Dark blue water graphic

Reverse Osmosis Systems for Southeastern Pennsylvania Homes

Reverse osmosis (RO) is the most thorough drinking water purification available for a residential home. These systems push water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks contaminants as small as individual molecules. Specifically, these systems remove:

  • PFAS
  • Lead
  • Arsenic
  • Nitrates
  • Heavy metals
  • Chlorine
  • Bacteria
  • Viruses

What comes out the other side is pure, clean water for drinking and all other uses. At Dierolf Plumbing and Water Treatment, we provide expert reverse osmosis water system installation. We also offer expert reverse osmosis maintenance and reverse osmosis system repairs (if the need arises.

Our service areas include Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware, Berks, and Lehigh counties. If you’re wondering if an RO system is right for you, start with a free water test. We’ll honestly assess your water profile to determine whether or not reverse osmosis is the right solution for you.

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Reverse osmosis filters and membrane on counter with glass of water

What a Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System Removes

RO removes up to 99% of dissolved contaminants. Here’s what that means for the most common water quality concerns in southeastern Pennsylvania:

  • PFAS and Forever Chemicals

    PFAS and PFOA contamination have been documented in public water supplies across Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester counties. RO is one of the only residential methods that effectively removes them.

  • Lead and Heavy Metals

    RO systems remove lead from older plumbing, arsenic from well water geology, and other heavy metals, including chromium and cadmium. These contaminants are common in older housing stock throughout Reading, Allentown, and Pottstown.

  • Nitrates

    Nitrates from agricultural runoff are a concern in private well water across Berks and Lehigh counties. RO removes them effectively, while most other filtration methods do not.

  • Chlorine and Chloramines

    These chemicals are added to every public water supply in southeastern Pennsylvania for disinfection. RO removes both, along with the aftertaste and odor they cause.

  • Bacteria and Viruses

    RO membranes block bacteria and most viruses. For private well water with documented bacterial contamination, we often recommend pairing RO with UV filtration for complete coverage.

  • Dissolved Solids and Minerals

    RO reduces total dissolved solids significantly, producing noticeably cleaner, clearer water. It also removes calcium and magnesium. If you want minerals retained, ask us about our Ultrapure Alkaline systems.

A note on PFAS in southeastern Pennsylvania: Multiple public water systems across Bucks and Montgomery counties have tested above the EPA’s updated PFAS limits. If you’re on public water in those counties, or on a private well near any industrial or military site, PFAS testing followed by RO installation is one of the most direct things you can do to protect your household.

Learn more about PFAS in southeastern PA.

How a Reverse Osmosis System Works

Most under-sink RO systems use a 4 to 5-stage filtration process. Here’s what happens to your water before it reaches the glass:

  1. Sediment pre-filter. Catches sand, rust, dirt, and larger particles that would otherwise clog the membrane prematurely.
  2. Carbon pre-filter. Removes chlorine, chloramines, and volatile organic compounds that can damage the RO membrane and affect taste.
  3. RO membrane. The core stage, where water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks molecules larger than water, removing PFAS, lead, arsenic, nitrates, bacteria, and dissolved solids.
  4. Storage tank. Purified water is stored in a pressurized tank under your sink, ready on demand.
  5. Carbon post-filter. A final polishing stage that removes any remaining taste or odor before the water reaches your faucet.

The rejected contaminants are flushed down the drain. They aren’t allowed to accumulate in the system. Purified water is dispensed from a dedicated faucet mounted on your sink or integrated directly into your refrigerator line.

What to Expect from Our RO Installation Process

We don’t sell RO systems off the shelf. Every installation starts with understanding what’s actually in your water.

Related reading:

  • ✓ Water test first.

    We test your water before recommending any system. The test tells us what contaminants are present, at what levels, and whether RO is the right solution or if another approach makes more sense.

  • ✓ Right-sized recommendation.

    We size the system for your household’s actual usage. A family of five uses water differently from a two-person household. We make sure the storage tank and flow rate match how your household lives.

  • ✓ Clean, same-day installation.

    Our experienced service technicians install your system correctly and cleanly. Most installations are completed in a single visit. No mess, no follow-up calls about leaks under your cabinet.

  • ✓ Full walkthrough before we leave.

    We test the system after installation to confirm it’s performing correctly, then walk you through how to use it, what the filter replacement schedule looks like, and what to watch for. You leave knowing exactly how your system works.

Ongoing RO System Maintenance

A reverse osmosis system is only as good as its filters. Here’s what the typical maintenance schedule looks like, followed by what happens if individual components are neglected.

