Reverse-osmosis Drinking
Reverse-osmosis Drinking | Water Purification | Plumbing | Oak Ridge
Imagine filling your glass straight from the tap and tasting refreshingly crisp, bottle-quality water every time. HEP’s reverse-osmosis systems strip away impurities molecule by molecule, leaving Oak Ridge families with water that’s pure, balanced, and flavorful—perfect for daily hydration, cooking, and even your pets’ bowls. Our technicians install streamlined under-sink units that tuck neatly out of sight, and every system is backed by local support from a team that’s been trusted in East Tennessee homes for decades.
From the first on-site water test to routine filter changes, HEP makes high-performance water purification simple and worry-free. Schedule an appointment today and see how a professional reverse-osmosis upgrade can protect your plumbing, appliances, and most importantly, your health—one pristine sip at a time.
FAQs
How does a reverse-osmosis (RO) drinking water system work?
An RO system pushes tap water through a semi-permeable membrane that has microscopic pores (about 0.0001 micron). Before the membrane, sediment and carbon pre-filters remove sand, rust, chlorine and organics that would otherwise foul the membrane. The membrane rejects up to 99 % of dissolved salts, lead, arsenic, fluoride, nitrates and many other contaminants. Finally, a post-carbon ‘polishing’ filter improves taste before the water is stored in a small pressurized tank and dispensed at its own faucet. The result is clean, great-tasting water on demand without the expense or waste of bottled water.
What water problems in Oak Ridge does an RO system address?
Oak Ridge’s municipal supply, drawn primarily from the Clinch River and Melton Hill Lake, is generally safe but still contains chlorine/chloramine disinfectants, disinfection by-products (THMs), moderate hardness, fluoride, and trace metals that accumulate as the water travels through aging distribution pipes. Well owners in surrounding Anderson & Roane counties may also encounter uranium, iron and sulfur compounds. An RO unit paired with carbon filtration can reduce or remove all of these constituents, giving residents an extra level of protection and a noticeably better taste and odor.
How often do I need to change filters and perform maintenance?
• Sediment pre-filter: every 6–12 months, depending on local sediment load and water usage. • Carbon pre-filter(s): every 6–12 months to maintain chlorine protection for the membrane. • RO membrane: typically every 24–36 months; some high-capacity membranes last up to 5 years if pre-filters are changed on schedule. • Post-carbon ‘polishing’ filter: every 12 months. • Storage tank sanitization: annually during a filter change. Many Oak Ridge homeowners choose a professional maintenance plan, which costs about $120–$180 per year and includes all filters, labor, and system sanitizing.
Will installing an RO system lower my household water pressure or waste a lot of water?
Under-sink RO units have a separate, pressurized storage tank, so they do not affect the flow at other fixtures. Modern high-efficiency systems create roughly 1 gallon of drain (reject) water for every 1–2 gallons of purified water—far better than older 4:1 ratios. Adding a permeate pump or using a water-saving membrane can reduce waste even further. The small amount of reject water can be routed to a basement sump, laundry drain, or even captured for plant watering if desired.
Is reverse-osmosis water safe for cooking, pets and plants?
Yes. RO water is excellent for coffee, tea, baby formula and ice because it eliminates taste-altering minerals and contaminants. Most veterinarians consider it safe for dogs and cats; some owners add a mineral drop or mix RO with regular tap water if their pets prefer a ‘harder’ taste. For houseplants and gardens, RO is free of chlorine and sodium, but it is also low in calcium and magnesium; occasional supplementation with a balanced fertilizer or mixing half-and-half with tap water will keep plants healthy.
How much does a professionally installed RO system cost in Oak Ridge, and are rebates available?
A quality 4- to 6-stage under-sink RO unit runs $350–$750 in equipment, while professional installation averages $150–$300 depending on the cabinet layout, drain access, and whether an icemaker line is hooked up. Turn-key packages from local plumbers typically fall between $600 and $1,200. Annual operating costs (filters and service) range from $60 to $150. Although Oak Ridge Utilities and TVA do not currently offer rebates for RO systems, many contractors provide 0 % financing for 6–12 months, and installing an RO may qualify you for lower spending on bottled water and refrigerator filter cartridges.