Looking for advice: Do's/Don'ts of Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water

[CountryBoy19]

First of all, I'm new here, thanks for your patience if I'm violating any unspoken (or written) rules or codes. I think I'm posting in the right place but I'm not positive.

I have a Culligan RO water system currently. The nearest culligan store is 2 hrs away and I can't find filters online. I found reference to them being discontinued.

Therefore I think I need to replace my filter unit but I have no desire to replace the tank, lines or faucets. My Culligan system has an oversize 9-gallon tank that I want to keep.

My water is hard with some non-dissolved solids (sediment) coming from a well in Karst limestone. I realize I need to get a whole-house filter but that all takes time and money. I will eventually have one.

What are some do's and don'ts when selecting a replacement RO system or filter unit? I want quality and I want to be able to order filters online because I live in the middle of nowhere... I don't mind spending big bucks for quality systems (buy once cry one) but I don't want to spend more than necessary either.

My entire unit is currently located in the crawlspace so I have no space constraints.

Specific suggestions on brand/unit would be appreciated but mainly I'm just overwhelmed with knowing which brands to stay away from.

 

[ditttohead]

Stay away from 99% of the online sellers as the majority of these companies focus on price rather than quality. Most of the big box stores switch RO's as often as most people switch underwear. Companies get tired of being pushed on price by the big box stores and they have to take all responsibility for any service, returns etc. The big numbers of sales soon turn into a massive headache that most companies learn does not make for a profitable product. Especially when a homeowner installs it incorrectly, floods their own house, then expects the manufacturer to pay all the repair costs...
I can send you a PM with some recommendations, I don't like naming companies in the open forum for obvious reasons.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Old]

I would be interested in a pm too
Thanks

 

[CountryBoy19]

Stay away from 99% of the online sellers as the majority of these companies focus on price rather than quality. Most of the big box stores switch RO's as often as most people switch underwear. Companies get tired of being pushed on price by the big box stores and they have to take all responsibility for any service, returns etc. The big numbers of sales soon turn into a massive headache that most companies learn does not make for a profitable product. Especially when a homeowner installs it incorrectly, floods their own house, then expects the manufacturer to pay all the repair costs...
I can send you a PM with some recommendations, I don't like naming companies in the open forum for obvious reasons.

So a local seller is best... I can see some advantage of that, as long as I also have the ability to buy my filters etc online.

Kinetico has nobody that services my area. Culligan's nearest dealer is almost 2 hrs away. So being able to buy filters and such online and have it shipped to my door is critical.

Are there lesser-known water filtration companies that maintain local dealers? I'm not finding much looking locally but if I can find a manufacturer then I may have luck using their "find my dealer" function...

 

[Bannerman]

The companies you mention mainly offer their own proprietary equipment so parts and service availability is often limited to their specialised dealer network.

Most areas will have independent dealers who specialise in water treatment. Equipment offered will usually include Clack, Fleck or Autotrol control valves which are combined with other commonly availble components to create a system that is appropriate for your specific requirements.