Reverse Osmosis Systems
Sarasota’s water has a lot going for it. It comes from the Floridan Aquifer, it’s treated to municipal safety standards, and it’s available at every tap in the house. What it also has is very hard water — around 12.7 grains per gallon — plus chlorine or chloramines from treatment, plus whatever trace sediment makes it through the system. A reverse osmosis system addresses all of that at the point where it matters most: the drinking water tap.
Legend Plumbing provides reverse osmosis systems for homes throughout Sarasota and the surrounding area. We help you choose the right system for your water, install it properly, and keep it maintained over the years. For new system installation specifically, see our reverse osmosis installation page. If you already have a system that isn’t working like it used to, our reverse osmosis repair team can help.
Why Sarasota Homes Choose Reverse Osmosis
Very Hard Water
Sarasota’s water measures around 12.7 grains per gallon, which falls into the “very hard” category. That mineral content — mostly calcium and magnesium from the aquifer — leaves scale on fixtures, affects the taste of water, and builds up inside water heaters and pipes. An RO system removes those minerals at the drinking water tap, so the water you drink doesn’t carry the same mineral load.
Chlorine and Chloramines
Sarasota’s municipal water is treated with disinfectants to kill bacteria. That’s necessary. However, those chemicals leave a taste and smell that most people notice, especially in unfiltered tap water. Carbon pre-filters in an RO system remove chlorine and chloramines before the water reaches the membrane.
Trace Contaminants
Municipal treatment handles the major contaminants. However, trace amounts of other substances can still be present — lead from older plumbing, nitrates from groundwater, and certain industrial compounds at very low levels. RO membranes remove a wide range of dissolved contaminants that other filtration methods don’t fully address.
Better Tasting Drinking Water
The most common reason homeowners give for installing an RO system isn’t health-related. It’s taste. Water that’s been through an RO system tastes clean and neutral. No mineral aftertaste. No chemical smell. No need to buy bottled water.
What Reverse Osmosis Removes
What RO Removes:
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Calcium and magnesium (the minerals that make water hard)
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Chlorine and chloramines (via carbon pre-filter)
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Lead and other heavy metals
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Nitrates and nitrites
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Sodium (reduces salty taste)
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Copper and other metals
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Sediment and particulates
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Some pharmaceuticals and industrial compounds
What RO Does Not Remove:
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Dissolved gases like radon
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Some volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
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Bacteria and viruses (RO catches most, but UV treatment is often used alongside)
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All minerals (some systems add remineralization)
Types of RO Systems for Sarasota Homes
Under-Sink Point-of-Use 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 right choice for most Sarasota homes.
Whole-House Reverse Osmosis
Whole-house RO treats all water entering the home. These systems are larger, more expensive, and require more maintenance. In most cases, treating all water isn’t necessary. Only drinking and cooking water needs RO treatment.
Tankless RO Systems
Tankless RO systems produce water on demand instead of storing it in a pressure tank. They take up less space under the sink but 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 adds some mineral intake.
Factors That Affect System Selection
Water Quality
A water test tells us exactly what’s in your water. Hardness, TDS (total dissolved solids), chlorine levels, and contaminant presence all affect which system fits best.
Household Size
How much drinking water does your household use daily? A family of four uses far more than a single person. System capacity needs to match demand.
Storage and Space
Under-sink systems take up cabinet space. Tankless systems use less. Some homeowners prefer a system with an external tank if they have room.
Refrigerator Connection
If you want the refrigerator’s ice maker and water dispenser to run on RO water, the system needs to support that. Not every RO system can supply a fridge line.
Wastewater Ratio
Older RO systems waste 3 to 4 gallons for every gallon they produce. Modern systems waste much less. If water efficiency matters to you, look for a system with a lower wastewater ratio.
Installation and What to Expect
Water Testing First
We test your water on-site for hardness, TDS, and chlorine. The results confirm whether RO is the right fit and help us recommend the right system.
System Recommendation
Based on water test results and your household’s usage, we recommend the system that fits. Considerations include how much drinking water you use, whether the RO should feed the refrigerator, and how much space is available under the sink.
Professional 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. If installation requires minor plumbing modifications, we handle those as part of the job. Our plumbing repair team is available if anything unexpected comes up.
Walkthrough
After installation, we show you how the system works, when to replace each filter stage, and how to check that the system is operating properly.
Maintenance and What It Costs to Keep Running
An RO system isn’t “install it and forget it.” It has multiple filter stages that need regular replacement.
Filter Schedule
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Sediment pre-filter — Every 6 to 12 months
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Carbon pre-filter — Every 6 to 12 months
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RO membrane — Every 2 to 3 years
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Post-filter — Every 12 months
Maintenance frequency depends on water quality and how much water you use. In Sarasota’s water, pre-filters tend to need replacement on the shorter end of the range.
What Affects Maintenance Cost
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System type — Some systems use proprietary cartridges that cost more
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Number of stages — More stages mean more filters to replace
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Water quality — Harder water means faster filter loading
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Usage — Higher use means more frequent replacements
Contact us for maintenance pricing based on your specific system.
Areas We Serve
Legend Plumbing provides reverse osmosis systems 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 systems, Legend Plumbing handles:
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Reverse Osmosis Installation — new RO system installation
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Reverse Osmosis Repair — RO system diagnostics and repair
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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 Systems in Sarasota
Is reverse osmosis water safe to drink?
Yes. RO water is safe and healthy. The process removes contaminants while leaving water that is pure and refreshing. RO water is similar to distilled water in purity.
Does reverse osmosis remove beneficial minerals?
RO removes minerals, both good and bad. However, the minerals removed are not essential for health. You get plenty of minerals from food. Many people prefer the pure taste of RO water.
Is RO water acidic?
RO water can be slightly acidic because it lacks buffering minerals. This is normal and not a health concern. Some systems include a remineralization filter to add minerals back if desired.
How much water does RO waste?
Older RO systems waste 3-4 gallons for every gallon of purified water. Modern systems are much more efficient. [VERIFY WASTE RATIO] The waste water is used to flush contaminants away.
How much does an RO system cost?
Costs vary based on the system and installation complexity. Contact us for a customized quote. Most homeowners find RO systems pay for themselves compared to bottled water costs.
How long does installation take?
Most RO installations take a few hours. We provide a specific timeline during your consultation.
Will RO work with my existing plumbing?
RO systems can be installed under most kitchen sinks. We evaluate your space during the consultation to ensure compatibility.