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what water purification system to plumb into new kitchen???

14 years ago

We are about to install new cabs and sink in our kitchen and I thought this might be the easiest time to install a water purification system. Is there one you would recommend for efficiency and ease of changing filters?

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Comments (8)

asolo
14 years ago
Ease of changing filters is more of an issue of where the unit is placed than anything else. If they're easy to get to, they'll be easy enough to change. Restricted-access locations will be harder.

FWIW, I have two Kinetico RO systems running at two different locations. They were -- and are -- expensive as these things go but they do hold up. Mine have been in service and trouble free (except filter changes) for 18 years. That's not an assumption. I test the output compared with mfg, spec. They're performing now exactly as they did when new. My city water goes through softener first, then RO unit. I'm told RO units last longer with soft water but I'm not a pro. Suspect likely true.
jaansu
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks, that is my thought as well. During the replumbing of the new sink cab, it will be easy to set it up for easy access. Considering the expense of the rest of the kitchen, expense on this won't be a factor.
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We've always just had the company test it that's providing the softener - last one we bought was from a local plumber. Not cheap but we're not do-it-yourselfers and I want someone reputable to call if I have any problems. I have occasionally had an independent well water analysis to check for water safety - not hardness. There's never been any issue other than iron, hardness, etc. In my experience if you have a lot of iron you need a better softener - not a cheap one from the local big box store. ETA: we have always used our softened water for cooking and drinking though I understand it does have some residual sodium from softening - my understanding the harder the water, the more sodium. That is of course unless you use potassium salt instead of regular salt. Our softener at home doesn't soften the cold water in the kitchen - the one at our lake place does. In our previous homes we had high iron content and all the water was softened. In all cases water quality for drinking has been great.
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User
14 years ago
The less that's in the water besides the H and the O the less the RO has to remove and the longer it can go without service.

ROs definitely last longer fed soft water and so does every appliance and fixture in your home along with the plumbing.

Might be a good time to have your water tested.
jaansu
Original Author
14 years ago
Most of the systems I'm finding seem to consist of whole house units. Is there something less sophisticated that could be used strictly for kitchen water?
User
14 years ago
Most ROs are POU installed under the kitchen sink.

Are you asking to soften only the kitchen water and sacrifice the house plumbing, all your fixtures, and all your appliances to early failures?

When you have the results of a water test then we can see what is in the water that needs to be treated (or not) and speak intelligently about recommendations.
jaansu
Original Author
14 years ago
As a PhD chemist with 29 years experience, I think I know a little about reading water analyses. I've seen what my local water company reports and neither my appliances nor my fixtures are in any danger.
User
14 years ago
jaansu,

You do and I do, but others less knowledgeable reading these forums for help don't... and since these forums are for them the courtesy of posting complete information is the usual practice.

You local water company reports are the EPA mandated reports that reflect the conditions of the water at treatment test points and not at your water meter. Water quality can change between the pumping station and the faucet.

The hardness levels reported by your local water company you posted are above those hardness levels that do shorten the life of plumbing, fixtures, and appliances.

http://www.wqa.org/pdf/consumer%20briefs/chardwater.pdf

Have a nice day.
User
14 years ago
Sorry, my mistake, I apologize. I got two threads confused and replied to the wrong one.

You obviously did not post water test results.

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