From Installation to a Finished System – Compact Water Softener and Big Blue Prefilters in Practice

The first photograph shows the installation while the work is still in progress. Tools, fittings, pipe sections, and installation components are spread across the floor. To someone who does not work with water treatment systems, it may look like considerable chaos.

A few hours later, the picture is completely different.

The second photograph shows the completed installation: a compact water softener and two Big Blue prefilters connected to the existing plumbing system. The installation has been organized, the equipment is in position, and the system is ready for operation and future servicing.

Installation Is More Than Positioning the Equipment

Professional water treatment installation is not simply a matter of placing a softener in the room and connecting a few pipes.

Before the work begins, the existing plumbing must be assessed, the pipe routing planned, suitable locations for the filters selected, access to valves maintained, and future service requirements considered.

A good installation should not only be leak-free and technically correct. It should also provide convenient access for cartridge replacement, inspection, maintenance, and future service work.

Why Use Big Blue Prefilters Before a Water Softener?

In many installations, a water softener operates together with prefiltration stages. Their role is to prepare the water before the next treatment stage and help protect downstream components.

The type of cartridges used should always be selected according to the specific installation and water quality. There is no single universal configuration suitable for every property.

The Finished Installation Is Only the Beginning

Once the installation has been completed, the system begins what may become many years of operation. From this point on, regular service becomes increasingly important: checking system performance, replacing cartridges, inspecting for leaks, and carrying out periodic maintenance of the softener.

This is why future service should already be considered during installation. A system designed with service access in mind can later be maintained more quickly, safely, and conveniently.

These two photographs show only a small part of an installer’s work. Behind the finished result are planning, component selection, professional tools, and experience developed through many installations.

More practical information about installation, servicing, and organizing the work of a water treatment installer will be included in my upcoming book for water filter installers and service technicians.

Installation is the beginning. Well-planned service helps keep the system operating for years to come.

Why Service Is the Real Driving Force Behind the Water Filter Business

Selling a water filtration system can be the beginning of a good relationship with a customer. But from my experience, the real driving force behind this business is not a one-time sale. It is regular, professional service.

When I started installing my first reverse osmosis systems in 1997, most of my work was focused on the installation itself. Over time, I quickly understood that the installation was only the beginning. Every filter system will eventually require cartridge replacement, leak inspection, tubing checks, water quality testing, and a conversation with the customer about proper use and future maintenance.

This is where service becomes important.

A customer does not usually return only because a device was installed. A customer returns because they trust the person who installed it and who continues to take care of it.

In the water filtration industry, a properly installed system can work for many years. If an installer keeps good records, reminds customers about service visits, replaces cartridges honestly, checks the system carefully, and maintains good contact, that installer can build a long-term source of repeat work and income for the next 10, 20, or even 30 years.

This is not about quick profit. It is about building trust, responsibility, and a service base that grows year after year.

After many years in this business, I also noticed something else: a well-built service base has real value on its own. At one point, I received an offer from a company that wanted to buy all the service work I had built over the years. For that company, it would have meant taking over in one day something that had taken me many years to create: customer relationships, service schedules, trust, and recurring work.

That experience showed me that in this industry, the biggest value is not always the device itself. Very often, the real value is the service behind it.

For anyone who wants to start working in the water filtration business, my advice is simple: do not look only at the first sale. Look at the whole life cycle of the system.

Installation starts the relationship. Service keeps it alive for years.

In my upcoming book for water filter installers and service technicians, I describe not only how to install reverse osmosis systems, water softeners, Big Blue filters, UV lamps, and other water treatment systems, but also how to think about service, customer relationships, and long-term work in this industry.

40,000 Liters of Water in a Lifetime – Have You Ever Thought About Its Quality?

 “A person drinks around 40,000 liters of water over a lifetime. And the quality of that water cannot be irrelevant to the human body.”

Water is part of our everyday lives. We drink it, use it to make coffee and tea, and prepare soups, vegetables, rice, pasta, and countless other meals with it. Yet while we often focus on how much water we drink, we rarely stop to think about the quality of the water we consume over many years.

40,000 Liters – A Number Worth Thinking About

When we look at water consumption not from the perspective of a single day, but across decades of life, the amount becomes enormous.

We are talking about tens of thousands of liters of water consumed by the human body over a lifetime.

That is why the quality of drinking water should never be treated as a secondary issue.

