- HEP Plumbing
- Point-of-use Reverse-osmosis

Point-of-use Reverse-osmosis
Point-of-use Reverse-osmosis | Water Purification | Plumbing | Monteagle
Imagine turning on your kitchen faucet in Monteagle and tasting nothing but crisp, refreshing purity—no lingering chlorine, no metallic tang, no worries. HEP’s point-of-use reverse-osmosis systems slip neatly beneath your sink, driving tap water through ultra-fine membranes that remove up to 99% of dissolved solids, chemicals, and even micro-plastics. The result is bottle-quality hydration at home, perfect for coffee aficionados, baby-formula prep, and anyone who’s tired of lugging cases of store-bought water.
Our licensed plumbers handle every step, from precision installation to ongoing filter service, so all you notice is the improvement. With a low-profile faucet, a compact storage tank, and cost-saving efficiency, you’ll elevate daily cooking, drinking, and ice making while cutting plastic waste. If you’re ready for effortless water purification in Monteagle, schedule a free in-home consultation with HEP today and taste the difference that smart plumbing can make.
FAQs
Why should I install a point-of-use reverse-osmosis (RO) system in my Monteagle home?
Monteagle’s water supply comes primarily from surface-water sources and travels through aging distribution lines before it reaches your tap. While it meets federal safety standards, many residents still notice chlorine taste, sediment, and occasional hardness or odor issues. A point-of-use RO unit mounted under the kitchen sink gives you an additional, highly effective treatment stage right where you drink and cook. It forces water through a semipermeable membrane that rejects up to 99 % of dissolved salts, lead, fluoride, nitrates, PFAS, and micro-organisms, producing bottled-quality water at a fraction of the long-term cost or plastic waste.
What contaminants will a modern RO system remove from Monteagle municipal or well water?
A 4- to 5-stage RO system typically installed in Monteagle homes removes: • Dissolved heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and chromium 6. • Agricultural run-off contaminants like nitrates and atrazine that can seep into Sequatchie Valley wells. • Chlorine, chloramine, and the disinfection by-products responsible for taste and odor issues. • Up to 99 % of total dissolved solids (TDS), reducing hardness and scale. • Emerging contaminants such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and micro-plastics now found in many Tennessee surface waters. • Bacteria, viruses, and cysts that could enter through line breaks or private wells.
How is the system installed, and how much space will it take under my sink?
A point-of-use RO unit includes three main components: a pre-filter/membrane cartridge assembly, a 2–4 gal pressurized storage tank, and a dedicated drinking-water faucet. Installation involves tapping into the cold-water supply line with a feed adapter, adding a ⅜-in drain saddle on the sink’s tailpiece, and drilling a ½-in hole in the countertop for the RO faucet (or using the existing sprayer hole). Typical dimensions are: • Manifold: 14" H × 6" D × 12" W • Tank: 15–17" H × 11" D Standard 36" base cabinets in Monteagle homes can usually accommodate both pieces with room for cleaners; if space is tight, we offer slimline or tankless systems. The entire installation usually takes 1.5–2 hours and does not require any structural plumbing changes.
How often do I need to replace the filters and membrane, and what will it cost?
For Monteagle’s average incoming TDS of 100–250 ppm and moderate chlorine levels, the schedule is: • Sediment & carbon pre-filters: every 6–12 months ($25–$40 total per set). • RO membrane: every 2–3 years, or when TDS rejection falls below 80 % ($50–$80). • Post-carbon polishing filter: every 12 months ($15–$25). A full annual kit costs roughly $60, and the 3-year membrane brings the averaged yearly cost to about $80–$90. We offer service plans that include parts, labor, and annual water-quality testing so you never have to track the schedule.
How much water does the system waste, and can I reduce it?
During the RO process, a small stream of brine carries rejected contaminants to the drain. Standard 3:1 systems in Monteagle use about 3 gallons of feed water for every 1 gallon of purified water produced. You can lower that ratio by: • Choosing a 1:1 high-efficiency or tankless RO model. • Adding a permeate-pump retrofit that uses the storage tank’s pressure to cut waste by up to 80 %. • Collecting the brine for non-potable uses such as plant watering or cleaning. Given that an average family drinks/cooks only 2–3 gal/day, even a 3:1 system adds roughly $1–$2 per month to your water bill at Monteagle’s current rates.
Is Monteagle’s water pressure sufficient for RO, or will I need a booster pump?
Most RO membranes operate best at 40–80 psi. Monteagle’s municipal pressure averages 50–70 psi, which is adequate for standard systems. However, if you are on a private well or your home sits on the mountain crest where pressure can dip below 40 psi, we recommend: • A compact electric booster pump that maintains 60 psi across the membrane. • Alternatively, a permeate-pump RO unit that works efficiently down to 30 psi without electricity. During the free on-site consultation we measure your static and dynamic pressure to decide whether a booster is needed.