If you’re planning to install a residential reverse osmosis system in your Irvine home, there’s very little you need to do before installation. Most under-sink RO systems are installed beneath your kitchen sink with minimal disruption. Clearing out the cabinet under the sink, making the area accessible, and understanding your household’s drinking water needs are usually the only preparations required. At McCowin Water, we perform a professional evaluation before installation to ensure the system is properly designed for your home.
Here’s a question I hear from homeowners all the time: “Brian…do I need to remodel my kitchen before installing reverse osmosis?”
I’m Brian McCowin. My family has been helping Orange County homeowners improve their water since 1972. The answer almost always makes people smile. “No.” Many homeowners imagine a major construction project. Where cabinets are coming apart, or the countertops are being removed. And even the plumbing throughout the house is being replaced.
In reality, reverse osmosis installation in most residential areas is far simpler. Think about installing a new dishwasher. You don’t rebuild your kitchen. You simply prepare the space so everything can be installed efficiently. Reverse osmosis is much the same. A little preparation makes installation smoother, but your kitchen doesn’t need major changes.
Let’s walk through what to expect.
Where is a residential reverse osmosis system installed?
Most residential reverse osmosis systems are installed beneath the kitchen sink.
This location provides convenient access for:
- Drinking water
- Cooking
- Coffee
- Tea
- Filling reusable water bottles
- Ice maker connections (when applicable)
The system is tucked neatly inside the cabinet, keeping your kitchen looking clean and uncluttered.
What should I do before installation?
Fortunately, preparation is simple.
We recommend:
➤ Clear the Under-Sink Cabinet
Remove:
- Cleaning supplies
- Storage bins
- Trash containers
- Other items stored beneath the sink
This provides room for installation and allows the technician to work safely and efficiently.
➤ Make the Sink Area Accessible
If possible:
- Clear the countertop around the sink.
- Ensure someone 18 or older is home during the appointment.
- Make sure the technician has easy access to the kitchen.
Small preparations help the installation go more smoothly.
➤ Know Your Household’s Water Needs
Before installation, it’s helpful to think about how your family uses drinking water.
For example:
- How many people live in the home?
- Do you cook frequently?
- Do you fill reusable bottles every day?
- Do you have an ice maker connected to your kitchen?
These details help ensure the system is properly matched to your household.
Will my plumbing need major changes?
In most cases, no. Residential reverse osmosis systems are typically integrated into your existing plumbing with minimal modifications.
Every home is different, so we’ll evaluate your plumbing before installation and explain exactly what to expect. Our goal is a professional installation with as little disruption as possible.
How long does installation usually take?
Most residential reverse osmosis installations are completed within a few hours.
The exact time depends on factors such as:
- Your plumbing configuration
- Cabinet accessibility
- Existing fixtures
- Any additional connections, such as an ice maker
Before we begin, we’ll explain the installation process so you know what to expect.
Will I lose my kitchen for the day?
Not at all. Your kitchen isn’t turned into a construction zone.
During installation, access to the sink area may be temporarily limited, but most homeowners are surprised by how quickly everything returns to normal.
Once the installation is complete, we’ll verify that the system is operating properly and answer any questions you have.
Why is a professional water evaluation important before installation?
Here’s an insider secret from more than fifty years in the business. The best installation starts long before installation day.
Before recommending a residential reverse osmosis system, we evaluate:
- Water hardness
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
- Chlorine or chloramines
- Household water usage
- Your drinking water goals
Professional testing ensures the system is designed around your home’s actual water—not assumptions.
Why do different companies recommend different reverse osmosis systems?
Many companies only sell one manufacturer’s equipment. That creates a challenge.
At McCowin Water, we’re like an Auto Mall for water.
We’re not tied to one manufacturer. We carry a broad selection of premium water treatment technologies because every home’s water is different. That flexibility allows us to recommend what’s best for your water and not what’s sitting in our warehouse.
What questions should I ask before installation?
A good installer should welcome your questions.
Consider asking:
- Where will the system be installed?
- How much cabinet space will it require?
- Will it connect to my refrigerator or ice maker?
- What maintenance will be needed?
- How often are filters replaced?
- Who provides future service?
The more you understand before installation, the more confident you’ll feel afterward.
What happens after installation?
Once your reverse osmosis system is installed, we’ll:
- Confirm everything is operating correctly.
- Explain how the system works.
- Show you where the components are located.
- Review maintenance recommendations.
- Answer any remaining questions.
Our relationship doesn’t end when the installation is complete. We’re here to support you for years to come.
Preparing for Installation Checklist
Before your installation appointment, take a few minutes to:
| Task | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| ➤ Empty the cabinet under the sink | Provides room for installation |
| ➤ Clear the countertop near the sink | Gives the technician more workspace |
| ➤ Secure pets if necessary | Helps create a safe working environment |
| ➤ Be available for questions | Ensures the installation matches your preferences |
| ➤ Write down any questions | Makes it easy to discuss maintenance and operation |
A little preparation helps make installation day smooth and stress-free.
What is the smartest first step before installing a reverse osmosis system?
The smartest first step is scheduling a professional Free, In-Home Water Test.
Before choosing equipment, understand:
- Your water quality
- Your household’s drinking water needs
- Your kitchen’s plumbing layout
- Your long-term goals
Once those pieces are clear, installing the right reverse osmosis system becomes simple.
The McCowin Promise
For more than fifty years, we’ve helped Orange County homeowners enjoy cleaner, better-tasting water through professional installation, honest recommendations, and long-term support.
“If the system we install doesn’t perform the way we promised… If your water doesn’t taste, feel, or behave the way we said it would… We’ll pull the whole system out. And either replace it or make it right. No fine print. Because your trust is worth more than the sale.”
Schedule Your Free, In-Home Water Test
If you’re planning to install a residential reverse osmosis system in your Irvine home, let us help you prepare with confidence.
We perform professional, on-site testing right at your kitchen sink. You’ll receive immediate results, customized recommendations, and honest answers with absolutely zero sales pressure.
Call us at (949) 569-5736 or Schedule a Free, In-Home Water Test today and discover how easy it can be to upgrade your Irvine kitchen with a professionally installed reverse osmosis system.
CSLB: C-55 #1022717