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PHONE HOTLINE: (615) 266-4806E-MAIL: info@willsfriends.com
GET CLEAN WATER
PHONE HOTLINE: (615) 266-4806E-MAIL: info@willsfriends.com
GET CLEAN WATER
Box-5

CHOOSE YOUR RO: UNDER‑SINK, TANKLESS, COUNTERTOP OR WHOLE‑HOUSE

NASHVILLE • FRANKLIN • BRENTWOOD

Pick by outcome, not alphabet soup. Here’s the right RO for your home.

START HERE

WHAT DO YOU NEED YOUR REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM FOR HOME TO DO?

  • “FASTEST POURS AT THE SINK” → UNDER SINK REVERSE OSMOSIS (TANKED)
    Bigger footprint, no continuous power required, quickest first‑glass flow.

  • “CLEAN LOOK, SMALLER FOOTPRINT, GREAT DAILY USE” → TANKLESS REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM (our team favorite)
    Requires continuous power. Looks sleek, compact. We add a small mini‑tank so your first 2 glasses fill faster than the fridge.

  • “I RENT / CAN’T DRILL” → COUNTERTOP REVERSE OSMOSIS WATER FILTER SYSTEM
    Portable and plug‑in. Good temporary option.

  • “I WANT THE ENTIRE HOUSE ON RO” → READ OUR TAKE FIRST
    Whole‑house RO is rarely needed in Middle TN homes; see why below.

POWER CHECK (60 SECONDS):

Look under the sink for an outlet. Plug in a phone charger.

  • If your phone charges all the time, you have continuous power (OK for tankless).

  • If it only charges when the garbage disposal switch is ON, that outlet is switched (not continuous). We can still do tankless—our electrician offers Will’s Friends clients private rates; plan about one week of notice.

WHAT NASHVILLE AREA WATER REALLY MEANS FOR FAMILIES

NASHVILLE'S 2024 CCR SHOWS THE WATER MEETS EPA LIMITS—BUT HERE'S WHAT ELSE:

– Chlorine by-products (TTHMs & HAA5) are present at levels up to 90–100× higher than health guidelines (per EWG).
– Nashville has confirmed 2,800 lead service lines, with 76,000 more still under review.
– Hard water from our limestone geology leaves scale on dishes and appliances.
Legally safe ≠ optimal. That’s why families add RO at the tap.

UNDER‑SINK RO (TANKED) —
BEST UNDER SINK REVERSE OSMOSIS FOR SPEED

WHAT IT IS

A classic under sink reverse osmosis system with a reverse osmosis storage tank (usually 2–4 gallons). It feeds a dedicated RO faucet and can tee to your fridge/ice maker.

WHY HOMEOWNERS LOVE IT

  • Fast first‑glass flow from the tank (great for cooking & coffee).

  • No continuous power needed under the sink.

  • Simple, proven design with long membrane life (when prefilters are changed on time).

TYPICAL STAGES (HOW DO REVERSE OSMOSIS FILTERS WORK?)

Sediment → Activated Carbon (taste & chlorine protection) → RO Membrane → Carbon post‑filter → Optional remineralization.

MAINTENANCE (CHANGING REVERSE OSMOSIS FILTERS)

  • Prefilters/post‑filter: swap on the maker’s schedule (we set reminders).

  • RO membrane: multi‑year when protected and maintained.

TANKLESS RO — COMPACT, LOOKS GREAT, OUR PERSONAL FAVORITE

WHAT IT IS


A sleek, tankless reverse osmosis unit that makes water continuously. It’s compact and modern—great if cabinet space is tight and you want a clean look.

WHAT TO KNOW

  • Requires continuous power (see the power check above). If you don’t have it, we’ll coordinate an outlet install at a private client rate.

  • Speed tip: We add a mini‑tank so your first two glasses pour fast, then the system returns to continuous production.

EXAMPLE SPECS (TYPICAL OF MODERN TANKLESS SYSTEMS)

  • Up to ~600 GPD membranes, ~0.4 GPM delivery, 0.0001 μm precision, auto‑flush, and low waste ratios (e.g., around 1.5:1). These numbers come from a current 600‑GPD tankless brochure and are representative of what we install; exact specs vary by model.

