Tap water in Sarasota is safe to drink. That’s not the issue. The issue is what’s in it. Hard water minerals from the Floridan Aquifer. Chlorine or chloramines from municipal disinfection. Sediment that makes it through the treatment process. And in some cases, trace contaminants that aren’t fully removed by municipal systems. A reverse osmosis system at the kitchen sink addresses all of that — it delivers water that tastes cleaner and has fewer dissolved solids than what comes out of the tap.
Legend Plumbing provides reverse osmosis installation for homes throughout Sarasota and the surrounding area. We help you choose the right system for your water and install it properly at the kitchen sink or wherever you need it. For whole-house water treatment, see our water quality services page. If you already have an RO system that’s not performing as it should, our team can diagnose the problem.
Why Sarasota Homes Benefit From Reverse Osmosis
Very Hard Water
Sarasota’s water comes from the Floridan Aquifer and measures around 12.7 grains per gallon — classified as “very hard.” That mineral content includes calcium and magnesium that leave scale deposits and affect taste. An RO system removes those minerals at the point of use, which means the water you drink doesn’t carry the same mineral load as what comes through the tap.
Chlorine and Chloramines
Sarasota’s municipal water is treated with disinfectants to kill bacteria. Chlorine and chloramines are necessary for safety, but they leave a chemical taste and odor. Carbon pre-filters in an RO system remove those chemicals before the water reaches the membrane, which improves both taste and smell.
Trace Contaminants
Municipal water treatment handles the major contaminants. However, trace amounts of other substances — including nitrates, lead from older plumbing, and certain industrial compounds — can still be present at low levels. An RO membrane removes a wide range of dissolved contaminants that other filtration methods don’t fully address.
What Reverse Osmosis Actually Removes
An RO system pushes water through a semi-permeable membrane with pores so small that most dissolved contaminants can’t pass through. The result is water with dramatically reduced total dissolved solids.
What RO Removes:
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Calcium and magnesium — The minerals that make water hard and leave scale deposits
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Chlorine and chloramines — Removed by the carbon pre-filter before the water reaches the membrane
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Lead — Common in older plumbing systems
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Nitrates and nitrites — Sometimes present in groundwater
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Sodium — Reduces the salty taste that can come from water softeners
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Copper and other metals — That may leach from pipes
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Sediment and particulates — Removed by pre-filters
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Some pharmaceuticals and industrial compounds — At levels that standard filtration doesn’t catch
What RO Does Not Remove:
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Dissolved gases — Like radon, which requires different treatment
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Some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — Depending on the system’s carbon filter quality
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Bacteria and viruses — RO membranes catch most, but UV treatment is often used alongside RO for full protection
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All minerals — RO water is “hungry” water, which is why some systems add a remineralization stage
Types of Reverse Osmosis Systems
Point-of-Use Under-Sink Systems
The most common residential RO system. Installed under the kitchen sink, it treats water at a dedicated faucet and can also supply the refrigerator’s ice maker and water dispenser. This is the system most Sarasota homeowners choose.
Whole-House Reverse Osmosis
Whole-house RO treats all water entering the home. These systems are larger, more expensive, and require more maintenance. They’re less common in residential settings because most homes only need drinking water treatment — the rest of the water is used for washing, flushing, and irrigation where RO isn’t necessary.
Tankless RO Systems
Some modern RO systems use a tankless design that produces water on demand instead of storing it in a pressure tank. These take up less space under the sink, but they produce water more slowly.
Systems With Remineralization
Some RO systems add a remineralization stage that puts beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium back into the water after filtration. This changes the taste and provides some mineral intake.
What Affects the Cost of RO Installation
System Type
Basic under-sink RO systems are the most affordable. Tankless and multi-stage systems cost more. Systems with remineralization and additional filtration stages cost more than basic models.
Installation Complexity
Most under-sink installations are straightforward. Installation costs more if you need a dedicated faucet drilled into the counter, a line run to the refrigerator, or if the existing plumbing needs modification.
Additional Features
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Refrigerator line hookup — Adds cost if not already plumbed
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Additional faucet — Some systems include a dedicated RO faucet. Some don’t
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Booster pump — Needed if your home’s water pressure is low
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Permeate pump — Improves efficiency when the RO tank is far from the faucet
Contact us for an estimate based on your specific situation.
Maintenance and Filter Replacement
Pre-Filters
Pre-filters catch sediment and chlorine before water reaches the RO membrane. They typically need replacement every 6 to 12 months, depending on water quality and usage.
