Heavy Metals
Heavy Metals | Water Purification | Plumbing
Breathe easy knowing that HEP’s specialists turn contaminated, heavy-metal-laden plumbing into a source of crystal-clear confidence. Our technicians pinpoint lead, mercury, arsenic, and other hidden threats, then design custom filtration stacks that strip them away without compromising flow or flavor. From whole-home retrofits to targeted faucet solutions, every install is backed by rigorous testing, smart sensors, and our no-nonsense workmanship guarantee—so the only thing left in your glass is refreshment.
Whether you’re safeguarding a family, a boutique brewery, or a sensitive lab, our water purification expertise scales to meet your exact demands. Expect fast onsite assessments, transparent pricing, and a team that treats your property like their own. Because with HEP, protecting what matters most always starts with the water.
FAQs
What are heavy metals and why are they a concern in plumbing water?
Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements such as lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, chromium, and copper that have a relatively high atomic weight and density. When these metals leach into household water from corroding pipes, fixtures, or contaminated groundwater, they can accumulate in the body over time, posing serious health risks. Even at low concentrations, heavy metals can affect the nervous system, kidneys, and other vital organs, making their removal from drinking water a top priority.
How do heavy metals get into my household water supply?
Heavy metals can enter your water in several ways: • Corroding plumbing materials: Lead solder, brass faucets, and copper pipes can leach metals—especially in older homes. • Municipal infrastructure: Aging city water mains may release metals as water travels to your tap. • Groundwater contamination: Industrial discharges, mining activities, agricultural runoff, and natural mineral deposits can elevate metal levels in wells. • Water chemistry: Highly acidic or soft water accelerates metal corrosion and leaching. These pathways make routine testing and proper treatment essential.
What health risks are associated with consuming heavy metals in water?
The health effects vary by metal and exposure level: • Lead: Developmental delays in children, high blood pressure, and kidney damage in adults. • Arsenic: Increased risk of skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. • Mercury: Neurological damage and impaired fetal development. • Cadmium: Kidney dysfunction and bone weakness. • Copper: Gastrointestinal distress and liver or kidney issues at high doses. Because many of these effects are cumulative and irreversible, preventing exposure through effective purification is crucial.
Which water purification technologies are most effective at removing heavy metals?
Several proven technologies target heavy metals: 1. Reverse Osmosis (RO): Uses a semipermeable membrane that rejects 95–99% of dissolved metals. 2. Ion Exchange: Swaps metal ions in water with benign ions (e.g., sodium) on a resin bed. 3. Activated Alumina: Especially effective for arsenic and fluoride removal. 4. Distillation: Evaporates water and condenses purified vapor, leaving metals behind. 5. Specialized Carbon Blocks: Impregnated with metallic media or ligands designed to bind heavy metals. Often, systems combine methods (e.g., carbon pre-filtration + RO) for broader protection and longer filter life.
How can I test my water for heavy metal contamination?
You have two main options: • Laboratory testing: Contact a state-certified lab or your local health department for a comprehensive metals panel. Collect water in supplied containers and ship/return it promptly. Lab reports provide precise concentrations, usually in parts per billion (ppb). • At-home test kits: Offer quick screening for common metals (lead, copper, iron). While convenient, these kits are less sensitive and may not detect low-level contamination. Use them for preliminary checks but verify with a lab if results are positive or if local advisories exist. Testing should be performed at least annually, or immediately after plumbing work, changes in water color/taste, or public notice of contamination.
How often should purification systems be maintained to ensure heavy metal removal?
Maintenance varies by technology and water quality, but general guidelines are: • Reverse Osmosis: Replace sediment and carbon pre-filters every 6–12 months; RO membrane every 2–3 years, or sooner if rejection rates fall. • Ion Exchange/Water Softeners: Re-charge resin with salt regularly and replace resin every 5–10 years depending on water chemistry. • Activated Alumina Cartridges: Change every 6–12 months or after treating the manufacturer’s rated gallons. • Carbon Blocks: Replace every 3–6 months or when flow rate drops noticeably. Follow manufacturer instructions, monitor water pressure and taste, and retest water annually to confirm continued heavy metal removal.