It is also important to remember that water that looks clear is not necessarily identical in quality. Two glasses of water may look exactly the same while having very different parameters. They may differ in mineral content, hardness, dissolved substances, taste, or odor.

Clean Water Starts With Knowledge

As a water treatment system installer and service technician, I have encountered water with very different parameters over the years. Problems with water quality are not always immediately visible.

Sometimes it takes water testing, measurements, or simply everyday use to reveal the differences. Scale inside a kettle, deposits on faucets and fixtures, unpleasant odors, unusual taste, or sediment appearing in appliances are all signs worth paying attention to.

Before choosing any water treatment method, the first step should therefore be to determine what kind of water we are dealing with and what result we want to achieve.

Not Every Type of Water Requires the Same Treatment

There is no single filtration system suitable for every home and every water source.

Municipal water may require a completely different approach from water supplied by a private well. Depending on the problem, treatment methods may include mechanical filtration, activated carbon filtration, water softening, iron removal, UV disinfection, or reverse osmosis.

For water intended primarily for drinking and food preparation, one possible solution is a reverse osmosis (RO) system. RO systems provide highly effective point-of-use water purification, typically installed directly in the kitchen.

However, this does not mean that reverse osmosis is necessary in every home. A properly designed water treatment system should be selected according to the actual water parameters and the desired water quality – not simply by the name of the equipment.

It Is Not Just the Filter – Maintenance Matters Too

Even a high-quality filtration system requires proper maintenance.

Filter cartridges have a limited service life. Over time, they collect contaminants and gradually lose their effectiveness. Regular cartridge replacement, system inspection, sanitization where required, and periodic monitoring of water parameters are therefore important parts of responsible water treatment.

Buying a water filter is not the end of taking care of your water quality. In many ways, it is only the beginning.

Think About Water Over an Entire Lifetime

A single glass of water may seem insignificant.

But glasses become liters. Liters become hundreds and then thousands. Over an entire lifetime, the total becomes tens of thousands of liters.

So perhaps the question should not only be:

“Am I drinking enough water?”

There is another question worth asking:

“What kind of water am I drinking every day?”

Because if we drink around 40,000 liters of water over a lifetime, the quality of that water certainly deserves our attention.

Reverse Osmosis Installation: Why the Order of Work Matters

 

A reverse osmosis system installed under the sink may look simple at first glance. A few filter housings, a storage tank, a faucet, some tubing, and several small fittings — nothing that appears complicated from the outside.

However, every experienced installer knows that a good RO installation is not about connecting parts randomly. It is about planning the work in the right order.

The order of work matters because each decision affects the next one. The position of the system affects tubing. The position of the tank affects service access. The drain connection affects comfort during daily use. The faucet location affects both convenience and appearance. Even small details can make a big difference later.

A professional installation should be clean, logical, service-friendly, and safe for the user. It should not only work on the first day. It should remain easy to inspect, maintain, and service for many years.

Many problems in water filtration systems do not come from the system itself. They come from poor planning, rushed installation, difficult access, or tubing placed without thinking about future service. That is why a clear installation sequence is so important.

Before the first fitting is tightened, the installer should understand the space under the sink, the type of plumbing, the available cabinet space, and the best position for every part of the system. A well-planned installation saves time, reduces the risk of mistakes, and gives the customer more confidence in the work performed.

For homeowners, this means a more reliable and convenient system.

For installers, it means fewer problems during future service visits and a more professional result.

Reverse osmosis installation is not only a technical task. It is also a matter of experience, order, and attention to detail.

A system that is installed properly from the beginning is easier to service, easier to explain to the customer, and more likely to work correctly over time.

This is why professional RO installation should always follow a clear plan.

In my upcoming book, Water Filter Installation Guide – For Installers and Service Technicians, I explain this topic in much greater detail, including practical installation stages, technical diagrams, cabinet layouts, tool references, and real installation examples based on field experience gained since 1997.

A reverse osmosis system should not be installed by guesswork.

It should be installed step by step — with planning, experience, and care.

💧 More Than a Traditional Reverse Osmosis System. One RO membrane followed by three specialized post-treatment cartridges.

Reverse Osmosis Water Filter with 75 GPD Membrane, 8-Liter Tank, Shungite, Mineralizer and Biocera REDOX.

Most reverse osmosis systems complete the purification process with the RO membrane followed by a single post-filter.

