Reverse-osmosis Systems

Reverse-osmosis Systems | Water Purification | Plumbing | Clairfield

Imagine turning on the tap in your Clairfield home and tasting water that’s as crisp and refreshing as a mountain spring. HEP’s specialized reverse-osmosis systems make that possible by forcing ordinary tap water through ultra-fine membranes that trap contaminants down to the molecular level. Minerals that cause scale, chemicals that alter taste, and microscopic pollutants are swept away, leaving you with nothing but clean, delicious H₂O—ready for drinking, cooking, and brewing the perfect cup of coffee.

Our licensed plumbers design, install, and maintain each unit to match the unique flow demands of your household, delivering dependable water purification without bulky countertop pitchers or endless filter changes. Enjoy lower grocery bills from ditching bottled water, extend the life of your appliances, and give your family the confidence that every glass is worry-free. Call HEP today and discover how effortless pure water can be.

FAQs

How does a reverse-osmosis (RO) system purify my water?

A residential RO unit pushes tap water through a semi-permeable membrane that has microscopic pores (≈0.0001 microns). Under pressure, only water molecules pass through; contaminants—including dissolved salts, lead, fluoride, nitrates, PFAS, and most microorganisms—are flushed to drain. The purified water is collected in a storage tank and delivered to a dedicated faucet. Pre-filters (sediment and carbon) protect the membrane from chlorine and particulates, while a post-filter polishes taste before use.

What water-quality problems in Clairfield does an RO system solve?

Tests of Clairfield’s groundwater and municipal sources often show moderate hardness, elevated total dissolved solids (TDS), and traces of agricultural runoff (e.g., nitrates) and disinfectant by-products. An RO system reduces TDS 90-97 %, removes hardness ions that cause mineral spots, eliminates bad tastes/odors from chlorine or sulfur, and dramatically lowers inorganic contaminants such as arsenic, lead, and chromium sometimes detected in private wells around Clairfield.

Where should the RO unit be installed and what plumbing changes are required?

Most units fit under the kitchen sink, but they can also be mounted in a basement or utility room with lines run to the kitchen faucet, refrigerator, or ice maker. Installation involves: 1) tapping the cold-water supply line with a feed valve; 2) adding a drain saddle to the sink’s waste line for concentrate disposal; 3) mounting the manifold, membrane housing, and pre-filters; 4) setting a pressurized storage tank (3–4 gal typical); and 5) drilling a ½-in. hole in the sink or countertop for the dedicated RO faucet. Licensed plumbers in Clairfield can usually complete the job in 1–2 hours.

How much maintenance does an RO system need for Clairfield’s water conditions?

Expect to replace sediment and carbon pre-filters every 6–12 months, depending on usage and incoming turbidity/chlorine levels. The RO membrane typically lasts 2–5 years; you’ll know it’s time when TDS in the product water climbs above ~15 % of feed TDS (a handheld meter is inexpensive). The post-carbon filter is usually changed annually. Sanitizing the storage tank each filter cycle prevents bacterial growth. Clairfield’s moderate hardness means membrane scaling is minimal, but households on well water with >10 gpg hardness should consider a softener or anti-scaling cartridge upstream.

Does an RO system remove healthy minerals, and should I add them back?

Yes. Calcium, magnesium, and trace minerals are largely removed along with contaminants. While the body gets most minerals from food, some users prefer a crisper, "spring-like" taste. Options include: 1) a remineralization cartridge that adds calcium carbonate and raises pH slightly; 2) blending a small percentage of filtered (but not RO-treated) water back in; or 3) using mineral drops at the point of use. These upgrades are inexpensive and easily added to the RO manifold if desired.

How much water does an RO system waste and can efficiency be improved?

Standard residential units send 3–4 gallons of concentrate to drain for every gallon of purified water (a 25–33 % recovery rate). Efficiency drops when line pressure falls below 40 psi. You can improve performance by: 1) installing a permeate pump or pressure-boosting pump to raise membrane pressure; 2) selecting a 1:1-ratio high-efficiency membrane; 3) routing the concentrate line to a garden, sump, or gray-water system for non-potable reuse. Local plumbing codes in Clairfield permit such reuse as long as it is clearly labeled non-drinking water.