In-home Water

In-home Water | Water Purification | Plumbing | Charleston

Charleston’s blend of river and coastal sources can leave tap water with a salty tang, stubborn mineral deposits, or unsettling odors. HEP’s licensed plumbers bring decades of local experience straight to your kitchen sink, pairing meticulous craftsmanship with advanced water purification to give every glass a fresh, balanced taste.

From compact under-sink reverse-osmosis units to whole-home carbon filtration, we design, install, and service systems tuned to Charleston’s unique conditions. Fewer scale stains on fixtures, brighter laundry, and healthier cooking water are just a call away—book your complimentary in-home water test today and feel the Lowcountry’s best water flow through your home.

FAQs

Why do Charleston homeowners need an in-home water purification system?

Charleston’s municipal water generally meets federal standards, but the city’s coastal geography and aging distribution lines can introduce sediment, hardness minerals, chlorine by-products, and trace levels of agricultural or industrial runoff by the time the water reaches your faucet. An in-home purification system provides an extra barrier of protection, giving you cleaner-tasting water, reducing scale buildup in plumbing fixtures, and safeguarding sensitive family members—such as infants, the elderly, or anyone with weakened immune systems—from potential contaminants.

What contaminants are most common in Charleston tap water?

Independent lab tests and annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) show that Charleston tap water may contain: • Chlorine and chloramine used for disinfection • Trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAA5), which are disinfection by-products • Hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause scale • Low levels of organic compounds, such as pesticides from regional agriculture • Sediment and rust particles from older galvanized pipes • Salinity intrusion during extreme tidal events. A properly selected filtration or reverse-osmosis (RO) system can target these specific contaminants.

Which type of purification system works best for a typical Charleston household?

Most single-family homes combine a whole-house carbon filtration system with a dedicated reverse-osmosis (RO) drinking water station at the kitchen sink. The carbon filter removes chlorine, odors, and many chemical by-products for every tap—including showers and laundry—while the RO unit offers ultra-purified water (removing up to 99% of dissolved solids) for cooking, ice makers, baby formula, and coffee. If your water tests show elevated hardness, adding a salt-free or traditional water softener ahead of the carbon unit will prevent scale inside water heaters and appliances.

How is a water purification system installed in an existing Charleston home?

Our licensed plumbers first perform a free water analysis on-site. Once we identify contaminants and flow requirements, we select appropriately sized equipment. Whole-house units are plumbed into the main line—usually in a garage, crawl space, or utility closet—using corrosion-resistant PEX or copper fittings. For RO systems, a compact vessel is mounted under the kitchen sink with a dedicated faucet and an optional line to the refrigerator. Installation typically takes 4–6 hours, involves minimal drywall drilling, and includes a complete flush and pressure test to ensure leak-free operation.

What kind of maintenance will my purification system require?

Maintenance is straightforward: • Carbon filter media or cartridges: replace every 6–12 months depending on water usage and chlorine levels. • RO membranes: change every 2–3 years, with pre- and post-filters swapped every 6–12 months. • Water softener resin: lasts 8–10 years; add solar salt pellets roughly once a month. We offer affordable service plans that include annual water testing, reminder alerts, and discounted replacement parts to keep your system performing like new.

How much does an in-home water purification system cost in the Charleston area?

Pricing depends on water quality, household size, and chosen technology. As a guideline: • Whole-house carbon filtration: $900–$1,600 installed. • Reverse-osmosis drinking station: $450–$850 installed. • Water softener: $1,200–$2,000 installed. A bundled package for an average 3-bathroom Charleston home typically ranges from $2,200 to $3,500, which includes equipment, professional installation, first-year filter consumables, and a one-year labor warranty. Financing options and utility-bill savings on bottled water and appliance repair often offset the upfront cost within 3–4 years.