Reverse Osmosis
Reverse Osmosis | Water Purification | Plumbing | Rockwood
Imagine filling a glass straight from your Rockwood tap and tasting crisp, refreshing water that’s been stripped of up to 99% of contaminants. HEP’s reverse osmosis systems push ordinary tap water through a multi-stage membrane, removing chlorine, lead, fluoride, and even micro-plastics while leaving beneficial minerals perfectly balanced. Our licensed plumbers handle everything—from a clean, discreet install under the sink to routine filter changes—so you enjoy worry-free water purification every day.
Whether you’re protecting a newborn’s formula, perfecting your morning coffee, or just tired of hauling bottled water, HEP makes healthier hydration effortless and affordable. Call today and discover why neighbors all over Rockwood trust our friendly, “on-the-way” technicians to deliver pure, great-tasting water straight from the source.
FAQs
What is reverse osmosis and how does it improve water quality in Rockwood?
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a multi-stage filtration process that pushes tap water through a semi-permeable membrane. The membrane’s microscopic pores (about 0.0001 micron) stop up to 99% of dissolved salts, lead, nitrates, PFAS, chlorine by-products, and many other contaminants that standard carbon filters miss. Rockwood’s water meets federal guidelines, but periodic testing by the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation shows fluctuating levels of hardness, chlorine, and trace metals. An RO system gives homeowners an added layer of protection, delivering bottled-quality water straight from the dedicated RO tap or refrigerator line.
Is a reverse osmosis system necessary if I already receive treated municipal water in Rockwood?
Municipal treatment eliminates acute health risks, yet it doesn’t remove everything. Disinfection adds chlorine or chloramine, which can affect taste and odor, and the distribution piping can pick up metals like lead or copper on the way to your tap. An in-home RO system polishes the water just before you drink or cook with it, removing residual chemicals, microplastics, and emerging contaminants (e.g., PFAS) that plants are not yet mandated to address. Many Rockwood customers choose RO for peace of mind, improved taste, and reduced reliance on bottled water.
How often do I need to replace the filters and membrane in an RO unit?
Most residential RO systems have 3–5 filters plus the membrane: 1) sediment pre-filter, 2) carbon pre-filter, 3) RO membrane, and 4) post-carbon “polishing” filter. In average Rockwood water conditions: • Sediment & carbon pre-filters: every 6–12 months • RO membrane: every 2–3 years • Post-carbon filter: every 12 months. If your household uses a lot of water or you notice a drop in flow/taste quality, change them sooner. Our service plans include annual testing and reminder notifications so you never have to track dates yourself.
Does an RO system waste a lot of water, and are there efficient options?
Traditional RO units send 3–4 gallons of brine to the drain for every gallon of purified water. Newer high-efficiency systems we install in Rockwood cut that ratio to 1:1 or even 1:0.5 by using booster pumps and advanced membranes. For eco-conscious homeowners, we offer permeate-pump models and optional recycling hookups that redirect brine to landscaping or pre-flush toilets. During your estimate, we’ll calculate expected usage and discuss the most water-efficient configuration for your household.
Will a reverse osmosis system remove lead, PFAS, and other emerging contaminants?
Yes. Independent NSF/ANSI testing shows RO membranes remove 95–99% of lead, mercury, arsenic, chromium-6, pharmaceuticals, and PFAS compounds (PFOA/PFOS). When paired with high-capacity carbon pre-filters, the system also strips chlorine, chloramine, VOCs, and pesticides. This makes RO one of the few point-of-use technologies capable of tackling both regulated and currently unregulated contaminants that have been detected in some Tennessee water samples.
What is the cost to install and maintain a residential RO system in Rockwood?
A professionally installed, 4-stage under-sink RO system typically ranges from $650–$950, including labor, dedicated faucet, and first-year filters. Larger capacities, remineralization cartridges, or whole-house RO setups increase the price. Annual operating costs average $80–$120 for replacement filters and about $1–$3 in electricity if a booster pump is used. We offer financing, bundled filter-replacement plans, and discounts for pairing RO with our water softeners or UV sterilizers. A quick on-site water test lets us give you an exact quote within minutes.