- HEP Plumbing
- Reverse-osmosis Systems

Reverse-osmosis Systems
Reverse-osmosis Systems | Water Purification | Plumbing | Johnson City
Imagine turning on your tap and tasting nothing but crisp, refreshing clarity. HEP’s reverse-osmosis systems strip away sediment, chlorine, heavy metals, and even microscopic contaminants, leaving Johnson City homes with pure H₂O that rivals the finest bottled brands. Installed by our licensed plumbing specialists, each system is compact, low-maintenance, and tailored to fit under almost any sink—so you enjoy restaurant-quality ice cubes, brighter coffee aromas, and spotless glassware without sacrificing cabinet space.
From the first consultation to the final pressure test, HEP handles every detail with local know-how and a neighborly smile. We back our craftsmanship with industry-leading warranties and 24/7 service, ensuring your investment in water purification keeps paying off for years. Ready to taste the difference? Give us a call, and let’s make every sip in Johnson City a moment of pure satisfaction.
FAQs
How does a reverse-osmosis (RO) system work, and why is it effective for Johnson City water?
An RO unit pushes municipal or well water through a semi-permeable membrane that has microscopic pores (≈0.0001 microns). Dissolved salts, heavy metals, and organic molecules are rejected and flushed to the drain, while only purified H₂O molecules pass through. Most systems also include sediment, carbon, and post-polish filters that remove rust, chlorine, tastes, and odors. Johnson City’s water tends to be moderately hard and chlorinated for disinfection; the multi-stage RO process eliminates hardness minerals, chlorine by-products, and other contaminants, giving you bottle-quality water straight from the tap.
What contaminants will an RO unit remove from my Johnson City tap water?
Reverse-osmosis membranes typically reduce 95–99 % of dissolved solids such as lead, arsenic, chromium, mercury, nitrates, fluoride, and sodium. The pre- and post-carbon stages remove chlorine, chloramines, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, PFAS (“forever chemicals”), and unpleasant tastes or odors. Sediment pre-filters capture rust, sand, and microplastics. Independent lab tests on our systems confirm they meet NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 58, and 401 standards for contaminant reduction relevant to Tennessee water supplies.
Will installing an RO system lower my household water pressure?
During purification the water moves through several tight filtration stages, which creates resistance. However, under-sink RO units include a 2–4 gallon pressurized storage tank that delivers water to the faucet at 35–60 psi—comparable to your normal cold-water line. You may notice slightly slower flow than an unfiltered faucet, but it is usually only a few seconds difference when filling a glass. If your home’s incoming pressure is below 40 psi, we can add an optional booster pump to keep performance strong.
How often do I need to change filters and membranes, and what maintenance is involved?
• Sediment & carbon pre-filters: every 6–12 months (more often if you have high sediment or chlorine levels). • RO membrane: every 24–36 months, depending on incoming water quality and usage. • Post-carbon “polishing” filter: annually. • System sanitization: once a year (we perform this during a routine service visit). Filter changes take about 10 minutes with quick-connect cartridges. We offer affordable maintenance plans that include reminders, parts, and labor so you never have to track the schedule yourself.
How much does a complete RO installation cost in Johnson City, and what are the ongoing operating costs?
A high-quality 4–5 stage under-sink system runs $350–$700 for equipment. Professional installation by our licensed Johnson City plumbers averages $200–$400 depending on cabinet access and whether you want an icemaker/coffee line. Annual filter sets cost $60–$120; the membrane replacement is $80–$120 every few years. Including water savings and consumables, most families spend about 3–10 ¢ per gallon of purified water—far cheaper and greener than bottled water.
Can an RO system be connected to my refrigerator ice maker or used for whole-house filtration?
Yes. We can tee a ¼-inch line from the RO storage tank to your fridge so your ice and door dispenser enjoy the same purified water. For larger demands (humidifiers, espresso machines, aquariums) we can up-size the storage tank or add a permeate pump. Whole-house RO is technically possible but usually reserved for problem wells because it requires pretreatment and large holding tanks. Most Johnson City homeowners find that a kitchen point-of-use RO unit, paired with a whole-house sediment/softening system if needed, delivers the best mix of performance and cost.