Activated Carbon

Activated Carbon | Water Purification | Plumbing | Bristol

Looking for crystal-clear, great-tasting water straight from the tap? HEP’s advanced activated carbon solutions strip out chlorine, pesticides, micro-plastics and odours, leaving nothing but freshness in every glass. Our Bristol engineers fit discreet, high-capacity cartridges directly into your existing plumbing, so you enjoy hassle-free water purification without bulky countertop jugs or constant filter changes. Your coffee tastes richer, your veggies stay vibrant, and even your four-legged friends lap up the difference.

From first call to post-installation check-up, we take care of everything: free on-site testing, honest recommendations and same-day fitting appointments across the city. Plus, our eco-friendly cartridges are fully recyclable, helping Bristol households cut single-use plastic while saving money on bottled water. Choose HEP and turn every tap in your home into a pure, sustainable source of refreshment—because better water starts right here.

FAQs

What contaminants can an activated carbon filter remove from Bristol’s tap water?

Activated carbon is exceptionally good at adsorbing organic compounds and chemicals that affect taste, odour and colour. In Bristol, this means it will typically remove or greatly reduce chlorine and chloramine (used by Wessex Water for disinfection), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, herbicides, industrial solvents, some pharmaceuticals, and emerging micro-pollutants such as microplastics. It will also capture sediment particles down to the micron rating of the cartridge. However, carbon does not soften water or remove dissolved minerals like limescale-forming calcium and magnesium, so if hardness is a concern you may wish to add a separate softener.

How often should I replace the activated carbon cartridge?

Service life depends on water usage, local water quality and cartridge size, but for most Bristol households a carbon block rated at 10–20 µm will last 6–12 months or roughly 9,000–15,000 litres. A granular activated carbon (GAC) cartridge usually needs changing a little sooner (every 3–6 months) because of faster channeling. You’ll know it’s time when water taste or flow rate deteriorates, or when the built-in flow-meter or colour-change indicator reads spent. Replacing on schedule prevents breakthrough, where trapped contaminants begin to leach back into the water.

Will installing an activated carbon system disrupt my existing plumbing?

A point-of-entry (whole-house) unit is plumbed into the rising main, while a point-of-use (single-tap) unit usually sits under the sink with its own dedicated faucet. Both installations are straightforward for a qualified plumber and rarely take more than 1–2 hours. Pipework in Bristol homes is typically 15 mm or 22 mm copper or plastic, and installation kits include push-fit or compression fittings compatible with either. Your water supply will be turned off briefly, but once the filter is in place the system operates unattended. No structural changes to walls or countertops are required unless you opt for a new filtered-water tap.

How does activated carbon compare with reverse osmosis or UV purification?

Activated carbon excels at improving taste and odour and removing chlorine-based chemicals, but it does not significantly lower dissolved solids or kill microorganisms. Reverse osmosis (RO) removes up to 95–99 % of total dissolved solids, heavy metals and fluoride, but it is slower, wastes some water and may produce very low-mineral water that tastes ‘flat’. Ultraviolet (UV) systems disinfect by inactivating bacteria, viruses and cysts but leave chemical contaminants untouched. Many Bristol customers choose a multi-stage approach: carbon pre-filtration to protect an RO membrane or to polish water after UV treatment, giving broad-spectrum purification without excessive maintenance costs.

Is an activated carbon system suitable for commercial premises as well as homes in Bristol?

Yes. Cafés, restaurants, hair salons, medical clinics and offices frequently install high-capacity activated carbon housings to improve the taste and consistency of water for beverages, food preparation and patient comfort. Commercial units are sized according to peak flow rates—anything from 10 L/min for a small coffee shop to 45 L/min for a large catering kitchen—and they use larger cartridges or back-washable carbon beds. We can assist with WRAS-approved equipment that meets UK Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and provide risk assessments and maintenance schedules tailored to your business.

What ongoing costs and maintenance should I expect?

Apart from cartridge replacement, activated carbon systems have minimal running costs. A typical domestic carbon block cartridge costs £25–£45, meaning an annual spend of around £50–£90. Commercial cartridges and back-washable media beds are more expensive but last longer. There is no electricity consumption unless the unit has an electronic metering head. Annual maintenance involves sanitising the housing when you change the cartridge, checking O-rings for wear, and flushing the system for 5–10 minutes to remove any loose carbon fines. We offer service plans across the Bristol area from £60 per year, which include parts, labour and disposal of used cartridges according to local regulations.