Whole-house UV
Whole-house UV | Water Purification | Plumbing | Kingston
Enjoy crystal-clear confidence in every tap with HEP’s whole-house UV plumbing solution in Kingston. Our system bathes your incoming supply in powerful ultraviolet light that neutralizes bacteria, viruses, and protozoa on contact—no chemicals, no taste, just pure hydration for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Built for the demands of local water conditions, the compact stainless-steel chamber installs seamlessly in line with your existing plumbing and works around the clock with minimal energy use and virtually no maintenance.
From heritage homes downtown to new builds on the outskirts, Kingston residents trust HEP for expert sizing, professional installation, and ongoing support. Discover how effortless water purification can be and schedule your free in-home assessment today; your whole family will feel the difference in every drop.
FAQs
What is a whole-house UV water purification system and how does it work?
A whole-house UV purifier treats all the water that enters your plumbing by exposing it to germicidal ultraviolet light (typically 254 nm). As water flows through a stainless-steel chamber, the UV lamp disrupts the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, preventing them from reproducing. Because disinfection happens instantly, every tap, shower, and appliance receives microbiologically safe water without adding chemicals or affecting taste or odour.
Why is UV purification recommended for homes and cottages in Kingston?
Kingston and the surrounding area rely on a mix of municipal service, lake-intake systems, and private wells. Seasonal runoff from the Cataraqui River, limestone bedrock that allows surface water intrusion, and occasional boil-water advisories all increase the risk of microbial contamination. A whole-house UV unit provides an additional barrier, giving homeowners year-round protection even when municipal treatment or well chlorination is interrupted.
Which contaminants does a UV system remove, and what does it not remove?
UV light neutralises living microorganisms—bacteria (E. coli, coliform), viruses (Hepatitis A, Norovirus), and protozoa. It does NOT remove chemical pollutants, heavy metals, hardness minerals, chlorine, or visible sediment. For complete water quality, a UV chamber is usually installed after a 5-micron sediment filter and, if needed, carbon or softening equipment. The pre-filter ensures particles do not shield microbes from the UV rays.
What routine maintenance is required to keep the UV purifier effective?
1. Replace the UV lamp every 9–12 months; it may still glow but its germicidal intensity drops after 9,000 hours. 2. Clean or replace the quartz sleeve at the same time. Mineral scaling lowers UV transmission; Kingston’s moderately hard water makes periodic sleeve cleaning important. 3. Change the sediment pre-filter at least twice a year (or when pressure drops). 4. Check the controller’s alarm panel; most units have an LED or audible alert for lamp life, sleeve fouling, or power faults. A qualified plumber or water-treatment technician can complete the service in under an hour.
How much space, power, and plumbing modification is needed for installation?
A residential UV unit is compact—typically a 2–4″ diameter chamber about 24–36″ long. It mounts vertically or horizontally on the main cold-water line just after the pressure tank or municipal shut-off, along with its pre-filter. Clearance is required at one end to slide out the lamp (about the same length as the chamber). It plugs into a standard 120 V outlet and draws roughly 40–60 W, similar to an incandescent light bulb. Most Kingston homes have adequate space beside the hot-water tank or in the mechanical room; installation usually takes 2–3 hours and involves cutting and re-routing a short section of pipe.
Is UV water purification safe, energy-efficient, and cost-effective?
Yes. UV adds no chemicals, produces no disinfection by-products, and leaves beneficial minerals intact, making it one of the safest disinfection methods available. Energy consumption is minimal: operating 24/7 at 50 W costs about $6–$9 per month at Kingston Hydro rates. After the initial purchase and professional installation, annual maintenance (lamp, sleeve, filter) runs $120–$180—often less than point-of-use filters for each tap. Combined with the peace of mind of whole-home protection, UV offers an excellent long-term value.