Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 How Much Does Reverse Osmosis Installation Usually Cost in Houston?
- 2 What Are the Most Common Water Contaminants in Houston?
- 3 Can Residents in Houston Benefit From Reverse Osmosis Treatment?
- 4 How Often Should Residents in Houston Replace Reverse Osmosis Prefilters?
- 5 Do You Need a Water Softener With Your Reverse Osmosis System in Houston?
How Much Does Reverse Osmosis Installation Usually Cost in Houston?
The cost you will pay for a reverse osmosis system installation in Houston will depend on a few different factors. We can only give you a rough estimate based on past installations. If you need a more accurate quote, we can help. The cost range for a reverse osmosis system installation varies widely, and can average between $90 – $925. Here are some things that will influence the price:
Cost Factor: Size of System
The most common reverse osmosis system installation in Houston is an under-counter model. Some people go with a whole-home system, but that happens less often. This is because more homeowners are choosing a whole-home water softener plus a reverse osmosis system in just the kitchen. We will go over this more a little later.
Reverse osmosis systems can come in different sizes and most people choose three to six stages of filtration. You’ll also have the choice to add a seventh stage, which is UV light for sanitation. The more filtration steps you choose, the higher the price tag. You’ll also need to decide how big your pressure holding tank will be.
Cost Factor: Types of Filtration
Your plumber will go over what types of filtration are best for your home and your water quality goals. These will include a sediment pre-filter, a carbon pre-filter, a semipermeable membrane, and a post-filter. If you decide to go with a bigger system with more stages, you will need to figure out which additional filters you want to include. This will add to your cost for a reverse osmosis system installation in Houston, Texas.
Cost Factor: Brand of System
Everything you buy today comes in several different brand choices. There are many well-known brands of reverse osmosis systems available. If you need help deciding on one, we can help. Your best bet is to go with one that is trusted by plumbers and comes with a warranty.
What Are the Most Common Water Contaminants in Houston?
As we learn and understand how many contaminants city water has, it is no wonder why so many people choose to filter their water. Below are only a few of the contaminants found in Houston’s municipal water supply.
Lead
The water in Houston has tested as high as 15 PPB for lead. While the EPA believes there is no safe limit, they have set the limit to 15 PPB. This is a big problem for many residents. Most lead exposure comes from old plumbing and pipes that are either made of lead or soldered with lead. In addition, Houston has many main water lines that still need to be replaced. Here are some health problems caused by lead poisoning:
- Lead poisoning from water can be more dangerous in children aged six and under.
- High levels of lead are harmful to the brain, blood, and kidneys.
- Lead poisoning causes hyperactivity in some children.
- Even at low levels, lead can cause permanent, low cognitive function.
- Chronic exposure to lead can cause infertility and reproductive health issues.
- Lead exposure while pregnant may harm the baby, causing stunted growth, premature birth, and a higher risk of miscarriage.
If you’re concerned about lead in your water, you can get your water tested. A reverse osmosis system installation in Houston will remove at least 97% of the lead from your drinking water.
Arsenic
The water in Houston has measurable amounts of arsenic in it. This contaminant in the city water is inorganic and toxic. It does not have a taste or a smell and there is no safe amount. The EPA has set the limit allowed in drinking water to 10 PPB. The City of Houston, Texas, has up to 5 PPB. Some health problems from arsenic include:
- Cancers (bladder, skin, lung, prostate, and liver)
- Heart and lung problems
- Higher risk of diabetes
- Neurological problems
Because arsenic is a mineral found in groundwater, the concentration depends on where you live. A reverse osmosis system installation in Houston can remove arsenic from your family’s drinking water.
Bromodichloromethane
This particular chemical is a byproduct produced when chlorine or chemicals with chlorine are added to drinking water. The reason this chlorine is added to the water is to kill bacteria. Unfortunately, too much bromodichloromethane has been known to cause these health problems in lab animals:
- Cancers
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Decreased immune response
- Higher risk of miscarriage
- Decreased birth weight
The possible health effects of children exposed to bromodichloromethane are not yet known. Reverse osmosis system installation in Houston can remove this byproduct from your family’s drinking water.
