All well-designed systems use the same RO Replacement filters. When it comes to filtration is all about taking the contaminates out of your water — leaving behind clean potable water that has a great taste.
They come in several configurations numbering from three stages all the way to six or seven stages. The four to five-stage systems being the most common. Each step of the filtration process utilizes a unique filtration cartridge that represents a stage. When water moves through each stage, it gets cleaner from stage to stage. Starting with the biggest particles and ending with the smallest ones.
The first RO Replacement filter – The Sediment filter
This sediment filter cartridge is the one that starts the process. Its function consists of eliminating the biggest nonsoluble particles from your home’s water. As water travels from its source, it is very common for it to pick up debris and small contaminants that reside inside the pipes that deliver the water to your home. Our sediment replacement filters capture particles throughout their entire body. They gradually get a tighter weave towards the center, allowing the particles to penetrate the surrounding material.
The Second and Third RO Replacement Filter – The Carbon Block filter
Once the sediment filter removed the biggest particles out of the water, it moves to the second and third stages. Comprised of activated carbon. Chlorine and Chloromine are two of the most common chemicals to treat water. The issue is that said chemicals, while keeping water safe for drinking, also add a terrible taste, therefore the use of activated carbon blocks to help absorbs these chemicals effectively. They leave behind good tasting water.
The Forth Stage – The Membrane
This element is at the heart of any reverse osmosis system. The way it works is by utilizing water pressure. Water pressure pushes into the membrane only allowing the water molecules through. Leaving behind and washing away all the other contaminants that could not make it through. Reverse Osmosis filtration is so effective, that it captures even germs in the process, washing them away. In conclusion, RO water is so clean, it is good for baby formula.
The Fifth Stage – The Granulated Active Carbon
They are primarily designed to condition water after it leaves the storage tank. The last stage before the water moves to your RO systems faucet, capturing the last of the lingering bad taste that might still be left behind. In other words, the water that reaches your RO faucet is as clean and pure as and has the best quality as any other commercial purified water.
In addition to the filters that we wrote about, there is a variety of other types that help filter specific contaminants or help balance water ph balance. We will be diving into these specialized filter components in our next article.
