Review: Culligan Whole House Water Filters (WH-HD200-C & WH-S200-C)
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Aug 4, 2023
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The Culligan WH-HD200-C and WH-S200-C are simple yet flexible whole house water filters that allow you to choose from various filter cartridges.
Both systems have features like a filter life indicator that lets you know when your filter is due for replacement and a transparent housing that lets you see the filter status without unscrewing any bits and pieces.
Let’s talk about the Culligan WH-HD200-C and WH-S200C and see if they are purchase-worthy.
Contents
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Culligan WH-HD200-C |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Process: | Sediment/Carbon Filtration |
| Filter Capacity: | 10,000-24,000 Gallons |
| Water Flow Rate: | 3-10 Gallons Per Minute |
| Annual Cost: | ~$20-50 |
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Overall Rating: 3.5/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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Culligan WH-S200-C |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Process: | Sediment/Carbon Filtration |
| Filter Capacity: | 8,000-16,000 Gallons |
| Water Flow Rate: | 4 Gallons Per Minute |
| Annual Cost: | ~$20-50 |
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Overall Rating: 3.5/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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Culligan WH-HD200-C and WH-S200-C Whole House Water Filters – All Specs
- Model: WH-HD200-C, WH-S200-C
- Annual Maintenance Cost: ~$20-50
- Filter Media/Process: Sediment/Carbon
- Flow Rate: 4-10 gpm
- Filtering Capacity: 8,000-24,000 gal
- WxHxD: 6.5-8.5″x15.5-16.0″x5.4-7.4″
- Water Temperature: 40-100 °F
- Water Pressure: 30-125 psi
- Fitting: ¾”-1″
- NSF Certifications: Standard 42 (Structural Integrity), Standard 61 (Structural Integrity), Standard 372
- Other Certifications: CSA B483.1
- Warranty: 2 Years
Culligan WH-HD200-C and WH-S200-C – Key Features
The Culligan WH-S200-C whole house water filter has a 4 gpm flow rate, suitable for tiny homes and condos only. The Culligan WH-HD200-C features a higher flow rate of up to 10 gpm (depending on the cartridge used) enough for 3-4 baths.
The variety of filter cartridges you get with each system is pretty enticing. For the WH-S200-C, you can choose any of these cartridges:
| Cartridge | Removes | Micron Rating | Capacity/Life | Material | Flow Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CW-MF | Sediments (Rust, Scale, Coarse Sand) | 30 | 12,000 gal or 3 Months | Wound Polypropylene (PP) | 4 gpm |
| S1A | Sediments (Rust, Scale, Sand) | 20 | 16,000 gal or 4 Months | Pleated Cellulose | 4 gpm |
| CW-F | Sediments Down to Fine Sand and Silt | 10 | 12,000 gal or 3 Months | Wound PP | 4 gpm |
| SCWH-5 | Sediments + Chlorine Taste and Odor | 5 | 15,000 gal or 3 Months | Carbon | 4 gpm |
| P5 | All Sediments | 5 | 8,000 gal or 2 Months | Spun PP | 4 gpm |
| P1 | All Sediments | 1 | 8,000 gal or 2 Months | Spun PP | 4 gpm |
For the WH-HD200-C, you’ve got these options:
| Cartridge | Removes | Micron Rating | Capacity/Life | Material | Flow Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R5-BBSA | Large Sediments | 50 | 24,000 gal or 6 Months | Pleated PP | 10 gpm |
| P25-BBSA | Sediments | 25 | 20,000 gal or 5 Months | Spun PP | 8 gpm |
| CW25-BBS | Sediments | 25 | 20,000 gal or 5 Months | Wound PP | 8 gpm |
| RFC-BBSA | Sediments + Chlorine Taste and Odor | 25 | 10,000 gal or 6 Months | Granular Activated Carbon | 3 gpm |
| CP5-BBS | All Sediments | 5 | 12,000 gal or 3 Months | Pleated Cellulose | 8 gpm |
| CW5-BBS | All Sediments | 5 | 16,000 gal or 4 Months | Wound PP | 8 gpm |
As you can see, we have a mix of sediment and activated carbon filter elements. Micron ratings vary from 50 all the way down to 1. Filter life: Anywhere between 8,000 and 24,000 gallons or 2-6 months.
In other words, you can choose the element that best fits your filtration needs and water quality. A sediment filter will protect your plumbing and water-using appliances from clogging. A carbon filter can improve water aesthetics.
