How Does Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration Compare to Other Methods?
We live and work in Cumming, Georgia, and we know how much people here care about clean water. Every week, homeowners ask if they should install a filtration system. The short answer: yes—especially if you're using tap water for drinking or cooking.
The longer answer depends on what's in our water—and how to remove it. We've studied the tests and reports. We've also installed dozens of Aquasana and SpringWell reverse osmosis systems across North Atlanta homes. So let’s go over our local water issues and explain what reverse osmosis can do to help.
Does Cumming Have Safe Drinking Water?
Cumming gets its water from Lake Lanier. Forsyth County treats that water before it reaches your home. But treatment doesn’t mean it’s clean enough to drink without concern.
The Environmental Working Group found 10 contaminants in our local water supply that exceed their health guidelines. That includes chemicals that form when chlorine reacts with natural material during disinfection. Others, like heavy metals, come from pipes or runoff.
To be concise, we won’t throw around a bunch of lab numbers or chemical names. What matters is this: several of these substances are tied to long-term health risks and are present at levels that are hundreds of times higher than the EWG’s recommended limit. Hundreds! While these don’t make you sick overnight, they can build up in the body over time. That’s why families call us. They want safer water.
For example, one of the more common chemicals we see in test results is chloroform—a byproduct of water disinfection. Another is chromium, which can enter water through old pipes or industrial runoff. The health risks tied to these are real.
When people ask us why the water smells off or leaves white marks on their sink, we know the likely culprits. These aren't just cosmetic issues. They point to the kinds of chemical buildup that a reverse osmosis system helps remove.
What Reverse Osmosis Can Do
Reverse osmosis (RO) uses pressure to push water through a membrane. That membrane blocks harmful substances but lets clean water through. It’s the most complete filtration method you can get at home.
The RO systems we install remove all 10 of the contaminants that exist above safe limits in Forsyth County’s tap water. They also remove others, like chlorine and lead.
Pros of Reverse Osmosis Filtration
Strongest filtration for drinking and cooking
Removes harmful metals and byproducts
Makes water taste and smell clean
Cons of Reverse Osmosis Filtration
Higher upfront cost
Requires filter changes
Wastes some water during the process
Other Water Filter Options and How They Compare
We often get questions about how reverse osmosis compares to other systems. Here's how the most common options stack up:
Carbon Filters
These filters reduce some contaminants, mostly improving taste and smell.
Pros:
Less expensive
Easier upkeep
Cons:
Leaves many contaminants behind
Doesn’t remove all harmful byproducts or metals
Ion Exchange Systems
These soften water and help with buildup in pipes.
Pros:
Reduces hard minerals like calcium
Cons:
Doesn’t catch dangerous byproducts or metals
Not ideal for drinking water purification
Water Distillation
Boils water and captures the steam, leaving solids behind.
Pros:
Kills bacteria and removes some metals
Cons:
Doesn’t remove most chemical contaminants
Uses a lot of energy and is slower than other methods
Reverse Osmosis Is a Solution for the Whole Home
We specialize in whole-house reverse osmosis systems. That means clean water from every faucet—kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, and beyond.
This allows you to shower, cook, and brush your teeth without any worries. A whole-home RO system offers full protection and clean, safe water from every faucet.
When we install these systems, we take care of the plumbing and setup from end to end. You get one system that handles the job everywhere. And the water tastes, smells, and feels better all around your home.
Maintenance and Care for Your Reverse Osmosis System
RO systems need basic care:
Change the pre-filters every 6–12 months
Change the RO membrane every 2–3 years
Replace the post-filter yearly
We’ll show you how to change the filters and even track when they’re due. We also offer professional service plans if you prefer to have us manage the upkeep. Our team can do all of the maintenance, care, and even repairs for your peace of mind.
Common Questions on Reverse Osmosis
Does reverse osmosis remove everything bad?
Answer: No filter catches everything, but RO comes close. It removes more than any other option available to the everyday household.
Does reverse osmosis water taste any different?
Answer: Yes. RO water doesn’t taste like tap water. You’ll notice the difference right away.
Is reverse osmosis better than a fridge filter?
Answer: Yes. Fridge filters improve taste but don’t catch dangerous chemicals.
Is mineral loss a problem for a reverse osmosis system?
Answer: Not really. You get minerals from food, not water. But we can add a mineral cartridge if you want.
Does reverse osmosis waste water?
Answer: Yes, a small amount. That’s part of how the membrane stays clean. Most systems waste 2 to 3 gallons for every 1 gallon of filtered water.
How long does a reverse osmosis system installation take?
Answer: For whole-house reverse osmosis systems, installation usually takes most of the day. We plan ahead, coordinate plumbing routes, and make sure every fixture gets the protection it needs. Once installed, the system runs quietly in the background, filtering all water before it reaches any faucet.
How long do reverse osmosis filters last?
Answer: You’ll need to swap most filters every 6 to 12 months. The main membrane can last two to three years, but it depends on how much water your household uses.
Can I install a reverse osmosis system myself?
Answer: We’ve seen people try. But DIY installs often lead to leaks or missed steps that void the warranty. We suggest calling an experienced, licensed plumber to do it right the first time.
Common Questions on Carbon Filters
Do carbon filters remove lead or heavy metals?
Answer: Not usually. Unless clearly labeled, carbon filters focus more on chlorine and bad tastes—not metals.
How often should I change a carbon filter?
Answer: Plan on replacing them every 2 to 6 months. Heavier use means faster replacement.
Can carbon filters help with well water?
Answer: They can help with smells and chlorine, but they won’t remove bacteria or metals. We usually pair them with UV or RO systems for well water.
Common Questions on Ion Exchange
What’s the main purpose of ion exchange systems?
Answer: They soften water. That means they remove minerals like calcium that leave crusty buildup.
Do ion exchange systems clean water for drinking?
Answer: Not really. They protect plumbing but don’t tackle the chemical stuff.
Do they add salt to the water?
Answer: Yes. They swap hard minerals with sodium or potassium. That’s part of how softening works.
Common Questions on Water Distillation
Is distilled water safe to drink every day?
Answer: Yes, but many folks don’t like the taste. It’s flat because minerals get removed.
Does water distillation remove chlorine and chemicals?
Answer: It does pull out heavy stuff, but some chemicals still sneak through with the steam.
Is a water distiller a good choice for big households?
Answer: Not really. It’s slow and power-hungry. Bigger families usually want something faster and more efficient.
Does water distillation remove chlorine and chemicals?
Answer: It removes many solids and microbes but not all volatile chemicals. Some contaminants can carry over with steam.
Why Homeowners in Cumming Call Rx-Plumbing
We’re not just installers. We’re local plumbers who understand how our water behaves, where the risks come from, and how to fix them. While we’re a registered installer of Aquasana RO systems, we also install SpringWell and other brands.
We’ve seen what’s in local tap water. We’ve seen what it does to pipes and fixtures—and what families deal with when contaminants go unchecked. We believe everyone deserves water that’s safe and clean right from the tap.
If you’re concerned about your water, give us a call. We’ll install a system that gives you clean, safe water from every faucet in your home.
