Every drop of water in your home passes through miles of pipes, picking up contaminants before reaching your glass, shower, or washing machine. A whole house reverse osmosis system transforms this reality, providing crystal-clear, purified water from every tap in your Spokane home.

Unlike standard filtration that merely reduces impurities, whole house reverse osmosis creates a comprehensive barrier against virtually all water contaminants. Let’s explore how this advanced technology works, what it costs, and whether it’s the right investment for your family’s health and home.

Whole House RO Basics

A whole house reverse osmosis system filters all water entering your home by forcing it through a semi-permeable membrane that removes contaminants at the molecular level. Unlike standard filters, RO systems remove dissolved solids, heavy metals, and microscopic contaminants that affect water quality.

These systems remove a significant portion of contaminants including PFAS, arsenic, nitrates, and chlorine. While under-sink units only purify water at a single tap, whole house reverse osmosis systems treat every drop flowing through your showers, appliances, and faucets.

The main components include:

• Pre-filters: Remove larger particles to protect the membrane
• RO membrane: The heart of the system that removes contaminants
• Storage tank: Holds purified water ready for use
• Post-treatment filters: Optional components for remineralization

Spokane Water Profile

Spokane’s water comes primarily from the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer. While our municipal water meets safety standards, many homeowners with private wells face different challenges. Some opt for smaller residential water filtration systems, but these may not address every contaminant.

Common concerns in the Spokane area include hard water minerals, chlorine from municipal treatment, and in some areas, traces of industrial contaminants. These are among the common water issues that can affect water quality throughout your home. For Spokane families, whole house reverse osmosis systems address these specific regional water issues while providing peace of mind.

Many of our customers report noticeable improvements in water taste and clarity after installation. Those with sensitive skin often experience relief from chlorine-related irritation when showering in RO-filtered water. For even more targeted contaminant removal, specialty water filters can be added to tailor a system for your home.

Pros and Cons of Whole House Reverse Osmosis

Whole house RO systems offer comprehensive filtration that removes virtually all contaminants, resulting in better-tasting water and potential health benefits of clean water. Your appliances may last longer without mineral buildup, and you’ll likely spend less on bottled water and cleaning products.

However, these systems do generate wastewater during the filtration process, which can increase overall water usage. The initial investment is substantial compared to basic filtration methods.

System complexity also means more components that require regular maintenance.

Additional Maintenance Needs

RO membranes need periodic replacement, and pre-filters also require regular changing to maintain performance. Professional servicing ensures optimal performance and extends system life.

We recommend scheduling annual maintenance checks to verify pressure levels and filtration efficiency. Our technicians can quickly identify potential issues before they become costly problems.

Impact on Water Pressure

A whole house reverse osmosis system can reduce water pressure if not properly sized for your home’s needs. Larger households with multiple bathrooms may experience pressure drops during peak usage times.

Booster pumps can resolve this issue by maintaining consistent pressure throughout your home. This is especially important for two-story houses or properties with extensive plumbing.

Cost Factors and ROI

A whole house RO system represents a significant investment, with equipment costs varying based on capacity and features. Installation often requires plumbing modifications to accommodate the system near your main water line.

Ongoing expenses include:

• Increased water usage: Due to wastewater production
• Replacement parts: Membranes and filters
• Minimal electricity: For pumps and monitoring systems

The return on investment comes from eliminating bottled water purchases, extending appliance lifespans, and potentially increasing your home’s value.

Upfront Investment Range

In the Spokane area, whole house reverse osmosis systems represent a significant investment, with final costs varying based on home size and system capacity. Homes with particularly hard water may require additional pre-treatment systems like water softeners. Learn more about the benefits of a Kinetico water softener for lasting protection.

These add-ons protect the RO membrane from premature fouling and extend the life of your investment. We can help determine if your water conditions warrant these additional components.

Long-Term Value

When evaluating long-term value, consider both tangible savings and quality-of-life improvements over a 5-10 year period. Beyond measurable cost savings, many homeowners value the peace of mind that comes with knowing their water is consistently pure.

For families with young children or members with health concerns, this intangible benefit often outweighs the financial considerations. Clean, safe water from every tap becomes a daily luxury you’ll wonder how you lived without.

Key Considerations Before Installing

Your household size and water usage patterns significantly impact the system size you’ll need. A household should choose a system that effectively meets its daily water requirements.

Your existing plumbing infrastructure must accommodate the system, with sufficient space near your main water line. Spokane homeowners should check local regulations regarding water system installations.

Selecting the Right System Size

Undersized systems struggle to meet demand, leading to periods without filtered water as the storage tank refills. We recommend choosing a system that exceeds your daily usage estimate to comfortably handle peak demands.

Professional assessment ensures you select a system that balances performance with efficiency. Our experts consider factors like:

• Number of bathrooms
• Household size
• Peak usage patterns
• Future needs

Adding Remineralization

RO filtration removes beneficial minerals along with contaminants, potentially affecting water taste and leaving it slightly acidic. Remineralization stages add back calcium and magnesium to improve taste and reduce potential corrosion in pipes.

This additional step is particularly important for homes with copper plumbing to prevent long-term pipe degradation. Many homeowners prefer the taste of remineralized water over the flat taste that pure RO water sometimes has.

Next Steps for Spokane Homeowners

Whole house reverse osmosis offers comprehensive water purification with significant benefits for taste, appliance longevity, and potential health considerations. While the investment is substantial, many Spokane homeowners find the improved water quality worth the cost.

Before making a decision, we recommend scheduling an in-home water quality assessment to identify your specific needs. Our team at Comfort Heating, Cooling, Electrical & Plumbing can help you navigate the options and find the right solution for your home and budget. Discover why purchase a Kinetico home water filtration system to see how advanced technology can elevate your water quality.

With proper sizing and professional installation, a whole house reverse osmosis system can provide years of trouble-free service and pure water throughout your home. Book a service appointment today for personalized recommendations and expert installation from our trusted local technicians.