Reverse-osmosis Systems
Reverse-osmosis Systems | Water Purification | Plumbing | La Follette
Imagine turning on your tap in La Follette and tasting water that’s as crisp and refreshing as a mountain spring. HEP’s advanced reverse-osmosis systems strip away sediments, chlorine, heavy metals, and even microscopic contaminants, delivering a level of clarity and flavor you can instantly notice. Because these systems filter water molecule by molecule, you’re left with nothing but pure H₂O for drinking, cooking, and making the perfect cup of coffee.
Our licensed plumbers handle the entire installation—from evaluating your home’s lines to fitting sleek, under-sink units that work quietly in the background—so you can focus on enjoying the results. Choose HEP for water purification that lowers bottled-water costs, safeguards appliances, and gives your family peace of mind every time they turn on the faucet. Schedule your consultation today and feel the difference with every sip.
FAQs
How does a reverse osmosis system work and what contaminants does it remove?
Reverse osmosis (RO) forces water through a semi-permeable membrane that has pores only 0.0001 micron wide. Dissolved salts, lead, arsenic, fluoride, nitrates, pharmaceuticals, micro-plastics, and up to 99 % of common organics are too large to pass, so only purified water reaches the storage tank. An RO unit also has several pre-filters that remove rust, chlorine, sediment and odors before water touches the membrane, ensuring long membrane life and fresh-tasting water.
Do I really need an RO system if I get municipal water in La Follette?
La Follette’s municipal supply meets federal safety standards, but those standards still allow low levels of dissolved solids, chlorine, and trace contaminants that can affect taste or be a concern for people with weakened immune systems or specific health conditions. A dedicated RO drinking water tap gives you bottle-quality water right at the kitchen sink, eliminates chlorine taste, and reduces up to 99 % of hundreds of possible contaminants that a standard refrigerator or pitcher filter cannot. It is a popular upgrade for coffee lovers, infant formula preparation, CPAP humidifiers, and anyone who wants an extra layer of protection.
Where will the RO unit be installed and how much space will it take?
Most residential units sit inside the cabinet under the kitchen sink. They consist of two parts: a compact filter/membrane manifold, roughly the size of a large loaf of bread, and a 3–4-gallon storage tank that is about 16" tall and 11" in diameter. If space under the sink is limited, we can mount the unit in an adjacent cabinet, the basement below, or the crawlspace and run a ¼" purified-water line up to the faucet or refrigerator. Our La Follette technicians will measure and recommend the most convenient option during your free in-home estimate.
How often do I have to change the filters and membrane, and what does maintenance cost?
Pre-filters (sediment and carbon) are replaced every 6–12 months depending on water usage, while the RO membrane typically lasts 3–5 years. Post-polishing filters are changed annually. A standard four-stage service visit from our La Follette plumbing team is $95–$115 plus parts; most homeowners spend $60–$90 on filters per year. Staying on schedule optimizes water quality, prevents bacteria growth, and protects your membrane warranty.
Does an RO system waste a lot of water and is that a concern in La Follette?
Traditional RO units send 3–4 gallons of brine to the drain for every gallon of purified water produced. Newer high-efficiency models we install have a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio, cutting waste by up to 75 %. In La Follette the average household water rate is about $0.006 per gallon, so even a standard system costs less than $2 per month in rinse water for a family of four. If conservation is a priority, ask us about our zero-waste pump-assisted systems that route the concentrate to your hot-water line, so no water is lost.
Can a reverse osmosis system be combined with a water softener or other treatment equipment?
Absolutely. Many La Follette homes have hard water that leaves scale on fixtures. A whole-house softener removes hardness ions first, which protects the RO membrane from fouling and significantly extends its life. We can also integrate iron filters, UV disinfection, or pH neutralizers when well water requires extra conditioning. Our technicians test your water on site and design a treatment train that ensures every faucet—and especially your drinking tap—delivers clean, great-tasting water.