Chloroform
During the process of chlorinating your drinking water, chloroform is released into the air. Some people will mention a “chlorine” smell when they take a shower. This is likely what they are smelling. The EPA classifies chloroform as a Group B2, a probable human carcinogen. They can’t rule out whether it causes cancer because there is not enough evidence yet. Here are some possible side effects of chronic inhalation of chloroform in humans:
- Hepatitis
- Jaundice
- Depression
- Irritability
- Kidney problems (animal studies)
Although there is insufficient evidence to know what level of chloroform is “safe,” most people would rather eliminate it from their water altogether. Reverse osmosis system installation in Houston will remove chloroform from your drinking water.
Dichloroacetic acid
Dichloroacetic acid (DCA) is formed when chlorine is used to disinfect municipal water supplies. It is also used in the medical and scientific fields for tattoo removal, chemical face peels, and removing warts. The EPA has set 0.060 mg/L or 60 ppb for an acceptable limit. However, there is no established safe amount for ingestion. Here are some known health issues with high exposure to DCA:
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Infertility
- Fetal developmental problems
- Eye problems
- Nervous system issues
- Cancers
Although dichloroacetic acid does have some medical uses, it does not belong in our drinking water. A reverse osmosis system installation in Houston will remove DCA from your drinking water.
Radium, Combined (226 and 228)
Radium comes in two forms: radium 226 and radium 228. It is often referred to and measured as radium combined. This radioactive element can occur at low levels naturally in groundwater. It can also come from oil and gas production like hydraulic fracturing, which can then get into the groundwater, increasing the concentration.
The EWG’s health guidelines set the upper intake limit at 0.05 pCi/L while the EPA’s maximum is 5 pCi/L. Houston is measured at 3.8 pCi/L. They have also concluded that this is from a mix of groundwater and surface water sources.
The biggest health concern for high amounts of radium is cancer. Leukemia, which is a cancer that forms in blood, bone, and the lymphatic tissue, is the biggest concern. A reverse osmosis system installation in Houston can remove radium combined from your family’s drinking water.
Uranium
When most people think about uranium, their minds go to glowing radioactive tubes. This isn’t wrong, but the uranium contaminants in Houston water likely come from rocks and soil in the groundwater. Here are some side effects of high uranium in drinking water:
- Cancer risk will be higher throughout your life because uranium is a radioactive element.
- Kidney damage might be the more likely health outcome.
You can remove uranium from your drinking water with a reverse osmosis system installation in Houston. This would help eliminate any worry about your future health or the health of your family.
Can Residents in Houston Benefit From Reverse Osmosis Treatment?
For most homeowners, a reverse osmosis system installation in Houston is a big decision. We can’t tell you what you should do, but we can tell you about some of the benefits.
Health Benefits
The most obvious benefit to clean drinking water is your and your family’s health. Here are some of the ways reverse osmosis can improve your health:
- Less sodium is better for people with high blood pressure.
- This is the safest water for cancer patients.
- Some residents report fewer headaches and brain fog.
- It’s free from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and lead which is better for your health.
- Residents with reverse osmosis system installation in Houston have better peace of mind.
Better Quality
What happens when you take the chemical smell and weird mineral taste out of the water? Everything tastes better. You may actually need to learn how to cook again because there will be less sodium in your food.
Less Plastic
Another benefit to a reverse osmosis system installation in Houston is less plastic waste. If you like the taste of your water and you are not worried about its quality, you are less likely to buy bottled water. This will reduce the amount of plastic going into landfills, and it will also save you money.
How Often Should Residents in Houston Replace Reverse Osmosis Prefilters?
Before getting a reverse osmosis system installation in Houston, you need to know that you will need to replace your filters. This is the only regular maintenance that you will need to do, but it will be an added expense. As a rule of thumb, this is how often you should change your filters:
- Pre-filters every 6 months
- Post-filter every 12 months
- Semi-permanent membrane 2-3 years
Do You Need a Water Softener With Your Reverse Osmosis System in Houston?
The water hardness in Houston is moderately high at 135 PPM. Hard water is the reason for that white, crusty residue on your faucets, dishes, and tubs. It is also why many people complain about itchy, dry skin and dry, waxy hair. If you get a reverse osmosis system installation at your kitchen sink, the rest of your home will still have hard water.
This is the reason so many Houston residents are choosing to install water softeners. This way, they can bathe in clean, mineral-free water, and prolong the life of their plumbing. This double system is becoming more popular, but it is an added expense. If you are looking for the best water quality for your home, this is the best option.
