How to Choose the Best Reverse Osmosis System for Your Home in Kenya
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants from water by using a semi-permeable membrane. RO systems can provide clean and safe drinking water for your home, as well as improve the taste and quality of your water for cooking, washing, and other uses. However, not all RO systems are the same, and there are several factors that you need to consider before buying one. In this blog post, we will discuss how to choose the best reverse osmosis system for your home in Kenya.
Basically, there are seven main factors that you should look into when choosing an RO system for your home in Kenya: water source, water demand, water pressure, RO style, budget, ease of installation and efficiency of the machine.
How to choose the best reverse osmosis system for your home in Kenya- what factors to consider
Water Source
The first factor that you need to consider is the source of the water that enters your home and feeds the RO system. Depending on where you live, you may have access municipally treated water, river water, dam water, sea water, lake water or you may rely on private borehole or even a well. The quality and composition of your water source will affect the performance and maintenance of your RO system.
Municipally treated water is usually relatively free of harmful chemicals and bacteria, as it undergoes regular testing and treatment by the authorities. However, it may still contain inorganic dissolved solids, such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and chloride, which can affect the taste, odor, and hardness of your water.
These dissolved solids can also cause scaling and fouling of the RO membrane, reducing its efficiency and lifespan. An RO system is designed to reduce the level of dissolved solids in your water, making it softer and more pleasant to drink and use.
The other sources of water mentioned above, on the other hand, could contain various contaminants, such as pathogens, pesticides, nitrates, arsenic, iron, and manganese, which can pose serious health risks and affect the quality of your water. These sources of water also tends to have higher levels of dissolved solids than city water, which can clog the RO membrane and reduce its performance.
Therefore, if you are on well water, you need to make sure that your water has been pretreated for bacteria and particles that could damage the RO system. You may need to install a sediment filter, a carbon filter, a UV system, or a water softener before the RO system, depending on the type and level of contaminants in your water. If your water is contaminated with heavy metals like arsenic, then you may also need a RO system that has a UV system to disinfect the water once it leaves the RO storage tank, as some heavy metals can pass through the RO membrane.
Water Demand
The second factor that you need to consider is how much water you and your family are going to use on a daily basis. This will determine the size and capacity of the RO system that you need. Every person, according to nutritionists, should drink half their weight in ounces every day.
How much daily total water do you need in your body?
For healthy individuals, the average daily water for men is about 15.5 cups and for women about 11.5 cups. That might mean you need only four to six cups of plain water, depending on other fluid sources such as coffee, tea, juice, fruits, and vegetables. Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-much-water-should-you-drink
However, you also have to take into account the water used in ice machines, refrigerators, coffee makers, and other appliances that require clean water. You may also want to use RO water for cooking, washing fruits and vegetables, and making soups and sauces.
Each RO system provides the amount of water produced, measured in liters per hour. Go for a RO system that produces enough to meet the drinking and cooking needs of your home. However, if you have a high water demand, you may need a larger RO system that can produce more water per hour.
You may also need a larger storage tank that can hold more water for your convenience. Alternatively, you can opt for a tankless RO system that produces water on demand, without the need for a storage tank. However, tankless RO systems tend to be more expensive and require higher water pressure to operate.
Water Pressure
The third factor that you need to consider is the water pressure in your home. Water pressure is the force that pushes the water through the pipes and the RO system. Reverse osmosis uses water pressure to force clean water through the semi-permeable membrane, while leaving the contaminants behind. The higher the water pressure, the faster and more efficient the RO system will be. The lower the water pressure, the slower and less efficient the RO system will be.
The ideal water pressure for an RO system is between 60 and 80 psi (pounds per square inch). If your household water pressure is below 40 psi, then you need to increase the pressure for reverse osmosis with an RO booster pump. A booster pump is a device that increases the water pressure and improves the performance and quality of the RO system. A booster pump can also reduce the amount of water wasted by the RO system, as it reduces the back pressure from the storage tank.
If you are on well water supply, make sure that your tank’s water pressure is set high enough for the RO system to work properly. You may need to adjust the pressure switch or the air pressure in the tank to achieve the optimal water pressure for reverse osmosis. A high level of dissolved solids in water also increases the amount of pressure needed for the RO system to produce clean water.
