How to Maintain a Reverse Osmosis System

Utah RO system repair and maintenance

A reverse osmosis system can provide you with a convenient supply of clean, great-tasting drinking water. And with proper maintenance, the system can easily last ten to twenty years.

But what does it take to maintain a reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration system?

The amount of maintenance required depends upon the type of system you install, where your water comes from and how much your household uses. That said, maintaining a reverse osmosis system typically involves periodic filter changes.

Filter Changes

Most reverse osmosis water filtration systems have multiple filters, and manufacturers provide recommendations on how often to change the cartridges.

Usually, replacement filters are necessary every 9 to 12 months. However, if you get your water from a well, you may need more frequent changes due to the sediment and dissolved solids well water contains. Your RO water filtration system will also require new cartridges more often if you have a large household or above-average consumption.

Make Maintenance Easier

One of the best ways to ensure easy maintenance is to pair your reverse osmosis system with a water softener. The minerals in hard water put a strain on the filters, which reduces their lifespan. A softener removes these minerals before they reach the filters. And, the RO system removes the sodium added to the water by the softener.

Another way to make maintenance easier is to choose a Kinetico water filtration system. Our unique design allows you to change the filters with a simple twist, and you’ll know when a change is necessary thanks to our MACguard® Filter and PureMometer® Filter Life indicator.

Or, if you prefer, you can simply rely on Kinetico Utah for your RO water filtration system maintenance. Our professional team can take care of the necessary filter changes, and we’ll also check your water quality to ensure the system is working properly.

For more information on our home water filtration systems and water softeners, or to schedule a free consultation to discuss reverse osmosis system installation with the experts at Kinetico Utah, contact our Draper office today.

Soft Water or RO: What’s Best for Your Houseplants?

RO systems vs water softeners

The benefits of soft water are undeniable. After installing a softener, you can look forward to having healthier skin, getting suds with much less soap, extending the lifespan of your appliances and saving money on your monthly energy bills.

But how will the softened water affect your houseplants? Is it safe for them to drink?

Yes, but as any gardener knows, certain varieties can be extra sensitive. Here’s what you need to consider if you’re planning on installing a softening system.

Softeners Don’t Add Salt to Your Water

Most softening systems use salt. However, that doesn’t mean they provide you with salty water to use.

Salt contains sodium. And the salt you add to the softener tank gets broken down for its sodium – the element has a positive charge, so it attracts and removes the negatively charged calcium and magnesium molecules responsible for your household’s hard water.

As only a trace amount of sodium remains in soft water, you can safely use what flows from your taps for watering your houseplants. Chances are, you won’t notice any ill effects.

Keeping Your Houseplants Happy

The tiny amount of sodium in soft water can gradually build up in potting soil, and that may cause sensitive plant varieties to suffer stunted growth.

If you’re concerned about soft water being too hard on your houseplants, opt for an alternate solution:

  • Collect rainwater or melt snow and use it for watering
  • Purchase distilled, purified or spring water for your plants
  • Use potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride pellets in your softener tank

You can also give your houseplants water from a reverse osmosis system – and installing one along with a softener can be a smart investment.

Invest in a Reverse Osmosis System

The reverse osmosis process greatly reduces the contaminants in your household water. The result is a supply that’s nearly pure – and that allows you to easily control the pH level and create balanced nutrient solutions for plants in need of special care.

Plus, with a reverse osmosis system, you’ll have an in-house supply of great-tasting drinking water. No more buying bottled water at the grocery store brings big savings, and system maintenance is a breeze.

If you install both a softener and a reverse osmosis system, you’ll enjoy the benefits of soft water and have purified drinking water that’s safe for both your family and your houseplants. Furthermore, because a softening system eliminates the calcium and magnesium molecules from your household supply, it will significantly extend the already long lifespan of your reverse osmosis unit.

To learn more about softeners and reverse osmosis systems, turn to the professional team at Kinetico Utah.

An industry leader in Salt Lake City and throughout northern Utah, Kinetico has been providing innovative, efficient and effective water treatment solutions for decades. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to homeowners, and our specialists are ready to explain your options, answer your questions and offer expert advice.

For more information on our products or the many benefits of having soft water and purified drinking water in your home, contact Kinetico Utah today.

Water Softening Systems & Warranties: What You Need to Know

Utah water softening systems

So, you’re thinking of investing in a water softener. As you research your options for water softening systems, warranty coverage is one of the many important details to consider.

The warranties offered by the various water softener manufacturers are not all alike. You need to make sure the product you choose comes with sufficient coverage – you don’t want the warranty to fall short if your softening system experiences a problem.

To make the task of comparing warranties for water softening systems a little easier, the following guide explains the essentials.

Standard Warranties for Water Softeners

Though many manufacturers stand behind their water softeners, most have a limited warranty window of one year on parts – and only on certain parts. Exclusions are common, and the components that are more likely to break down may not be covered. And keep in mind, warranties typically do not include labor charges for repairs.

Some manufacturers, including Kinetico, offer extended warranty coverage for the softener tanks. This is a definite benefit, but these components are usually not the cause of softening system problems.

Water Softener Warranty Requirements

In many cases, manufacturers have specific guidelines on water softener installation. For the warranty to be valid, the softening system must be installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Generally, this means that the softener must be appropriate for the household water conditions and that the installation must meet all applicable local codes. And to maintain the validity of the warranty, any servicing of the softening system needs to be completed as the manufacturer directs.

Why Kinetico Warranties are Stronger than Others

Kinetico offers impressive warranty coverage on our water softening systems – we’re proud of the fact that our warranties are among the best in the industry.

Our coverage is better than what you’ll find with our competitors. Our Premier Series™ water softeners, for example, come with a 10-year warranty on all parts. That includes the ion exchange resin, the filtration media, the bypass valves and prefilter assemblies, assuming normal maintenance requirements are met.

In addition, if you decide to move, you can transfer the warranty to the new homeowner. Or, you can have the softening system moved to your new residence and the coverage will continue. Plus, with Kinetico, you can look forward to having a warranty with no fine print. We keep our warranties clear and easy to read – you can tell at a glance exactly what’s covered.

Do you have questions? Or are you interested in learning more about what Kinetico water softeners have to offer? For details on our warranties for water softening systems, or to schedule a free consultation and estimate, contact our Draper, Utah, office today.

https://www.kinetico.com/media/1576/15206_warranty_limited_kinetico_premier_series_022013.pdf