Reverse-osmosis Systems

Reverse-osmosis Systems | Water Purification | Plumbing | Rutledge

Experience the crisp, clean difference that HEP brings to every tap in Rutledge. Our reverse-osmosis systems strip away up to 99% of dissolved solids, chlorine, lead, PFAS, and other contaminants, leaving only refreshingly pure H₂O. From compact under-sink units to whole-home installations, HEP’s certified plumbers design, install, and maintain solutions that fit your lifestyle—and your budget—so you can drink, cook, and brew with confidence.

Backed by 24/7 support and a satisfaction guarantee, we make water purification effortless. Schedule a free in-home test, watch your TDS levels drop in real time, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from partnering with East Tennessee’s most trusted home-service team. With HEP, every glass is a toast to health, sustainability, and hometown expertise.

FAQs

What exactly is a reverse-osmosis (RO) water purification system and how does it work?

A reverse-osmosis system forces household water through a semi-permeable membrane that is so fine it screens out dissolved salts, heavy metals, chlorine by-products, micro-organisms, and most organic contaminants. The purified water is stored in a small pressure tank, while the dissolved impurities are flushed to the drain. The result is bottled-quality water delivered straight from a dedicated RO faucet mounted at your sink.

Why is an RO system a smart choice for homes and businesses in Rutledge?

Rutledge’s municipal and well water supplies typically show moderate hardness, traces of agricultural runoff, and detectable levels of chlorine/chloramine disinfectants. An RO unit tackles all three issues in one step: it softens by removing hardness ions, polishes the taste and odor by stripping chlorine compounds, and filters out nitrates, pesticides, lead, and PFAS that traditional pitchers or refrigerator filters miss. The system gives you ultra-clean water for drinking, cooking, coffee, ice makers, baby formula, and even aquarium use.

How much space and plumbing will I need for installation under a standard kitchen sink?

A typical 4-stage RO system uses about the same footprint as a small wastebasket. You need roughly 10–12 inches of clear cabinet width, 18 inches height for the storage tank, and a nearby 110-volt outlet if the model includes a booster pump. Our installers mount a feed adapter on the cold-water shut-off valve, connect a drain saddle to the sink’s tailpiece, and drill a 7⁄16-inch hole in the countertop or stainless-steel sink for the dedicated RO faucet. Most installations in Rutledge take 1½–2 hours and require no special permits.

How often do the filters and membrane have to be replaced, and what does it cost?

The first sediment and carbon pre-filters are changed every 6–12 months, depending on local water quality and usage. The RO membrane lasts 2–3 years, while the post-carbon ‘polishing’ filter is replaced annually. For an average Rutledge household, the yearly maintenance kit runs about $90 – $110, and a new membrane is typically $60 – $80. Our service plans include annual inspection, sanitizing, filter changes, and water-quality testing for as little as $14 per month.

Does reverse-osmosis remove healthy minerals or make the water too acidic?

The RO membrane does take out both harmful contaminants and beneficial minerals such as calcium and magnesium. The resulting water has very low dissolved solids (TDS), which can taste ‘flat’ to some people. To restore a balanced taste and pH, we offer an optional inline remineralization cartridge that adds back a measured amount of calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide, raising pH to a neutral 7.5–8.0 and improving mouthfeel without compromising purity.

What kind of ongoing support do you provide to Rutledge customers after installation?

Every system comes with a 5-year warranty on the manifold, a 1-year warranty on the RO membrane, and lifetime phone support. Local technicians based right here in Rutledge handle filter-change reminders, emergency leak repairs, annual water-quality checks, and upgrades such as UV disinfection or larger storage tanks. We stock all replacement parts locally, so most service calls are completed the same day you call.