Reverse-osmosis Systems
Reverse-osmosis Systems | Water Purification | Plumbing | Sewanee
Does the tap in your Sewanee home taste a little too much like the mountain limestone it runs through? HEP’s licensed plumbers install and service reverse-osmosis systems that strip out minerals, chlorine, and microscopic contaminants, delivering crisp water straight from the faucet. Our local team sizes the system for your household, routes dedicated lines to ice makers and refrigerators, and tests on-site so you can trust every sip.
Beyond refreshing flavor, the technology safeguards coffee makers, humidifiers, and even tankless water heaters from scale buildup—saving money long after installation. From initial consultation to routine filter changes, we handle every detail with the courtesy and transparency Tennessee families have counted on since 2002. Discover how effortless water purification can be when the pros at HEP do the plumbing.
FAQs
What specific water problems in Sewanee does a reverse-osmosis (RO) system solve?
Sewanee’s municipal and well water supplies can carry dissolved solids, chlorine by-products, trace metals, and the characteristic “mountain mineral” taste. An RO membrane removes up to 99% of total dissolved solids (TDS), lead, arsenic, nitrates, and many organic contaminants. The carbon pre-filters also strip chlorine, chloramines, and unpleasant odors, giving you crisp, neutral-tasting water that protects coffee makers, kettles, and ice machines from scale.
How is a reverse-osmosis system installed in my Sewanee home?
Our licensed plumbers mount the compact RO unit (roughly 15"×15") inside the kitchen sink cabinet or basement utility area. We tie into the cold-water line with a feed valve, run a ¼-inch purified-water tube to a dedicated faucet on your sink deck, and connect the reject-water line to the drain with an air-gap fitting to meet plumbing code. A pressurized storage tank (3–4 gal) supplies on-demand flow. Typical installations take 2–3 hours and require no structural changes.
How often will I need to maintain or change filters?
RO systems have three main consumables: (1) sediment/carbon pre-filters every 6–12 months, depending on local turbidity and chlorine levels; (2) the RO membrane every 24–36 months; and (3) a post-carbon “polishing” filter every 12 months. We offer annual service plans that include water-quality testing and automatic reminders, so you never have to track dates or part numbers yourself.
Will an RO system waste a lot of water?
Modern 1:1–2:1 efficiency membranes use about 1–2 gallons of rinse water for every gallon purified—considerably better than older 4:1 units. For an average Sewanee household drinking 2 gallons per day, the additional water on your utility bill is typically under $1 per month. If you are on a private well, the reject water can be routed to a gray-water barrel for plants, minimizing waste.
Can an RO unit supply my refrigerator ice maker or coffee station?
Yes. We can run a ¼-inch food-grade line from the RO tank to your fridge, under-counter ice machine, or espresso setup. Because RO water is low in minerals, it prevents scale buildup in appliance boilers and improves ice clarity. We include quick-connect shut-off valves so appliances can be serviced without interrupting your drinking faucet.
What is the installed cost and are there financing options?
A complete 4-stage NSF-certified RO system, installed by our Sewanee plumbing team, starts at $695, which covers hardware, faucet, and labor. Larger capacity or remineralization add-on cartridges range from $75–$195 extra. We partner with GreenSky™ to offer 0% interest plans for 12 months or low-interest 3-year terms, making it easy to enjoy purified water right away.