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How to Budget for a Reverse Osmosis System

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How to Budget for a Reverse Osmosis System

Get clean water at home for about $600 by timing your purchase with a DIY sale and spreading the cost.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $600 before anything else
Across the 0% window $33.33/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $600 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

You will taste the difference in your coffee and tea the first day you use a reverse osmosis system. The installation takes a few hours under the sink, and you can knock it out on a Saturday morning if you are handy with basic plumbing tools. The best time to buy the hardware is during a holiday weekend DIY sale at the big box stores.

Before you buy the unit, get at least two quotes from local plumbers if you decide not to do it yourself. Labor rates vary wildly, and comparing prices keeps you from overpaying for a straightforward hookup.

That 18-month window is a strict deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when the clock runs out, standard interest charges will kick in on the original amount.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your sale window

    Wait for a major holiday weekend like Memorial Day or Labor Day when plumbing supplies usually drop in price. Keep an eye on local home improvement store flyers so you do not pay full price for the filtration unit.

  2. 02

    Map the monthly math

    The typical US cost for a solid under-sink system sits around $600. If you divide that total across the intro window, you are looking at about $33.33 per month to cover it.

  3. 03

    Line up your payment card

    Use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card to take advantage of 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This gives you plenty of breathing room to pay off the hardware without adding interest charges.

  4. 04

    Check your space and pressure

    Look under your sink before buying to make sure you have room for the storage tank and the filter cartridges. You also need to check your home water pressure to ensure the system will run efficiently.

  5. 05

    Set up filter reminders

    Reverse osmosis filters need regular replacing to keep the water tasting fresh. Put calendar alerts on your phone right now for the six-month and twelve-month mark so you do not forget maintenance.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

How hard is it to install a reverse osmosis system myself?

It takes about two to four hours if you are comfortable with basic wrenches and tubing. You will need to drill a small hole in your sink or countertop for the dedicated faucet, which is usually the part that makes people nervous.

How often do filters need to be changed?

Pre-filters and carbon post-filters typically need swapping every six to twelve months. The main reverse osmosis membrane usually lasts between two and three years depending on your water quality.

Does reverse osmosis waste a lot of water?

Yes, standard systems send some wastewater down the drain for every gallon of pure water they produce. Newer high-efficiency models cut down on this ratio, but you should expect some water loss.

Will this fit under a standard kitchen sink?

Most systems fit easily under a standard sink alongside a garbage disposal, but space gets tight. Measure the height and width of your under-sink cabinet before buying to make sure the storage tank and filters clear your pipes.