Reverse Osmosis Installation Cost Calculator
Calculate RO system installation costs and see how quickly it pays back compared to bottled water.
How It Works
Choose system type
Under-sink RO for kitchen drinking water or whole-house for all fixtures.
Enter household size
Daily gallon usage determines tank size and filter replacement frequency.
Compare to bottled water
Calculate annual cost savings vs. buying bottled water at $1–$1.50 per gallon.
RO System Cost by Type
| Type | Install Cost | Annual Filters |
|---|---|---|
| Under-Sink | $400 – $750 | ~$60/yr |
| Countertop | $180 – $600 | ~$40/yr |
| Whole-House | $1,200 – $4,300 | ~$150/yr |
| Tankless | $500 – $1,750 | ~$70/yr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does reverse osmosis installation cost?
Under-sink RO system installation costs $400–$750 including the unit and professional installation. Countertop units cost $180–$600. Whole-house RO systems cost $1,200–$4,300 installed. Annual filter costs run $40–$150 per year. Compared to bottled water at $0.15–$2.00 per gallon, under-sink RO produces water for $0.01–$0.03 per gallon, paying back in 1–3 years for most households.
What does reverse osmosis remove from water?
RO systems remove 95–99% of dissolved solids including: lead, arsenic, fluoride, nitrates, chromium, chlorine and chloramine, PFAS (forever chemicals), and most other contaminants. RO membranes filter down to 0.0001 microns. What RO does not remove: some pesticides and pharmaceuticals require additional carbon filtration. RO also removes minerals like calcium and magnesium — many quality systems add minerals back.
How often do RO filters need to be replaced?
Pre-filters (sediment and carbon) need replacement every 6–12 months. The RO membrane needs replacement every 2–3 years. Post-filters (polishing carbon) need replacement every 12 months. Total annual filter costs: $40–$80 for under-sink systems, $60–$150 for whole-house. Water quality affects frequency — harder water or high sediment reduces filter life.
Under-sink vs. whole-house RO: which do I need?
Under-sink RO is the right choice for most households — it provides excellent quality drinking and cooking water at low cost. Whole-house RO is only necessary when the entire water supply needs filtration (severe contamination, industrial areas, certain agricultural regions). Whole-house RO wastes 3–4 gallons for every gallon filtered and requires expensive equipment — it's rarely needed for typical residential use.
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