This system has been designed for users who expect more.

At its core is a 75 GPD Reverse Osmosis membrane, which performs the primary purification process by removing the majority of contaminants, including chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides, nitrates, and many other unwanted substances.

After purification, the water is stored in an 8-liter pressure tank, ensuring an immediate supply whenever the faucet is opened.

But the process doesn't end there.

After the RO membrane, the water passes through three specialized post-treatment cartridges, each providing a different final water option.

🔹 Shungite Cartridge

The first post-treatment stage is the Shungite cartridge.

Shungite is a naturally occurring carbon-rich mineral from Karelia that has been used in water filtration technologies for many years. In this system, it serves as an additional final filtration stage, contributing to the water's organoleptic properties, including taste and overall drinking experience.

🔹 Mineralizing Cartridge

The second stage is the Mineralizing cartridge.

Since reverse osmosis removes most dissolved minerals, this cartridge reintroduces selected minerals to provide a more natural taste and balanced drinking water.

🔹 Biocera REDOX Cartridge

The third post-treatment stage is the Biocera REDOX cartridge.

This specialized ceramic cartridge is used as the final conditioning stage after reverse osmosis, providing the water with its final characteristics.

🚰 Two Dispensing Points – Multiple Water Options

To take full advantage of the system, two separate dispensing points are installed.

✔ 3-way kitchen faucet provides:

• Cold water

• Hot water

• Shungite-filtered water

✔ Separate dual drinking water faucet provides:

• Mineralized water

• Biocera REDOX water

This configuration allows users to choose the type of drinking water that best matches their personal preferences.

💧 One system. One RO membrane. Three specialized post-treatment cartridges. Multiple drinking water options.

The Biggest Mistake New Water Filter Installers Make.

Many people believe that installing a reverse osmosis system is the end of the job. In reality, it is only the beginning of a long-term relationship between the installer and the customer. A professionally serviced system provides reliable water quality for the customer and creates years of repeat business for the installer.

Every filter cartridge replaced, every membrane changed, every routine inspection and every system upgrade is another opportunity to deliver value to the customer. Professional service is built on trust, and trust is built over time.

Since 1997, I have learned one important lesson: installing a water filtration system takes a few hours, but professional service can last for decades.

Want to learn how professional installers build long-term customer relationships through proper installation and regular service? These topics are covered in detail in my upcoming book, Water Filter Installation Guide – For Installers and Service Technicians.

Tank vs Tankless Reverse Osmosis Systems – Which One Fits Your Kitchen?

If you're considering a reverse osmosis (RO) system for your home, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to choose a traditional system with a storage tank or a modern tankless design.

Both options can provide high-quality drinking water, but they differ significantly in size, installation requirements, water production, and everyday use.

So which one is right for your kitchen?

Traditional RO Systems with a Storage Tank

For decades, storage tank systems have been the most common type of reverse osmosis installation.

These systems produce purified water slowly and store it inside a pressurized tank until it is needed.

Advantages

✔ Proven and reliable technology

✔ Lower initial purchase cost

✔ Wide range of available models

✔ Easy access to replacement filters and components

Considerations

✘ Require additional space for the storage tank

✘ Lower water production rate

✘ Larger overall installation footprint

Because of the storage tank, these systems typically require more space under the sink. In smaller kitchens, installation can sometimes be challenging.

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Modern Tankless RO Systems

Tankless systems have become increasingly popular in recent years.

Instead of storing water in a tank, they produce purified water on demand using high-capacity membranes and, in many cases, booster pumps.

Advantages

✔ Compact design

✔ Faster water production

✔ More available storage space under the sink

✔ Modern appearance and simplified maintenance

✔ Excellent solution for small kitchens

Considerations

✘ Higher purchase price

✘ Dependence on electrical power for systems with booster pumps

✘ More advanced electronics in some models

Because of their compact dimensions, tankless systems are often the preferred choice for modern kitchens equipped with pull-out waste bins, drawers, or limited cabinet space.

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Which System Fits Your Kitchen?

The answer depends less on the system itself and more on the available installation space.

Tank Systems Are Often Ideal When:

• You have a large cabinet under the sink.
• You have an 80 cm cabinet or a corner cabinet.
• Storage space is not a concern.
• You prefer a traditional and proven solution.

Tankless Systems Are Often Ideal When:

• Cabinet space is limited.
• Your kitchen includes pull-out waste bins.
• You want to maximize storage space.
• You prefer a compact and modern installation.