Therefore, if you have hard water or high TDS (total dissolved solids) water, you may need a booster pump to increase the water pressure and prevent the RO membrane from clogging.
RO Style
The fourth factor that you need to consider is the style or design of the RO system that you want to install in your home. There are different types of RO systems available in the market, and they vary in terms of the number and type of filters, the location and size of the system, and the ease and cost of maintenance.
One of the main differences among RO systems is the cartridge style, which refers to the way the filters are housed and replaced. There are three common cartridge styles: quick-change, drop-in, and standard. Your choice of filter style depends on whether you prefer easy maintenance, low maintenance cost, or the least environmental impact.
Quick-change cartridges are the simplest to maintain, but also the most expensive and the least environmentally friendly. Quick-change filters are easy to replace, as you do not need to unscrew the housing or touch the filter media. Simply twist the filter and pull it out. Then, take the new filter and turn it in the opposite direction to replace the old one.
However, the ease of maintenance comes with a high price tag, as quick-change filters tend to be more costly than other types of filters. Moreover, the filter cartridges are made of plastic that gets wasted every time an old filter is discarded, which adds to the environmental burden.
Drop-in and standard cartridges are more difficult to replace, but also the least expensive and most environmentally friendly. To replace a drop-in or standard filter, you need to unscrew the housing, throw the filter cartridge away, put a new cartridge in, and put the housing back in its place. This process can be messy and time-consuming, as you may need to use a wrench, a bucket, and a towel to avoid spills and leaks.
However, drop-in and standard filters are cheaper than quick-change filters, and they produce less plastic waste, as only the filter media is replaced, not the whole cartridge. Standard filters can be replaced with compatible cartridges from different brands, but drop-in systems require exact replacements from the same manufacturer.
Another difference among RO systems is the number of stages, which refers to the number of pre-filters and postfilters included in the system. The RO membrane does most of the work of removing dissolved solids from the water, but additional pre-filters and postfilters can enhance the performance and quality of the RO system.
Pre-filters are filters that are installed before the RO membrane, and they serve to protect the membrane from damage and extend its life. Postfilters are filters that are installed after the RO membrane, and they serve to improve the taste and purity of the water.
The most common RO systems have three, four, or five stages, depending on the type and number of pre-filters and postfilters. A three-stage RO system usually consists of a sediment filter, a carbon filter, and the RO membrane. A four-stage RO system adds a second carbon filter after the RO membrane, to remove any residual chlorine or organic compounds.
A five-stage RO system adds a mineral filter after the second carbon filter, to re-mineralize the water and restore its natural pH and alkalinity. Some RO systems may have more than five stages, such as a UV filter to kill bacteria and viruses, or an alkaline filter to increase the antioxidant properties of the water.
The number of stages that you need for your RO system depends on the quality and composition of your water source, as well as your personal preference. Generally, the more stages the RO system has, the better the water quality and taste will be. However, more stages also mean more filters to replace and more maintenance costs. Therefore, you need to balance the benefits and drawbacks of each stage and choose the RO system that suits your needs and budget.
The last difference among RO systems is the location and size of the system. Most RO systems are point-of-use, which means that they are installed right where you need the RO water, such as under your kitchen sink. Point-of-use RO systems are compact and convenient, as they provide clean water for drinking and cooking at your fingertips. However, they also have limited capacity and output, as they can only supply water to one faucet at a time.
Some RO systems are point-of-entry, which means that they are installed at the main water line of your home, and they provide clean water to every faucet and appliance in your house. Point-of-entry RO systems are also known as whole house RO systems, and they are ideal for people who want to enjoy the benefits of RO water throughout their home.
However, whole house RO systems are also very expensive and complex to install and maintain, as they require a large storage tank and a booster pump to provide adequate water pressure and volume to supply water to every point in your house. Moreover, whole house RO systems may waste more water than point-of-use RO systems, as they have a higher reject water ratio.
Therefore, you need to weigh the pros and cons of each location and size of the RO system, and choose the one that fits your space, budget, and water needs. You may also consider installing a combination of point-of-use and point-of-entry RO systems, such as a whole house RO system for your main water line, and a point-of-use RO system for your kitchen sink, to optimize the quality and efficiency of your water supply.
