Under-sink Reverse-osmosis Units
Under-sink Reverse-osmosis Units | Water Purification | Plumbing | Helenwood
HEP’s licensed plumbers bring crisp, contaminant-free hydration right to your Helenwood tap with compact under-sink reverse-osmosis units. Tucked neatly beneath the cabinet, this multi-stage system uses sediment and carbon filters plus a semi-permeable membrane to strip away chlorine, lead, PFAS, and scale-forming minerals—leaving nothing but refreshingly pure H₂O. Most installations take less than two hours, and the dedicated designer faucet lets you fill bottles or cook with confidence while freeing counter space from bulky pitchers.
From the first water test to scheduled filter swaps, you’ll enjoy transparent pricing and the courteous service our East Tennessee neighbors trust. Whisper-quiet operation, reduced plastic waste, and a noticeable boost in coffee and tea flavor make the upgrade an easy decision. When you’re ready for water purification that safeguards both family and appliances, call the Helenwood team at HEP—we’re on the way!
FAQs
What exactly is an under-sink reverse-osmosis (RO) system and how does it work?
An under-sink RO system is a compact water-purification unit installed in the cabinet below your kitchen sink. Incoming cold water is pushed through a series of pre-filters that remove sediment, chlorine, and organic taste/odor compounds. It then passes through a semipermeable RO membrane that screens out dissolved salts, heavy metals, nitrates, fluoride, and many other contaminants down to 0.0001 micron. A storage tank holds the purified water until you open the dedicated faucet. The final stage is a carbon post-filter that polishes the water for taste. The result is crisp, clean water on demand without the need for bottled alternatives.
Why should I have a licensed plumber install my RO unit in Helenwood?
Professional installation ensures the system is tied into your home’s plumbing without leaks, code violations, or pressure problems. Helenwood follows Tennessee plumbing codes that require an air-gap or alternative backflow-prevention device on RO drain lines to keep wastewater from reversing into the drinking supply. A licensed plumber will also size the feed line, install a shut-off valve, and verify the system pressure so your RO membrane lasts longer. DIY mistakes—such as saddle-valves in the wrong location or improper drain connections—can lead to leaks, mold growth inside the cabinet, or even voided manufacturer warranties.
How often do I need to change the filters and RO membrane?
Most manufacturers recommend replacing the sediment and carbon pre-filters every 6–12 months, depending on your water quality and usage. These filters protect the RO membrane from clogging with sediment or chlorine. The RO membrane itself typically lasts 2–5 years. You’ll know it’s time when your total dissolved solids (TDS) reading starts to climb or your water flow drops noticeably. The post-carbon filter is usually replaced annually. In Helenwood, where some residents draw from well water with higher hardness and iron, sticking to the shorter end of these intervals will keep the system running optimally.
Will an RO unit remove all contaminants found in Helenwood’s municipal or well water?
Reverse osmosis is one of the most comprehensive point-of-use technologies available. It removes up to 99% of dissolved salts (TDS), lead, arsenic, chromium, fluoride, nitrate/nitrite, pesticides, micro-plastics, and many pharmaceutical residues. When paired with carbon filtration it also eliminates chlorine, chloramine, VOCs, and bad tastes or odors. However, RO does not kill bacteria or viruses on its own; if microbiological contamination is a concern, adding a UV sterilizer or ensuring pre-chlorination is advisable. A water test is the best way to target any additional treatment you might need.
How much water does an RO system waste, and can I reduce it?
Standard RO units send 3–4 gallons of brine water down the drain for every gallon of purified water produced. Modern "water-saving" or "1:1-ratio" systems cut that figure dramatically, and permeate-pump upgrades can reduce waste even more. You can also capture the reject water for non-potable uses, such as watering plants or rinsing dishes. For households on septic or with metered water in Helenwood, these efficiency upgrades quickly pay for themselves.
Do you offer ongoing maintenance or service plans for Helenwood homeowners?
Yes. We provide annual and bi-annual service packages that include filter changes, membrane performance checks with a calibrated TDS meter, sanitizing the storage tank, and inspecting all tubing, fittings, and shut-off valves for leaks. Clients receive reminder notifications so filters are never overdue, priority scheduling, and discounted replacement parts. Emergency leak response within 24 hours is included for all plan members in Helenwood and the surrounding Scott County area.