Heavy Metals
Heavy Metals | Water Purification | Plumbing | Manchester
Manchester’s older pipework can hide an unwelcome cocktail of lead, copper and other heavy elements, but HEP turns that worry into crystal-clear confidence. Our engineers trace, replace and upgrade heavy metals plumbing with minimal disruption, using precision testing to reveal what’s lurking behind the walls. From Georgian terraces in Didsbury to high-rise apartments in Salford Quays, we’ve made safe, great-tasting water a reality for households and businesses alike.
Pair that expertise with our tailored water purification systems and you’ll feel the difference in every glass. We build solutions around your property’s unique layout, installing advanced filtration and neutralisation units that strip out contaminants while preserving healthy minerals. Transparent pricing, 24/7 support and a workmanship guarantee mean you can sip, cook and bathe without second-guessing what’s flowing from the tap—HEP has already done the science and the sweating for you.
FAQs
What heavy metals are most commonly found in Manchester tap water and why are they a concern?
Lead, copper, and, to a lesser extent, nickel and chromium are the metals most frequently detected in Manchester’s water tests. Although United Utilities supplies water that meets UK and EU safety standards, older service lines, solder joints, and brass fixtures inside properties can leach additional metals. Long-term exposure is linked to neurological damage (lead), gastrointestinal irritation (copper), and skin or respiratory sensitisation (nickel and chromium). Because heavy metals bio-accumulate, even low daily doses pose a health risk, especially to children and pregnant women.
How can I tell if my home’s plumbing is adding heavy metals to my drinking water?
Discoloured water, metallic taste, blue-green staining (from copper) or white scaling can hint at metal leaching, but heavy metals are usually invisible. The surest method is targeted laboratory analysis. We offer a Home Metals Test Kit that collects first-draw and flushed samples; results arrive within 5–7 working days and quantify each metal in µg/L. If elevated levels are confirmed, we can trace the source with in-line sampling and end-scope inspections of pipes and fittings.
What purification technologies remove heavy metals most effectively, and how do they work?
1. Point-of-Entry (POE) Catalytic Carbon + KDF Media: KDF (high-purity copper-zinc granules) uses redox reactions to convert soluble metal ions into insoluble atoms that are trapped in the carbon bed. 2. Reverse Osmosis (RO): A semi-permeable membrane rejects 95–99% of dissolved metals; ideal for drinking and cooking water at a single tap. 3. Ion-Exchange Resin: Swaps calcium/magnesium ions for sodium or hydrogen and simultaneously captures lead, copper, and other metals. 4. Activated Alumina (for arsenic/fluoride hotspots): Porous media adsorbs specific anionic metals. We typically pair a POE KDF system with a point-of-use RO tap to guarantee sub-10 µg/L lead and copper levels.
Are your heavy-metal filtration systems compliant with UK and local Manchester water regulations?
Yes. All components carry WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) approval, confirming they are safe for contact with UK drinking water. Our RO units are certified to BS EN 14652 and NSF/ANSI 58 for metal reduction, and KDF/carbon systems meet BS EN 12915. Installation work is performed by WaterSafe-registered plumbers who notify United Utilities under the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, ensuring complete regulatory compliance.
What is involved in getting a heavy-metal purification system installed, and how long does it take?
Step 1 – Site Survey (1 hour): We assess pipe material, incoming flow, and space for equipment. Step 2 – Water Testing (optional but recommended, 5–7 days): Confirms baseline metal levels. Step 3 – Quote & System Design (24–48 hours): You receive a fixed-price proposal. Step 4 – Installation (half-day for a point-of-use RO; 1 full day for whole-house KDF/carbon plus RO): We isolate mains, fit a bypass, install pre-filters, pressure vessel, drain saddle, and dedicated faucet, then disinfect and flush the system. Step 5 – Commissioning & Post-Test (same day): We verify pressure, flow, and metal removal before hand-over.
How often does the system need servicing and what ongoing costs should I expect?
KDF/carbon media lasts 3–5 years, depending on water usage and iron/chlorine levels; replacement costs average £220–£280. Sediment pre-filters should be changed every 6–12 months (£12–£18 each). RO units require an annual service: particulate and carbon pre-filters (£35), post-carbon polishing filter (£20), and membrane every 3–5 years (£90–£120). A combined maintenance plan—including labour, parts, and annual water re-testing—runs roughly £120 per year for an RO-only setup or £220 per year for whole-house plus RO. Regular servicing keeps metal removal above 95 % efficiency and preserves your product warranty.