Carbon Filtration

Carbon Filtration | Water Purification | Plumbing | Hixson

Crystal-clear, great-tasting water starts at the tap when you trust HEP’s carbon filtration specialists in Hixson. Our high-capacity activated carbon systems strip away chlorine, sediment, and lingering odors, leaving every glass refreshingly pure while protecting your pipes and appliances. Whether you’re battling city-sourced additives or well-water impurities, we tailor solutions that make everyday hydration feel like a mountain spring—right at home.

From your first water test to flawless installation and routine maintenance, HEP’s licensed plumbers handle every detail with the courtesy, transparency, and craftsmanship Chattanooga homeowners have counted on since 1980. If you’re ready for effortless water purification and a noticeable upgrade in taste, smell, and peace of mind, give our friendly team a call or book online today.

FAQs

What contaminants does a carbon filtration system remove from Hixson’s water supply?

Activated carbon is exceptionally effective at adsorbing chlorine, chloramine, unpleasant tastes and odors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), many pesticides and herbicides, and some heavy metals such as lead and mercury. The Tennessee American Water utility that serves Hixson adds chlorine/chloramine for disinfection; a properly sized carbon filter will strip out these chemicals just before the water reaches your taps, giving you cleaner-tasting, better-smelling water throughout the house.

How does a carbon filtration system actually work?

Activated carbon media contains millions of microscopic pores. As water flows through the bed, contaminants are attracted to (and held on) the media’s surface by a process called adsorption. High-performance catalytic carbon can also convert chloramine into harmless chloride. The result is a chemical-free purification method that does not add anything to your water; it simply removes unwanted substances before they can reach you or your plumbing fixtures.

Do I need a whole-house carbon filter or a point-of-use unit?

A point-of-use (POU) cartridge under the kitchen sink is great if you only care about cooking and drinking water, but it will not help with shower steam or protect appliances. A whole-house (also called point-of-entry) carbon system treats every gallon that enters the home, eliminating chlorine odors in the bathroom, protecting water heaters, and extending the life of rubber seals in dishwashers and washing machines. Most Hixson homeowners choose a whole-house model because our municipal water is otherwise safe and only requires taste/odor polishing.

How often should I replace or regenerate the carbon media in Hixson?

For small POU cartridges, expect replacement every 4-6 months or 1,000–1,500 gallons, whichever comes first. Whole-house back-washing units typically last 80,000–100,000 gallons—about 12–24 months for an average Hixson family of four—before the carbon is exhausted. Chlorine levels in Hixson average 1.2–1.5 ppm; higher usage or spike events (after main line repairs) may shorten media life. A simple chlorine test strip once a month will tell you when breakthrough starts and it’s time for service.

Will a carbon filtration system reduce my water pressure or harm my plumbing?

When sized correctly, pressure loss is minimal—usually less than 3–5 psi across a whole-house unit. Our plumbers calculate flow rate and select a tank diameter that matches your home’s peak demand, so showers and irrigation run normally. Because carbon removes chlorine, it can actually prolong the life of copper pipes, rubber gaskets, and water-using appliances by reducing disinfectant-related corrosion.

What does installation involve and how much does it cost in Hixson?

A typical whole-house system uses a 9"×48" or 10"×54" fiberglass tank filled with 0.75–1 cu ft of catalytic carbon, plus a bypass valve and drain line for back-washing. Installation takes 2–3 hours: we shut off the main, cut in a tee, mount the bypass, connect PEX or copper, run a ½-inch drain to a nearby floor drain or laundry standpipe, and flush the media. Pricing ranges from $950–$1,450 installed, depending on tank size and plumbing complexity. All work is performed by a licensed Tennessee master plumber and meets Hamilton County code; permits are included in our quote.