Choosing the Best Reverse Osmosis System for Home

August 27, 2025
By Quality Water Northwest

Clean, pure water is something every Spokane homeowner deserves, yet many don’t realize what’s actually flowing from their taps. Your drinking water might contain chlorine, lead, arsenic, and dozens of other contaminants that affect both taste and health.

A reverse osmosis system for home use offers a powerful solution, removing the majority of these unwanted substances with technology once reserved for bottled water companies. Let’s explore how these remarkable systems work and find the perfect option for your Spokane home.

Importance of Clean Water in Spokane

Spokane’s water supply can contain minerals, chlorine, and occasional contaminants that affect taste and health. A reverse osmosis system for home use removes these impurities, providing cleaner, better-tasting water directly from your faucet.

Our Spokane customers often report immediate improvements in water clarity and taste after installation. These systems are particularly valuable for families with young children or health concerns.

What Is Reverse Osmosis?

Reverse osmosis is a water purification process that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove contaminants from drinking water. The technology works by applying pressure to push water through this special membrane, blocking particles larger than water molecules.

This filtration method effectively removes up to 99% of dissolved salts, particles, bacteria, and chemicals from ordinary tap water. The result is exceptionally pure water that’s free from most common contaminants.

7 Key Factors for Choosing a Reverse Osmosis System

Factor 1: Contaminant Removal Efficiency

Look for systems that specifically address Spokane’s water challenges, including PFAS and heavy metals. The best reverse osmosis system for home installation effectively reduces contaminants.

  • Removal rates matter: Systems with multiple filtration stages typically perform better than basic models
  • Consider specific contaminants: Some systems excel at removing certain pollutants but perform poorly on others

Factor 2: Water Efficiency

Traditional RO systems can waste a significant amount of water during the filtration process. Newer, high-efficiency models greatly reduce water waste, saving significant amounts over time.

Factor 3: Filter Maintenance

Many RO systems need periodic filter changes to maintain optimal performance. and periodic membrane replacement as recommended by the manufacturer. Consider systems with filter change indicators to simplify maintenance.

Factor 4: Certifications

Quality systems carry NSF/ANSI 58 certification for reverse osmosis performance. This independent verification ensures the system performs as advertised and meets safety standards.

Factor 5: Installation Space

Under-sink systems require a moderate amount of cabinet space. Whole-house systems need dedicated utility space and proper plumbing connections.

Factor 6: Budget

Quality under-sink RO systems can involve an initial investment, plus installation costs. While initially more expensive than basic filtration, they provide superior contaminant removal.

Factor 7: Spokane-Specific Water Concerns

Spokane’s seasonal water quality fluctuations can affect system performance. Spring runoff may introduce more sediment, while summer can concentrate certain minerals.

Comparison of Common System Types

Type 1: Under-Sink Models

These systems install beneath your kitchen sink and connect to a dedicated faucet. They’re our most recommended reverse osmosis system for home use in Spokane because they provide targeted filtration where you need it most.

Under-sink systems balance excellent filtration with reasonable cost and maintenance requirements. Most Spokane families find these systems meet their needs perfectly.

  • Space requirements: Needs approximately 15″ x 15″ cabinet space
  • Installation complexity: Moderate, typically requires basic plumbing skills
  • Typical cost range: $300-$600 plus installation

Type 2: Countertop Models

Countertop units require no permanent installation and connect directly to your existing faucet. They’re ideal for renters or those who can’t modify plumbing.

These systems offer good filtration but may have lower capacity and take up valuable counter space. They’re a good starting point if you’re unsure about committing to a permanent system.

Type 3: Whole-House Systems

Whole-house RO systems filter water throughout your entire home. They require professional installation and more significant investment but provide comprehensive protection.

For Spokane homes with serious water quality concerns, these systems offer peace of mind at every tap. They’re particularly valuable for homes with older plumbing.

Maintenance and Care Tips

Tip 1: Replace Membranes on Schedule

Follow manufacturer guidelines for membrane replacement as recommended. Ignoring this maintenance leads to reduced efficiency and potential system failure.

Tip 2: Monitor Filter Changes

Watch for decreased water flow, unusual taste, or odor as signs that filters need changing. Pre-filters generally need replacing as indicated by reduced water flow or manufacturer advice.