RO Membrane
The membrane is the core of the system and usually lasts 2 to 3 years. It needs replacement when it stops removing dissolved solids effectively.
Post-Filter
The post-filter polishes the taste of the water after it leaves the tank. It typically needs replacement every 12 months.
Storage Tank
The tank holds treated water until you need it. Tanks usually last 5 to 10 years.
Sanitization
Some systems benefit from periodic sanitization to prevent bacterial growth. Our water quality services team can advise on the right schedule for your water.
What to Expect During Installation
Water Testing
We start by testing your water for hardness, TDS (total dissolved solids), and chlorine. The results confirm whether RO is the right fit and help us recommend the right system.
System Selection
Based on the test results and your household’s water use, we recommend the right system. Considerations include how much drinking water you use daily, whether you want the RO to supply a refrigerator, and how much space is available under the sink.
Installation
Most under-sink RO installations take 2 to 4 hours. We install the system, connect it to the water supply and drain, install the dedicated faucet if needed, and run the initial flush cycle.
Walkthrough
We show you how the system works, when to replace each filter, and how to check that it’s operating properly.
Is Reverse Osmosis Right for Your Sarasota Florida Home?
Reverse osmosis is ideal for homeowners who:
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Want the purest possible drinking water
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Are concerned about contaminants in their water
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Want to reduce bottled water costs and waste
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Have specific concerns about lead, PFAS, or heavy metals
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Want great-tasting water for cooking and drinking
If you’re not sure whether RO is right for you, start with our Water Quality Testing service. Testing identifies what’s in your water and helps us recommend the right solution for your Sarasota Florida home.
Why Choose Legend Plumbing for RO Installation in Sarasota Florida
Local Experts
We understand Sarasota Florida water quality challenges. Our team knows what’s in local water and how to address it effectively. Visit our Water Quality Services page to learn more.
Licensed Professionals
Every plumber on our team is fully licensed and insured. You can trust your installation is done right. Explore our Plumbing Repair and Residential Plumbing Services pages for our full range of expertise.
Honest Pricing
We provide clear estimates with no hidden fees. You’ll know the cost before we start.
Quality Products
We recommend proven RO systems from quality manufacturers. We stand behind the products we install.
Complete Service
From consultation to installation to ongoing maintenance, we’re your complete RO resource. We also offer Water Softener Installation, Whole Home Water Filtration, and Well Water Filtration services.
Areas We Serve
Legend Plumbing provides reverse osmosis installation throughout Sarasota County and the surrounding area. If you’re in one of these communities, we’re within reach:
Not sure if we serve your area? Reach out and ask.
Other Services We Provide
Along with reverse osmosis installation, Legend Plumbing handles:
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Water Quality Services — testing and treatment for water issues
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Plumbing Repair — general repairs for fixtures and pipes
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Water Heater Repair — tank and tankless systems
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Water Heater Installation — new water heater installation
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Tankless Water Heater Installation — tankless systems
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Drain Cleaning — routine drain maintenance
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Clogged Drain Repair — for stubborn clogs
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Sewer Line Repair — damaged sewer lines
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Leak Detection — finding hidden leaks
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Slab Leak Repair — leaks under concrete slabs
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Toilet Repair — toilet fixes and replacements
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Faucet Repair — faucet repairs and installations
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Garbage Disposal Repair — disposal fixes
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Pipe Repair — damaged pipe repairs
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Repiping Services — full and partial repiping
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Hydro Jetting — high-pressure drain cleaning
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Residential Plumbing Services — household plumbing
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Commercial Plumbing Services — commercial plumbing needs
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Emergency Plumber — urgent service when problems can’t wait
Questions About Reverse Osmosis in Sarasota
How long does reverse osmosis installation take?
Most installations take 2-4 hours. We provide a specific timeline during your consultation.
Can I install an RO system myself?
RO systems can be installed by DIY enthusiasts, but professional installation is recommended. Water connections, drain connections, and pressure requirements make professional installation safer and more reliable.
Do I have space for an RO system?
Most RO systems fit under standard kitchen sinks. We evaluate your space during the consultation to ensure compatibility.
Will my water pressure be affected?
RO systems operate on a separate faucet and don’t affect the pressure of your regular household water.
How much does reverse osmosis installation cost?
Costs vary based on the system type and installation complexity. Contact us for a customized quote.
Do you provide warranties on installation?
Yes. We stand behind our work and offer a satisfaction guarantee. Manufacturer warranty coverage varies by system.
Can an RO system be installed with a water softener?
Yes. Many homeowners combine RO with a water softener for complete water quality. Visit our Water Softener Installation page for details.