Heavy Metals
Heavy Metals | Water Purification | Plumbing | Ooltewah
When trace amounts of lead, mercury, and other heavy metals threaten the taste and safety of your tap, HEP’s licensed plumbers bring peace of mind to Ooltewah homes. We analyze your supply, recommend precision-engineered filtration that traps contaminants down to the micron, and install it with the same meticulous care we use on high-pressure commercial projects. From first diagnostic test to final clarity check, you’ll see, smell, and taste the difference—pure, refreshing water and pipes protected from corrosive buildup.
Our team pairs local know-how with cutting-edge technology for dependable water purification solutions that last. Enjoy transparent pricing, rapid scheduling, and a workmanship guarantee backed by decades of service in southeastern Tennessee. Ready to turn the faucet and trust what flows out? HEP is only a call or click away.
FAQs
What heavy metals are commonly found in Ooltewah tap water, and why are they a concern?
In the Ooltewah–Hamilton County area, the metals that most often trigger consumer concern or water-quality notices are lead, copper, arsenic, and, to a lesser extent, chromium and mercury. Even at parts-per-billion (ppb) levels, these contaminants can accumulate in the body and are linked to neurological damage, kidney disease, developmental delays in children, and certain cancers. Because heavy metals have no color, taste, or odor, they can go undetected without proper testing.
How do heavy metals enter my home’s plumbing system in Ooltewah?
Metals can enter in two primary ways: (1) Source-water contamination—some wells and surface-water supplies in the Tennessee Valley naturally leach arsenic, iron, and manganese from local bedrock; and (2) Corrosion inside plumbing—older copper pipes joined with lead-based solder, brass fixtures made before 2014, and galvanized lines can release lead, copper, and zinc as water sits or flows through them. Variations in pH, temperature, and water chemistry accelerate this corrosion process.
What water-purification methods are most effective for removing heavy metals?
For point-of-entry (whole-house) protection, most homeowners choose one or a combination of the following technologies: • KDF/Granular Activated Carbon: Good for moderate lead, mercury, and chlorine removal and extends the life of downstream filters. • Ion Exchange (water softeners with specialized resin): Effective for dissolved lead, copper, chromium, and barium. • Reverse Osmosis (RO): Removes 95-99% of virtually all heavy metals and many other contaminants; usually installed as a point-of-use system at the kitchen sink. • Specialty media such as activated alumina or catalytic carbon: Target arsenic, fluoride, and chromium. Our technicians test your water first, then size a system that meets your flow-rate needs, local plumbing codes, and budget.
How can I know if my water contains hazardous levels of lead, arsenic, or other metals?
Start with your annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from Tennessee American Water or your well-water records. However, metals can pick up after municipal testing, so we recommend an in-home sample. We offer: 1. On-site rapid testing for lead and copper with results in 10 minutes. 2. Certified laboratory analysis for a full heavy-metals panel (lead, arsenic, chromium, mercury, barium, cadmium, etc.) with results in 5–7 business days. If results exceed EPA Action Levels (15 ppb for lead, 1.3 ppm for copper, 10 ppb for arsenic), we’ll provide a written remediation plan and a cost estimate.
How often should heavy-metal filtration equipment be serviced or filters replaced?
Service intervals depend on water usage, contaminant load, and system type: • KDF/GAC media: Change every 200,000–300,000 gallons or 3–5 years. • Ion-exchange resin beds: Inspect annually; rebed every 7–10 years. • RO membrane: Replace every 24–36 months; pre-filters every 6–12 months. We offer an affordable maintenance program that includes annual water retesting, system disinfection, and filter changes to keep your warranty valid and your water safe.
Will installing a heavy-metal filtration system affect my water pressure or taste?
A properly sized whole-house unit will cause only a 2–5 psi drop—usually imperceptible. For RO units, flow is lower at the dedicated faucet, but modern booster pumps can deliver up to 0.8 gpm for quick pot filling. In terms of taste, most customers notice cleaner, crisper water because heavy metals, chlorine by-products, and sediment are removed. Cooking flavors are more vibrant, coffee has less bitterness, and ice cubes freeze clearer.