Tip 3: Check for Seasonal Issues

Spokane’s cold winters can affect RO systems installed in unheated areas. Ensure your reverse osmosis system for home use is protected from freezing temperatures.

  • Winter protection: Keep systems in heated spaces or add insulation
  • Summer considerations: Higher water temperatures may reduce membrane efficiency
  • Spring runoff: May require more frequent pre-filter changes due to increased sediment

Extra Peace of Mind for Spokane Homeowners

At Comfort Heating, Cooling, Electrical & Plumbing, we understand Spokane’s unique water challenges. Our technicians can test your water quality on-site to recommend the perfect RO system for your specific needs.

We handle everything from system selection to professional installation and ongoing maintenance. Our local expertise means we can address Spokane-specific concerns that national providers might miss.

Final Thoughts for Healthier Water

A quality reverse osmosis system for home use is an investment in your family’s health and comfort. The right system will provide years of clean, great-tasting water with minimal maintenance.

We’re proud to help Spokane families enjoy better water quality through properly sized and installed RO systems. For personalized recommendations based on your home’s specific needs, schedule a service appointment with our water quality experts today.

Hear From Our Happy Customers

At Quality Water Northwest, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our customers have to say about working with us.

"Beyond 5 star experience!!"

Quality Water Northwest is a beyond 5 star experience!! We have an extensive home water and filtration system and the service we continue to receive from them is excellent. They explain things in detail, they talk to your level of knowledge, they are patient, and they are great at what they do! On top of all that they are wonderful people to deal with, Jason and Matt in the field, and Connie in house ~ all are quality individuals and employees that represent the company very well. They are quick to respond when a need arises and are very solutions oriented in order to make the best decisions on behalf of the customer. Customer focused, water system experts!! Highly recommend!
- Nancy

"I highly recommend them."

Our lake house ran lake water throughout the house. When we decided to upgrade to a fresh water system we did our research and chose Quality Water Northwest for a filtered water system. As a business owner, I am always watching for excellent customer service and expectations met. Quality Water Northwest gets my 5 stars. Everything they installed was done right. Their staff was very responsive with questions and small adjustments once we were up and running. I waited to be sure we were happy before writing a review. We've been enjoying "Quality Water" for a year now. I work with so many companies. Few stand out as they do. These folks are on my top shelf. Very refreshing. I highly recommend them.
- Tom

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Many years of ongoing problems with my "other" unit. I called Quality and found INTEGRITY to be the main focus of this OUTSTANDING company. The owner personally arrived, provided an outstanding review of our needs, and a "no nonsense" price. The installer was amazing! and staff are excellent. I can't recommend this outstanding company highly enough!!! Needless to say the Kinetico softener is trouble free and a true blessing over our previous junkola equipment.
- Thomas

"Thank you, Quality Water Northwest!"

I have been using Quality Water Northwest for a number of years. I am impressed with their Customer Service and the detail of what they do. I was having some issues with iron and their system plus my maintenance plan has been a life saver. Thank you Quality Water and I highly recommend you to anyone :)
- Stephen

"Everyone was wonderful and so helpful."

Absolutely wonderful customer service. We discovered Coliform Bacteria in our well water, they were able to come and inspect things, then install a UV light purifier very quickly and at a very reasonable price. I really, really appreciate them! Everyone I met was wonderful and so helpful, especially Shay! Thank you Quality Water Northwest!
- Sara

"Great company!"

Great company! I purchased an iron filter and water softener. Bret met with me on site during construction, and installation went smoothly. I really appreciated how they helped me when I had questions shortly after moving in.
- Mark

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They did a lot of work and did a good job. The serviceman who came and troubleshot problems was incredibly knowledgeable and experienced and a generally great guy. If you live out in the boonies like me I can not recommend them enough.
- David

"Don't hesitate to choose Quality Water Northwest"

We had a Kinetico softener and reverse osmosis drinking water system installed in 2012. We have been extremely pleased with the system as well as the customer service provided by Quality Water Northwest. The entire system, installed with some planning into our 1960’s built home, was well worth the investment. The drinking water is delicious and the RO system has worked flawlessly. A bonus is that appliances requiring water never need to be de-scaled or have additional filtration. We also love the softened water. If we should move in the future, we will not hesitate to choose Kinetico products and Quality Water Northwest.
- Carol

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Tech arrived when promised. He was friendly, knowledgeable and discussed several options.
- Terry

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