UV Disinfection
UV Disinfection | Water Purification | Plumbing | Harriman
Imagine turning on the tap in your Harriman home and knowing every glass you pour is cleaner, safer, and tastes refreshingly pure. HEP’s UV disinfection plumbing harnesses intense ultraviolet light to neutralize bacteria, viruses, and parasites in real time—no chemicals, no lingering odors, just crystal-clear water. This advanced approach to water purification is seamlessly integrated by our certified technicians, so you can enjoy peace of mind without lifting a finger.
From the first consultation to ongoing maintenance, our local Harriman team treats your plumbing like it’s our own, double-checking flow rates, lamp intensity, and system seals for flawless performance year-round. Whether you’re concerned about well water contaminants or simply want an eco-friendly upgrade, HEP delivers reliable, whole-home protection backed by decades of expertise. Reach out today and discover how effortless pure water can be.
FAQs
What is UV disinfection and how does it purify my water?
Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection is a chemical-free water treatment method that exposes flowing water to UV light, usually at a wavelength of 254 nm. The light penetrates the cells of microorganisms and disrupts their DNA, preventing them from reproducing or causing infection. When a UV chamber is installed in your plumbing line, every drop of water passing through receives this dose of germicidal light, delivering microbiologically safe water to every tap without adding any taste, odor, or by-products.
Is UV water purification effective against all pathogens?
Yes, properly sized and maintained UV systems inactivate more than 99.99 % of bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella), viruses (hepatitis, rotavirus), and protozoa (Giardia, Cryptosporidium) that may be present in Harriman’s municipal or well water. However, UV does NOT remove chemicals, heavy metals, or sediment. For best performance, water should first pass through a sediment or carbon pre-filter so that particles don’t shield microbes from the light.
Will a UV system change the taste or odor of my water?
No. UV treatment is a physical, light-based process—it adds nothing to the water and removes nothing except the ability of microbes to reproduce. Because no chemicals are introduced, the natural taste, odor, pH, and mineral balance of your drinking water remain unchanged.
Do UV disinfection systems require regular maintenance?
Maintenance is simple but essential. 1) Replace the UV lamp every 9–12 months; even though the lamp may still glow, its germicidal intensity drops over time. 2) Clean the quartz sleeve that surrounds the lamp whenever you change the lamp or if sensors indicate fouling; hardness minerals and iron common in Tennessee well water can coat the sleeve and block light. 3) Inspect O-rings and filters and ensure flow rates stay within the unit’s rating.
How is a UV purification unit installed in a Harriman home’s plumbing?
A licensed plumber installs the stainless-steel UV chamber on the main cold-water line, typically after any pressure tank, water softener, or pre-filters and before the plumbing branches to fixtures. The unit needs a level mounting surface, a standard 110 V GFCI electrical outlet, and shut-off valves for service. Because Harriman experiences occasional power outages, many homeowners add a battery backup or automatic shut-off valve that stops water flow if the UV lamp is not operating.
What is the cost and energy consumption of running a UV water purifier?
Residential UV systems sized for 8–15 gpm flow range from about $500 to $1,200 installed in Harriman, depending on features such as sensor monitoring and alarms. Replacement lamps cost $80–$120 per year. A typical 40 W lamp running 24/7 uses roughly 350 kWh annually—about the same as a standard light bulb left on, or $20–$35 on your electric bill. Compared with buying bottled water or using chlorine injections, UV offers low ongoing costs and no chemical handling.