What should I do if my reverse osmosis system stops producing water?

Check whether the water supply valve is open and verify that filters are not overdue for replacement. If the problem continues, contact our water treatment professionals to inspect the system and identify the cause.

During a boil notice, do I still need to boil water if I have RO?

In most cases, public health officials recommend following all boil water notices unless they specifically state otherwise. Reverse osmosis systems are not designed to replace emergency public health guidance during a boil notice.

Does reverse osmosis remove PFAS?

Yes. Reverse osmosis systems are highly effective at reducing many PFAS compounds when properly installed and maintained. If PFAS contamination is a concern, lab testing can help determine whether RO is the right solution.

What is reverse osmosis?

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process. It uses pre-treatment filters and a special semipermeable membrane to remove many dissolved contaminants. It is one of the most effective ways to clean drinking water and is commonly installed under kitchen sinks or as part of larger treatment systems.

Can RO water be connected to my refrigerator?

Yes. Many reverse osmosis systems can be connected to your refrigerator to provide filtered water and cleaner ice. A professional installer can ensure proper water pressure and safe connections.

Can an RO system be installed on well water?

Yes. Reverse osmosis water filter systems can be installed on well water. Pretreatment may be needed if the water contains high levels of iron, manganese, sediment, or hard minerals. Water quality testing helps determine the best system configuration before installation.

What do carbon filters in RO systems remove from household water?

Carbon filters help reduce chlorine, chloramines, unpleasant tastes, odors, and many organic compounds. They also help protect the reverse osmosis membrane from chlorine damage.

How often should I replace the reverse osmosis membrane in my whole-home filter?

Most reverse osmosis membranes last about 2 to 5 years. However, replacement frequency depends on water quality, maintenance, and how much water your household uses. Regular inspections help determine when a new membrane is needed.

Will installing RO require drilling my countertop?

Not always. If your sink already has an available accessory hole, it can often be used for the RO faucet. If no opening is available, a professional installer can discuss the best installation options for your kitchen.

How often do RO filters need to be replaced?

Most reverse osmosis pre-filters and post-filters should be replaced every 6 to 12 months. The exact schedule depends on your water quality, water usage, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

How do I know when I need a reverse osmosis water filter replacement?

Common signs include changes in water quality, slower water flow, unusual taste or odor, or reduced water production. Replacing filters on schedule helps maintain system performance and protects the RO membrane.

Why should I call a professional reverse osmosis installer?

Professional installation helps ensure your reverse osmosis system is properly sized, correctly connected, and operating as intended. An experienced installer can also identify other water quality issues that may affect the system’s performance or lifespan.

If we install whole-house filtration, do we still need RO?

It depends on your water quality goals. Whole-house filtration improves water throughout your home, while reverse osmosis provides additional purification for drinking and cooking water. Many homeowners choose to install both systems for more complete water treatment.

What is the difference between a reverse osmosis (RO) system and a whole-house filtration system?

A whole-house filtration system treats all the water entering your home, while a reverse osmosis system typically treats drinking water at a single faucet. Whole-house filters remove contaminants such as sediment and chlorine, while RO systems remove many dissolved contaminants to produce high-quality drinking water.

How often do whole-house water filters need to be replaced?

Replacement schedules depend on the type of filtration system, your water usage, and the quality of your water. Many whole-house filter cartridges need to be replaced every 3 to 12 months, while some filtration media can last several years before replacement is needed. Regular inspections and routine maintenance help ensure your system continues to provide clean, high-quality water.

How do I size a water filtration system for my home?

The right size depends on your household’s water usage, flow rate, number of bathrooms, and current water quality. A professional water test and evaluation can help determine the best water filtration system for your needs.

What maintenance does a whole-house water filtration system need?

Maintenance depends on the type of system you have. Most whole-house filters require periodic cartridge changes, media replacement, inspections, or cleaning. Regular maintenance helps keep the system operating efficiently and extends its lifespan.

Can you get a water filter for your whole house?

Yes. A whole-house filtration system treats all water entering your home. It provides filtered water to every faucet, shower, and appliance. These systems can reduce sediment, chlorine, iron, odors, and other contaminants, depending on the type of filtration installed.

How long does a whole-house water filtration system last?

A professionally installed whole-house filtration system can last 10 to 20 years or more with proper maintenance. The system itself is designed for long-term use, while individual filter cartridges or filtration media will need to be replaced periodically based on your water quality, water usage, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Routine maintenance helps maximize system performance and extend its lifespan.

