Expert RO System Installation in Sarasota Florida
The water that comes out of a Sarasota tap is safe. That’s not the issue. The issue is what it tastes like and what’s dissolved in it. Very hard water from the Floridan Aquifer — around 12.7 grains per gallon. Chlorine or chloramines from municipal treatment. Fine sediment that slips through. And in some homes, trace contaminants that standard filtration doesn’t catch. An RO system at the kitchen sink addresses all of that by pushing water through a membrane with pores so small that most dissolved solids can’t pass.
Legend Plumbing provides RO system installation for homes throughout Sarasota and the surrounding area. We test your water first, recommend the system that fits, and install it properly at the kitchen sink. For broader water quality concerns, see our water quality services page. If you already have an RO system that needs service, our reverse osmosis repair team can help.
Why Sarasota Water Makes RO Worth Considering
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, so the water you drink doesn’t carry the same mineral load.
Chlorine and Chloramines
Sarasota’s municipal water is treated with disinfectants. 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 water reaches the membrane.
Trace Contaminants
Municipal treatment handles the major contaminants. However, trace amounts of other substances can still be present — including nitrates, lead from older plumbing, and certain industrial compounds. An RO membrane removes a wide range of dissolved contaminants that other filtration methods don’t fully address.
What an RO System 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 (requires different treatment)
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Some volatile organic compounds (depending on carbon filter quality)
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Bacteria and viruses (RO catches most, but UV treatment is often used alongside for full protection)
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All minerals (some systems add remineralization)
Types of RO Systems
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 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 provides some mineral intake.
What Affects Installation Cost
System Type
Basic under-sink RO systems are the most affordable. Tankless, multi-stage, and remineralization systems cost more. Systems with more filter stages cost more than basic models.
Installation Complexity
Most under-sink installations are straightforward. Installation costs more if a dedicated faucet needs to be drilled into the counter, if a line needs to be run to the refrigerator, or if 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.
What to Expect During Installation
Water Testing First
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 RO to supply the 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. If minor plumbing modifications are needed, we handle them 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. If you’re also dealing with water heater issues, our water heater repair team can help.
Maintenance After Installation
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
In Sarasota’s hard water, filters tend to need replacement on the shorter end of those ranges.
Why Maintenance Matters
Once the carbon pre-filter is exhausted, chlorine passes through to the membrane and shortens its life. Once the sediment filter clogs, the membrane works harder and produces less water. Replacing filters on schedule protects the membrane — which is the most expensive part of the system.
Why Sarasota Florida Homeowners Choose RO Systems
Better Taste
RO removes chlorine, minerals, and other contaminants that affect taste. You’ll notice the difference in drinking water, coffee, tea, and even ice cubes.
Healthier Water
RO removes many contaminants that can affect health over time. Lead, PFAS, arsenic, and other substances are effectively removed.
Cost Savings
The average Sarasota Florida family spends hundreds of dollars annually on bottled water. An RO system provides unlimited pure water for a fraction of the cost.
Environmental Impact
Plastic water bottles are a major environmental problem. RO systems significantly reduce plastic waste by replacing bottled water.
Service Areas
Legend Plumbing provides RO system 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 RO system installation, Legend Plumbing handles:
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Reverse Osmosis Installation — additional RO installation services
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Reverse Osmosis Repair — RO 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 RO System Installation in Sarasota
How long does RO system 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 RO system installation cost?
Costs vary based on the system type and installation complexity. Contact us for a customized quote.
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.
Do you install RO systems on well water?
Yes. We install RO systems for well water as part of our Well Water Filtration services.