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There Is No Universal Answer

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is selecting a system before evaluating the available installation space.

In my experience, the best reverse osmosis system is not necessarily the most expensive one—it is the system that fits both the kitchen and the customer's expectations.

That is why I always recommend assessing the available space before making a final decision. In many cases, a few photos of the sink cabinet are enough to determine which solution will work best.

Final Thoughts

Both traditional and tankless reverse osmosis systems can provide excellent drinking water quality.

The key difference is not the water itself—it is how the system fits into your kitchen.

Sometimes a storage tank system is the perfect choice.

Sometimes a compact tankless unit is the only practical option.

The most important step is choosing the solution that matches your available space, your daily water usage, and your budget.

In my upcoming book, "Water Filter Installation Guide – For Installers and Service Technicians," I discuss real installation scenarios, cabinet configurations, system compatibility, and practical examples from more than two decades of field experience.

Clean water starts with choosing the right system—and the right installation method.

Want to learn how to choose the right RO system for your kitchen layout?

In my upcoming book, Water Filter Installation Guide – For Installers and Service Technicians, I share real installation examples, cabinet configurations, technical drawings, and practical solutions based on my experience installing and servicing water treatment systems since 1997.

More articles, installation tips, and water treatment insights are available on this blog.

Think You Don't Have Space for a Water Filter? Here Are 8 Proven Installation Solutions

 

No space under the sink?"

Here is one solution I used.

One of the most common objections I hear from customers is:

“I would like a reverse osmosis system, but I simply don't have enough space under my sink.”

After installing water treatment systems since 1997, I can confidently say that in most cases the problem is not the lack of space—it is finding the right installation solution.

Modern kitchens come in many different layouts. Some have large cabinets under the sink, while others use pull-out waste bins, corner cabinets, or compact drawer systems. Fortunately, there are several proven installation methods that allow homeowners to enjoy clean drinking water even in challenging spaces.

Here are eight practical installation solutions that I have successfully used in real homes.

1. 80 cm Cabinet with a Double-Bowl Sink

This is one of the easiest installation scenarios. The large cabinet width provides enough room for both the filtration system and the storage tank while still leaving space for cleaning supplies and waste bins. Most reverse osmosis systems can be installed without any modifications to the cabinet.

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2. 60 cm Cabinet with a Single-Bowl Sink

Although the available space is smaller, modern tankless systems fit very well in this type of cabinet.  High-capacity systems equipped with booster pumps and membranes above 600 GPD are particularly suitable because they eliminate the need for a storage tank.

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3. 80 cm Cabinet with a Single-Bowl Sink

This configuration offers excellent installation flexibility. The large cabinet width combined with a single sink bowl leaves significant free space for both traditional and compact reverse osmosis systems.  In most cases, all system types can be installed comfortably.

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4. Pull-Out Waste Bin Cabinet (Low Plinth Installation)

Some kitchens use pull-out waste bins that occupy most of the cabinet space. When the plinth height is sufficient, a slim tankless reverse osmosis system can be installed underneath the cabinet behind the decorative kickboard. This solution preserves the waste bin system while still providing purified drinking water.

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5. Pull-Out Waste Bin Cabinet with Compact Tankless Systems

Certain compact reverse osmosis systems are specifically designed for narrow spaces. Their slim profile allows installation beneath cabinets with limited clearance, making them a practical option when conventional systems would not fit.

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6. Pull-Out Waste Drawer Converted for Filtration Use

In some kitchens, customers choose to remove the waste drawer completely. The available space can then accommodate larger reverse osmosis systems, storage tanks, mineralizers, or even ionizers. This solution is ideal for homeowners who prioritize drinking water quality over storage capacity.

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7. Corner Cabinet Installation

Corner cabinets often provide more usable volume than many people realize. These cabinets can accommodate large filtration systems and storage tanks while keeping all components hidden from view. They are particularly useful when standard sink cabinets are already occupied.

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8. Installation in an Adjacent Cabinet

When there is no available space under the sink, an adjacent cabinet may provide the perfect solution.  Water lines can be routed through a side panel, allowing the filtration system to be installed in a neighboring cabinet. This approach works especially well with modern tankless reverse osmosis systems and often provides easier service access in the future. 

