Council Bluffs RO System Install: Before & After Walkthrough

If you live in Council Bluffs, you probably already know — the tap water here can be hard, chlorinated, and sometimes less than ideal for drinking.

That’s why more homeowners are turning to Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems to get clean, great-tasting water straight from the tap.

Recently, our team at McIntosh Plumbing completed an RO system installation for a local family dealing with cloudy water and mineral buildup. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what the process involved — and how it completely transformed their water quality.

The homeowners had noticed several issues for months:

1. Cloudy drinking water and odd taste
2. Hard water stains on fixtures and glassware
3. White buildup on faucets and around the sink
4. Shorter lifespan on coffee makers and ice makers

They already had a water softener, but that only removed hardness — not dissolved solids, chlorine, or contaminants that affect taste and quality. It was time to take water purification a step further.

Council Bluffs’ municipal water is safe to drink — but it’s also known for being hard and heavily mineralized, with trace amounts of chlorine and sediment. An RO system filters water through multiple membranes, removing up to 99% of dissolved solids, chemicals, and impurities.

That means:

• Cleaner, fresher-tasting water right from your kitchen tap
• No more bottled water or filter pitchers to replace constantly
• Better for cooking and coffee — no chlorine taste or film on surfaces
• Longer life for appliances like dishwashers, coffee makers, and ice machines

Installing an RO system is one of the smartest upgrades for both water quality and long-term appliance protection in older homes across Council Bluffs.

Here’s how our team handled this Council Bluffs installation step by step:

1. Pre-inspection and water test
We tested their water hardness, chlorine, and TDS (total dissolved solids) levels to determine the best RO system size and filter configuration.

2. Placement and access
We installed the unit neatly under the kitchen sink with easy access for filter changes and maintenance.

3. Plumbing connections
The system was connected to the cold water line and dedicated RO faucet — with an optional line added to the refrigerator for purified ice and water.

4. System flush and test
After installation, we flushed the system, checked pressure, and verified water quality with on-site readings.

Before: Cloudy, mineral-heavy water with a chlorine aftertaste
After: Crystal-clear, refreshing water that tastes as clean as bottled — right from the tap

RO systems are low-maintenance, but a little attention goes a long way:

1. Replace filters every 6–12 months
Sediment and carbon filters should be replaced regularly to maintain flow and purity.

2. Change the RO membrane every 2–3 years
This is the heart of the system and keeps it filtering at peak efficiency.

3. Sanitize the system annually
A professional cleaning prevents bacterial buildup and keeps the system fresh.

4. Check pressure and flow
If your water slows down or taste changes, it may be time for a filter replacement or service.

At McIntosh Plumbing, we help Council Bluffs homeowners enjoy clean, great-tasting water with professional RO system installations. Our licensed team handles everything — from water testing and installation to ongoing filter maintenance.

If you’re tired of cloudy or bad-tasting water, schedule a free RO system consultation today. You’ll taste the difference from the very first glass.

📍 Local. Honest. Dependable.
💧 Clean water. Clear results.
🔧 Done right. On time. Built to last.