What is hard water testing?

Hard water testing measures the amount of calcium and magnesium dissolved in your water. High hardness levels can cause scale buildup, soap scum, dry skin, spotted dishes, reduced appliance efficiency, and other issues. Testing helps determine whether a water softener is recommended.

Can you have someone test my water?

Yes. Reynolds is a professional Michigan water treatment company that offers water testing. Our trained technicians can test your supply and clearly explain the results. They can also recommend customized treatment options based on your unique water quality and needs.

Can water testing help me choose the right treatment system?

Yes. Water testing identifies the specific contaminants in your water so you can choose the most effective treatment system. This helps avoid purchasing equipment that may not address your actual water quality concerns.

Is free water testing accurate?

Free water testing can provide useful information about common water issues when performed by an experienced water treatment professional. If additional testing is needed for specific contaminants, certified laboratory testing may be recommended.

What are the signs I should schedule water testing?

You should consider water testing if you notice staining, unpleasant odors, unusual tastes, cloudy water, scale buildup, low soap lather, or changes in your water. Annual testing is also recommended for private well owners, even if no problems are noticeable.

Do I need water testing if I use city water?

Yes. Municipal water is treated before it reaches your home, but water quality can change as it travels through aging pipes or your home’s plumbing. Municipal water can also contain contaminants that disinfection does not remove. Water testing can identify issues such as hard water, chlorine, lead, PFAS, disinfection byproducts, or other contaminants.

What does a water quality test check for?

A water quality test can check for a variety of issues, depending on your water source and concerns. Free basic testing from Reynolds looks for hardness, iron, pH issues, total dissolved solids (TDS), and chlorine. Paid lab testing can detect additional contaminants, like bacteria, nitrates, lead, arsenic, and more. The results help determine if water treatment is recommended.

How often should I have my water tested?

Private well owners should have their water tested at least once a year for bacteria, nitrates, and other common contaminants. If you use city water, testing every one to two years is a good way to monitor changes in water quality. You should also schedule water testing if your water changes in taste, smell, color, or clarity. Other times testing is wise include: After heavy rains or flooding When local contamination concerns arise When there is nearby construction After work is done on your well system When there is new industrial or agricultural activity in your area After water main work, if you rely on municipal water

Why is my dishwasher stained brown or orange?

Brown or black stains found in the dishwasher are usually from high levels of manganese. Manganese that is dissolved in water can stain when the level is above.05mg/l. The dishwasher is a perfect mechanism to oxidize it because it heats it, agitates it and mixes the water with air. Manganese can also stain clothes in the washing machine, due to the same reasons. If bleach is added staining is worse. Orange stains can result from iron in the water.

Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?

Hydrogen sulfide gas is a naturally occurring contaminant, which gives water a disagreeable rotten egg odor or taste. This usually indicates the presence of some form of non-harmful mineral reducing bacteria in the well. Testing is very difficult because it is a gas and it comes out of solution very quickly. There are no known health effects; however hydrogen sulfide can also make the water somewhat corrosive.

Why do my sinks and fixtures turn yellow?

One of the most common water treatment problems found in well water is iron. Iron can be found in 3 different forms: Ferrous iron (dissolved) – Although not visible it is the most common type of iron. Later when oxygen is mixed with ferrous iron it stains sinks, toilets and laundry especially when bleach is added. To reduce levels of ferrous iron, softening and/or filtration is performed. Ferric Iron (suspended) – Ferric iron or brown water iron is oxidized and forms particles. Normally these particles can be seen in a glass of water. Sometimes these particles are too small to be seen and very difficult to remove. Iron bacteria is a general term given to iron that can leave a slimy growth or build up in toilet tanks and sometimes clogs filters, softeners and pipes. These bacteria are not harmful, but are considered a nuisance bacteria because of their difficulty in removing.

Why do I feel slippery when bathing in soft water?

The “slickness” felt after a soft water shower is just the “real” you! Hard water does not easily rinse off the residue from cleaning products. When bathing in softened water, the use of less soap is desirable. Use sufficient water to rinse the skin thoroughly and your skin will feel softer and much smoother than it did with hard water bathing.

What makes my water hard?

As water passes through the atmosphere in the form of rain, snow, sleet, hail, dew, or fog, it picks up impurities and gases. And, because water is the universal solvent, it picks up even more impurities as it travels through the earth as ground water. Whatever the water comes in contact with, it will dissolve a part of it.

