- HEP Plumbing
- UV Disinfection

UV Disinfection
UV Disinfection | Water Purification | Plumbing | Jonesborough
Imagine twisting the tap in historic Jonesborough and knowing the water that fills your glass has just passed through a cutting-edge UV chamber, neutralizing 99.99 % of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa—without adding a single chemical. That’s the confidence HEP’s skilled plumbers deliver every day, pairing state-of-the-art ultraviolet technology with meticulous installation to create a seamless line of defense between your home and the contaminants that can lurk in private wells or aging municipal lines. It’s clean, it’s quiet, and it works at the speed of light.
From initial water testing to annual lamp replacements, our certified team handles every detail, so you can focus on enjoying pure, great-tasting water instead of worrying about it. Whether you’re building a new home in the rolling hills or upgrading an existing system downtown, HEP tailors solutions that meet local codes and exceed industry standards for water purification. Call today, and take the simplest step toward healthier living—because nothing should come between you and the water you depend on.
FAQs
How does a UV disinfection system purify my home’s water?
Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection units use a high-intensity UV-C lamp (254 nm wavelength) housed inside a stainless-steel chamber. As water passes over the lamp, the UV energy penetrates microorganisms and permanently deactivates their DNA, preventing them from reproducing or causing infection. Because the treatment is physical (light) rather than chemical, no by-products are formed and the process works continuously whenever water is flowing.
Is UV disinfection effective against the microorganisms commonly found in Jonesborough’s municipal and well water?
Yes. UV systems certified to NSF/ANSI 55 Class A deliver enough dose to inactivate 99.99 % of bacteria (E. coli, coliforms), viruses (hepatitis, rotavirus), and protozoa (Giardia, Cryptosporidium) sometimes detected in both Washington County wells and the municipal distribution network. However, UV does not remove chemicals, heavy metals, or sediment, so additional filtration may be required if those contaminants are present.
Do I still need sediment or carbon filters if I install a UV purifier?
A 5-micron sediment filter placed ahead of the UV chamber is strongly recommended. Turbidity, iron, or hardness scale can block UV light and allow microbes to survive. Many Jonesborough homeowners also add an activated-carbon or reverse-osmosis stage to improve taste, remove chlorine, or target volatile organic compounds. The UV unit is the final step, ensuring microbiological safety once the water is clear.
What routine maintenance does a UV water disinfection system require?
1) Replace the UV lamp every 9–12 months because output naturally degrades. 2) Shut off the water, remove, and clean the quartz sleeve with vinegar or a manufacturer-approved cleaner to eliminate mineral film; do this when the lamp is changed or sooner if hardness is high. 3) Inspect or replace O-rings and clean the stainless chamber annually. 4) If your model includes a UV sensor or audible alarm, test it monthly. A licensed plumber can perform the annual service in about an hour.
How much does it cost to install a residential UV disinfection system in Jonesborough?
For most single-family homes, equipment ranges from $750–$1,200 depending on flow rate (8–15 gpm) and monitoring features. Professional installation by a local plumber typically adds $300–$600 for inlet/outlet plumbing, bypass valves, and electrical connection. Annual operating costs—lamp, sleeve-cleaner, and electricity—average $90–$120. Some Washington County well-owner grants and utility rebate programs can offset part of the expense.
Is UV-treated water safe to drink, and will it change the taste or odor?
UV disinfection is chemical-free; it does not alter pH, taste, odor, or add anything to the water. Once the microbes are inactivated, the water is immediately ready for consumption. Because no chlorine is introduced, there are no disinfection by-products such as trihalomethanes. Many customers notice a cleaner, fresher taste compared with chlorinated municipal water while still enjoying reliable microbiological protection.