LOCAL SERVICE AREA & NEXT STEP

NASHVILLE • FRANKLIN • BRENTWOOD • WILLIAMSON & DAVIDSON COUNTIES

We’ll test, configure, and install a NSF/ANSI 58 system (and WaterSense‑labeled where appropriate), then keep you on schedule so performance stays like‑new.
BOOK A 15‑MINUTE DEMO

COUNTERTOP RO — FOR RENTERS & NO‑DRILL SETUPS

WHEN IT MAKES SENSE

  • You rent, live in a condo, or just want a countertop reverse osmosis unit without drilling.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

  • Many popular countertop reverse osmosis filter designs are not certified to NSF/ANSI 58. Always check for independent certification and real performance data.

  • Some countertop models recirculate water internally (no external waste line), which can shorten filter life. Read the manual carefully and budget for more frequent filter changes.

OUR TAKE

Great temporary solution. For long‑term homes, a plumbed under‑sink or tankless RO is a better investment.

WHOLE‑HOUSE RO — WHEN IT’S JUSTIFIED (RARELY)

THE REALITY IN MIDDLE TN

Whole‑house reverse osmosis systems are factory‑grade solutions (storage + re‑pressurization + strict pre‑treatment). For most homes here, they’re overkill.

OUR RECOMMENDATION

  • Handle the whole‑home needs with a water softener/conditioner + whole‑home water filter, then use RO at the kitchen for drinking/cooking.

  • You’ll get nearly all the benefits people want from whole‑house RO at about 10× lower cost, with far simpler maintenance.

  • If your well water or unique use‑case truly needs POE RO, we’ll point you to a specialist—then keep your point‑of‑use RO perfect at the sink.

 

KEY SPECS THAT MATTER (BUY ON THESE, NOT HYPE)

  • CERTIFICATIONS: Our tanklesssystem is tested and certified by Intertek to NSF/ANSI/CAN-372 levels. Our tanked system is NSF/ANSI 58.

  • GPD (GALLONS PER DAY): Membrane output rating. Real‑world flow changes with temperature & pressure; tanked systems deliver fast first pours, tankless produce continuously. Higher numbers = more flow. Our tankless versions are at 600 GPD. Our tanked version is at 100 GPD, but comes with a 4 gallon tank that increases the flow rate significantly.

  • STAGES: Sediment → Carbon → RO Membrane → Carbon → Optional remineralization for taste/pH.

  • STORAGE TANK VS TANKLESS:

    • Tanked: no continuous power; faster first‑glass flow; larger footprint.

    • Tankless: compact, modern, needs power; add a mini‑tank for faster first pours.

  • BOOSTER / PERMEATE PUMP: We add these when they’ll improve output/efficiency given your pressure and layout.

  • REVERSE OSMOSIS WITH REMINERALIZATION: Calcite (or calcite+magnesium) cartridge for a “spring‑like” finish.

  • REVERSE OSMOSIS VS WATER SOFTENER: RO = drinking water quality (reduces dissolved salts/metals/chemicals). Softener = whole‑home scale control. They solve different problems and work best together.

  • REVERSE OSMOSIS VS DISTILLED WATER / DISTILLED VS REVERSE OSMOSIS WATER: Both make low‑TDS water. Distillers boil & condense (slower, more energy); RO uses a membrane (compact, efficient at the tap).

  • OSMOSIS VS REVERSE OSMOSIS / REVERSE OSMOSIS VS FILTERED WATER (CARBON): Carbon improves taste/odor and some organics; RO also drops TDS and many dissolved contaminants—different tools, often paired.

NASHVILLE • FRANKLIN • BRENTWOOD

WHAT WE RECOMMEND

  • Most families: UNDER‑SINK RO (TANKED) or TANKLESS + MINI‑TANK, plumbed to your RO faucet (and fridge if you want).

  • Efficiency: We spec models with transparent waste‑to‑treated ratio and set up clean installs with air‑gap faucets and tidy lines.

  • Maintenance: We handle filter schedules for you (or supply filters if you like to DIY).

 

BOOK YOUR 15-MIN WATER DISCOVERY CALL

NASHVILLE • FRANKLIN • BRENTWOOD • WILLIAMSON & DAVIDSON COUNTIES

We’ll have a quick 15 minute call to go over any questions you have and see if we are a fit.
For the fastest install, give us a call at (615) 212-8488.

 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

STRAIGHT ANSWERS TO SMART QUESTIONS

 

DO I NEED POWER UNDER MY SINK FOR A TANKLESS RO?

