Reverse-osmosis Setups
Reverse-osmosis Setups | Water Purification | Plumbing | Duff
HEP’s specialists in Duff bring laboratory-grade clarity to every faucet with reverse-osmosis setups that strip away chlorine, heavy metals, micro-plastics and lingering odours in a single, compact flow. Our licensed plumbers handle everything—from precise pressure calculations to discreet routing of feed and waste lines—so your kitchen, café or production line benefits from flawless performance without the clutter.
Expect longer membrane life, reduced energy draw and whisper-quiet operation, all backed by local filter stock and 24/7 call-out support. With scheduled maintenance reminders and remote-monitoring options, your investment in water purification keeps tasting better year after year while protecting appliances and the planet alike.
FAQs
What contaminants does a reverse-osmosis (RO) system remove from Duff’s municipal or well water?
A properly designed RO system removes up to 99 % of dissolved salts (TDS), heavy metals (lead, arsenic, chromium, mercury), nitrate/nitrite, fluoride, sulfate, and most organic compounds including pesticides and PFAS. It also eliminates microorganisms larger than 0.0001 µm, so bacteria, protozoa and many viruses are physically rejected. Chlorine and sediment are not removed by the RO membrane itself, which is why every Duff-installed unit includes pre-filters: a sediment cartridge (5 µm) and an activated-carbon block to protect the membrane and take out chlorine, chloramine, taste and odor.
How often should I replace the membrane and filters in my RO setup?
For average Duff household consumption (180–220 L per day): • Sediment filter: every 6 months or when pressure drop exceeds 7 psi. • Carbon block: every 6 – 12 months, sooner if incoming chlorine >1 ppm. • RO membrane: every 24 – 36 months, based on feed-water TDS, temperature and usage. Monitor rejection percentage—if permeate TDS climbs above 15 % of feed TDS, it is time for a new membrane. Post-carbon polishing filters are normally replaced annually for optimum taste. Commercial and food-service systems follow the same sequence but on a flow-meter or pressure-gauge schedule rather than calendar months.
RO systems waste water—what’s the actual ratio and can I reduce it?
Standard residential RO units operate at a 3:1 to 4:1 waste-to-pure ratio when fed by Duff’s typical supply pressure (~45 psi). You can lower waste by: 1) installing a permeate-pump or electric booster pump to raise pressure to 70–80 psi, cutting the ratio closer to 1:1; 2) choosing a 1:1 membrane specifically engineered for low waste; 3) routing reject water to secondary uses such as toilet cisterns, garden irrigation or floor cleaning (the concentrate is safe for these applications).
How do I size an RO system for my home or business in Duff?
Calculate peak demand rather than daily average. Homes: count points of use (kitchen sink, fridge dispenser, ice maker, etc.) and select a membrane rating that can replenish the storage tank within 2–3 hours. For a family of 4, a 75 GPD (285 L/d) membrane with a 12 L pressurized tank is typical. Commercial: obtain maximum gallons per hour (GPH) required—e.g., a coffee shop needing 2 GPH should opt for a 150 GPD system to cover rush periods and account for membrane fouling. Always allow 20 % extra capacity for summer when water temperature falls, reducing membrane throughput.
Do I need to add minerals back to RO water, and how is that done?
Reverse-osmosis strips calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate that contribute to taste and alkalinity. While RO water is safe to drink as is, many Duff customers prefer a remineralized profile of 30–60 ppm hardness and pH 7.5–8.0 to prevent pipe corrosion and improve flavor. Add back minerals by: 1) Inline calcite (CaCO₃) cartridge placed after the RO tank; 2) A blended-bypass valve that mixes a small metered stream of filtered feed water; 3) Dosing pumps for precise mineral blends in cafés and aquariums. The calcite cartridge is the simplest and needs replacement every 12–18 months, depending on water usage.
What routine maintenance and sanitization are recommended for RO systems?
Quarterly: check pressure gauges, drain-flow restrictor, and tank pressure (7–8 psi when empty). Semi-annually: replace sediment and carbon pre-filters, test TDS. Annually: disinfect the entire system and storage tank—shut off water, add food-grade hydrogen peroxide or chlorine to the pre-filter canister, run through each stage, let dwell 30 minutes, then flush. Every 2–3 years: replace the membrane, inspect and grease O-rings, and audit all tube connections for leaks. Log each maintenance action; a simple spreadsheet or our DuffRO mobile app helps track filter life and TDS readings.