Point-of-use Filters
Point-of-use Filters | Water Purification | Plumbing | Erwin
At HEP, we know the best water starts right at the tap. Our point-of-use filters give Erwin homeowners a simple way to enjoy crisp, great-tasting water straight from the faucet. Tucked neatly beneath your sink, each unit captures lead, chlorine, sediment, and other unwelcome guests while preserving healthy minerals, all with quick-change cartridges and NSF-certified peace of mind.
Backed by decades of local plumbing expertise, our team sizes, installs, and maintains your filter so you can sip confidently and ditch disposable bottles for good. Choose HEP for smarter, planet-friendly water purification that elevates every pour.
FAQs
What exactly is a point-of-use (POU) water filter and how is it different from whole-house filtration?
A point-of-use filter is installed on the supply line that feeds a single fixture—most commonly a kitchen faucet, refrigerator ice maker, or dedicated drinking-water tap. Water is purified right before you consume it, so you get the highest quality at that location. A whole-house (point-of-entry) system treats every gallon that enters the building, which is great for bathing and laundry but often costs more and may not include the fine contaminant removal that a POU system provides. Many Erwin homeowners pair a whole-house sediment/softening system with a POU unit for drinking and cooking water so they get comprehensive protection at a lower overall cost.
What contaminants do your POU systems remove from Erwin’s municipal and well water?
Our standard 3-stage cartridge removes chlorine, chloramines, taste & odor compounds, rust and sediment down to 0.5 µm, as well as 99.95 % of cysts such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Optional cartridges can target lead, PFAS, VOCs, and pharmaceuticals. If you choose a reverse-osmosis POU system, you also reduce dissolved solids, sodium, fluoride, nitrates, and many heavy metals by up to 98 %. Before recommending a model we test your water (free for Erwin customers) to see which contaminants are present so you get the right media blend.
How often do I have to change the cartridges and how hard is it to do?
Most carbon block or composite cartridges last 6–12 months in an average Erwin household (around 700–1,000 gallons) depending on water usage and quality. Reverse-osmosis pre-filters are changed annually, the RO membrane every 2–3 years, and the post-polish filter yearly. Our housings are designed for quick, tool-free replacement—just shut the feed valve, depressurize, twist the old cartridge off, and snap in the new one. If you prefer, our licensed plumbers can handle the service during a routine maintenance visit.
Can a POU filter really improve the taste of my coffee, tea, and cooking?
Absolutely. Chlorine, sulfur compounds, and dissolved minerals can impart bitter or metallic flavors. By stripping these out right before the water reaches your kettle or pot, POU filtration gives you neutral-tasting water that lets the natural flavors of coffee grounds, tea leaves, and food shine through. Many customers report they use less coffee grounds because the extraction is more consistent, saving money over time.
What does installation involve and will it damage my cabinets or countertop?
Installation typically takes under 90 minutes. We mount the compact filter housing on the back or side wall inside the sink cabinet and tie into the cold-water supply line with a dedicated angle stop valve. If you opt for a separate filtered-water faucet, we can use an existing sprayer hole or drill a clean 7⁄16-inch hole in stainless steel, composite, or granite. All work complies with Tennessee plumbing code, and we protect your cabinetry with drop cloths and silicone seals so nothing is marred or stained.
How much do POU systems cost and are there any local incentives in Erwin?
A high-capacity carbon block POU unit with faucet starts at about $275 installed, while a 4-stage reverse-osmosis system averages $475–$550 installed. Replacement filters cost $40–$90 per year. Erwin Utilities currently offers a $35 bill credit for customers who install a certified water-saving device such as an RO system that includes an automatic shut-off valve. Our office completes the paperwork for you, and you may qualify for a 10 % discount on annual filter changes when you enroll in our maintenance plan.