- HEP Plumbing
- Reverse-osmosis System

Reverse-osmosis System
Reverse-osmosis System | Water Purification | Plumbing | Riceville
Imagine turning on your tap in Riceville and getting bottle-quality water every time. HEP’s licensed plumbers make that happen by pairing expertly routed plumbing with high-performance reverse-osmosis membranes that strip away sediment, chemicals, and even microscopic contaminants. We measure, cut, and seal every line for a leak-proof fit, tuck sleek storage tanks out of sight, and leave your kitchen looking untouched—except for the gleaming faucet ready to deliver pure refreshment.
From the first consultation to the final taste test, we focus on hassle-free water purification you can trust for years. Our team handles permits, maintenance reminders, and filter swaps, so all you do is enjoy cleaner coffee, brighter produce rinses, and healthier hydration straight from the source. Ready for a smarter sip? Call HEP and experience Riceville’s most reliable path to crystal-clear water.
FAQs
What is reverse osmosis and how does it purify my water?
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a multi-stage filtration process that pushes water through a semipermeable membrane at high pressure. The membrane’s microscopic pores (about 0.0001 microns) block up to 99% of dissolved salts, lead, nitrates, PFAS, pesticides, and other contaminants common in Riceville’s municipal and private well supplies. Pre-filters remove sediment and chlorine to protect the membrane, and a final carbon post-filter polishes the taste. The result is crisp, clean water that meets or exceeds bottled-water purity—straight from your tap.
Why is a reverse-osmosis system a smart choice for homes and businesses in Riceville?
Recent water-quality reports show Riceville’s source water carries moderate hardness, agricultural nitrates, and trace industrial contaminants. An RO system addresses all three issues in one appliance: (1) It softens water by removing dissolved calcium and magnesium, reducing scale in kettles and coffee makers; (2) It cuts nitrate levels below 10 ppm, protecting infants and pregnant women; (3) It filters emerging contaminants such as PFAS and micro-plastics that conventional treatment doesn’t always catch. With local water rates rising, an under-sink RO delivers gallon-for-gallon savings over bottled water within 6–12 months.
How often do I need to replace filters and the membrane?
In a typical Riceville household (4 people, 2–3 gal/day of RO water): • Sediment and carbon pre-filters: every 6–12 months, depending on incoming turbidity and chlorine. • RO membrane: every 2–3 years when TDS rejection falls below 80%. • Carbon post-filter: annually for best taste. Many systems have color-coded, quick-change cartridges, so swaps take minutes without special tools. We offer maintenance plans that include annual water-quality testing, filter kits, and reminder alerts to extend system life and protect your warranty.
Does RO water remove healthy minerals—and should I add them back?
Yes, an RO membrane strips most dissolved solids, including beneficial calcium and magnesium. The health impact is minimal because food provides the vast majority of daily mineral intake. Still, some customers prefer the taste of mineralized water. We can install an optional in-line remineralization cartridge that adds back a balanced mix of calcium and magnesium or connect the RO output to a soda-machine or mineral-drop dispenser. This also raises pH slightly, reducing corrosion in copper plumbing.
What is involved in professional RO system installation and plumbing?
Our licensed Riceville plumbers install most under-sink units in 2–3 hours. The service includes: • Site survey to confirm space and cold-water line compatibility. • Drilling a dedicated faucet hole in stainless, granite, or quartz (if needed). • Installing a feed-water adapter, shut-off valve, and inline backflow preventer. • Mounting the system, tubing it to the storage tank, faucet, and optional fridge/ice maker. • Pressure-testing for leaks and sanitizing the system. • Teaching you how to change filters, read TDS meters, and register the warranty. Larger whole-house RO systems require a day, drain-line air gaps, and a booster pump if municipal pressure is below 50 psi.
How much water does an RO system waste, and can efficiency be improved?
A standard 4-stage RO sends about 3 gallons of concentrate ("waste") to the drain for every gallon of purified water. In Riceville, that equates to roughly $2–$3 in water charges per month for a family of four. Efficiency upgrades include: • High-efficiency membranes (1:1 or 2:1 recovery ratios). • Permeate pumps that use hydraulic energy to cut waste by up to 80%. • Reusing concentrate for garden watering or toilet flushing where local codes allow. We size and configure systems to match your household’s demand and water rates, minimizing environmental impact without sacrificing purity.