How Much Does an Under Sink Water Filter System Cost?
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Last Updated: Sep 12, 2023
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A drinking water filter helps remove sediments and harmful chemicals and the like to make water potable for you and your family.
If you’re worried about water safety in your area, then under sink water filters are great investments. These point-of-use machines let you purify water whenever you need it.
However, if you look at the different product brands and also take quotations from installers, you will come across a vast price range, leading to confusion.
So if you want a precise estimate of under sink water filter costs, then you’ve landed on the right page. This article will take you through the price tags of filter systems, installation costs, and maintenance expenses so you can decide whether or not this type of water filter matches your budget.
Let’s get started.
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Key Takeaways
The cost for an under sink water filter varies by type.
- A single-stage system costs about $50-150.
- A multi-stage under sink water filter is around $150-500.
- Reverse osmosis systems can range from $200-500.
Cost of Under Sink Water Filtration Systems
From the overall cost, the first thing you’ll have to consider is the purchase price of the under sink water filtration system itself. The price range will depend on the exact type of unit you choose.
Yes, there are multiple kinds of filtration systems available in the market; the high-end ones are designed to target a broad range of impurities while cheaper filters may focus on just one group of pollutants.
While NSF certification is recommended for any water filtration system you pick, your decision should also depend on your personal needs and budget.
Here’s the price range of the 3 types of under sink water filters in detail so you can choose your ideal option.
Single-Stage Systems
If you select a single-stage system, you can easily get it for $50-150.
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Multi-Stage Under Sink Water Filters
In the case of a multi-stage under sink water filter system, you will have to pay around $150-500. This is because the amount of filter media and filtration stages determine the final price.
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Reverse Osmosis Systems
Under sink reverse osmosis systems are the industry’s most advanced and priciest filters. Delivering flawlessly purified water, these units can cost you anywhere from $200 to $500.
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How Much Does It Cost to Install an Under Sink Water Filter System?
Now that you have purchased the ideal under sink water filter, it is time to set it up under your kitchen sink. Naturally, this brings up another cost factor on top of the initial price you paid already.
Nevertheless, the cost of installing an under sink filter is relatively low compared to plumbing in a whole house water filter for example. Mainly, it consists of making the required connections and possibly drilling a hole in your countertop to facilitate a faucet and one into the drain line.
Moreover, you can even install an under-the-sink filter yourself to avoid additional fees. Simply put, whether you’ll need professional plumbing services depends on your expertise and the complexity of your system.
We have compiled every cost factor you’ll come across while installing your filter right here to give you further insight.
Tools & Supplies
Whether you’re installing your system yourself or hiring a plumber, you will have to pay for the tools and supplies needed for the job.
You can have your plumber add them to your final bill for extra convenience. But, if you’re a frugal person who wants to purchase the supplies himself, you can expect to spend around $50-100. This includes tubing, connectors and other fittings – stuff like that.
Labor
Labor cost is something you can avoid by hooking up your new filter system DIY-style. But, if the thought of spoiling your entire plumbing intimidates you, you should better hire someone with plenty of experience at an hourly rate.
This rate often ranges anywhere from $50-200, depending on your location and the type of filter you’ve purchased. Besides that, some plumbers might even charge additional amounts for removing a previously installed filter if you have one.
The best way to check that you’re not being overcharged is to ask for a licensing and insurance number from the installer you hire. A licensed plumber will usually charge a valid amount for his services.
Additionally, remember to get a written price estimate so you can compare it to quotations from other service providers. This way, you can hire anyone concern-free and without the fear of overpaying.
More Cost Factors
Apart from the primary cost factors of purchasing supplies and hiring labor, there are other matters of expense regarding under sink water filter installation.
The Plumbing Setup & Installation Location
Unfortunately, not all plumbing systems are designed for connecting to under sink water filter systems. If your home is designed in a similar way, then you’ll require additional plumbing work to fix your unit. This will definitely increase setup costs.
Similarly, it is possible that the installation location under your sink may not be sufficient or hard to access. Mostly this is the case when people have hand wash holders or garbage disposals.
Remember, the more constricted your space, the harder it will be for a professional to access it.
Under Sink Filter System Model
The model of under sink filter system you are installing can greatly influence the cost of doing so. Some complex models come with an incoherent bunch of small parts and tubing which can be difficult to put together, even for trained people.
If your system is tricky to install and requires more time, it will hike up the charges demanded by your plumber.
Professional Installation vs. DIY Hook-Up
Now for the ultimate question, should you go for a professional installation or a DIY hook-up?
The answer completely depends on your situation. Let’s say you already have a filtration system installed and just want to replace it with a new one. In this case, taking the project up by yourself is a great idea.
All the necessary amendments to your plumbing system will be already there. You simply have to fit the new unit. However, you will require some basic plumbing knowledge to complete the task.
If you have never tried such DIY home improvement projects and you need to start from scratch, then hiring a professional might be a better option.
Trying to install a unit with little to no knowledge may lead to improper installation and incur further expenses. Such mishaps include cracking the countertop while drilling a hole in the marble. If that sounds like something that could happen to you, your best bet is to hire someone.
Further Reading:
Under Sink Water Filter Maintenance Cost
Once you have purchased an under sink water filter and had it installed in your kitchen, you’ve covered the main expenses. However, that’s not the end of the ordeal.
If you don’t spend some bucks every couple of months on new filter cartridges, your unit will soon fail to perform effectively. In the same way, the membranes in a reverse osmosis system also need to be changed about every two to four years.
Let’s practically calculate the costs for such situations. Replacing filter elements on a more complex under sink filter can cost you around $100 to $200 every year. That said, some systems have lower maintenance costs at around $50-70 per year.
Total Costs: Year 1
In summary, during the first year, there are several different expenses that will incur: Purchasing, installing, and maintaining an under sink water filter.
(Mobile Hint: Swipe to Scroll)
| Filter Type | Purchase Price | Installation Cost | Hours | Annual Maintenance Cost | Total Cost (First Year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Stage | $50-150 | $150-300 | 1 Hour | $50 | $250-500 |
| Multi-Stage | $150-500 | $150-300 | 1-2 Hours | $100-150 | $400-950 |
| Reverse Osmosis | $200-500 | $150-300 | 1-2 Hours | $150-200 | $500-1,000 |
If you have any questions about under sink water filter cost 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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