Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 How Much Does Reverse Osmosis Installation Usually Cost in Los Angeles?
- 2 What Are the Most Common Water Contaminants in Los Angeles?
- 3 Can Residents in Los Angeles Benefit from Reverse Osmosis Treatment?
- 4 How Often Should Residents in Los Angeles Replace Reverse Osmosis Prefilters?
- 5 Do You Need a Water Softener with Your Reverse Osmosis System in Los Angeles?
How Much Does Reverse Osmosis Installation Usually Cost in Los Angeles?
If you’re thinking about having a reverse osmosis system installed in your home, you’d probably like to know how much it will cost. Unfortunately, in Los Angeles, you can wind up paying anywhere from $250 up to $4,000, depending on several factors. To narrow down your price, consider these common factors that directly affect how much you’ll pay in the end.
Brand
Brand names carry a lot of weight, and they can also hike up the price of a good product. When it comes to reverse osmosis systems, there are a few brands on the market that ensure a quality product, while cheaper brands are best avoided. We are familiar with all the brands on the market and we can help you choose one that is dependable and cost-effective to meet your family’s needs best.
System Type
When you’re considering a reverse osmosis system, you’ll need to decide which type of system to purchase. Some models, like the countertop and under-the-sink systems, are fairly cheap and will get the job done while lacking some better components. Whole house systems, on the other hand, will cost much more, but the benefits can far outweigh the price you’ll pay in the long run. We’ll help you navigate the world of reverse osmosis systems so you can choose the type that suits your family’s needs.
Stages and Features
Some reverse osmosis systems come with added filtration stages that will help to keep the water contaminant-free, but they’ll cost much more. You can choose a system that has anywhere from three to seven stages, and the more stages you choose, the more you can expect to pay. Additionally, some systems come with add-on features like changing the alkalinity of your water by adding beneficial chemicals back into your tap water. These extra bells and whistles will likely cost more.
What Are the Most Common Water Contaminants in Los Angeles?
Each year, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power releases a water quality report to prove that the city’s water meets state and federal regulations. The city’s water is deemed safe for consumption, but many contaminants can still be present in your drinking water. Some of the most common contaminants we see are listed below.
Arsenic
Arsenic naturally occurs in rocks and soil and can find its way into private wells occasionally. Fertilizers and other industrial products contain arsenic. It can leak into rivers and streams, and can sometimes soak into the soil, making its way to the groundwater below. If arsenic is present in your drinking water, it can pose serious threats to your family’s health. Some of these conditions include skin lesions, stomach and liver problems, and nervous and respiratory conditions. Luckily, a reverse osmosis system will eliminate arsenic from your water supply so your family will be safe.
Bromate
Bromate occurs in drinking water when the water is disinfected and comes in contact with bromine. This chemical is not safe for consumption and can cause adverse health effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney and nerve problems. Although it is not fatal if consumed, bromate can make you miserable. If bromate is detected in your water, it’s best to have a reverse osmosis system installed.
Chromium
Chromium is a known carcinogen when it is inhaled, but not a lot of research has been done about its safety in our drinking water. So far, researchers have concluded that chromium acts as a carcinogen when consumed, but they have not yet decided what levels are safe and what levels are not. While research continues, it’s best to be safe and keep chromium completely out of your water supply by having a reverse osmosis system installed in your Los Angeles home.
Haloacetic Acids
Haloacetic acids are very harmful if they’re consumed at high levels for many years. The EWG found low levels of these acids in the Los Angeles water supply that can cause health conditions like bladder cancer as well as colon and rectal cancers. Patients have also developed reproductive problems during pregnancy. To avoid the harmful effects of haloacetic acids, it’s best to have a reverse osmosis system installed at your home so you can rest assured that your drinking water is safe for consumption.