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The Most Important Lesson

After thousands of installations, I have learned that the question is rarely:

“Can a reverse osmosis system fit?”

The real question is:

“Which installation method is best for this kitchen?”

Modern reverse osmosis systems are available in many different sizes and configurations. With proper planning, even kitchens that appear to have no available space can often accommodate a highly effective water filtration system.

In many cases, the solution is simply choosing the right cabinet, the right system, and the right installation approach.

Clean drinking water is often much closer than homeowners think.

These are only general examples of possible RO installation solutions. In my upcoming book, “Water Filter Installation Guide – For Installers and Service Technicians,” I describe each installation variant in much greater detail, including technical drawings, cabinet layouts, system compatibility, real installation photos, and practical installer’s notes based on field experience since 1997.

Author: Piotr Żukowicz

Water Treatment Installer and Service Technician since 1997

10 Tools You Can't Install an RO System Without

10 Tools You Can't Install an RO System Without

Installing a reverse osmosis (RO) system does not require a large workshop full of expensive equipment. However, there are a few essential tools that every installer should have on hand. After more than 25 years of working with water treatment systems, I have learned that the right tools save time, prevent mistakes, and help deliver a professional installation.

Here are the 10 tools I use most often when installing RO systems.

1. 20V Cordless Drill

A cordless drill is one of the most important tools for any installer. It allows you to drill holes and mount components quickly without the need for extension cords.

2. Drill Bits for Sinks and Countertops

These drill bits are essential when creating holes for dedicated drinking water faucets or additional system accessories. A properly selected drill bit ensures a clean and professional finish.

3. Adjustable Wrench

Used for installing water connections, valves, and plumbing fittings. One good adjustable wrench can replace several fixed-size wrenches.

4. 1/4" and 3/8" Tube Cutter

Proper tubing cuts are critical for leak-free connections. Using a knife or unsuitable cutting tool often results in damaged tubing and future leaks.

5. 14 mm Pass-Through Tube Socket Wrench

One of the most useful tools when installing a drinking water faucet on a sink or countertop. It provides easy access to mounting nuts located in hard-to-reach places.

6. Phillips Screwdriver

A simple but essential tool for mounting brackets, covers, clips, and many other RO system components.

7. Filter Housing Wrench

Every RO installer should keep one nearby. It is indispensable during initial installation and future filter replacements.

8. LED Work Light

Most RO installations are performed inside dark kitchen cabinets. Good lighting improves working conditions and helps identify leaks more quickly.

9. 19 mm PTFE Thread Seal Tape

One of the most commonly used sealing materials for threaded plumbing connections. A properly sealed joint is critical for a reliable installation.

10. 650W Electric Drill

When more power is needed, a corded electric drill becomes the preferred option. It is particularly useful for drilling through harder materials and demanding installation tasks.

Final Thoughts

Tools alone do not make a professional installer. Experience, knowledge, and attention to detail are equally important. However, having the right tools allows you to work faster, safer, and more efficiently.

The tools listed above are among the most frequently used items in my daily installation work and are described in greater detail in my upcoming book:

Water Filter Installation Guide – For Installers and Service Technicians

Which tool do you consider the most important when installing an RO system? Let me know in the comments.

New book in progress: Installation and Service of Water Filtration Systems – A Technical Guide for Installers and Service Technicians

• New book in progress: Installation and Service of Water Filtration Systems – A Technical Guide for Installers and Service Technicians

New book in progress: A technical guide for water filter installers and service technicians (English edition)

For many years, I have been collecting and organizing practical knowledge about installing, servicing, and troubleshooting water treatment systems. Now it is time to bring all that experience into one structured, field‑ready book.

I am working on a technical guide for water filter installers and service technicians in English, based on 30 years of hands‑on experience since 1997. The book will cover, among other topics:

• reverse osmosis systems,

• compact water softeners,

• iron removal systems,

• Big Blue filters,

• UV lamps,

• essential tools and fittings,

• common installation and service mistakes,

• technical drawings and installation schematics,

• calculations of potential income from installation and service work.

At this stage, I have already completed 80 pages of ready material, the full table of contents, and the first extended chapter on reverse osmosis systems – including all types of water connections used from 1997 to the latest integrated models. The remaining chapters are outlined and will be filled in step by step.

If you are interested in this topic, keep following the blog. I will soon share more updates, short excerpts from the book, and information about the planned paperback and e‑book editions on Amazon KDP.