How Much Does a Reverse Osmosis System Cost?

Installing a whole home reverse osmosis system offers numerous benefits, ensuring your family enjoys the highest quality water throughout your house. These advanced filtration systems effectively remove contaminants, improve taste, and safeguard against impurities, providing peace of mind and promoting overall health. Whether you’re concerned about waterborne pollutants or simply seeking cleaner, better-tasting water, a whole home reverse osmosis system delivers unparalleled convenience and long-term value.

How Much Does a Reverse Osmosis System Cost?

The average cost for a reverse osmosis system ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 for a whole-house solution. Under-sink systems will cost significantly less, ranging between $150 and $600 on average. Keep in mind that professional installation can range from $100 to $500 on top of the price for the system itself.

Factors like the number of filtration stages, quality of membranes and filters, and whether the system includes features like a booster pump or UV light also impact the price.

Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration Systems

Average Installation Cost $1,000 - $4,000

Cost Breakdown

• Materials 88.9%
• Labor 11.1%

Average Costs of Different Reverse Osmosis Systems

Countertop Reverse Osmosis Systems

Countertop reverse osmosmis systems cost between $250 to $500 on average. These systems are portable and require no installation, making them a budget-friendly option for renters or those with limited space. The cost range depends on the number of filtration stages and the quality of materials, with higher-end models offering better filtration and durability.

Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Systems

Under-sink reverse osmosis systems typically cost between $200 and $600, making them very affordable and popular among homeowners. Commonly used in households, these systems are installed under the kitchen sink and provide high-quality drinking water. The cost varies based on the number of filtration stages, capacity, and additional features like booster pumps. They are ideal for those looking for a balance between cost and efficiency.

Tankless Reverse Osmosis Systems

Tankless reverse osmosis systems typically cost between $350 and $600 to install. These systems are more compact and efficient than traditional under-sink models, eliminating the need for a storage tank and providing water on demand. The higher cost is due to advanced technology and space-saving design, making them suitable for modern kitchens with limited space.

Whole Home Reverse Osmosis Systems

To install a whole house reverse osmosis system, filtering all the usable water throughout your home, the cost ranges $1,000 to $6,000 on average. These systems are typically more expensive due to their large capacity and the complexity of installation. They are best for homes with water quality issues or for those looking to ensure filtered water throughout their entire plumbing system. The wide cost range reflects the system’s capacity, brand, and whether additional features like UV sterilization are included.

Find Local Installers

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Reverse Osmosis System

Your home’s water quality will determine the type of reverse osmosis system you need. Water with more contaminants may require multiple filtration stages to clean, resulting in a higher cost.

System Type and Features

Reverse osmosis systems are available in smaller under sink and countertop units that are the most affordable. Whole home reverse osmosis systems, complex systems, and systems with more features are more expensive. Systems that include more than one filtration stage (additional UV light, ionization, activated carbon) are typically the most expensive.

Some manufacturers obtain third-party certification from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), a global organization that sets public health and safety standards. Reverse osmosis systems with an NSF/ANSI 58 rating tend to cost more than those without.

Size and Capacity

How much water you want to purify also affects your project cost.  If you only want to improve your water’s taste and odor, and faucet or under sink system is a good option for a lower cost. For well water or unsafe household water, a whole house or light commercial system may be necessary and comes with higher product and installation costs.

Installation Costs

Labor rates vary by region and by filtration system complexity. Expect to pay between $300 to $500 for a professional plumber to install a reverse osmosis system. More complex systems or plumbing repair work will add to the project’s total cost.

Faucet and under sink units cost less to install (or handy homeowners may opt to do the work themselves), while whole house systems are the most expensive

Maintenance and Replacement Parts

Consider ongoing maintenance costs to keep your reverse osmosis filtration system working optimally. RO membranes or filters require regular replacement and around $100 annually depending on the manufacturer. Whole house and complex systems should be professionally inspected annually, which may add $100 to $200 to your household maintenance costs.

Reverse Osmosis System Costs vs. Other Water Filtration Methods

Compared to other water filtration systems, reverse osmosis costs are on the higher end of the market. Here is how reverse osmosis installation costs compare to other popular filtration methods:

Reverse Osmosis Return on Investment

A reverse osmosis system has a higher upfront cost compared to other methods, however it offers the most filtration for the money. If your property’s water is contaminated or otherwise deemed unsafe, reverse osmosis removes the most impurities, potentially saving you money from purchasing multiple systems.

Environmental Impacts

Long-term use of a reverse osmosis system usually outweighs the cost of bottled water, and fewer single-use plastic bottles in landfills are friendlier for the environment.

Reverse osmosis systems produce wastewater during purification. If that is a concern, consider a smaller point-of-use product to lessen your home’s wastewater output.

Additional Costs to Consider

• Additional Parts and Accessories: Fittings, filter housings, tubing, and other repair parts may be necessary as part of your regular maintenance.
• Plumbing Costs: If your home’s piping requires repairs or maintenance before installation, expect to pay additional labor costs.
• Water Testing: Getting your property’s water tested before you select a filtration product is recommended. Routine water testing post-installation is also good practice to ensure optimal system function and contaminant removal. At-home tests cost between $20 to $50, while professional testing ranges from $50 to $250.

What Is a Reverse Osmosis System?

Reverse osmosis is a type of water filtration system that removes contaminants and impurities from your home’s usable water. Reverse osmosis systems are available as under sink, countertop, and whole house units. Their compact design, relative ease of installation, and reliable effectiveness in removing contaminants make them a good choice for many households.

How Reverse Osmosis Works

In a reverse osmosis system, water is pre-filtered to remove larger particles and sediment. It is then forced through a semipermeable membrane that traps contaminants while allowing water molecules to pass through. The membrane separates minerals, chemicals, bacteria, and viruses and moves the newly purified water into a collection tank for household use.

Benefits of a Reverse Osmosis System

Reverse osmosis systems are one of the more effective filtration methods. They can remove the most contaminants compared to other systems, including bacteria, viruses, and chemicals like pesticides, chlorine, lead, calcium, sulfates, and more.

In addition to the above benefits, reverse osmosis systems offer several advantages:

• High amount of filtration for the money
• Better-tasting and smelling water
• Longer lifespan of household appliances
• Less scaling in plumbing
• Cleaner laundry
• Softer hair and skin

Tips for Saving Money on a Reverse Osmosis System

Reverse osmosis filtration is one of the more expensive filtration options available. While it pays for itself over time, it requires a higher-than-average upfront cost compared to other methods. Even so, there are several ways to save money on the product and installation.

DIY Installation

Doing the work yourself can save between $300 to $500 on installation costs. Basic and mid-range systems installed on countertops, faucets, and under sinks are relatively straightforward DIY projects. More complex whole house filtration systems may require the expertise of a professional plumber to ensure proper installation and operation.

Regular Maintenance

Reverse osmosis systems need regular cleaning and upkeep to maintain consistent water quality and prevent expensive repairs. Reverse osmosis tanks should be drained, sanitized, and flushed at least once per year. At the same time, check for leaks, clean out filter housings, and replace membranes and filters.

Research and Reviews

Current customers are one of your best sources of information. Read product reviews from recent purchasers and various third-party consumer sites to learn about manufacturer quality, product longevity, ease of submitting warranty claims, and overall value.

Find a Reverse Osmosis System Installer

Ready to take the next step in your water filtration search? Use Modernize’s pro finder tool to receive competitive quotes for reverse osmosis system installation. You can also explore our professionally curated list of the Best Water Treatment Companies to help you make a decision.