Top 8 Things To Consider When Buying A Reverse Osmosis Water Purifier in Kenya

Are you in the market for a reverse osmosis system? Are you wondering what should influence your purchase decision? Well, here are the top 8 things to consider when buying a reverse osmosis water purifier in Kenya.

Top 8 things to consider when buying a reverse osmosis water purifier in Kenya

1. Water Demand

Assessing your water demand is crucial when selecting an RO water purifier. If you are operating a water vending business, a beverage making company, a hospital that needs purified water for dialysis or any other business that needs high volumes of water, you will need a commercial system that can produce the high volumes of purified water.

On the other hand, you might just need a small under-sink RO system that produces smaller amounts of purified water or a whole house RO system that produces higher volumes of purified water than the under-sink system. Whichever the case, be sure to determine your water demands to know which type of reverse osmosis water purifier you need. Ensuring the system can meet your total water demand is essential for maintaining a consistent supply of purified water.

2. Water Source

The quality of the water source significantly impacts the performance of your RO system. Municipal water is typically treated to remove bacteria and chemicals but may still contain inorganic dissolved solids. An RO system can effectively reduce these contaminants. However, if you rely on a borehole, well water, river water, lake water sea water etc. it may contain harmful pathogens and chemicals in addition to dissolved solids.

Gditech RO systems can treat water from all these sources because they are built with multiple purification and treatment systems. The Gditech UF water purifiers also have an additional UV system to disinfect the water after it leaves the storage tank.

3. Budget

Budgeting for an RO system involves considering several costs: the initial purchase price, installation, ongoing maintenance, and operating expenses. The initial cost varies based on whether you need an under-sink unit, a whole-house system, or a commercial-grade purifier. Gditech RO systems typically start from Ksh 230,000, with costs increasing if additional components like booster pumps or storage tanks are included.

Installation costs depend on the complexity of the setup and whether professional help is required, ranging from Ksh 1,000 to Ksh 10,000 or more. Maintenance costs include replacing filters and membranes, which vary based on usage and system type. Generally, RO membranes need replacement every two years, while filters should be replaced every six months to a year. With proper care, an RO system can last over twenty years, making it a long-term investment in your household’s health and well-being.

Below are factors that influence the cost of a RO system discussed in more details

Type of System

The type of reverse osmosis (RO) system you choose significantly impacts the overall cost. Under-sink systems are generally more affordable, starting from Ksh 30,000, and are suitable for household use. Whole-house systems, on the other hand, are more expensive due to their larger capacity and complexity, often costing several thousand shillings. Commercial-grade reverse osmosis systems are the more costly, designed to handle high volumes of water for businesses like restaurants and hotels. The choice between these systems depends on your specific needs and budget.

Pretreatment

Pretreatment is essential for ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your RO system, especially if your water source contains high levels of contaminants. Pretreatment options, such as sediment filters, carbon filters, and water softeners, add to the initial cost but protect the RO membrane from damage and clogging. The type and extent of pretreatment required depend on the quality of your feed water, with well water often needing more extensive pretreatment than municipal water.

Installation Cost

Installation costs vary based on the complexity of the system and whether you opt for professional installation. Simple under-sink systems can often be installed by homeowners, reducing costs. However, whole-house and commercial systems typically require professional installation, which can range from Ksh 1,000 to Ksh 10,000 or more. Factors such as the location of the installation, the need for additional plumbing, and the use of specialized tools can all influence the final installation cost.

Maintenance Cost

Ongoing maintenance is crucial for the optimal performance of an RO system and includes the cost of replacing filters and membranes. The frequency of these replacements depends on the system’s usage and the quality of the feed water. Generally, RO membranes need to be replaced every two years, while filters should be replaced every six months to a year. Regular maintenance ensures the system’s efficiency and longevity but adds to the overall cost of ownership.

Additional Components

Additional components, such as booster pumps, permeate pumps, storage tanks, and UV sterilizers, can enhance the functionality and efficiency of an RO system but also increase the cost. Booster pumps are useful in areas with low water pressure, while permeate pumps improve water recovery rates. Storage tanks ensure a steady supply of purified water, and UV sterilizers provide additional disinfection, especially for well water. The need for these components depends on your specific water quality and system requirements.

Continuation- top 8 things to consider when buying a reverse osmosis water purifier in Kenya

4. Efficiency

Reverse osmosis systems are known for their thorough filtration, but they are not the most efficient in terms of water usage. After filtering contaminants, the system sends a significant amount of water to the drain. This water, however, is not entirely wasted as it carries away the impurities, ensuring the remaining water is potable.

