Clean, safe water is essential for every household. Whether you're making a cup of tea, preparing food, or filling your reusable water bottle, the quality of your tap water matters. While traditional filters can improve taste, they often fall short when it comes to removing dissolved salts, heavy metals, and other microscopic contaminants.
That’s where reverse osmosis filter systems come in. These advanced filtration systems offer a powerful solution for UK households looking to elevate their water quality, taste, and safety. At Hommix UK Limited, we specialise in modern reverse osmosis technology that’s compact, efficient, and effective.
In this blog, we’ll break down what a reverse osmosis (RO) system is, how it works, and why it’s one of the most reliable water filtration methods available today.
What is a Reverse Osmosis Filter System?
A reverse osmosis filter system is a type of water filter system that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of impurities from water. Unlike conventional filters, which primarily remove larger particles and odours, RO systems can typically filter out:
● Heavy metals (including lead and mercury)
● Pesticides
● Chlorine
● Fluoride
The process used by reverse osmosis systems is highly effective, capable of removing up to 99% of total dissolved solids, making it one of the most comprehensive household filtration methods for drinking water.
How Reverse Osmosis Filtration Works
At its core, a reverse osmosis filter system uses water pressure to force tap water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane acts as a barrier that selectively allows water molecules to pass through while trapping a wide range of impurities. Below, you can learn about three key stages involved in the filtration process.
Pre-Filtration
The first stage is known as pre-filtration. When tap water enters the system, it passes through a sediment filter followed by an activated carbon or a carbon block filter (sometimes both). This step is essential because it removes the larger, more obvious impurities such as sand, dirt, rust, and chlorine. These substances, while not always hazardous on their own, can damage the delicate RO membrane if left untreated. This stage also significantly improves the taste and odour of the water by eliminating chemical residues that may come from municipal water supplies.
Reverse Osmosis Membrane
Next, the water reaches the heart of the system, the reverse osmosis membrane. This is where the advanced filtration truly takes place. Under pressure, water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane with microscopic pores that are small enough to block a range of contaminants, including lead and fluoride. What comes through on the other side is purified water that is free from the majority of pollutants that could affect the taste and clarity of your drinking water.
Storage or Direct Dispense
Finally, the water is either stored or dispensed directly, depending on the system. Traditional reverse osmosis units store the purified water in a pressurised tank, ready to be accessed whenever needed. However, many modern systems, including many of those offered by us at Hommix, use a tankless reverse osmosis design. This innovative setup allows water to be filtered on demand, flowing directly from the filtration system to your tap.
The Benefits of Reverse Osmosis Water Filters
Switching to a reverse osmosis filter system offers a wide range of benefits for homeowners looking to improve their water quality. Whether you’re upgrading from a standard jug filter or simply seeking better alternatives to bottled water, the advantages of reverse osmosis are both immediate and long-term.
Powerful Contaminant Removal
One of the most significant advantages is superior contaminant removal. Reverse osmosis technology is capable of eliminating a range of harmful substances found in tap water, including fluoride, nitrates, lead, mercury, and other heavy metals. This makes it an ideal solution for properties located in areas with hard water, agricultural runoff, or ageing pipework, where contaminants may exceed safe limits or affect the quality of household water.
Better Taste and Odour
Another noticeable improvement comes in the form of better taste and odour. Tap water in many regions of the UK contains chlorine, which is added during the water treatment process to kill bacteria, but can leave behind an unpleasant taste and smell. Reverse osmosis filter systems effectively remove the chlorine, resulting in fresh-tasting water that is far more enjoyable to drink. For tea and coffee drinkers, the difference in taste can be especially striking, as the removal of impurities allows the natural flavours to come through more clearly.
Environmentally Friendly
Reverse osmosis water filtration systems are an environmentally friendly choice for households aiming to cut down on their reliance on single-use plastic bottles. With a tankless reverse osmosis setup, clean drinking water is available straight from the tap, reducing plastic waste and the carbon footprint associated with bottled water transportation and packaging. Moreover, modern systems from Hommix are designed to be water-efficient, with a low drain ratio that significantly reduces water waste during filtration compared to older RO models.
Space-Saving
Design and space-saving are also important considerations, especially for UK homes where kitchen space may be limited. Hommix’s tankless reverse osmosis models are compact units that fit neatly under the sink, requiring minimal space and no bulky storage tanks. Their contemporary, minimalist design not only makes them visually appealing but also allows them to blend seamlessly into modern kitchen aesthetics. These systems prove that high-performance water filtration doesn't have to come at the expense of style or convenience.
Cost-Effective
While a reverse osmosis filter system may involve a higher upfront cost compared to traditional filters, it delivers significant long-term savings. Households can expect to save money by reducing or eliminating the need for bottled water purchases and replacing fewer filters over the course of a year. In addition, by protecting household appliances from scale and mineral deposits, RO systems can contribute to lower maintenance costs and longer lifespans for kettles, coffee machines, and even plumbing fixtures.
Ultimately, a reverse osmosis filter system offers a comprehensive approach to water purification, combining taste, sustainability, and value in a single, compact unit. For UK homeowners looking to upgrade their water filtration system, reverse osmosis can be a smart investment.
Who Benefits from Reverse Osmosis Filter Systems
While a reverse osmosis filter system can benefit virtually any household, it’s especially valuable for certain groups who are more sensitive to water quality, sustainability, and long-term health. Understanding who can gain the most from this type of water filtration helps new customers see how an RO system could enhance their day-to-day life.
RO systems can be particularly valuable for:
● Tea and coffee drinkers
● People in hard water areas to reduce appliance damage
● Eco-conscious consumers, looking to cut down on plastic use
● Health-conscious individuals who want to minimise exposure to contaminants
Our variety of models at Hommix ensures that there’s a suitable water filtration solution for every home.
Why Choose Hommix UK Limited
At Hommix UK Limited, we believe in supplying our customers with innovative water filter systems, including under-sink, countertop and point-of-entry options. As a UK-based supplier, we offer free next-day delivery across the UK, in addition to dedicated support from a team of experts who understand local water quality. We can offer you and your home sleek, compact water filters that blend in effortlessly with your home.
Improve Your Water Quality Today
Investing in a reverse osmosis filter system is a simple yet transformative upgrade for your home. Whether you’re concerned about contaminants, tired of bottled water, or simply want the best for your family, Hommix is here to help.
Explore our full range of water filtration systems on our website today. Here, you can also learn more about us and what we do at Hommix UK Limited. For any further advice or support, please get in touch with us directly.
