Local Expertise
Local Expertise | Water Purification | Plumbing | Philadelphia
For more than three decades, HEP’s neighborhood-born plumbers have safeguarded Philadelphia’s drinking water, tackling everything from rusted row-home pipes in South Philly to the hard-water headaches of the Main Line. We pair deep, block-by-block knowledge with cutting-edge testing, so you’ll know exactly what’s in your glass before we recommend a fix.
Whether you need a whole-house filtration system, a sleek reverse-osmosis tap, or routine cartridge swaps, our team handles design, installation, and maintenance with zero pressure and transparent pricing. Call today to taste the HEP difference and join the thousands of local families who already trust us for dependable water purification.
FAQs
Why is water purification important for Philadelphia homes?
Although the Philadelphia Water Department meets all federal drinking-water standards, the city’s distribution system is older, and many homes still have legacy lead service lines or galvanized plumbing that can leach metals into tap water. In addition, Philadelphia treats its water with chloramine, which can give water a noticeable taste and odor. A properly sized home purification system removes or reduces lead, chlorine/chloramine by-products, sediment, and organic contaminants, providing safer, better-tasting water for cooking, drinking, and bathing.
What types of water purification systems do you recommend for Philadelphia’s water supply?
Most households benefit from a two-stage approach: • Point-of-Entry (POE) Whole-House Filtration: A catalytic carbon or KDF-55 media filter removes chlorine/chloramine, rust, and common organics before the water reaches any tap, protecting plumbing fixtures and improving indoor air quality. • Point-of-Use (POU) Reverse Osmosis (RO): Installed under the kitchen sink, a 4- or 5-stage RO unit removes up to 99% of dissolved solids, lead, and emerging contaminants such as PFAS. Optional remineralization cartridges can add healthy minerals back for taste. For row homes with limited space, a compact combination carbon block + sediment cartridge followed by an under-sink RO is often the most practical solution.
How often should I replace filters or schedule service?
Frequency depends on usage and water quality, but typical guidelines are: • Sediment/Carbon Prefilter (whole-house): every 6–12 months. • Catalytic carbon/KDF media tank: re-bed every 3–5 years. • RO prefilters: every 6–12 months. • RO membrane: every 2–3 years or when TDS rejection falls below 80%. • Post carbon or remineralization cartridge: every 12 months. Our service plans include annual testing for lead, hardness, and TDS, plus automatic reminder emails so you never miss a change interval.
Are there rebates or incentives available in Philadelphia for installing water purification equipment?
While there are currently no city-wide rebates for residential filtration, PECO customers can receive energy-efficiency incentives for High-Efficiency Water Softeners if hardness reduction is needed. In certain zip codes, the Philadelphia Water Department’s Lead and Copper Service Line Replacement Program may cover part of the cost of replacing lead service lines, and we can coordinate purification installation at the same time. We monitor local and state programs (DEP, PENNVEST) and will alert you if funding becomes available for home filtration upgrades.
What does the installation process look like and how long will it take?
A standard project consists of: 1. Free on-site water test (lead, hardness, chlorine, TDS) and plumbing inspection: 30–45 minutes. 2. System selection and written estimate within 24 hours. 3. Permit filing if we are tying into the main service line (1–2 business days, no permit needed for under-sink installs). 4. Installation day: • Whole-house filter/softener: 2–4 hours. • Under-sink RO: 1–2 hours. • Combo install: same-day completion. Our licensed, insured plumbers arrive with drop cloths and shoe covers, pressure-test the lines, sanitize storage tanks, and show you how to shut off and maintain the system. Every installation includes a 1-year labor warranty and manufacturer warranties of 3–10 years depending on the equipment.
How can I tell if my tap water has contaminants that purification can remove?
Common signs include metallic or chlorine taste, cloudy appearance after aeration, visible sediment in faucet screens, or staining on fixtures. However, many contaminants—particularly lead and PFAS—are odorless and tasteless. The most reliable method is lab testing. We offer: • Instant field tests for chlorine, hardness, pH, and TDS at no charge. • Certified third-party lab packages for lead, copper, VOCs, PFAS, and bacteria, with results in 5–7 business days. If results exceed EPA action levels or your personal taste thresholds, we’ll design a purification solution that specifically targets those contaminants.