Reverse Osmosis
Reverse Osmosis | Water Purification | Plumbing | Knoxville
Tired of tap water that tastes like chlorine or leaves spots on your glassware? HEP’s licensed Knoxville plumbers install advanced reverse osmosis systems that strip away sediments, heavy metals, and lingering chemicals molecule by molecule. The result is pure, refreshing water that pours straight from your kitchen faucet—perfect for coffee lovers, home chefs, and anyone who wants the confidence of professional water purification without the hassle of bottled water deliveries.
From the first call to the final pressure test, our team handles everything: custom sizing for your household, seamless integration with existing plumbing, and courteous follow-ups to ensure every drop stays pristine. Enjoy lower grocery bills, longer-lasting appliances, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your family is drinking Knoxville’s cleanest water, backed by HEP’s 100% satisfaction guarantee.
FAQs
How does a reverse osmosis (RO) system improve the quality of Knoxville’s tap water?
Knoxville’s municipal water typically contains dissolved minerals, chlorine, chloramines, and potential trace contaminants such as lead or PFAS from aging infrastructure. A reverse osmosis system uses a semipermeable membrane and multiple pre-filters to remove up to 99% of total dissolved solids (TDS), chlorine by-products, heavy metals, and organic impurities. The result is crisp-tasting, low-TDS water that is safer for drinking, cooking, and making coffee or ice.
Will a reverse osmosis system reduce the hardness or scaling issues caused by East Tennessee’s mineral-rich water?
Yes. While Knoxville’s water is considered moderately hard, calcium and magnesium ions can still cause scale on fixtures and appliances. The RO membrane physically filters out these hardness minerals, dramatically lowering TDS and preventing scale buildup in kettles, humidifiers, and coffee makers. If you need whole-home scale protection, we can pair the RO drinking system with a salt-free conditioner or softener at the main supply line.
How much water does an under-sink RO system waste, and can that be minimized?
Traditional RO units send 3–4 gallons of brine to the drain for every gallon of purified water. Our modern, high-efficiency models installed in Knoxville homes feature a 1:1 or 2:1 recovery ratio, cutting wastewater by 50–75%. For homeowners wanting to be extra eco-friendly, the rejected water can be repurposed for garden irrigation or toilet flushing if plumbing allows.
What maintenance does an RO system require and how often?
Typical maintenance involves changing the sediment and carbon pre-filters every 6–12 months, the post carbon filter annually, and the RO membrane every 2–3 years, depending on usage and inlet water quality. During routine service, we also sanitize the storage tank, inspect O-rings, and test TDS to verify performance. Our local service plan offers automatic reminders and discounted filter packages for Knoxville customers.
How long does installation take, and will it fit under my sink?
A standard under-sink RO installation usually takes 2–3 hours. We mount the filtration system, drill a dedicated RO faucet in your sink or countertop, connect to the cold-water line, and add a drain saddle. Most Knoxville kitchen cabinets have ample space for the compact filtration module and 3–4-gallon storage tank; if space is tight, we can install a manifold-style tankless RO or place the tank in an adjacent cabinet or basement ceiling.
What is the typical cost of purchasing and running a reverse osmosis system in Knoxville?
A high-quality, 4–5 stage under-sink RO system professionally installed by our licensed plumbers ranges from $450 to $900, depending on features such as remineralization cartridges or tankless design. Annual maintenance averages $80–$120 for replacement filters, and electricity costs are negligible. Over five years, the cost per gallon of purified water often drops below 10 cents, making RO more economical—and environmentally friendly—than relying on bottled water.