Do You Need a Special Faucet for Reverse Osmosis? Learn Here!
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Last Updated: Feb 8, 2023
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A reverse osmosis faucet (also called a reverse osmosis spout, spigot, or tap) is a separate entity from a regular water faucet.
Installing an RO system means you end up having two faucets in your sink, the regular one for when you want non-filtered water and the RO faucet when you need filtered water.
So, why do you need two? Can’t you just hook up your reverse osmosis system to your regular faucet and use that for everything? Let’s get into why that isn’t the best idea.
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Key Takeaways
- Yes, you do need a special faucet that is suitable for your RO system in order to have optimal, non-contaminated water, and to work with your RO system’s unique pressure output.
- There are air gap and non-air gap faucets.
- You also might want to consider a multi-use faucet which are less common.
Do You Need a Special Faucet for Reverse Osmosis?
Yes, you do need a special faucet for your reverse osmosis water for a couple of reasons.
Also, depending on your system and setup, there are two main categories of RO faucets available, and they are called air gap and non-air gap faucets. We will explore the differences further on.
Benefit: Why Do You Need an RO Compatible Faucet?
- The first is because you don’t want to run your purified, clean water through your existing faucet, where it may pick up metals, chemicals, and other deposits that could be luring in your faucet lines. This would mean possible recontamination of the water. RO filtration faucets are also NSF-certified for RO compatibility and quality, ensuring that they work in sync with your reverse osmosis system and do not allow recontamination of the water.
- The second reason is because of the pressure differences in your regular tap water flow, and the flow of RO water. An under sink reverse osmosis system has a water tank that will hold a certain amount of gallons of purified water (around 3 to 5). Given that your regular faucet is capable of dispensing 2 gallons of water per minute, you are going to be draining your RO tank pretty quickly. This is where the RO faucet comes in. It works at a water dispensing rate that is complimentary to the RO unit, and the water will dispense in smaller amounts.
- Aside from a regulated flow rate and avoiding recontamination of your purified water, it may be a requirement by local plumbing codes in your area to use an RO system with its specific kind of faucet.
What Is a Reverse Osmosis Faucet and How Do The Different Types Work?
A reverse osmosis faucet is explicitly designed to work with an RO water filtration system.
There are two types: an air gap and a non-air gap faucet. Depending on local plumbing codes, you may not get to choose which one you like…
Air Gap Faucets
An air gap faucet has three tubing connections: One tube carries filtered water through the faucet; the other two are wastewater tubes, with wastewater traveling up one line, past the air gap, and then dropping down the other line into the wastewater drain.
Why the air gap? In case of a blockade in the sink’s drain pipe, the hole prevents wastewater from flowing backwards and into the reverse osmosis system causing contamination and other potential damage.
Advantages
- Wastewater or sewerage backflow is not able to flow into your RO unit.
- You will comply with plumbing codes if air gap faucets are required in your area.
Disadvantages
- Air gap faucets can be loud and will gurgle.
- When there is a blockage in their small tubes, they will leak/back up on your sink and countertop (this is not uncommon).
- They require a larger hole to be drilled into your sink or counter, and the installation is more complex.
Non-Air Gap Faucets
A non-air gap RO faucet is the more “regular” of the two RO faucets. It has just one tube that carries the purified water from the RO system or storage tank to the faucet for use when you open the tap.
Advantages
- Non-air gap RO faucets are a little cheaper than air gap faucets.
- Non-air gap faucets are simpler and require a smaller hole in your sink for installation.
- The tube in the non-air gap RO faucet is bigger and less likely to become clogged.
- They are overall the easier of the two kinds of faucet to install.
Disadvantages
- No added protection from water backflow, which could damage your RO system.
- Your local plumbing codes may not allow a non-air gap faucet to be installed with your RO system.
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Multi-Line Faucets
A multi-line RO faucet (also known as a triple faucet or three-way faucet) is a possible option if you are willing to replace your regular sink faucet. It dispenses hot water, cold water, and RO water, all separately. It allows faster flow rates for washing with hot and cold water, and a separate part controls the flow rate of the reverse osmosis water.
Advantages
- You don’t need to drill an extra hole in your counter or sink.
- It saves space as you just have one faucet.
- No drain hole causing backflow onto your counter or sink.
- It may come designed with more advanced features, such as an adjustable spray nozzle and high-temperature handle lockouts.
- You can easily switch between filtered, hot, and cold water without having to shut off the water supply or manually redirect the flow.
Disadvantages
- Multi-line faucets may require additional maintenance because they have more parts and components than other types of faucets.
- Depending on what type you purchase, they can be expensive, and the features included within them may not be appropriate for all households.
- The adjustable spray nozzles can sometimes cause leaks if it’s not properly maintained and adjusted regularly.
How to Install an RO Faucet?
For the purpose of convenience, this how-to-install list is based on a non-air gap faucet. The procedure will be different for air gap faucets and three-way faucets.
Tools and Supplies
- Non-air gap faucet
- Adjustable wrenches or a specialized RO faucet wrench
- Center punch
- A drill and bits
- Washers and hex nut
- A screwdriver
Installation Procedure
- Shut off the water supply coming to the sink.
- Decide where you want to place the RO faucet if your sink does not already have a second hole. The faucet should be positioned with convenience in mind.
- Mark the spot with a center punch.
- Grind away enough surface material to safely accommodate the drill bit. Carefully drill a hole.
- Remove any remaining metal chips and clean up sharp edges.
- Insert the faucet body through the hole and secure it from the bottom with washers and a hex nut.
- Attach the fittings and tighten them with a wrench.
Further Reading:
Where Can You Buy Reverse Osmosis Faucets?
RO faucets are available anywhere that sells RO systems, and also at hardware stores and large online retailers, all at varying price points and quality.
If you have any thoughts about the question, do you need a special faucet for reverse osmosis, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
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