Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 How Much Does Reverse Osmosis Installation Usually Cost in Miami?
- 2 What Are the Most Common Water Contaminants in Miami?
- 3 Can Residents in Miami Benefit From Reverse Osmosis Treatment?
- 4 How Often Should Residents in Miami Replace Reverse Osmosis Prefilters?
- 5 Do You Need a Water Softener With Your Reverse Osmosis System in Miami?
How Much Does Reverse Osmosis Installation Usually Cost in Miami?
If you want to have a reverse osmosis system installed at your home, you can expect to pay around $500. Since there are many systems on the market, your price can vary greatly. The following factors will help determine precisely how much you’ll pay to have a reverse osmosis system installed in your Miami home.
Cost Factor: Brand
Brand names carry a lot of weight, and sometimes it’s worth it to pay for a brand that you know you can trust. Unfortunately, brand names can also come with a heftier price tag, and we’re here to help you decide whether it’s worth the extra cost. We’re familiar with all common brands, and we’ll help you choose the one that meets your needs (and financial goals) the best. The brand you ultimately decide to go with will directly affect the price you’ll end up paying for your reverse osmosis system.
Cost Factor: Type
Reverse osmosis systems come in all shapes and sizes, and the bigger the system, the more you can expect to pay. Under the sink and countertop systems are relatively cheap, but their abilities are limited. On the other hand, a whole-house system will cost you upwards of $1,000, but it will be very effective at eliminating contaminants in your home’s water supply. We’ll help you choose the system that best fits your family’s needs without breaking the bank in the process.
Cost Factor: Stages and Features
When choosing the right system, you’ll need to consider how many stages you’d like it to have. Some reverse osmosis systems only have three filtration stages, while others can have up to seven. With each different filtration stage, your price point will likely go up. Additionally, some systems come with extra features like adding minerals back into the water, so your water is more alkaline. These additional features will also increase the final price you’ll pay.
What Are the Most Common Water Contaminants in Miami?
Miami-Dade’s Water and Sewer Department (WASD) releases a water quality report each year. The City regularly meets all of the state and federal regulations required for the water to be deemed safe for consumption. Although the City’s water supply passes with flying colors, there are still many contaminants that can pose a threat, especially to the health of small children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. Some of the most common contaminants include:
Arsenic
Arsenic is naturally present in the soil and can be found in private well water. Fertilizers and other industrial products contain arsenic, and they can find their way into groundwater, causing severe health risks when it leeches into private wells. If arsenic is present in your water, you need to remove it through a reverse osmosis system. Without removal, arsenic consumption can cause serious health problems, including skin lesions, digestive problems, liver disease, nervous system, and respiratory issues.
Chromium
Chromium is a known carcinogen when inhaled, but experts have recently found that it has the same effects when consumed in drinking water. Unfortunately, not enough research has been done to determine how much chromium is safe to consume. Until more research findings are presented, it’s best to be safe and eliminate chromium from your water supply. The best way to do that is by having a reverse osmosis system installed in your Miami home.
Haloacetic Acids
When consumed at high levels over many years, haloacetic acids can cause severe health problems, including bladder, colon, and rectal cancer. It has also been proven to cause issues with a woman’s reproductive health during pregnancy. To remove these acids from your home’s drinking water, have a reverse osmosis system installed so you can drink water straight from the tap without having to worry about your health in the process.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
These artificial chemicals are used in all kinds of products, including nonstick skillets, cosmetics, and even the foam that firefighters use to put out fires. When these chemicals seep into lakes and streams or soak through the soil into your groundwater, they can contaminate your drinking water and pose serious health risks. PFAS can affect a child’s physical and mental development, cause female infertility, and increase the risk of certain cancers. Scientists are still studying these chemicals, but it’s clear that they are not safe for consumption. Your best defense is to have a reverse osmosis system installed to eliminate these contaminants from getting into your home’s water supply.