Tip: Our experts can guide you in knowing the best RO system for your needs.
How to Choose the Best Reverse Osmosis System for Your Home in Kenya (Continued)
In the previous section, we discussed the four main factors that you need to consider when choosing an RO system for your home in Kenya: water source, water demand, water pressure, and RO style. In this section, we will continue with three more factors that you need to take into account: budget, ease of installation, and efficiency.
Budget
When budgeting for a reverse osmosis system, you have several factors to consider: How much does the system cost? How much will installation cost, especially if you hire someone? How much does on-going maintenance cost? These factors may affect which RO system you choose or whether or not you use one at all.
The price of a reverse osmosis system varies depending on whether you need one under your sink or for your whole house and how many additional components you need. Whole house RO systems are much more expensive and complex than under-sink RO systems, as they require a large storage tank, a booster pump, and extensive plumbing work.
Under-sink RO systems are more affordable and simpler, as they only need a small storage tank and a dedicated faucet. The cost of commercial RO systems can vary depending on the style and the number of stages. The cost increases if the system includes a booster pump, a permeate pump, a storage tank, or pretreatment filters.
Installing any RO system is an investment that requires on-going maintenance costs, including replacement filters and membranes. The replacement cost and frequency depend on the style and the quality of your RO system. Generally, the RO membrane needs replacing every two years, and the pre-filters and postfilters need replacing every six months to one year.
The reverse osmosis system itself lasts twenty years or longer with proper care and cleaning. You can reduce the maintenance costs by choosing a high-quality RO system that has durable and long-lasting filters and membranes, and by following the manufacturer’s instructions on how to maintain and clean the system regularly.
Factors that influence the cost of an RO system:
- Type of system: Under-sink RO systems are cheaper than whole house and commercial RO systems.
- Pretreatment: If your water source requires pretreatment, such as a sediment filter, a carbon filter, a UV system, or a water softener, you need to add the cost of these devices to your budget.
- Installation cost: If you are not confident or skilled enough to install the RO system yourself, you may need to hire a professional plumber or a water specialist to do the job for you, which will increase the installation cost.
Tip: At Gditech we do free installation to our RO systems customers.
- Maintenance cost: You need to factor in the cost of replacing the filters and membranes periodically, as well as the cost of cleaning and sanitizing the system occasionally.
- Additional components: If you want to enhance the performance and quality of your RO system, you may need to add additional components, such as a booster pump, a permeate pump, a mineral filter, a UV filter, or an alkaline filter, which will increase the cost of the system.
Ease of Installation
Most under-sink reverse osmosis systems are easy to install, as they come with clear instructions and all the necessary parts and tools. However, installing an under-sink RO system requires a dedicated faucet, which means you may have to drill a hole in your countertop or your sink. If you’re not comfortable doing this job yourself, then you may need assistance from a plumber or a handy friend or family member. You also need to make sure that you have enough space under your sink to accommodate the RO system and the storage tank.
Reverse osmosis systems must have a dedicated faucet and a drain connection to prevent the dirty drain water from flowing back into the clean drinking water. An RO system cross-connects the drain line and the water line, which creates a potential risk of contamination.
Plumbing code requires that cross-connections have an air gap faucet that allows drain water to pass through without returning to the clean water. An air gap faucet is a special type of faucet that has a small hole on the side that breaks the siphon effect and prevents backflow. You need to install the air gap faucet on your sink or your countertop, and connect it to the RO system and the drain line.
Consult a water specialist before installing a whole house reverse osmosis system to make sure there’s not a simpler, equally effective solution and to make sure you apply proper pretreatment based on your water conditions. Installing a whole house RO system is a complex and costly process that requires a lot of plumbing work and expertise.
You need to install the RO system at the main water line of your home, and connect it to a large storage tank and a booster pump. You also need to install a bypass valve that allows you to switch between RO water and regular water for different purposes. You may need to hire a professional plumber or a water specialist to install the whole house RO system for you, as it is not a DIY project.