Yes. Tankless RO systems need continuous power. Plug in a phone charger under the sink: if it charges without turning on the disposal switch, you’re good. If not, we can coordinate a quick outlet install with our partner electrician (usually within a week).
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TANKED AND TANKLESS REVERSE OSMOSIS?

  • Tanked systems: no power needed, faster first-glass pour, take up more space.

  • Tankless systems: compact, modern look, require power, slower first glass—so we add a mini-tank to give you a quick pour for 1–2 glasses.

 

 
WHICH IS THE BEST UNDER SINK REVERSE OSMOSIS FOR HOMES?

Most families choose a tanked under-sink RO for speed and simplicity. Tankless with a mini-tank is our most popular modern setup for smaller spaces and a cleaner look.
ARE COUNTERTOP RO UNITS ANY GOOD?

Countertop RO filters are fine for renters, but many lack NSF/ANSI 58 certification. They also don’t always purge waste water, which shortens filter life. For permanent homes, a plumbed under-sink RO is more reliable.
WHY DOESN’T WILL’S FRIENDS OFFER WHOLE HOUSE RO?

Whole-house RO is mainly designed for factories or very high-TDS wells. For homes here, a softener + whole-home carbon filter + under-sink RO delivers the same benefits at about 1/10th the cost and far less maintenance.
HOW MUCH WATER DOES AN RO SYSTEM WASTE? Older RO units could waste 3–4 gallons for every gallon produced. Modern systems are better: the IntelliClear 600 brochure shows a 1.5:1 ratio—for every 1.5 cups of pure water, 1 cup goes down the drain. WaterSense-labeled models must achieve a minimum of ≥30% efficiency (≤2.3:1).
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO CHANGE REVERSE OSMOSIS FILTERS?

  • Sediment & carbon pre-filters: every 6–12 months (protects the membrane).

  • RO membrane: every 2–3 years, depending on use & water quality.

  • Post-filter / remineralization cartridge: usually 12 months.
    We set reminders and handle it for you.
WHAT IS THE LIFESPAN OF AN RO SYSTEM? With proper care, most under-sink RO systems last 10–15 years. The main replacement parts are filters and the RO membrane.
HOW DO REVERSE OSMOSIS FILTERS WORK? Water passes through sediment and carbon filters, then a semi-permeable membrane (0.0001 micron). The “pure” water goes to your faucet; the concentrated waste line carries rejected salts and chemicals away.
DOES RO REMOVE FLUORIDE, PFAS, AND CHLORINE BY-PRODUCTS? Yes. RO membranes reduce fluoride; EPA lists RO as effective against PFAS; and carbon stages tackle chlorine taste/odor and by-product precursors (like TTHMs/HAA5).
WHAT IS THE FLOW RATE OF A TANKLESS RO? Modern tankless units like ours produce 0.42 gallons per minute without a mini tank, filling an 8oz glass in about 8 seconds. Adding a mini-tank boosts that “first pour” speed.
HOW MUCH SPACE DOES AN RO TAKE UNDER THE SINK? Tanked systems can take up 40–50% of under-sink space. Tankless designs save up to 60–70%, leaving more room for cleaning supplies.
WHAT CERTIFICATIONS SHOULD I LOOK FOR?

  • NSF/ANSI 58: verifies RO performance (TDS reduction, contaminant claims).

  • NSF/ANSI 53: carbon filters certified for specific by-products.

  • NSF/ANSI 372: confirms lead-free components

  • WaterSense®: for efficiency/waste ratio labeling.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REVERSE OSMOSIS VS DISTILLED WATER?

Both methods make very low-TDS water, but they work differently. Distillation boils water and condenses the steam, leaving most contaminants behind. However, some chemicals with low boiling points (like certain solvents or chlorine) can evaporate with the steam and carry into the final water unless a carbon filter is added. Reverse osmosis (RO) uses a semi-permeable membrane that blocks most dissolved salts, metals, and many chemicals—allowing mainly water molecules through. RO membranes alone don’t stop gases or volatile compounds, which is why every good RO system also includes carbon filters to catch those.

In short: Distillation can let some gases through; RO blocks dissolved particles and, with its carbon stages, covers the volatile chemicals too.

LOCAL SERVICE AREA & NEXT STEP

NASHVILLE • FRANKLIN • BRENTWOOD • WILLIAMSON & DAVIDSON COUNTIES

We’ll test, configure, and install a NSF/ANSI 58 system (and WaterSense‑labeled where appropriate), then keep you on schedule so performance stays like‑new.
BOOK A 15‑MINUTE DEMO