What Are The Benefits of Reverse Osmosis Equipment Installation in Dallas?

What would we do without fresh water for consumption? The answer is—barely survive. Dallas Water Utilities works hard on providing our city with fresh drinking water and conducting monthly DWU tests backed by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Still, it’s not unusual for homeowners to question what comes from their tap, especially when reading about minerals and other substances in their clean water. Although it is safe to drink, some people choose to get extra purity and install a water filtration product that can perform reverse osmosis in Dallas, TX.

Your plumber in Dallas, TX, has all the details you need to know about the most effective water filtration system, softeners, and more. Are you dealing with skin irritation caused by hard water or looking for affordable filtration options that will improve your drinking water flavor? Your team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Dallas is happy to answer any questions that you may have and inspect your plumbing system to help you make the right choice for a safer and healthier living environment.

Our uniformed experts are licensed and insured, bringing many years of experience in helping Dallas residents maintain their plumbing systems. We are proud to have all the information you need to know about water quality, water filters, and water purification systems that utilize reverse osmosis in Dallas, TX.

Dallas Reverse Osmosis Explained:

Before we reverse the whole process, it may be helpful to understand what exactly osmosis is. In essence, it's a process where highly-concentrated water molecules move through a cell's semi-permeable membrane to access lowly concentrated molecules. This describes the process of passive diffusion—passive because the molecules rely on the laws of thermodynamics to drive them. The only laws of thermodynamics that are of interest to us here are that energy cannot be created or eliminated but only transferred from one form to another.

As the highly concentrated molecules strike through a semi-permeable membrane to access a lowly concentrated solution, that lowly concentrated solution will also pass through the membrane, however, with fewer collisions. Eventually, this creates an equal concentration level on both sides.

For example, if a plant’s cell has highly concentrated molecules, the water that passes through the cell by osmosis will make the plant grow firm. On the other hand, if the plant’s cell contains lowly-concentrated molecules, fluid will leave the cell by osmosis and weaken the plant. It’s a sign of imbalance. If the cell’s surrounding solution has the same concentrated solution as the cell itself, it will create a stable balance for it to thrive.

So, What Will A Dallas Reverse Osmosis System Do?

This type of equipment is designed to remove particles and contaminants from the liquids that pass through it. Reverse osmosis (also known as RO) is a water purification method during which a "semi-permeable membrane"⁠—a two-sided barrier—allows molecules and ions to pass on one side while blocking the passage of contaminants on the other side. Thus, we call it reverse osmosis; we are using external pressure to reverse the natural flow that ensures we're effectively separating major contaminants from our pristine water.

Pressure helps the unit separate unwanted ions and particles. For instance, when we turn on the faucet, we know it is the pressure that drives the water through the spout. Therefore, Dallas reverse osmosis water is obtained through a pressure-operated system that activates the purification process.

4 Stages of Reverse Osmosis

Dallas, TX homeowners who understand the four essential stages of a reverse osmosis water filtration system will be able to make the right choice about whether or not they need or want this equipment. Overall, it’s similar to our city’s cleansing process at the treatment plants, but it doesn’t involve any kind of chemical treatment.

1. Sediment Filter: Sediment filters eliminate larger contaminants like dirt or rust right at the beginning before they gain further access to the unit.
2. Carbon Pre-Filter: The carbon filtration stage helps with chlorine removal and removes many other harmful contaminants.
3. Main Membrane: Certain solids and contaminants are smaller and harder to remove but not for this membrane. The RO membrane is responsible for a full purification or desalination process. Consider this the main stage for removing remaining harmful contaminants that would otherwise be too stubborn.
4. Carbon Polish Filter: This final cleanse removes any leftover impurities that the system may have missed during the previous stages.

It’s incredible that all we have to do is turn on our faucet for clean drinking water. You might wonder where all the filtered impurities go during reverse osmosis. Dallas, TX homeowners can rest easy knowing that impurities are flushed down the drain line. For this convenience, many Dallas residents have switched to reverse osmosis as the go-to water filtration system.

Advantages of Dallas Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration

There are many benefits that come with reverse osmosis, such as removing that funny taste from what you're drinking. If you find yourself buying bottled water every week, you might as well install a Dallas reverse osmosis water filter because they provide more convenient access to that same high-quality pure water. It's a water filtration system that helps Dallas homeowners stay safe and healthy, especially if someone in your family reacts sensitively to high mineral content. The main reasons why people opt for RO are these advantages:

• High-quality filtration
• Removes any foul taste from your water
• Removes chemical contaminants and impurities
• Removes unpleasant chlorine odors
• Cost-effective and energy-efficient
• High-end desalination technology
• Easy to maintain
• Compatible with softening systems

Disadvantages of Reverse Osmosis

Dallas, TX residents who are on the fence about reverse osmosis, might be worried about existing downsides. There are certainly some to consider. You are ultimately the one who decides whether the pros outweigh the cons, but some of the disadvantages include:

• Can’t remove organic chemicals like pesticides and solvents
• Can’t remove dissolved gasses like radon and trihalomethanes
• Wastes liquid during the purification process (for each gallon produced, two to 20 gallons go to waste). This means you will utilize more gallons per day than before.
• It can be expensive (when combining the unit price and your energy bill)
• Reverse osmosis membranes will decay over time and must be replaced
• Hard water is tough on semi-permeable membranes, and you might need a softener to support
• It might not filter microorganisms
• Tank-based reverse osmosis units need to be flushed and cleaned to avoid bacteria growth.