Efficiency
A reverse osmosis system is not the most efficient filter, as it produces a lot of wastewater in the process of purifying water. After reverse osmosis filters contaminants, it sends them to the drain with a significant amount of water. However, this water is not exactly wasted, as it is used to carry contaminants away and make potable water.
The amount of wastewater produced by an RO system depends on the water pressure, the water temperature, the water quality, and the RO membrane. The higher the water pressure, the lower the wastewater ratio. The lower the water temperature, the higher the wastewater ratio. The higher the water quality, the lower the wastewater ratio. The newer the RO membrane, the lower the wastewater ratio.
The average wastewater ratio of an RO system is 4:1, which means that for every gallon of clean water produced, four gallons of water are sent to the drain. This may seem like a lot of water waste, but it is actually less than the amount of water used for other household activities, such as showering, washing dishes, or flushing toilets.
Moreover, you can reduce the amount of wastewater produced by an RO system by adding a permeate pump or a booster pump to your system. A permeate pump is a device that uses the wastewater as energy to send clean water to the storage tank, without using electricity. A permeate pump can reduce the wastewater ratio of an RO system by up to 85%, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly.
A booster pump is a device that increases the water pressure and improves the performance and quality of the RO system. A booster pump can also reduce the amount of wastewater produced by an RO system, as it reduces the back pressure from the storage tank.
The most environmentally friendly RO systems include a permeate pump or allow you to add one. You can also reuse the wastewater from your RO system for other purposes, such as watering plants, washing cars, or cleaning floors, as long as it is not contaminated with harmful chemicals or pathogens. By doing so, you can minimize the water waste and maximize the water efficiency of your RO system.
Conclusion- How to choose the best reverse osmosis system for your home in Kenya
Choosing the best reverse osmosis system for your home in Kenya can be a daunting task, as there are many factors that you need to consider and many options that you need to compare. However, by following the seven factors that we discussed in this blog post, you can narrow down your choices and find the RO system that suits your water source, water demand, water pressure, RO style, budget, ease of installation, and efficiency.
Remember, the best RO system for your home is the one that meets your water quality and quantity expectations, fits your space and budget constraints, and requires minimal maintenance and operation costs. We hope that this blog post has helped you make an informed decision and enjoy the benefits of clean and safe RO water in your home.
Choose the best reverse osmosis system for your home in Kenya- buy one made by Gditech Ltd
Are you in the market for a high-quality reverse osmosis system for either commercial or domestic use? Choose the best reverse osmosis system for your home in Kenya, buy from Gditech Ltd.
Our reverse osmosis water purifiers are affordable and made in the highest quality standards using KEBS approved components. Our technicians are qualified and experienced in making RO systems that are not only durable but also offer the best performance at all times.
You can reach us through any of the following channels:
- Call us or WhatsApp us. You can call us or send us a message on our phone number +254 715 01 45 10 and talk to one of our customer care representatives. They will answer your questions and guide you on how to order your RO system.
- Email us or fill out our form. You can email us at gditech2019@gmail.com or info@gditech.co.ke and we will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also fill out our contact us form and we will contact you shortly.
- Visit our workshop & showroom. You can visit our workshop in Ruiru or showroom in Eldoret, where you can see our machines in action and talk to our friendly staff. You are welcome to visit our branches located strategically in Ruru and Eldoret:
- Ruiru Branch: You can find us behind the Shell petrol station in Kihunguro, where our dedicated team is ready to assist you.
- Eldoret Branch: You can visit our Eldoret branch at Rehema Complex, opposite Japara Ltd., along Oloo Street in Eldoret. Our branch staff will provide you with personalized guidance and support.
We are looking forward to hearing from you and helping you start your milk vending business. Thank you for choosing Gditech as your trusted manufacturer of water purifying machines in Kenya.
Notice:
Gditech is a market leader in the automation and fabrication industry in Kenya. We specialize in the manufacturing of reverse osmosis water purifiers also known as RO systems, commercial water purifiers, school reverse osmosis water purifiers, water refilling stations, cabinet water vending machines, cooking oil ATMs also known as salad ATMs, mama pima cooking oil dispensers, milk ATMs, pasteurizers and milk chillers. You can also visit our shop page to see all products and their prices. |