What is water hardness?

Water ‘hardness’ is caused by the minerals calcium and magnesium in ground and surface water. If either or both minerals are present in your drinking water in high concentrations, the water is considered ‘hard’. These minerals come from sedimentary rock such as limestone that dissolves into our water. The result of hard water is difficulty making lather or suds for washing and a build-up of minerals on taps and on other fixtures. Water containing low concentrations of calcium or magnesium is called ‘soft’ water.

What is softened water?

A water softener replaces the ‘hardness’ minerals with sodium or potassium. The amounts of these elements added to the water are relatively insignificant in comparison to what is ingested from your food and should not pose a health problem.

Should I be concerned about sodium in water?

If sodium is a concern to you, your water quality improvement professional can explain the amount of sodium in softened water. This varies, depending on the hardness of the water supply. Any person on a sodium restricted diet should follow the advice of his/her physician. All municipal water supplies contain some naturally occurring sodium. If the sodium restricted diet is very strict, discuss the use of RO, or some other water quality improvement system to reduce the sodium to meet your requirements. For the sake of comparison, one slice of white bread contains about 114 mg of sodium, and an eight ounce glass of milk contains 120 mg of sodium. If your water contains 10 grains per gallon (GPG), and if you consumed a total of one quart of softened water a day, your intake of additional sodium would be 75 mg – less than either a slice of bread or a glass of milk.

My water doesn’t taste good, yet it tested out O.K. What does this mean?

There are two types of water problems: Primary problems -the dangerous sort of problem and Aesthetic problems ~ things that affect the taste, look or smell of the water. Strange as it may seem, you could have an aesthetic problem (such as iron or manganese) that will not pose an actual health risk.

How can I tell if I have hard water?

Water hardness is demonstrated by scale in water heaters or on plumbing fixtures, by soap deposits on dishes and fabrics, and by soap scum in sinks and bathtubs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Home | Faqs

Water Testing FAQs

How often should I have my water tested?
Private well owners should have their water tested at least once a year for bacteria, nitrates, and other common contaminants. If you use city water, testing every one to two years is a good way to monitor changes in water quality.

You should also schedule water testing if your water changes in taste, smell, color, or clarity. Other times testing is wise include:
- After heavy rains or flooding
- When local contamination concerns arise
- When there is nearby construction
- After work is done on your well system
- When there is new industrial or agricultural activity in your area
- After water main work, if you rely on municipal water
What does a water quality test check for?

A water quality test can check for a variety of issues, depending on your water source and concerns. Free basic testing from Reynolds looks for hardness, iron, pH issues, total dissolved solids (TDS), and chlorine. Paid lab testing can detect additional contaminants, like bacteria, nitrates, lead, arsenic, and more. The results help determine if water treatment is recommended.
Do I need water testing if I use city water?

Yes. Municipal water is treated before it reaches your home, but water quality can change as it travels through aging pipes or your home’s plumbing. Municipal water can also contain contaminants that disinfection does not remove.

Water testing can identify issues such as hard water, chlorine, lead, PFAS, disinfection byproducts, or other contaminants.
Is free water testing accurate?

Free water testing can provide useful information about common water issues when performed by an experienced water treatment professional. If additional testing is needed for specific contaminants, certified laboratory testing may be recommended.
What are the signs I should schedule water testing?

You should consider water testing if you notice staining, unpleasant odors, unusual tastes, cloudy water, scale buildup, low soap lather, or changes in your water. Annual testing is also recommended for private well owners, even if no problems are noticeable.
Can water testing help me choose the right treatment system?

Yes. Water testing identifies the specific contaminants in your water so you can choose the most effective treatment system. This helps avoid purchasing equipment that may not address your actual water quality concerns.
Can you have someone test my water?

Yes. Reynolds is a professional Michigan water treatment company that offers water testing. Our trained technicians can test your supply and clearly explain the results. They can also recommend customized treatment options based on your unique water quality and needs.
What is hard water testing?

Hard water testing measures the amount of calcium and magnesium dissolved in your water. High hardness levels can cause scale buildup, soap scum, dry skin, spotted dishes, reduced appliance efficiency, and other issues. Testing helps determine whether a water softener is recommended.

Water Filtration FAQs

How long does a whole-house water filtration system last?