Unlike standard filters that collect contaminants on their surface, the RO membrane stops them and uses water to flush them out. Adding a permeate pump can make your RO system up to 85% more efficient. This pump uses the wastewater as energy to push clean water into the storage tank, making the system more environmentally friendly. Many modern RO systems come with a permeate pump or allow for one to be added, enhancing their efficiency.

5. Water Pressure

Water pressure is crucial for the effective operation of an RO system. Reverse osmosis relies on pressure to force water through the membrane, filtering out contaminants. If your household water pressure is below 40 psi, you will need an RO booster pump to increase the pressure. For homes using well water, ensure the tank’s pressure is adequate for the RO system to function properly.

High levels of dissolved solids in the water also require more pressure for the system to produce clean water. Residential RO systems are typically point-of-use, meaning they are installed where the purified water is needed, such as under the sink. Whole-house RO systems are less common due to the need for a large storage tank and booster pump to maintain adequate pressure throughout the home.

6. Ease of Installation

Most under-sink RO systems are designed for easy installation, but they do require a dedicated faucet, which might involve drilling a hole in your countertop. If you’re not comfortable with this task, you may need help from a plumber or a handy friend. RO systems also need a drain connection to prevent dirty water from flowing back into the clean water supply.

This involves cross-connecting the drain line and the water line, and plumbing codes require an air gap faucet to ensure that drain water passes through without contaminating the clean water. Before installing a whole-house RO system, consult a water specialist to determine if there is a simpler, equally effective solution and to ensure proper pretreatment based on your water conditions. This step is crucial for the system’s efficiency and longevity.

7. Type of Cartridge and Stages of Water Purification in the RO Systems

When choosing a reverse osmosis (RO) system, it’s important to consider the type of cartridge and the stages of water purification it offers. RO systems typically come with three different cartridge styles: quick-change, drop-in, and standard. Your choice will depend on your preferences for maintenance ease, cost, and environmental impact.

Quick-Change Cartridges

Quick-change cartridges are the simplest to maintain, making them a popular choice for those who prioritize convenience. To replace these filters, you simply twist the old filter out and twist the new one in. This process is quick and hassle-free, but it comes with a higher price tag. Additionally, these cartridges are made of plastic, which means they contribute to environmental waste each time they are discarded. Despite the higher cost and environmental impact, the ease of maintenance makes quick-change cartridges a viable option for many households.

Drop-In and Standard Cartridges

Drop-in and standard cartridges are more challenging to replace but are also more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. To replace these filters, you need to unscrew the housing, remove the old cartridge, insert the new one, and screw the housing back in place. Standard filters can be replaced with compatible cartridges from various brands, offering flexibility and cost savings. Drop-in systems, however, require exact replacements, which can limit your options. While the replacement process is more involved, the lower cost and reduced environmental impact make these cartridges an attractive choice for eco-conscious consumers.

Stages of Water Purification

RO systems vary in the number of purification stages they offer, typically ranging from three to five stages. Each stage includes different prefilters and postfilters that enhance the purification process. The RO membrane is the core component, responsible for removing dissolved solids from the water.

Additional prefilters, such as sediment and carbon filters, remove larger particles and chlorine before the water reaches the RO membrane. Postfilters further polish the water, improving its taste and quality. Some systems also include re-mineralization stages to add beneficial minerals back into the purified water. Over time, the RO membrane will wear out, but prefilters help extend its lifespan by providing an initial layer of filtration. Choosing a system with multiple stages ensures thorough purification and high-quality drinking water.

The top 8 things to consider when buying a reverse osmosis water purifier in Kenya– conclusion

Above we have looked at the top 8 things to consider when buying a reverse osmosis water purifier in Kenya that we hope will help you make an informed decision. However, the most important considerations among the 8 we have discussed above are the source of your water and your purified water demands. The cost of an RO system is determined by its output capacity and purification capacity. The higher the output the higher the price. Also, the more purification capability the higher the price.

Buy reverse osmosis water purifiers from Gditech

If you are in the market searching for a suitable reverse osmosis water purifier then, Vinsol is your best source for high quality, efficient, affordable and durable water purifiers.

Why Choose Gditech’s RO systems?

Gditech’s RO systems are designed to deliver exceptional filtration and user-friendliness, making them a perfect choice for health-conscious consumers. Below are some of the benefits of buying our reverse osmosis water purifiers:

1. User-friendly design
2. Efficient water purification with minimal wastage
3. Different output capacities to meet your needs
4. Ease of maintenance with do it yourself (DIY) on most processes
5. 1-year warranty
6. Affordable
7. Designed for durability
8. KEBS approved

Contact us to order your RO system

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