Lead
Although Miami’s water does not contain lead, it is found in the tap water at some homes. If your plumbing system is old, your pipes could be corroded and leeching lead into your water supply, causing significant health risks to your family. Lead is hazardous for small children and pregnant women. If you have your water tested and lead is present, we’ll need to discuss your next steps toward a solution. Sometimes it’s best to have your pipes replaced to remove the corroded pipes, and a reverse osmosis system will also keep the contaminants from contaminating your water.
Radium
Radium should never be consumed, but your body can handle small amounts since most of it will be eliminated in your urine. Unfortunately, even small quantities pose a severe risk to your health. When consumed, small amounts of radium are stored in your tissues and can cause problems with your immune system as well as anemia. Some patients have even experienced cataracts, fractured teeth, and several types of cancer. Luckily, a reverse osmosis system will eliminate any radium that is present in your Miami water.
Trihalomethanes
Trihalomethanes are used by the City’s Water and Sewer Department to disinfect the water supply. Unfortunately, these chemicals can also cause health problems if consumed in large amounts. Some issues include bladder, colon, and rectal cancer, as well as jaundice. Patients have also experienced issues with their central nervous and reproductive systems. To have trihalomethanes removed from your Miami water, you’ll need to have a reverse osmosis system installed by a professional.
Can Residents in Miami Benefit From Reverse Osmosis Treatment?
According to the Florida Department of Health, the State’s water supply is regularly contaminated with several substances. The Department of Health warns that these contaminants can cause serious diseases that can result in death. The most common substances include:
- Bacteria
- Nitrates
- Lead
- Ethylene dibromide
- Tetrachlorethylene
- Temik
As a homeowner in Miami, it’s your job to keep your family’s water supply safe and healthy for consumption. Since the City’s water is not entirely free of contaminants, it’s hard to determine whether it’s completely safe to drink. A reverse osmosis system will eliminate nearly every single contaminant that could harm your family, so you can drink tap water without worrying about the harmful substances inside.
How Often Should Residents in Miami Replace Reverse Osmosis Prefilters?
Your reverse osmosis system will continue to work efficiently as long as you continue to maintain it properly. Maintenance includes regularly changing the filters within the recommended time frame. Here’s a breakdown of all the filters you’ll need to change so you can keep your system running effectively.
Sediment Pre-Filter
Your sediment pre-filter will need to be replaced every six to twelve months. In areas with high turbidity, it’s recommended that the filters be replaced sooner. Still, Miami’s water is pretty clear, so you can get away with replacing your sediment pre-filter closer to every twelve months.
Carbon Pre-Filter
You’ll want to change your carbon pre-filter every six to twelve months as well. If you don’t change this filter often enough, you’ll damage the membrane, causing your water quality to drop significantly. It’s essential to regularly change your filters so your membrane can last as long as possible.
Reverse Osmosis Membrane
The membrane needs to be changed every 24 months, and if you forget, your system will not work correctly. This essential piece keeps the contaminants out of your water supply, so don’t forget to replace it within the recommended timeframe.
Carbon Post-Filter
Make sure you replace the carbon post-filter every 12 months to ensure that your reverse osmosis system continues to work effectively. If you wait until the water tastes terrible, you’ve waited too long and are risking the health of your entire system. Neglecting this filter will result in a clogged or damaged system that will cost you significantly to have it repaired.
Do You Need a Water Softener With Your Reverse Osmosis System in Miami?
No, you don’t necessarily need a water softener to have a reverse osmosis system, but it does help. Miami’s water hardness is 219ppm which puts it in the category of very hard. Hard water can make it difficult for a reverse osmosis system to work effectively, and scale buildup can cause the membrane to need replacement much quicker than if the water was softer. Hard water can also cause the system to become damaged and in need of repair.
To combat this issue, Miami residents often choose to have a whole-house system installed. A water softener and reverse osmosis system eliminate contaminants in the water supply while reducing the water’s hardness. If you’re curious about your options, we can help you decide which one best meets your family’s needs.
