The average reverse osmosis water filter costs $2,200, but prices commonly range from $1,000 to $4,800.
Installing a reverse osmosis water filter costs an average of $2,200, but it’s best to budget $1,000 to $4,800 for this project. Let’s look at the factors that influence these costs, as well as ways to save money on your filtration system.
The price of your reverse osmosis (RO) water filter depends on several factors, including the type of water filter and the efficiency of the system. Let’s break down these variables to give you a better idea of how much you’ll pay for your system.
There are two main types of residential RO systems: whole-house and point-of-use. Whole-house RO water filter systems (also known as point-of-entry systems) are installed at your home’s main line, where they treat all of the water coming into your house. On the other hand, point-of-use systems treat water at a single water fixture (for example, a kitchen sink or refrigerator).
As you might expect, whole-house systems cost more than point-of-use filters. Here’s what you can expect to pay for each type:
| System Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Whole-house | $1,000–$4,800 |
| Point-of-use | $150–$1,300 |
The purpose of reverse osmosis water filter systems is to produce clean, drinkable water, but they also generate significant amounts of wastewater in the process.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a point-of-use RO system wastes 5 gallons of water per gallon of treated water. Some newer systems are more efficient, reaching a one-to-one ratio of wastewater to filtered water, but they cost about $300 more than less efficient products.
Reverse osmosis systems have multiple filtration stages (often between three and seven), each of which serves a different function. For example, the first level might remove sediment particles, while the second one extracts carbon from the water.
As you compare RO systems from the same company, you’ll notice that products with more filtration stages are often pricier than ones with fewer stages. However, this isn’t always true because a four-stage RO water filter from one company could cost less than a seven-stage filter from another.
Keep in mind costs will differ between point-of-use and whole-house systems, too. Explore average starting prices for point-of-use reverse osmosis filters based on the number of filtration stages:
| Number of Stages | Average Starting Cost |
|---|---|
| 3 | $190+ |
| 4 | $210+ |
| 5 | $230+ |
| 6 | $280+ |
| 7 | $300+ |
On average, it costs between $300 and $700 to hire a professional to install a reverse osmosis water filter system. Your price will depend on a few factors, including labor rates in your area and the size and complexity of your RO system. For example, you might only pay $100 to $300 to install a point-of-use system, while a whole-house system could cost closer to $1,500.
In addition to the upfront costs of installing a reverse osmosis water filter, there are ongoing expenses to consider. Here’s what to expect.
For the most part, your RO water filter system should run pretty seamlessly. However, to keep it in good shape, you’ll need to perform periodic maintenance, like checking for leaks and cleaning and sanitizing the system annually. You can do this for free by following the instructions in your user manual.
Otherwise, you can call in a plumber or water filtration professional (which you might need to do anyway if you find any leaks or other issues while inspecting your system). On average, hiring a plumber costs between $45 and $200 per hour.
If your RO system breaks down, you may need to bring in a pro to fix it. Prices depend on the specific problem, but the cost of repairing a reverse osmosis system runs between $45 and $450, for an average of $300.
Reverse osmosis filters need water to run, so you’ll need to pay for however much water your system uses. Naturally, whole-house systems will go through more water than point-of-use systems since they cover larger areas. If your system has a booster pump (which is used when your home’s water pressure isn’t high enough), you’ll also need to account for electricity costs.
Overall, the annual operating costs for a reverse osmosis system are around $400, including the price of filters, which you need to swap out every six to 12 months. You should replace the membrane every two to five years, which will add $50 to $100 to these costs.
If you plan on adding a point-of-use reverse osmosis water filter system to your home, you can cut costs by installing it yourself. To do so, you’ll need a few common tools (like a wrench and screwdriver) and basic plumbing experience. By going the DIY route, you can save around $150 to $300 in labor.
However, you’ll want to bring in a local water softener installation company or plumber if you’re installing a whole-house RO system. Setting up one of these systems involves more complex plumbing work, including turning off your home’s water supply and connecting the system to the main water line. Plus, if you hire a reputable pro, you should get a guarantee or warranty on their work.
If you’re installing a new point-of-use RO system in your kitchen, you might want to tackle other kitchen plumbing projects at the same time.
Cost to install a new dishwasher: $200–$3,500
Cost to replace a garbage disposal: $200–$625
Cost to add a refrigerator water line: $75–$130
Cost to install a sink: $200–$650
Cost to add a hot water dispenser: $300–$600
As we’ve mentioned, installing your own small point-of-use RO system is one way to reduce costs. Other money-saving options include:
Buying a refurbished system: You’ll spend less upfront if you buy a refurbished reverse osmosis water system instead of a new one. However, you’ll want to confirm that the system is still in good condition and covered by a warranty before making a purchase.
Opting for an energy-efficient model: To keep operational costs down and reduce water usage, invest in an energy-efficient RO system.
Comparing brands and prices: There are many RO systems for sale online from home improvement stores and online retailers. Take the time to research different brands and products to find the right model for your needs—and get the best deal on it.
Requesting multiple quotes: Installation prices vary by company. Gathering several estimates will let you compare rates and find the most competitive offer.
“Using a home water filtration system and filling a reusable bottle can provide significant cost savings and environmental benefits over plastic bottled water.”
— Kenton Jones, Certified Water Specialist & Vice President of Operations at Multipure, Las Vegas, NV
If your tap water is unsafe to drink, then yes, a reverse osmosis filter is worth the money because it can filter out almost all contaminants, including lead and asbestos. RO systems are also worth considering if you currently drink bottled water but want to switch to a more sustainable or cost-effective alternative.
Reverse osmosis filters use a substantial amount of water—much of which goes to waste during the treatment process. Not only does this represent a waste of natural resources, but it equates to higher water bills as well. And while RO systems are designed to remove harmful contaminants from your water, they may also strip it of beneficial minerals, like calcium and potassium.
