Whole-home Filters

Whole-home Filters | Water Purification | Plumbing | Hillsboro

Imagine turning on any tap in your Hillsboro home and knowing the water is as clean, crisp, and safe as bottled spring water. HEP’s whole-home filter systems are engineered to do just that, capturing sediment, chlorine, and hard-to-catch contaminants right at the main line so every shower, dishwasher cycle, and ice cube benefits from professional-grade water purification. Our licensed plumbers install seamlessly, protect your plumbing from mineral buildup, and tailor each system to Hillsboro’s unique water profile—meaning fewer stains on fixtures, longer appliance life, and great-tasting water day after day.

From first phone call to final pressure test, you’ll feel the difference in our neighbor-focused approach. We arrive on time, explain every step, and back our work with straightforward pricing and rock-solid warranties. Ready to give your family whole-home peace of mind? Schedule a free in-home assessment with HEP today and discover how effortless clean water can be.

FAQs

What contaminants do whole-home filters typically remove from Hillsboro’s municipal water supply?

A properly sized whole-home system can target the contaminants most frequently detected in the Hillsboro and Tualatin Valley Water District, including chlorine and chloramine used for disinfection, sediment, iron and manganese particles from distribution lines, disinfection by-products (THMs), volatile organic compounds, agricultural herbicides such as atrazine, and emerging contaminants like PFOS/PFOA. If you draw from a private well, we can add UV or specialized cartridges for bacteria, nitrates, or arsenic. Before recommending a unit, our technicians review recent city water quality reports or perform an on-site water test to ensure the media blend matches the local profile.

How is a whole-home (point-of-entry) filter different from under-sink or faucet filters I can buy at a big-box store?

Under-sink, refrigerator, or pitcher filters only treat the water at a single dispensing point. A whole-home system is plumbed into your main supply line—usually just after the water meter—so every tap, shower, and appliance receives filtered water. Benefits include chlorine-free showers (better for skin and hair), longer appliance life, and consistent water quality in the kitchen, laundry, and bathrooms. Whole-home units use larger media beds or multi-stage cartridge stacks, allowing higher flow rates (10–20 gpm) and longer service life—often 5–10 years for carbon media compared to 3–6 months for small cartridges.

What maintenance will I need to perform and how often do filters need replacement?

Maintenance depends on the system style: • Cartridge systems: A sediment pre-filter usually needs a quick swap every 6–12 months. The main carbon or specialty cartridge is changed every 12–24 months, depending on water usage and chlorine levels. • Tank-based backwashing systems: These use granular catalytic carbon or mixed media. They automatically flush themselves via a control valve, so the only routine task is adding salt for an optional softener tank (if installed) and replacing media roughly every 7–10 years. Our Hillsboro plumbing team offers reminder emails, scheduled annual check-ups, and turnkey service plans so you never have to guess when it’s time.

Will a whole-home filter reduce my household water pressure?

A professionally sized unit will have little to no noticeable impact. We calculate peak demand (showers + appliances) and select a filter with a flow rating that exceeds that figure. For most Hillsboro homes, that means 1" ports and a 10–15 gpm minimum flow capacity. We also install a bypass valve so you can test pressure with and without the filter. If you currently experience low pressure, we may recommend upsizing the main line or adding a pressure-boosting pump first.

Can I combine a whole-home filtration system with my existing water softener or other treatment equipment?

Yes. Many clients pair a carbon filtration tank with a water softener to handle both chemical taste/odor and hardness minerals. In a standard configuration, the sediment pre-filter comes first, followed by the carbon or specialty filter, then the softener. We also integrate with reverse-osmosis drinking taps, UV sterilizers for well users, and smart leak-detection shut-off valves. During an in-home consultation, we map your current plumbing and design a layout that maximizes efficiency and minimizes required floor space.

What does installation involve, and do I need a permit in Hillsboro?

Installation typically takes 2–4 hours. Our licensed plumbers shut off the main, cut a small section of the incoming line, and mount the filtration unit on a wall bracket or floor stand. We include isolation valves, a bypass loop, and expansion tank (if required). For most single-family residences, the City of Hillsboro requires a simple plumbing permit because we’re modifying the potable water system. We handle the paperwork, schedule the inspection, and provide the signed permit card for your records. All workmanship is warrantied, and most manufacturers offer a 5- to 10-year tank and valve warranty.