Reverse-osmosis Drinking

Reverse-osmosis Drinking | Water Purification | Plumbing | Chattanooga

Imagine filling your glass straight from the tap and tasting nothing but crisp, refreshing perfection. HEP’s reverse-osmosis systems strip away up to 99% of dissolved solids, chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants common to Chattanooga’s municipal and well sources, leaving only pure H₂O and peace of mind. Our licensed plumbers fit the compact filtration unit beneath your sink, run dedicated lines to your fridge or icemaker, and fine-tune every connection so you enjoy bottle-quality water without the plastic waste or store runs.

From free in-home testing to routine filter changes, HEP handles every detail while you savor healthier coffee, clearer ice, and spotless cookware. Call today, and let our local pros turn everyday hydration into a small luxury through advanced water purification right in your kitchen.

FAQs

What is reverse osmosis and how does it improve my drinking water in Chattanooga?

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a multi-stage filtration process that pushes municipal water through a semipermeable membrane. The membrane’s microscopic pores (≈0.0001 micron) block dissolved salts, chlorine by-products, lead, PFAS, pesticides, and many other contaminants common in Tennessee River source water. The result is clean, great-tasting water delivered straight from a dedicated faucet or refrigerator line, without the plastic waste or cost of bottled water.

Why is an RO system a smart choice for Chattanooga homes specifically?

Chattanooga’s treated water is safe but still contains hardness minerals, residual chlorine/chloramine, and trace industrial contaminants from our river basin. An RO system provides an extra barrier that homeowners control, reducing 95–99 % of total dissolved solids (TDS) and all but eliminating chlorine taste/odor. This can be especially important for families with infants, immune-compromised members, or anyone on sodium-restricted diets who want low-TDS drinking water.

How is a reverse-osmosis unit installed in my kitchen or throughout the house?

Most customers opt for a point-of-use RO unit installed under the kitchen sink. We tap into the cold-water line, mount prefilters, the RO membrane housing, a 2–4 gal storage tank, and a dedicated lead-free faucet on the sink deck. Tubing can also route RO water to your refrigerator or ice maker. Whole-house (point-of-entry) RO systems are possible but require larger equipment and a storage cistern; they’re mainly used for well water or specialized applications. Our licensed plumbers handle permitting, drilling the countertop (if needed), leak-testing, and a full demonstration before we leave.

How much water and energy does an RO system use, and will it raise my utility bills?

Modern 4-stage units typically waste 2–3 gallons of rinse water for every gallon produced—substantially less than older 5–7:1 systems. At the average Chattanooga water rate (≈$0.006/gal), that equates to only a few dollars per year for a family of four. The system relies on your home’s line pressure, so it consumes virtually no electricity unless you add an optional booster pump for low-pressure wells or commercial setups.

Does RO remove healthy minerals, and is remineralization necessary?

Yes, reverse osmosis strips out most calcium, magnesium, and potassium along with contaminants. For many people, the lower mineral content is not an issue because we receive the bulk of our daily minerals from food, not water. If you prefer mineralized taste or want the alkalinity restored, we can add a post-filter calcite cartridge that raises pH and dissolves a small amount of calcium back into the water. Either option—pure or remineralized—is completely safe; it comes down to personal taste.

What maintenance does an RO system require and what will it cost?

1) Sediment & carbon prefilters: replace every 6–12 months ($25–$40 total) to protect the membrane and keep chlorine out. 2) RO membrane: change every 2–3 years ($60–$90) depending on feed-water quality and usage. 3) Post-carbon or remineralization filter: swap every 12 months ($20–$35) to maintain fresh taste. We offer annual service plans that include filters, sanitizing the system, pressure checks, and leak inspection. A well-maintained RO unit should provide 10–15 years of reliable service with minimal operating costs—usually less than 35 ¢ per day for a family’s entire drinking and cooking supply.