Water Softener Vs. Reverse Osmosis in Dallas, TX

They both serve different purposes and are yet commonly used throughout Texas. Softeners are designed to reduce hardness with sodium content, whereas reverse osmosis is a filtration system that purifies water, so it's safe to consume. Softened water is also safe to drink in many cases because it has lowered calcium carbonate and magnesium content. But it's important to keep in mind that softening as a treatment does not mean it has undergone any filtration processes. In fact, it's an ion exchange that replaces hard minerals with sodium or potassium. If someone in your family has high blood pressure problems, softeners may not be the right choice for you despite the lowered mineral content.

That said, you can combine both systems to make it more functional for everyone at home. Softeners help protect your Dallas reverse osmosis unit because the lower the mineral content, the longer it will last. Also, keep in mind that your pipes and overall plumbing system will benefit from it, helping you manage your needs for future Dallas drain cleaning and other services.

Pro Tip: Softener systems have advanced in recent years, now offering pre-filters that intend to remove impurities like sediments or undissolved particles. They also remove chemicals like chlorine and hydrogen sulfide. There are two types of pre-filters: carbon and sediment.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dallas Reverse Osmosis

Dallas, TX residents who are still on the fence regarding reverse osmosis can get answers to all their questions from our team. After weighing out some pros and cons, let’s get down to the commonly asked questions. We’re ready to meet your needs with excerpt information—and convenient services.

Is It Hard To Maintain Equipment That Uses Reverse Osmosis In Dallas, TX?

Not at all. But there are different types of reverse osmosis equipment with either three to five stages of filtration. Often, the carbon filter needs replacement every six months, depending on the manufacturer. The more high-end types require a filter replacement once a year. Also, because Dallas uses a high level of chlorine and chloramines for disinfection purposes, it can be damaging to your membrane over time. Many plumbers recommend monitoring it closely and exchanging it at least once every two years in Dallas. You should also sanitize the storage tanks and pipes periodically.

What Exact Contaminants Does It Remove?

It removes bacteria, viruses, chloride, sodium, chromium, and lead and may reduce the amount of fluoride, arsenic, radium, sulfate, calcium, magnesium, radium, potassium, nitrate, and phosphorus.

How Much Does A Dallas Reverse Osmosis System Cost?

Price differences are huge and vary due to all the new types that are available in the market. You can even subscribe monthly to a service these days if you want! Since we also offer different types that serve different purposes, we highly encourage you to call us and tell us your specific needs. This way, we can better match you with the right type and quote you a price accordingly. We’re also happy to help you maintain it and change filters or membranes whenever you need that service.

Is It True That Reverse Osmosis Can Cause Hypertension and Other Health Problems?

There have been controversies and studies about the disadvantages of removing most minerals, salts, and other nutrients from our drinks. Reverse osmosis water is so clean and pure has, in fact, been disadvantageous to some people, even according to the World Health Organization. The truth is our bodies require calcium and magnesium to function and maintain strong bones. Before reverse osmosis, we used to drink tap water or used regular pitcher filters that merely reduced the heavy mineral content, but Dallas reverse osmosis entails many additional cleansing steps to enhance the taste.

Serious side effects have occurred in some people after switching to reverse osmosis, and it may have an effect on certain conditions, such as cardiovascular disorders, osteoporosis, muscle disorders, and fatigue. If you find yourself on edge about Dallas reverse osmosis installation, your plumber will help you make an appropriate decision that meets your needs—and help ensure the installation process goes smoothly.

Why Does RO Waste So Much Fluid?

Unfortunately, that's the nature of cleansing and filtration systems. They require fluid to work and clean. During that stage, they create liquid waste, which a flow restrictor will flush away. It practically has similar functions to a toilet, where it requires over one gallon to flush. The flow restrictor works in combination with the semi-permeable membrane, using pressure and fluid to remove that waste.

Do You Need Dallas Reverse Osmosis in Your Household? Ask Your Local Plumber for Advice!

The team of expert plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Dallas will meet your needs for reverse osmosis system service! As your locally owned plumbing company, we proudly provide safe, hassle-free services to Dallas residents. Whether you need information on the process of installation for Dallas reverse osmosis systems, help with another water issue or just Dallas plumbing repair services, we have the tools and expertise to meet your needs. We proudly serve Dallas and many surrounding areas, including Plano, Garland, and Irving.

If you need a convenient appointment or immediate assistance, call to speak with our dedicated customer team. We're here to help with everything from filtration services to routine plumbing diagnosis and inspection in Dallas, TX.