Culligan Whole House Water Filters Pros
Both Culligan whole house water filter systems are wallet-friendly, perfect if you’re on a budget.
Also, they come with a filter life indicator and transparent filter housings. The indicator alerts you with a red light when it’s time to change the filter cartridge. And the transparent housing lets you check the filter’s current state at a glance.
If you love user-friendly systems, you’ll also enjoy these Culligan filters – they have a bypass valve, which makes them easy to install and maintain.
Did we mention the 2-year limited product warranty?
What Contaminants Are Being Removed?
Depending how you use them, the Culligan WH-HD200-C and WH-S200-C can remove sediments from water. If you use a carbon filter cartridge, it will also remove chlorine and improve your water’s taste, appearance, and smell.
The Culligan WH-HD200-C – learn more on Amazon.com
The Culligan WH-S200-C – learn more on Amazon.com
Installation
You’re free to install both Culligan whole house filters yourself if you can. DIY installation does not void the warranty, and you’re not mandated to contact an authorized dealer for installation. Besides, remember that we have a built-in bypass valve so you don’t have to worry about that during setup.
Please consider these instructions as a general guideline. Always make sure to check and follow your user manual before getting started.
Here are the essential tools you’ll need:
- File
- Pencil
- Two adjustable wrenches
- Pipe cutter or hacksaw
- Teflon tape
Follow these steps to install your filter:
- Switch off your water supply and open a nearby tap to release water in the pipes.
- Place about six inches of Teflon tape on the pipe threads in each adapter.
- If you’re using a bracket, fix it to the wall and screw the filter head to the bracket. Ensure the arrows on the filter match the direction of your water flow.
- Fix the adapters to the filter head. Use your adjustable wrench to tighten each adapter.
- Mark out an area long enough to fit the filter on your pipe. For accuracy, measure the length of the filter and subtract a few inches.
- Cut the line with a hacksaw or pipe cutter. File the cut edges to smoothen them.
- Insert brass compression nut and ferrule into each pipe end.
- Match the filter assembly with the pipe ends. Ensure the “IN” arrow tallies with your incoming water flow. Use wrenches to tighten your connections.
- Use a wrench to adjust the bypass valve to “filter” mode and switch on your water supply.
- Depress the pressure-relief button to release air within the system.
- Turn on the nearest tap and let it run for ten minutes to flush the filter.
- Press the reset button on the filter life indicator for a few seconds.
Video
The Package (Parts)
Culligan WH-HD200-C:
- Filter Housing
- WR-HD Housing Wrench
- BR-C Mounting Bracket
- Filter Life Monitor
- Timer Battery (Pre-Installed)
Culligan WH-S200-C:
- Filter Housing
- WR-S Housing Wrench
- P5 Filter
- BR-C Mounting Bracket
- Filter Life Monitor
- Timer Battery (Pre-Installed)
Maintenance
Maintenance is easy. All you need to do is clean and replace the filters when due. As with installation, you’re free to DIY.
Again, we have a bypass valve you can simply turn on before you start the process. And then there’s the clear filter housing and filter life indicator (flashes red 90 days after installing a new filter) which make things even easier.
Here’s how you replace the filter in both systems:
- Turn the bypass valve to the “off” position.
- Relieve water pressure by pressing the relief button.
- Unscrew the housing underneath, then remove and clean the O-ring.
- Remove the old filter cartridge.
- Rinse the housing with clear water first. Then, mix water and bleach in the housing and wash it with a soft sponge. Rinse well with clean water.
- Apply silicone grease on the O-ring and return it to the housing groove. Ensure to place the O-ring properly.
- Place the new filter cartridge in the housing.
- Screw the housing bottom on the cap, ensuring the cartridge stays in the standpipe in the filter head.
- Turn the bypass valve to the “filter” position and press the relief button to release air.
- Reset the filter life indicator and open the nearest faucet for ten minutes.
- After flushing the system for ten minutes, turn off the tap and resume your filter use.
Manual
Manual
Here is a link to the official manual of the Culligan WH-HD200-C:
Here is a link to the official manual of the Culligan WH-S200-C:
NSF and Other Certifications
The Water Quality Association (WQA) has tested and certified the Culligan WH-HD200-C whole house water filter against NSF/ANSI 372, CSA B483.1, and NSF/ANSI 42 standards (certified for materials safety and structural integrity requirements only). These certifications confirm that the filter is made with low-lead components and overall good-quality materials.
