RO (Reverse osmosis) water filters are one of the widely used filtration systems all around the world. This is because of their ability to remove 99% of different kinds of contaminants.
For this reason, these filters have become top-notch choices for both household and commercial purposes. But did you know? The RO filters are available in two different variants. One variant comes with a storage tank, and the other one is tankless. This availability makes it difficult for the buyers to decide which one is suitable for them.
If you have also found yourself in this kind of difficulty, then don’t need to worry, Frizzlife has got you covered.
In this article, we are going to discuss both of these variants of RO filters in complete detail so that you can decide which one is better.
Tank RO filter – Overview
The tank RO filter is a conventional type of filtration system that has been around for several years. It comes equipped with a storage tank that is responsible for storing filtered water.
This means, even if the water supply to your home is suspended temporarily due to some reasons, then you can still get access to filtered water, all thanks to the tank.
Now, let us explain how these filters work.
They work by using a combination of pre-filters, special semipermeable membrane, and storage tanks. The water first passes through the pre-filters to eliminate normal contaminants like chemicals, bacteria, sediment, etc.
It then flows through the semi-permeable membrane to remove further contaminants such as heavy metals, viruses, etc. The filtered water is then stored in the tank for later use.
Advantages of Tank Reverse Osmosis Water Filter
You have understood its working mechanism; it’s time to get familiar with the useful benefits of tank RO filters.
1. Water storage capacity:
This is obvious, RO filters with tanks offer water storage utility, which is something that you will not get with a tankless variant.
As we have already stated, the tank RO system comes with a special storage tank that has the ability to store a significant amount of water. Usually, the tank’s water storage capacity ranges from 2 to 10 gallons of water.
The tank ensures that you always have access to clean and safe drinking water, no matter if the water supply to your home is temporarily down.
2. Maximum water pressure
Tank RO filters provide a steady water pressure all the time, thanks to the storage tank. The steady pressure will ensure that you are getting consistent water throughout the household, not just in a specific area.
So, if you have a large house with more water usage, then an RO filter with a tank can be a suitable option to go with. With this filter, you won’t experience any drop in the water pressure when multiple faucets are open.
3. More customizable options
If you go with the Tank RO system, you will get more customizable options. Let us explain how.
For instance, you can customize these filters by adding additional filters such as a remineralization filter. Adding this filter can be highly beneficial, if you want to keep healthy minerals from the drinking water.
As we all know, RO filters remove good minerals and nutrients from the water along with contaminants, making it completely neutral.
Downsides of Tank Reverse Osmosis Systems
1. Requires too much space:
Due to the storage tank, these systems require more space. This means that if you have less space in the kitchen or areas of your home, then unfortunately, these are not the ones you should go with.
2. Chance of bacterial growth:
If not looked after properly, the water stored in the tank can become a breeding ground, leading to bacteria and other contaminants. Therefore, you will need to regularly maintain them to prevent this issue.
Tankless Reverse Osmosis Filters - Overview
Tankless RO filter is also known as on-demand or direct-flow water filters. These are more advanced filtration systems that do not come equipped with a tank. This is the reason why, they are known as tankless RO filters. They filter the given on the spot and provide filtered water.
Now, let’s understand how they perform water filtration.
They make use of a combination of pre-filters, semipermeable membranes, and post-filters. The contaminated water flows through all these filtration stages in order to become completely safe and clean.
Advantages of Tankless RO Filters
Below, we have discussed some of the most useful benefits of Tankless RO filters.
1. Space-friendly:
As they don’t have a water storage tank, they require less storage space as compared to Tank RO systems.
This means, you can easily install them under kitchen sinks, cabinet, beneath stairs, or any other small place in the household. This will result in maximum flexibility when it comes to the installation process.
2. No chance bacterial growth:
Since they have a storage tank, so there is no chance that filtered water can become a breeding ground, causing bacterial growth. This will reduce the need to regularly clean or maintain them.
In simple words, with tankless RO systems, you can enjoy safe and clean water for a prolonged period of time without worrying about bacterial growth in the system.
3. Less water wastage
Tankless RO systems waste less water as compared to tank ones. Let us explain how. Tankless filters do not require flushing out a certain amount of water just after starting the filtration process. Instead, they provide filtered water on-demand, resulting in less water wastage.
Downsides of Tankless Systems
1. Expensive
This is one of the major downsides of tankless RO filters. They are more expensive as compared to tank filters. They cost more due to their advanced technology and compact design.
Tank Vs. Tankless RO System – Which is better?
The answer to this question completely depends on your household needs and preferences. Because both RO systems has their own advantages and disadvantages. In order to choose the right RO filter, you will need to consider the following factors:
· Household size to determine water usage requirements
· Available space for ease of installation
· Budget requirements
Tank RO system can be a good option if you have a large house (more water usage) with too much space available. It is cost-effective and provides steady pressure.
On the other hand, tankless RO filters are an excellent option if you are running out of space and only want filtered water when needed.
Ultimately, there is decision is all yours!