System design
- Number of stages and whether there is an alkaline or remineralization stage.
- Tank or tankless; see tankless vs. tank RO.
- Production rate and how much water is sent to drain.
- Faucet style and finish.
The installation
| Situation | Effect on the job |
|---|---|
| Condo with association rules | Scheduling, approvals, limited access |
| Older house with original valves | Valve replacement may be needed |
| Stone countertop | Drilling a faucet hole takes more time |
| Line to fridge or ice maker | Extra tubing and fittings |
Two kitchens on the same street can produce different quotes. A newer kitchen with accessible valves, a laminate counter and an open cabinet is a short job; an older galley kitchen with corroded valves, a stone counter and a garbage disposal in the way takes longer. That difference belongs on the quote as labor and parts, not hidden in the equipment price.
Your water
Fort Lauderdale lime-softens and filters the water, and Wilton Manors' 2025 report lists chloramines at 2.12 ppm on average and sodium at 28.2 ppm. Chloramine is what wears down the pre-filter; dissolved solids are what the membrane removes. Those numbers are typical of treated city water and help predict how often parts are changed.
Ownership costs to ask about
- How often each filter and the membrane are replaced at your usage.
- Whether replacement parts are standard or proprietary.
- What a service visit includes.
- Warranty terms in writing.
See RO maintenance and operating costs.
Compared with bottled water
Many Wilton Manors households start looking at RO to stop buying cases of water. To compare, write down what you buy each month and use the bottled water vs. RO calculator with your own numbers.
What should not be on the quote
For a home on Wilton Manors city water, an under-sink RO quote should not need pre-treatment equipment for iron or hardness unless a test shows a reason. If extras appear, ask which result they address. Likewise, a quote with no replacement schedule is incomplete: the ongoing cost of an RO system is mostly filters and the membrane, so you should know how often each is changed before you sign. Jorge lists both the installation and the upkeep so you can compare fairly with any other quote you get. Ask, too, whether the price covers removing an old filter system if you have one under the sink.
Get the quote
Living Water offers financing through its financing partners; you apply with a credit application, and a co-applicant can apply with you. Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974.
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist