Most reverse osmosis system projects don't fail because a contractor made one dramatic error — they fail because small, cheap-looking decisions stack up.
These are the mistakes we see most often on Houston jobs, and the ones we vet every scope against before we start.
1. Non-NSF-certified membrane
No certification = no real filtration. NSF/ANSI 58 is the standard.
2. No pre-filter
Houston sediment fouls membranes fast. Pre-filtration extends life by 2–3x.
3. Too-small storage tank
Under 4 gallons leaves the family waiting. Right-size the tank.
4. No air-gap faucet
Backflow contamination risk. Air-gap faucets are code in many jurisdictions.
5. No leak sensor
A slow drip destroys the cabinet. A $15 sensor prevents it.
How to vet your contractor
Read your reverse osmosis system bid line by line and ask which of these mistakes are being avoided — in writing. A contractor who welcomes the question is the one you want; a contractor who deflects is the one to walk away from.
If you'd like a second set of eyes on a scope of work or an existing bid, we're happy to walk through it with you.