The Culligan WH-S200-C whole house filtration system is certified against NSF/ANSI 372, CSA B483.1, and NSF/ANSI 61. These, too, are certifications for material quality and not the ability to remove contaminants.
Earlier Product Versions
As far as we know, these products have no earlier versions.
Culligan Whole House Filters Cons
We noticed some drawbacks to these Culligan filters.
For one, the WH-S200-C system has a low flow rate of 4 gpm, so it’s not ideal for large homes. If it’s used above its capacity, you’ll experience water pressure drops throughout your home
The second system, the WH-HD200-C, has a higher flow rate but comes without a filter cartridge. That means you have to buy it separately, increasing cost.
Besides, there are no NSF certifications for both systems’ contaminant removal.
Past buyers also complained about leaks. This is due to the plastic threads on the inlet and outlet ports. The They are used to established a connection to the main water line. At first glance they appear to be metal, however, they are plastic. This poses a problem if you are using male threaded connectors that are metal, since they will easily cross-thread which causes leakages. The plastic threading is so soft that you likely won’t even notice that you are cutting into it – until it’s too late and the threads are permanently damaged.
To be fair, this is a common issue with most plastic filter heads. What’s the solution? Use plenty of quality Teflon tape. Also, you want to start by screwing the fitting in backwards. As soon as you feel the last thread of the male connector click into the start of the female thread, turn clockwise to tighten.
A second issue is that the built-in bypass valve may be hard to turn and using the housing wrench for leverage might actually shred the seal. What you should to instead is to either ask for a replacement or take the valve apart and use food-grade silicon grease to lubricate the valve face and small O-rings.
Culligan WH-HD200-C and WH-S200-C Review: Our Verdict + Best for
Both Culligan WH-HD200-C and WH-S200-C whole house water filters are best for low-budgets and basic water filtration in small to medium-sized homes. They do what they’re supposed to and that is remove sediments and possibly chlorine from water.
They are not for heavily contaminated water, though. Yes, they can improve water taste and odor, and prevent damage to pipes, fixtures, and appliances, but that’s about it. Don’t expect outstanding filtration capabilities and removal of more stubborn/harmful contamination.
Our Rating in Detail:
- Filtration Performance: 3.5/5.0
- Filter Capacity (Life): 3.0/5.0
- Purchase Price: 5.0/5.0
- Annual Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 3.5/5.0
Comparison to Other Whole House Water Filters
Let’s see how our Culligan systems compare to two popular alternatives, the Kind E-1000 and the SpringWell PF.
SpringWell PF |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Media: | 5-Micron Sediment |
| Filter Life: | 6 Months |
| Flow Rate: | 20-35 gpm |
| Annual Cost: | $35-65 |
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Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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Kind E-1000 |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Filter Media: | 5-Micron Sediment, Catalytic Carbon Block |
| Filter Life: | 12 Months |
| Flow Rate: | 15 gpm |
| Annual Cost: | ~$145 |
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Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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Culligan WH-HD200-C |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Process: | Sediment/Carbon Filtration |
| Filter Capacity: | 10,000-24,000 gal |
| Flow Rate: | 3-10 gpm |
| Annual Cost: | ~$20-50 |
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Overall Rating: 3.5/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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The SpringWell PF is a simple sediment water filter rated at 5 microns. But it has a high flow rate (20-35 gpm) and comes with everything you need for installation. It also has a lifetime warranty (limited) plus a 6-month satisfaction warranty. It’s ideal for larger homes.
The Kind Water Systems E-1000 (you can read the full review here) is more pricey. The 2-stage filtration process uses a sediment and a catalytic carbon block filter, offering very effective contaminant removal (chlorine/chloramine, pesticides, industrial solvents, VOCs, and more). It has a flow rate of 15 gpm and comes with a lifetime warranty and satisfaction guarantee.
All in all, if you want a whole house water filter that significantly improves water quality, we recommend you go with the Kind E-1000. The SpringWell PF is ideal for sediment filtration in small to large houses. If your budget is really tight and you want to get the cheapest deal possible, both Culligan WH-HD200-C and WH-S200-C can be decent solutions.
More Culligan Reviews:
This completes our review of the Culligan WH-HD200-C and Culligan WH-S200-C whole house water filter systems. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
Information provided on BOS is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.
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