Top Water Treatment Installation Companies in Memphis, Tennessee Ranked

Living in Memphis means enjoying some of the softest municipal water in the country, but that doesn't mean it's perfectly pure. While hardness isn't a primary concern, many homeowners seek water filtration systems to address chlorine taste, sediment, or other potential contaminants for cleaner, better-tasting water throughout their home. Understanding your water quality and the available treatment options is the first step toward a solution that fits your household's needs. This guide will help you navigate the choices for water conditioning and purification, from whole-house systems to under-sink filters, so you can connect with the right local expertise for your project.

Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical

1280 Big Orange Rd, Cordova, TN 38018

Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical offers a wide range of plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical services in Memphis, TN. Their services include water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, drain cleaning, leak detection, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company is equipped to handle complex plumbing and HVAC issues and provides emergency and after-hours services. Customers appreciate their knowledgeable technicians and thorough approach to repairs and installations. Hiller is known for its comprehensive service offerings and commitment to customer satisfaction, making it a reliable choice for home maintenance and repairs in the Memphis area.

4.8

2.3k Reviews

Desoto Air & Plumbing LLC

5779 Getwell Rd Bldg D6, Southaven, MS 38672

Desoto Air & Plumbing LLC provides plumbing and HVAC services in Memphis, TN, including water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, sewer line repair, leak detection, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. They serve residential and commercial customers and offer expertise in HVAC system tune-ups and repairs. The company is a licensed contractor and a Trane dealer, providing a range of indoor comfort equipment and plumbing solutions. They serve Desoto, Marshall, and Lafayette counties and emphasize doing the job right the first time. Emergency service is available to help with urgent needs.

4.8

519 Reviews

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Understanding Memphis's Unique Water Profile

Memphis is fortunate to draw its water from a deep, protected aquifer, resulting in naturally soft water with an average hardness of only about 55 parts per million (PPM) ^{1 2}. For perspective, water is considered "hard" at levels above 120 PPM, placing Memphis well within the soft range. This means the classic signs of hard water-scale buildup on fixtures, spotty dishes, and stiff laundry-are less common here ².

However, soft water is not synonymous with contaminant-free water. The Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW) utility treats the water to meet all federal safety standards, which often involves the use of chlorine as a disinfectant ³. This can lead to an unpleasant chemical taste or odor in your tap water. Other occasional issues can include sediment, iron (which causes orange or brown staining), or sulfur (a "rotten egg" smell) ^{4 5}. Therefore, the focus for most Memphis homes shifts from softening to filtration and purification.

Signs You Might Need a Water Treatment System

How do you know if a water filtration system is right for your home? Your water often provides clear signals. The most common complaint in Memphis is the taste or smell of chlorine, which a simple carbon filter can dramatically improve. You might also notice:

• Discoloration: Rusty, orange, or brown stains in sinks, tubs, or on laundry, indicating the presence of iron ⁶.
• Sediment: Gritty particles in your water or settling at the bottom of a glass or pet's water bowl.
• Odors: A sulfurous or "rotten egg" smell from your tap water.
• Skin & Hair Concerns: Chlorine and other chemicals can dry out skin and hair, even in soft water.
• Appliance Performance: While scale is less likely, sediment can clog appliance valves and aerators over time.

For definitive answers, consider reviewing the annual MLGW Water Quality Report or, for a more precise picture of the water entering your specific home, having a professional water test conducted ^{4 3}.

Types of Water Filtration & Treatment Systems for Memphis Homes

Given the local water conditions, here are the most relevant systems for Memphis residents:

1. Whole-House Carbon Filtration: This is an excellent first line of defense for many homes. Installed where the main water line enters your house, these systems use activated carbon to remove chlorine, chloramines, bad tastes, odors, and some organic chemicals. They provide treated water to every tap, improving shower water quality and protecting appliances ^{7 8}.