Lead
Lead has not been detected in the city’s water, but it can be found in the pipes of older homes. If your pipes are old and corroded, lead can leak into your water supply and can cause serious issues, especially for small children, pregnant women, and people who are immunocompromised. If you’re concerned about lead in your drinking water, have it tested by a professional. If there is lead present, we can discuss several options. We may need to replace your corroded pipes to eliminate lead, and a reverse osmosis system will eliminate the contaminants from coming out of the faucet.
Nitrates
Nitrates can often be found in private wells and can pose significant health risks if consumed. Babies that drink formula made with water from the tap are especially at risk of nitrate poisoning. If too much is consumed, nitrates can affect the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to the brain and your baby can develop what is known as blue baby syndrome. To avoid this very serious condition, consider having your water tested for nitrates. If it’s present, you can solve the problem by having a reverse osmosis system installed.
Trihalomethanes
Trihalomethanes are used to disinfect the city’s water supply, but they can be very dangerous if consumed in large amounts. Some adverse effects include jaundice, neurological problems, central nervous system and reproductive issues as well as bladder, colon, and rectal cancers.
Uranium
Uranium is a naturally occurring substance that is found in lakes, streams, soil, and rocks. At low levels, it is not dangerous, but when consumed over many years, it can pose serious health risks. California is working to solve the issue, but you can do your part to solve the problem at home. Having a reverse osmosis system installed at your Los Angeles home will eliminate the risk of developing health conditions from being exposed to uranium.
Can Residents in Los Angeles Benefit from Reverse Osmosis Treatment?
The water in Los Angeles has met the minimum requirements to be deemed safe for consumption, but that doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Many contaminants leach into the system and flow into your glass when you turn the tap on in your kitchen. It’s no surprise that many residents are choosing to have a reverse osmosis system installed in their homes for added safety. They’re so popular that the state of California has stepped in to help homeowners choose the best system for their needs.
Reverse osmosis systems that are registered in California come with the added assurance that the system does what it says it’s going to do. The state approves systems that effectively remove contaminants from the city’s water supply so you don’t waste money on a falsely advertised product. Since the state is involved in helping residents purchase reverse osmosis systems, you can safely assume that it’s a good choice to have one installed in your Los Angeles home.
How Often Should Residents in Los Angeles Replace Reverse Osmosis Prefilters?
Once you have a reverse osmosis system installed in your home, it’s important to keep up with the maintenance. Properly changing the filters on time is essential to a system that runs efficiently and effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the different filters that you’ll need to replace.
Sediment Pre-Filter
Change this filter every six to twelve months to keep your system working properly. Sometimes it’s recommended that you change this filter in areas with high turbidity in the water, but Los Angeles water is pretty clear.
Carbon Pre-Filter
Don’t forget to change this filter every six to twelve months or you will risk damaging the membrane. If this happens, you’ll have to replace the membrane much sooner than expected.
Reverse Osmosis Membrane
The reverse osmosis membrane should be replaced every 24 months so the system continues to run effectively. If the membrane isn’t replaced or if it becomes damaged, contaminants can pass through and leach into your tap water.
Carbon Post-Filter
Replace this filter every 12 months so your water quality doesn’t suffer. If you wait until the water tastes bad, you’ve waited too long and you’re risking a clogged or damaged system. Replace the filter right away to keep things running smoothly.
Do You Need a Water Softener with Your Reverse Osmosis System in Los Angeles?
No, you don’t necessarily need a water softener to have a reverse osmosis system in your Los Angeles home. A water softener makes things run more smoothly, though. The water in Los Angeles has a hardness of 127 parts per million or ppm. On the water hardness scale, the city’s water ranks as hard, and it can be damaging to a reverse osmosis system.
Without a water softener, your hard water will create a scale that can damage the membrane and cause the system to work less efficiently. Many Los Angeles homeowners choose to purchase a water softener so they can have a whole house system. Together, their water softener and reverse osmosis system work to eliminate contaminants while keeping the tap water soft, safe, and delicious.
We know it can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help you explore your options. Together, we can choose the reverse osmosis system that meets your family’s needs while staying within your budget.