitations to factor in:
- A portion of water becomes concentrate during purification
- Low mineral content changes taste for some palates; remineralization is optional
- Filters and membranes are consumables and must be replaced on schedule
When sized and maintained correctly, the benefits win the day for most households looking for dependable, great-tasting water.
Reverse Osmosis FAQ
Does reverse osmosis remove fluoride and chlorine?
Most residential RO systems, with proper carbon prefiltration, can significantly reduce both fluoride and chlorine.
Is RO water “too pure” or unhealthy?
RO reduces dissolved minerals, but a balanced diet provides essential minerals. If you prefer a mineralized taste, a simple remineralization cartridge is an easy add-on.
Will an RO system slow my kitchen faucet?
Your regular faucet won’t change. RO water is delivered through a dedicated drinking-water faucet (or integrated fixture). Properly sized systems provide steady flow for daily needs.
How much space do I need?
Under-sink systems typically fit beside a disposal and cleaning supplies. Tankless units free up cabinet space by eliminating the storage tank.
What about well water?
RO works on many wells, but pre-treatment (for hardness, iron, or microbes) may be required to protect the membrane and achieve the results you want. We’ll test and design accordingly.
Why Homeowners Choose Arnold & Sons for Reverse Osmosis Systems
We’ve built our reputation in the Peoria area on trust, reliability, and doing the job right the first time. When you invite us into your home, you get:
- 24-hour scheduling to fit your routine
- Background-checked, courteous technicians
- Clear recommendations and transparent pricing
- Special offers on our homepage to make upgrades more affordable
- A team that lives our core values: Appreciation, Responsibility, Nurture, Optimism, Leadership, and Dedication
From testing your water to selecting the right system, from installation to filter changes, we make it easy to enjoy better water every day.
Learn more about water treatment at Arnold & Sons.
Ready for Cleaner, Better-Tasting Water?
Schedule a quick visit with Arnold & Sons Plumbing. We’ll test your water, walk you through smart options, and install a reverse osmosis system that fits your home and budget. You’ll taste the difference with the very first glass.
