Reverse Osmosis Systems for Southeastern Pennsylvania Homes
Reverse osmosis is the most thorough drinking water purification available for a residential home. Water is pushed through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks contaminants as small as individual molecules — PFAS, lead, arsenic, nitrates, heavy metals, chlorine, bacteria, and viruses. What comes out the other side is about as clean as tap water gets.
At Dierolf Plumbing and Water Treatment, we install and service reverse osmosis systems across Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware, Berks, and Lehigh counties. We start with a water test — not a product recommendation — so you know exactly what’s in your water and exactly what your RO system is removing.
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What a Reverse Osmosis 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 / Forever Chemicals
PFAS and PFOA contamination has 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
Lead from older plumbing, arsenic from well water geology, and other heavy metals including chromium and cadmium. 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 — most other filtration methods do not.
Chlorine and Chloramines
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. Note: it also removes calcium and magnesium. If you want minerals retained, ask us about our Ultrapure Alkaline system.
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:
The rejected contaminants are flushed down the drain — they don’t 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.
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.
We size the system for your household’s actual usage. A family of five uses water differently than a couple. We make sure the storage tank and flow rate match how your household lives.
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.
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.
Related reading: How Does a Reverse Osmosis System Work? |
Debunking 7 Common RO Myths |
How to Choose the Right RO System
Ongoing RO System Maintenance
A reverse osmosis system is only as good as its filters. Here’s what the typical maintenance schedule looks like — and how we make it easy:
| Component | Replacement Interval | What Happens If Skipped |
|---|---|---|
| Sediment pre-filter | Every 6 to 12 months | Clogs, reducing flow and stressing the membrane |
| Carbon pre-filter | Every 6 to 12 months | Chlorine passes through and damages the RO membrane |
| RO membrane | Every 2 to 3 years | Contaminant rejection rate drops — system still runs but purifies less effectively |
| 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:
- 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
- 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
- You want RO-level purification but want minerals restored
- You prefer a higher pH alkaline water
- Athletes or active family members are a priority
Not sure which fits? A water test answers that question definitively. Schedule yours here. You can also read our comparison: Ultrafiltration vs. Reverse Osmosis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reverse Osmosis in Southeastern Pennsylvania
Does reverse osmosis remove PFAS from drinking water?
Yes. Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective residential methods for removing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), including PFOA and PFOS. The 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 that exceed updated EPA limits.
Does reverse osmosis remove minerals from water?
Yes — RO removes most dissolved minerals, including calcium and magnesium, along with contaminants. The membrane doesn’t distinguish between what’s harmful and what’s beneficial. 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.
How much water does a reverse osmosis system waste?
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. Newer high-efficiency systems have improved this ratio significantly. For most households the water cost is minimal compared to the cost of bottled water the RO replaces. We’ll discuss efficiency options during your consultation.
Can a reverse osmosis system handle well water?
Yes, with 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. We test your well water first, and if needed, we’ll recommend a pre-treatment stage — typically an iron filter or sediment filter — upstream of the RO unit. This protects the membrane and extends its life significantly.
How long does reverse osmosis installation take?
Most under-sink RO installations are completed in a single visit, typically 2 to 3 hours. That includes 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.
Is reverse osmosis worth it if I already have a water softener?
Yes — 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. Many of our customers in Bucks, Montgomery, and Berks counties have both — and for good reason. The softener protects your home; the RO protects your family.
How much does a reverse osmosis system cost in Pennsylvania?
The cost depends on the system configuration, the number of filtration stages, whether a remineralization stage is included, and your plumbing setup. We don’t publish a price list because the right answer starts with a water test — buying the wrong system costs more in the long run. 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 — see financing details here.
Schedule Your Free Water Test in Southeastern Pennsylvania
Find out exactly what’s in your water — no obligation, no pressure. 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.
Related Reading
- How Does a Reverse Osmosis System Work?
- Debunking 7 Common Myths About Reverse Osmosis
- How to Choose the Right Reverse Osmosis System
- Ultrafiltration vs. Reverse Osmosis: Which Is Right for Your Home?
- Why PFAS Filters Aren’t All the Same
- Understanding PFAS and How to Reduce Your Exposure in Southeastern PA
- Reverse Osmosis Systems in Doylestown, PA
- Reverse Osmosis Systems in Quakertown, PA
Our Reverse Osmosis System Installation Process
Our expert team makes the installation process seamless and stress-free
Initial Water Quality Assessment
We test your water to identify specific contaminants, including forever chemicals, and determine the best RO system for your home.
Customized System Selection
Based on your water analysis, we help you choose the right RO system to fit your needs and lifestyle.
Professional Installation
Our factory-trained technicians install your RO system with precision, ensuring optimal performance and integration with your plumbing.
System Testing and User Guidance
We test the system to ensure it’s effectively removing contaminants, including forever chemicals, and walk you through how to operate and maintain your new RO system.
We do it ALL!
Dierolf Plumbing and Water Treatment is all about water. We specialize in wholesale water testing and water treatment systems for residential purposes. We also offer a full range of plumbing services. From the basic residential plumbing services such as fixing leaks to installing septic systems, we can take care of you every step of the way.
