Reverse-osmosis Units
Reverse-osmosis Units | Water Purification | Plumbing | Lancing
Imagine turning on the tap in your Lancing home and tasting nothing but crisp, clear refreshment—no chlorine tang, no lingering sediments, just pure H₂O. HEP’s reverse-osmosis units are engineered to strip away up to 99% of dissolved salts, heavy metals and micro-contaminants, delivering industry-grade water purification right under your sink. The compact system nestles neatly inside standard cabinetry, whisper-quiet yet powerful enough to keep pace with family life or busy commercial kitchens along the Sussex coast.
From first consultation to final installation, our plumbing specialists handle everything: sizing the membrane, routing dedicated lines, balancing pressure and even setting up remineralisation cartridges for that just-right taste. With local callouts, extended warranties and smart filters you can swap in seconds, HEP makes it effortless to protect kettles, coffee machines and, most importantly, your health. Tap into a better standard of living—pure, simple and sustainably sourced.
FAQs
What is reverse osmosis and how does it purify my tap water in Lancing?
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a pressure-driven filtration process that forces mains water through a semi-permeable membrane. The membrane’s microscopic pores (around 0.0001 micron) allow only water molecules to pass, rejecting up to 99 % of dissolved salts, chlorine by-products, heavy metals, pesticides and micro-organisms that can be present in Lancing’s treated supply. The result is virtually pure drinking water, free from taste, odour and most contaminants, without the need for chemicals.
Do I need professional installation, or can I fit an RO unit myself?
Counter-top and simple under-sink RO kits are marketed as DIY-friendly, but a professional Lancing plumber is strongly recommended for permanent under-sink or whole-house units. A qualified installer will: • connect the feed to your cold-water line without leaks • install an isolation valve and pressure-reducing valve if required • site the storage tank safely • run the drain saddle to the waste trap at the correct angle • disinfect and pressure-test the system • explain bypass and shut-off procedures. Professional fitting protects warranties and local building-water regs, and usually takes 2–3 hours.
How often do the filters and membrane need replacing with West Sussex water?
Lancing’s mains supply is classed as moderately hard (250–275 mg/L CaCO₃) and chloraminated. Under typical household use: • Sediment pre-filter – 6 months • Carbon block(s) – 6–12 months (chloramine removal depends on carbon capacity) • RO membrane – 2–3 years (longer if pre-filters are changed on time) • Post-carbon polishing filter – 12 months Check TDS levels periodically; when product water TDS reaches 10–15 % of feed TDS, it is time for a membrane change. Local plumbers often offer service plans that remind you when components are due.
Will an RO system remove limescale and fluoride commonly found in Lancing’s water?
Yes. Limescale is caused by dissolved calcium and magnesium salts; the RO membrane removes 95–98 % of these ions, preventing scale in kettles and coffee machines. Fluoride, added for dental health in some areas, is reduced by roughly 90–95 %. If you need virtually 100 % fluoride removal, a mixed-bed de-ioniser after the RO stage or a fluoride-specific cartridge can be added.
How much wastewater does a domestic RO unit produce and can it be reduced?
Standard residential RO systems operate at a waste-to-product ratio of 3:1 to 4:1. That means producing 1 litre of purified water sends 3–4 litres to drain. You can reduce this: • Choose a modern low-waste (1.5:1 or 2:1) membrane paired with a high-efficiency flow restrictor. • Install a permeate pump, which uses the energy of the reject stream to boost pressure and cut waste by up to 80 %. • Collect reject water in a bucket for watering plants, flushing toilets or cleaning. While wastewater adds a small amount to your bill, the environmental impact can be minimised with the above measures.
What ongoing maintenance and running costs should I expect?
Annual operating costs for a typical 5-stage under-sink RO system in Lancing average: • Pre-filter set (sediment + 2 carbon blocks): £25–£35 • Post carbon polishing filter: £10–£15 • RO membrane (amortised over 3 years): £15–£20/year • Sanitiser kit and O-rings: £5 • Water usage (including waste): roughly 4 pence per litre of product water at local metered rates. Total: £60–£80 per year, excluding optional professional servicing (£40–£60 call-out). Regular filter changes and annual sanitisation ensure optimum water quality and membrane longevity.