Reverse-osmosis Units

Reverse-osmosis Units | Water Purification | Plumbing | Cumberland Gap

Discover the fresh, clean taste Cumberland Gap residents deserve with HEP’s reverse-osmosis units. Our licensed plumbers install sleek, under-sink systems that strip away sediment, chlorine, lead, and even microscopic contaminants, leaving nothing but pure H₂O at every tap. Quiet operation, long-life membranes, and convenient filter change reminders make daily hydration effortless while protecting coffee makers, ice machines, and beloved pets from hidden impurities.

Backed by decades of East Tennessee know-how, HEP handles every step—from a free in-home water analysis to precision installation and annual maintenance—so you never have to second-guess your water again. Whether you’re battling hard-water stains or simply craving peace of mind, our reverse-osmosis specialists deliver uncompromising water purification that turns everyday drinking into a mountain-fresh experience.

FAQs

What contaminants can a reverse-osmosis (RO) system remove from Cumberland Gap’s municipal or well water?

RO membranes are capable of rejecting 90–99 % of dissolved salts and heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, chromium, and cadmium. They also screen out fluoride, nitrates, cysts (Giardia & Cryptosporidium), many pesticides, and pharmaceutical residues. Because Cumberland Gap sits in a karst region where groundwater can pick up limestone minerals, an RO unit will also reduce hardness, eliminating the white scale you may see on fixtures. Chlorine and organic tastes/odors are handled by the carbon pre-filter that is included with every system we install.

How is an RO unit installed and will it interfere with my existing plumbing?

Most residential systems mount in the cabinet directly under the kitchen sink. We tee off the cold-water line with a ⅜-inch feed adapter, run a ¼-inch supply tube to the RO module, and drill a small, dedicated faucet hole in the sink or countertop (if one is not already available). The purified water comes out of that faucet, leaving your main faucet unchanged. A ⅜-inch drain saddle is clipped onto the sink’s drain line to handle the concentrate (reject) water. The entire procedure typically takes 1.5–2 hours and is reversible—your original plumbing can be restored with simple hand tools if you ever move.

How often do I have to change filters and the membrane, and can I do it myself?

Cumberland Gap’s moderate water usage means most homeowners replace the two pre-filters (sediment and carbon) every 6–12 months. The RO membrane generally lasts 3–5 years, depending on incoming water quality and usage. Our units are designed with quick-connect housings so you can swap cartridges by hand—no wrenches needed. We provide a color-coded schedule and text/email reminders, or you can enroll in our annual service plan where we handle the maintenance, sanitize the tank, and perform a pressure check.

How much water does an RO system waste, and are there high-efficiency options?

Traditional residential RO units have a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio—three to four gallons of concentrate for every gallon of purified water. Newer valves and permeate-pump designs we offer reduce that to 1.5:1. If you have a private well, we can pipe the concentrate line to irrigate landscaping instead of sending it to the drain. The average family in Cumberland Gap producing two gallons of drinking water per day would send only about three gallons to the drain—roughly the same amount used during a quick hand-wash.

What does it cost to purchase and maintain an RO system locally?

A fully installed, 4-stage under-sink RO unit with a stainless faucet starts around $425, including labor and sales tax in Claiborne County. High-capacity or remineralizing models range from $525–$650. Annual consumable filters cost $45–$65 if you self-service, or $95 including our technician visit and system sanitization. Compared to buying bottled water, most households recoup the initial investment in 12–18 months.

Will an RO system lower my water pressure or change the taste of my drinking water?

Your main household pressure remains unchanged because the RO module feeds only the dedicated drinking water faucet, ice maker, or refrigerator. The system includes a 3–4 gal pressurized storage tank that delivers a steady 30–40 psi at the faucet—comparable to a regular tap. As for taste, RO water is noticeably smoother and neutral because nearly all dissolved solids are removed. If you prefer a hint of mineral flavor, we can add a post-filter that re-introduces calcium and magnesium for balanced pH and a crisp taste.