2. Point-of-Use Reverse Osmosis (RO): For the purest drinking and cooking water, an under-sink RO system is highly effective. It forces water through a semi-permeable membrane, removing up to 99% of contaminants, including heavy metals, fluoride, nitrates, and dissolved solids. Many Memphis homeowners pair a whole-house carbon filter with an RO system at the kitchen sink for comprehensive treatment ^{4 7}.

3. Iron & Manganese Filtration: If your water tests show elevated iron levels, a dedicated iron filter is necessary. These systems, often using air injection or oxidizing media, convert dissolved iron into a solid particle that can be filtered out and flushed away, preventing those stubborn stains ^{5 1}.

4. UV Purification Systems: For homes concerned about biological contaminants like bacteria or viruses, an ultraviolet light system provides a chemical-free method of disinfection. The UV light scrambles the DNA of microorganisms, rendering them harmless. This is often used in conjunction with other filters ⁸.

5. Water Softeners (Conditional Use): Traditional salt-based water softeners are generally not a primary need in Memphis due to the soft source water. However, they can be beneficial for homes on a well with harder water, or as a precautionary measure if water hardness increases in the future. Salt-free "conditioners" are also an option; they don't remove minerals but can help prevent scale via different technology ^{5 1 9}.

Installation Considerations and Cost Overview

Installation complexity and cost vary widely based on the system type, your home's plumbing, and whether you choose professional installation or a DIY approach.

Installation Scope:

• Whole-House Systems (Carbon, Iron, UV, Softener): These require installation on your main water line, typically near your water meter or pressure tank. This almost always requires a licensed professional to ensure proper bypass valves, drainage, and electrical connections (for UV or electronic controls) are correctly installed ^{7 10}.
• Point-of-Use Systems (RO, under-sink filters): These are simpler, connecting under a specific sink. While some homeowners with plumbing experience tackle these, professional installation ensures optimal performance and avoids leaks ¹¹.

Cost Breakdown: Costs are estimates and can vary based on brand, capacity, and local labor rates.

• Equipment Costs:
  • Whole-House Carbon/Sediment Filter: $100 - $500+ ⁷
  • Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis System: $200 - $1,000+ ^{7 8}
  • UV Purification System: $300 - $1,000+ ⁸
  • Iron Filtration System: $500 - $2,000+ ⁵
  • Salt-Based Water Softener: $500 - $3,000+ (though less commonly needed) ^{7 11}
• Professional Installation: Can range from $150 for a simple under-sink unit to $1,000 or more for complex whole-house systems requiring new plumbing runs or electrical work ^{4 9 11}.
• Ongoing Maintenance: All systems require upkeep. This includes replacing carbon filters (every 3-12 months), RO membranes (every 2-3 years), UV lamps (annually), and adding salt to a softener tank if you have one. Annual maintenance costs typically range from $50 to $150 ^{4 10}.

Sample Scenario for a Memphis Home: A household wanting to remove chlorine taste from all water and have ultra-pure drinking water might opt for a combination system:

• System: Whole-House Carbon Filter + Under-Sink RO System.
• Equipment Cost: ~$200 (Carbon) + ~$300 (RO) = ~$500 ^{4 7 9}.
• Professional Installation: ~$300 (for main line) + $150 (for under-sink) = ~$450 ^{9 11}.
• Estimated Initial Total: ~$950.
• Annual Upkeep: $50-$150 for filter replacements ⁴.

Maintaining Your Water Treatment System

Regular maintenance is crucial for any system to perform effectively. Neglecting filter changes can lead to reduced water flow, bacterial growth within the filter media, and a decline in water quality. For salt-based softeners, checking the salt level monthly and ensuring the brine tank is clean is essential ¹⁰. UV systems require an annual bulb change, even if the light still appears to be on, as its germicidal effectiveness diminishes over time. Many local service providers offer annual maintenance plans to handle these tasks for you, providing peace of mind and ensuring your investment continues to deliver high-quality water.

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