Softening Systems

Softening Systems | Water Purification | Plumbing | Sevierville

Living in Sevierville means enjoying the natural beauty of the Smokies—but it also means dealing with the region’s hard-water minerals that can leave spots on glassware, shorten appliance life, and irritate skin. HEP’s softening systems combine advanced ion-exchange technology with meticulous installation to strip away excess calcium and magnesium, giving you silky-smooth water straight from the tap. Our licensed plumbers tailor each system to your home’s needs, balancing flow rate, capacity, and efficiency so you get the best performance without wasted salt or energy.

Because a great softener is only as good as the water flowing through it, we also integrate whole-house filters, UV sterilizers, and reverse-osmosis options for complete water purification. From the first free test to long-term maintenance, HEP handles every step with the same hometown care that’s made us Sevierville’s trusted plumbing partner for decades—so you can sip, cook, and bathe with total confidence.

FAQs

How hard is the municipal water in Sevierville and why should I consider a water softener?

Sevierville’s municipal supply typically ranges from 8–12 grains per gallon (gpg) of hardness—classified as ‘hard’ water. Hard water leaves mineral deposits on fixtures, reduces soap efficiency, and shortens the life of appliances such as water heaters and dishwashers. A properly sized water softener removes calcium and magnesium ions, preventing scale buildup, lowering energy bills, and improving water feel and taste.

What’s the difference between water softening and water purification?

Water softening targets hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) through ion exchange, replacing them with sodium or potassium ions. Water purification is a broader term that can include sediment filtration, activated-carbon treatment, reverse osmosis (RO), and UV disinfection to remove contaminants like chlorine, lead, pesticides, and microorganisms. Many homes in Sevierville use a combination system: a whole-house softener for hardness and a point-of-use RO unit at the kitchen sink for drinking water purification.

How long does installation take and will my plumbing be disrupted?

A typical whole-house softener or purification system can be installed in 3–5 hours. We tie into the main water line—usually in a garage, crawlspace, or utility room—so disruptions are minimal. Water is shut off for 30–60 minutes during the final connection. Our licensed plumbers in Sevierville follow local code, pull any required permits, and leave your property clean when finished.

What maintenance is required after the system is installed?

Maintenance is straightforward. For a softener, keep the brine tank at least one-third full of salt pellets and clean the tank every 1–2 years. The control valve will perform automatic regenerations; we program it to match your household usage. For purification filters or RO membranes, replace cartridges every 6–12 months (or per manufacturer specifications). We offer affordable annual service plans that include water testing, media replacement, and a 15-point inspection.

Will a water softener add sodium to my drinking water?

Yes, ion exchange does introduce a small amount of sodium—about 7.5 mg per quart at 10 gpg hardness. This is less than 3% of the FDA’s ‘low-sodium’ threshold and is safe for most people. If you are on a strict sodium-restricted diet, we can install a reverse osmosis faucet or use potassium chloride instead of salt. Both options eliminate or significantly reduce sodium in your drinking water.

How much does a complete softening and purification package cost in Sevierville?

Pricing depends on water chemistry, flow rate requirements, and selected technology. On average, a family-size 32,000-grain softener installed starts around $1,500–$1,900. Add-on carbon filtration runs $400–$700, and a premium 4-stage RO drinking system is $450–$650 installed. We provide free on-site water tests and exact quotes, plus financing and manufacturer warranties (5–10 years on tanks and valves). Many homeowners recoup the investment through lower energy bills, longer appliance life, and reduced spending on bottled water and cleaning products.