  • Component

  • Replacement Interval

  • What Happens If Skipped

  • Component

    Replacement Interval

    What Happens If Skipped

    Sediment pre-filter

    Every 6 to 12 months

    Clogs, reducing flow and stressing the membrane

  • Component

    Replacement Interval

    What Happens If Skipped

    Carbon pre-filter

    Every 6 to 12 months

    Chlorine passes through and damages the RO membrane

  • Component

    Replacement Interval

    What Happens If Skipped

    RO membrane

    Every 2 to 3 years

    Contaminant rejection rate drops — system still runs but purifies less effectively

  • Component

    Replacement Interval

    What Happens If Skipped

    Carbon post-filter

    Every 6 to 12 months

    Minor taste and odor impact

We provide a maintenance schedule with every installation and can handle all filter replacements during annual service visits. If you’re not sure when your current system was last serviced, contact us, and we’ll take a look.

Is Reverse Osmosis Right for Your Home?

RO is the most comprehensive point-of-use drinking water solution we offer, but it’s not always the right fit for every home. Here’s a straightforward comparison:

  • Choose RO if…

    • Your water test shows PFAS, lead, arsenic, or nitrates
    • You’re on public water in Bucks or Montgomery County
    • You want the deepest contaminant removal available
    • You’re currently spending money on bottled water
    • Minerals in your water are not a priority to keep

  • Consider Ultrafiltration if…

    • Your concern is bacteria and microbial safety, not chemicals
    • You want to keep the natural calcium and magnesium in your water
    • You’re on a private well with bacterial concerns only

    Learn more about ultrafiltration drinking water systems.

  • Consider Ultrapure Alkaline if…

    • You want RO-level purification, but want minerals restored
    • You prefer a higher pH alkaline water
    • Athletes or active family members are a priority

    Learn more about ultrapure alkaline drinking water filtration systems.

Not sure which fits? Schedule a water test to answer that question definitively. You can also read our comparison: Ultrafiltration vs. Reverse Osmosis.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reverse Osmosis in Southeastern Pennsylvania

  • Yes, reverse osmosis removes PFAS from drinking water. It’s actually one of the most effective ways to do so. The system’s semi-permeable membrane blocks PFAS molecules, which are too large to pass through with the water.

    This is particularly relevant for homeowners in Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester counties, where PFAS contamination in public water supplies has been documented at levels exceeding updated EPA limits.

  • Yes, reverse osmosis removes minerals from water. Minerals, including calcium and magnesium, are removed along with contaminants. For most households, this is a non-issue, since the primary source of dietary minerals is food, not water.

    If you want purified water with minerals retained, ask us about our ultrapure alkaline system, which adds a remineralization stage after RO purification.

  • Traditional RO systems send some water to drain as part of the purification process. Typically, for every gallon of purified water produced, 2 to 4 gallons are used, though newer high-efficiency systems have improved this ratio significantly. For most households, the water cost is minimal compared to the cost of bottled water that the RO replaces.

  • Yes, a reverse osmosis system can handle well water. However, it must have the right pre-filtration. Well water in Berks, Chester, and Lehigh counties often contains iron, manganese, or high sediment levels that can clog or damage an RO membrane quickly. The exact pre-filtration measures you need will be identified following your water test.

  • Most under-sink RO installations are completed in 2 to 3 hours. Installation requires running a dedicated faucet line, connecting to the drain, setting up the storage tank, and testing the system before we leave. If your plumbing configuration is unusual or you’re adding a refrigerator line, it may take a bit longer. We’ll give you an accurate time estimate when we assess your space.

  • Yes, reverse osmosis is worth it if you already have a water softener, as they address completely different things. A water softener removes calcium and magnesium to prevent scale buildup and protect your appliances. It does not remove PFAS, lead, arsenic, nitrates, chlorine, or bacteria. An RO system handles what’s in the water you drink and cook with.

  • How much a reverse osmosis system costs in Pennsylvania depends on several factors, including system configuration, the number of filtration stages, whether a remineralization stage is included, and your plumbing setup. Schedule a free water test, and we’ll give you a specific recommendation and a clear quote. We also offer financing options through our partners.

Schedule Your Free Water Test in Southeastern Pennsylvania

When you schedule your free water test, one of our experienced service technicians will test your water and give you a straight answer about what you’re dealing with and whether a reverse osmosis system makes sense for your home. We serve Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware, Berks, and Lehigh counties.

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