Ensuring access to clean, safe drinking water in our homes is vital. This blog explores the faucet options for use with Reverse Osmosis Systems where one has the ability to draw highly purified water for drinking and cooking from a separate RO Faucet. By exploring its unique mechanism, installation process, benefits, and role in a kitchen style, we dig into how this fixture addresses water contamination and impurities, while providing households with an efficient solution for fetching pure and healthy water in style.
Importance of RO faucets in water filtration systems
Source: The Perfect Water (Image for reference only, prefer to use Hi-res ones)
Reverse Osmosis (RO) faucets are either affixed directly to the kitchen sink’s surface (surface mount) or to the countertop resting on top of the sink (under mount). Specifically designed for under-counter filters, these faucets are usually made of metal or plastic with a handle or lever for opening and closing the water stream, a base, a styled spout from which to dispense the water - and ideally a style which compliments the kitchen’s design aesthetic. Check for compatibility if using a RO Faucet from a brand different from the RO system to which it's meant to be connected. Oftentimes “compatibility” entails more than just connecting the RO system’s output tube to the faucet’s inlet.
The Functionality of RO Faucets
Source: The Perfect Water (Image for reference only, prefer to use Hi-res ones)
Most Reverse Osmosis faucets are functionally very simple - a single input, a single lever, and a single spout, and will work well with most standard RO systems in areas which do not require an air gap. Otherwise, air gap RO Faucets exist with their two additional ports to allow waste water from the RO system to pass over a gap and flow down into the home’s drain. An air gap RO Faucet can be used with a non-air gap RO System - one would simply ignore the air gap drain fittings. Vented faucets are for use with Hot Tanks (which are fed by the RO System) and are available in single handle “Hot Only”, and dual handle “Hot and Cold” configurations. The range of these RO faucets from Home Master can be explored here.
Key Features to Consider
Reverse Osmosis faucets come in a variety of features and types. These faucets primarily come in two types — Air Gap Reverse Osmosis faucets and Non-Air Gap Reverse Osmosis faucets and are both available in a variety of styles and finishes. In order to find the perfect Reverse Osmosis Faucet for your kitchen, consider these key factors:
- Flow Rate
The water flow rate from the RO faucet is one of the essential factors that should be placed at the top of the list. Generally, the water flow rate depends on the Reverse Osmosis system, the faucet’s internal valve, inlet size and the water line connecting the filter to the faucet. The standard water line sizes are 1/4" and 3/8" with the ⅜” tube delivering more water. One can use a reducing union to size up or down from ¼” to ⅜”. Remember that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so sizing up past the source of pressure won’t yield an improvement in flow rate. Most threaded brass RO Faucets use a 7/16" shank that accepts both tubing sizes and allows you to take advantage of a ⅜” system’s greater flow.
- Price
Most RO systems will include a basic RO faucet to be used on the countertop of mostly any kitchen. The price varies based on the features, quality, material, allowable flow rate, style/design, and type of the RO faucet. Ultimately, price is one factor to consider before purchase, as a competitive landscape of RO Faucet brands keeps prices reasonable across the different styles and finishes. Home Master® has a complete range of Reverse Osmosis faucets ranging from $42 to $800+ with various designs, finishes, features, and types from which to choose.
- Style
Your style, interior design, and color palette should also be taken into account while selecting the RO Faucet, in addition to features, function, and warranty. The Reverse Osmosis faucet should match and complement the countertop, sink hardware, and interior design - whether it’s contemporary, modern, farmhouse, transitional, etc.; pick the one that suits and complements your decor. Home Master® recommends:
Pembroke RO Faucet | Transitional
Annapolis RO Faucet | Contemporary
Parche RO Faucet | Modern
Complementing Your Kitchen Style
One of the best features of an under-counter RO System is that it hides out-of-sight under the sink with only the elegant RO faucet being visible. Furthermore, these faucets can be replaced with another complementing kitchen style and design to keep things current as trends and tastes evolve. Home Master® brings a complete range of Reverse Osmosis faucets, from basic to luxurious designs, including vented Hot and Cold reverse osmosis faucets. Here is a curated list of select RO faucets.
Pembroke RO Faucet
Designed with the finest heavy-weight materials, ceramic valves, and fine metal handle that matches the elegant countertops and fixtures available in single or dual handles, this non-air gap faucet gives greater quality and brilliant tasty water with Home Master® Reverse Osmosis Systems.
Annapolis RO Faucet
This designer faucet is made with the finest metals in a choice of six different finishes, from basic chrome to American Bronze, with a smooth-operating ceramic valve - opening and closing the valve imparts a satisfying feel while the tasteful design impresses onlookers as you dispense delicious, refreshing pure water.
Hampton RO Faucet
This elegant RO faucet is also crafted from the weighty metals and uses smooth functioning ceramic valves with an eye-catching design in six different finishes. This high-quality faucet matches perfectly with Home Master® Reverse Osmosis Systems and elegant kitchens.
Parche RO Faucet
This non-air gap faucet is perfect for any modular or contemporary kitchen interior. Designed with highest quality metals Home Master® Reverse Osmosis Systems complete any modern or transitional kitchen with pure water.
My sink doesn’t have an extra hole for an RO Faucet. What to do?
Option 1 – Replace the existing main faucet with a Combination Hot, Cold, Filtered Tri-Flow Faucet and enjoy your under counter filtration system’s purified water together with your Hot and Cold tap water.
Installation 2 – In case the kitchen sink underside has 3 (or more) holes, but the kitchen faucet is a single-hole type, then remove its base plate, and reveal the two extra holes. Use one hole for a soap dispenser and the other for the RO faucet.
For more installation guidelines for Home Master RO Faucets, follow these Installation Videos & Instructions or connect with a HomeMaster expert at 1-877-693-7873.
Conclusion
Reverse Osmosis filtration systems are designed to dispense pure and healthy water; however, some standard Reverse Osmosis faucets lack features, function and style, necessitating an upgrade. A higher flowing RO faucet will improve your efforts for greater hydration and the health benefits which come from meeting one’s recommended hydration levels, but making it more convenient to do so. When choosing the right faucet, buyers should consider the faucet’s flow rate, build quality, air-gap function if needed, the functionality of venting and dual handles for hot and cold water, finishes, and style to complement the kitchen. Contact Perfect Water Technologies, maker of Home Master(R) brand water filtration products at 877-693-7873 or Contact Us (theperfectwater.com) for email and live chat.