- HEP Plumbing
- UV Disinfection

UV Disinfection
UV Disinfection | Water Purification | Plumbing | Friendsville
Residents of Friendsville trust HEP’s UV disinfection plumbing to make every sip sparkle. By channeling water past powerful ultraviolet lamps, our systems neutralize 99.99 % of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa—without altering taste, adding chemicals, or wasting a drop. From cozy cabins along Little River to bustling Main Street cafés, we design, install, and maintain tailor-made solutions that slip seamlessly into your existing plumbing while meeting the highest NSF safety standards.
Whether you’re upgrading a private well or protecting a commercial kitchen, HEP’s licensed technicians handle the entire journey, from free water testing to annual lamp replacement reminders. Enjoy softer skin, spotless glassware, and peace of mind knowing that your family or customers are shielded by the same technology trusted in hospitals and laboratories for water purification. Call today, and let the sunshine inside your pipes do the hard work.
FAQs
How does a UV disinfection system purify my Friendsville home’s water?
A UV (ultraviolet) disinfection unit exposes incoming water to a germicidal wavelength (254 nm) of light inside a stainless-steel reaction chamber. The energy from the UV lamp penetrates the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, rendering them unable to reproduce or cause infection. Because the process is physical, not chemical, it neutralizes pathogens without altering taste, odor, or pH—an ideal solution for well and municipal water users in Friendsville who want extra protection without adding chemicals.
Is UV disinfection effective against all microorganisms found in East Tennessee water supplies?
Yes, UV technology is proven to inactivate more than 99.99 % of common waterborne microbes, including E. coli, Salmonella, norovirus, and chlorine-resistant cysts. The key requirement is that the water entering the chamber be clear enough (≤ 5 NTU turbidity and ≤ 0.3 ppm iron/manganese) for the light to reach every organism. Pre-filtration is often installed by our Friendsville plumbers to ensure the UV dose remains consistently lethal.
What maintenance does a residential UV system require?
Routine care is simple. 1) Replace the UV lamp annually; after 9,000 hours its intensity drops below the germicidal threshold even if it still lights. 2) Clean or replace the protective quartz sleeve every 12 months, or sooner if Friendsville’s water has high mineral content that can cause scaling. 3) Check any pre-filters monthly and change them based on sediment load. Our service plans include lamp, sleeve, and filter changes plus a performance test to verify proper UV dose.
Will a UV purifier increase my energy bills?
UV systems are energy-efficient, typically drawing 25–60 watts—about the same as an incandescent lightbulb. Running 24/7, that adds roughly $2–$4 per month to a typical Friendsville electric bill. Because the lamp operates continuously, there are no power surges, and most models include power-out fault alarms so you’ll know if treatment ever stops.
How is a UV disinfection unit installed in my plumbing system?
Our licensed technicians mount the stainless-steel reactor on the main cold-water line after any sediment or carbon filters and before any storage tanks or branch lines. The compact footprint (about 3" × 23" for a 10 gpm model) fits most basements or utility rooms. We provide a dedicated GFCI-protected outlet, secure the chamber to the wall, install shut-off/bypass valves for easy servicing, and perform bacterial post-testing to ensure the system meets Tennessee Department of Health guidelines.
What is the cost of a UV water purification system in Friendsville and is it worth it?
Complete residential packages (pre-filter, UV chamber, lamp, sleeve, power supply, install labor, and first-year service) start around $850–$1,200. Annual upkeep averages $100–$150 for lamp, filters, and sleeve cleaning. Considering the peace of mind of microbiologically safe water, elimination of chlorine taste/odor, and protection from boil-water advisories common in rural areas, most homeowners find the investment pays for itself in reduced bottled-water purchases and improved health security.