A professionally installed whole-house filtration system can last 10 to 20 years or more with proper maintenance. The system itself is designed for long-term use, while individual filter cartridges or filtration media will need to be replaced periodically based on your water quality, water usage, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Routine maintenance helps maximize system performance and extend its lifespan.
Can you get a water filter for your whole house?

Yes. A whole-house filtration system treats all water entering your home. It provides filtered water to every faucet, shower, and appliance. These systems can reduce sediment, chlorine, iron, odors, and other contaminants, depending on the type of filtration installed.
What maintenance does a whole-house water filtration system need?

Maintenance depends on the type of system you have. Most whole-house filters require periodic cartridge changes, media replacement, inspections, or cleaning. Regular maintenance helps keep the system operating efficiently and extends its lifespan.
How often do whole-house water filters need to be replaced?

Replacement schedules depend on the type of filtration system, your water usage, and the quality of your water. Many whole-house filter cartridges need to be replaced every 3 to 12 months, while some filtration media can last several years before replacement is needed.

Regular inspections and routine maintenance help ensure your system continues to provide clean, high-quality water.
What is the difference between a reverse osmosis (RO) system and a whole-house filtration system?

A whole-house filtration system treats all the water entering your home, while a reverse osmosis system typically treats drinking water at a single faucet. Whole-house filters remove contaminants such as sediment and chlorine, while RO systems remove many dissolved contaminants to produce high-quality drinking water.
If we install whole-house filtration, do we still need RO?

It depends on your water quality goals. Whole-house filtration improves water throughout your home, while reverse osmosis provides additional purification for drinking and cooking water. Many homeowners choose to install both systems for more complete water treatment.
How do I size a water filtration system for my home?

The right size depends on your household’s water usage, flow rate, number of bathrooms, and current water quality. A professional water test and evaluation can help determine the best water filtration system for your needs.

Reverse Osmosis FAQs

What is reverse osmosis?

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process. It uses pre-treatment filters and a special semipermeable membrane to remove many dissolved contaminants. It is one of the most effective ways to clean drinking water and is commonly installed under kitchen sinks or as part of larger treatment systems.
Why should I call a professional reverse osmosis installer?

Professional installation helps ensure your reverse osmosis system is properly sized, correctly connected, and operating as intended. An experienced installer can also identify other water quality issues that may affect the system’s performance or lifespan.
How do I know when I need a reverse osmosis water filter replacement?

Common signs include changes in water quality, slower water flow, unusual taste or odor, or reduced water production. Replacing filters on schedule helps maintain system performance and protects the RO membrane.
How often do RO filters need to be replaced?

Most reverse osmosis pre-filters and post-filters should be replaced every 6 to 12 months. The exact schedule depends on your water quality, water usage, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
How often should I replace the reverse osmosis membrane in my whole-home filter?

Most reverse osmosis membranes last about 2 to 5 years. However, replacement frequency depends on water quality, maintenance, and how much water your household uses. Regular inspections help determine when a new membrane is needed.
What do carbon filters in RO systems remove from household water?

Carbon filters help reduce chlorine, chloramines, unpleasant tastes, odors, and many organic compounds. They also help protect the reverse osmosis membrane from chlorine damage.
Can an RO system be installed on well water?

Yes. Reverse osmosis water filter systems can be installed on well water. Pretreatment may be needed if the water contains high levels of iron, manganese, sediment, or hard minerals. Water quality testing helps determine the best system configuration before installation.
What should I do if my reverse osmosis system stops producing water?

Check whether the water supply valve is open and verify that filters are not overdue for replacement. If the problem continues, contact our water treatment professionals to inspect the system and identify the cause.
Can RO water be connected to my refrigerator?

Yes. Many reverse osmosis systems can be connected to your refrigerator to provide filtered water and cleaner ice. A professional installer can ensure proper water pressure and safe connections.
Does reverse osmosis remove PFAS?

Yes. Reverse osmosis systems are highly effective at reducing many PFAS compounds when properly installed and maintained. If PFAS contamination is a concern, lab testing can help determine whether RO is the right solution.
During a boil notice, do I still need to boil water if I have RO?

In most cases, public health officials recommend following all boil water notices unless they specifically state otherwise. Reverse osmosis systems are not designed to replace emergency public health guidance during a boil notice.
Will installing RO require drilling my countertop?

Not always. If your sink already has an available accessory hole, it can often be used for the RO faucet. If no opening is available, a professional installer can discuss the best installation options for your kitchen.