11 Best Whole House Water Filter Systems (*Update 2024)
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Last Updated: Jan 31, 2024
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Top Pick: What’s the Best Whole House Water Filter?
The best whole house water filter in 2024 is the SpringWell CF, because it protects your family and home from contaminants for up to 1,000,000 gallons of water. It further improves water taste and odor, is easy to install and maintain, fast (9-20 gpm), and backed by a satisfaction guarantee and limited lifetime warranty.
There are countless of whole house water filters for many different purposes. Some are pretty solid, others not so much, so finding the right system for your needs is difficult.
To help you make the best buying decision, we’ve evaluated 53+ of the top whole house water filters on the market since this buying guide was first published on May 17, 2018. As such, we’ve literally spent hundreds of hours researching, reviewing, testing, comparing, and ranking products as well as editing and upgrading this guide.
1. Best for Municipal (Tap) Water: SpringWell CF Whole House Water Filter System
In our opinion, the best whole house water filter in 2024 is the SpringWell CF. It turns even the nastiest tap waters into great-tasting, odorless H2O. 5 stars!
Mike, one of our inhouse video content producers, has ordered, installed, and tested the SpringWell CF Whole House Water Filter in his own home – including lab testing for contaminant reduction rates. You cannot get more hands-on experience than that! Mike has documented the entire process and shares his findings the video below:
I can definitely say that I am a fan. I love that the system does such a great job, so I feel really good about our family having clean healthy drinking water, healthy water to bathe in, and I know that it’s going to prolong the life of our appliances.
Top pick for tap water containing chlorine and chloramine.
Apart from improved aesthetics, your water will be rid of sediments, a bunch of organic contaminants and some heavy metals, meaning it’s cleaner and more healthy to use for drinking, cooking and showering.
A 5-micron pre-filter traps sediments to prevent the carbon and KDF media bed from clogging.
KDF removes chlorine and heavy metal content, and controls the growth of algae, bacteria and viruses, and fungi.
Uses high quality, long-lasting catalytic carbon filter media to adsorb a large range of contaminants including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), herbicides, pesticides, trihalomethanes, …
SpringWell Water guarantees chlorine and chloramine reduction below the minimum detection levels for 1,000,000 gallons or 6 years.
3 whole house filter system versions available:
CF1 delivers up to 9 gallons per minute (used for 1-3 bathrooms).
CF4 flow rate is 12 gpm which is perfect for up to 4-6 bathrooms.
CF+ delivers up to 20 gpm which is very high.
Easy to install if you’re handy with tools.
A bypass valve + illustrated instructions outlining every step are included.
Optional installation kit.
Maintenance is simple and kept at a bare minimum for maximum convenience. Cost for replacement filters: About $40 per year.
6-month money back guarantee: SpringWell offers a full refund if you’re not satisfied with the results.
You get a limited lifetime warranty.
SpringWell’s customer support is said to be helpful and cooperative.
Cons
The provided fittings are plastic which are prone to cross-threading. We would have preferred brass for example.
Our Rating
Filtration Performance: 5.0/5.0
Filter Life: 5.0/5.0
Price: 4.0/5.0
Maintenance Cost: 5.0/5.0
Overall: 5.0/5.0
Best for
The SpringWell CF is best for people on tap water who want a whole home water filter which is easy to install and maintain, and which removes chemicals and certain heavy metals.
2. Best for Well Water: SpringWell WS Whole House Well Water Filter System (+ SpringWell CF)
If you are on well water we definitely recommend the SpringWell WS – possibly combined with the SpringWell CF.
The WS is not a bargain, but it’s the perfect solution to well water contaminated with iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide. Paired with the CF, you get access to water 100% odorless and with the cleanest taste. It’ll also be much healthier with zero (or reduced) chemicals, organics, and heavy metals. Definitely 5 stars!
Please note: To learn all about the SpringWell CF whole house filter check the review above. Here are all the important details about the WS:
SpringWell WS Whole House Well Water Filter System
Filter Process: Spin-Down Sediment, Air Injection + Greensand
Backwash Rate: 5 gpm
WxHxD: 10-13″x52-54″x10-13″
Water Temperature: 36-120 °F
Water Pressure: 25-80 psi
Water pH: 6.5-10
Fitting: 1″
Key Features & Pros
SpringWell whole house water filter eliminates rotten egg smell as well as staining in toilets, sinks, showers, and on laundry. It also greatly improves water taste.
Uses air injection oxidation + greensand filter to trap a maximum combined of ferric & ferrous iron (up to 7 ppm), hydrogen sulfide (up to 8 ppm), and manganese (up to 1 ppm). The greensand also helps with arsenic and radium in water.
Safe for septic and sewer system.
Water pH of 6.5 – 10 is required for the process to be effective.
Shouldn’t be used with water that’s microbiologically unsafe or contains viruses without further treatment. Tip: Use live chat feature on website to contact SpringWell Water for more information.
Spin-down pre-filter removes larger sediments.
2 sizes available:
WS1 whole house well filter with 12 gpm service flow rate (1-4 bathrooms).
WS4 filters up to 20 gallons in one minute, enough water flow for homes with 4 or more bathrooms.
Treatment process includes daily reset of air pocket in the top of the tank and periodic backwashing of media bed to flush all accumulated contaminants down the drain. Both are controlled by electronic head and happen fully automatic. Set and forget!
Programmable via smartphone/tablet app thanks to Bluetooth function.
Easy to install for DIYers.
Bypass valve + illustrated installation guide is part of the package.
Optional installation kit.
Whole house water filter is 100% maintenance-free. Environmentally-friendly greensand can last 10 or more years.
Manufacturer provides 6-month money back guarantee on all systems.
Tank, valve, fittings, and filter media are covered by limited lifetime warranty.
Cons
Filter comes with plastic fittings instead of metal.
Our Rating
Filtration Performance: 5.0/5.0
Filter Life: 5.0/5.0
Price: 4.0/5.0
Maintenance Cost: 5.0/5.0
Overall: 5.0/5.0
Best for
The SpringWell WS is best for people on well water containing iron, manganese, or sulfur.
3. The Runner-Up for Tap Water: US Water Systems BodyGuard Plus Whole House Water Filtration System
We wanted to provide you with an alternative for whole house municipal water treatment in case you don’t like the SpringWell CF for whatever reason. Thus, let us introduce you to the BodyGuard Plus whole house water filter system by US Water Systems.
It’s a tad more expensive than the SpringWell, but still one of our top choices. That’s because we have catalytic carbon combined with granular activated carbon for removal or reduction of chemical contaminants like chlorine, chloramine, pesticides, VOCs, THM, and many others, resulting in great-tasting water that’s also healthy for your hair and skin. Plus, the pre-filters are top-notch…
USWS BodyGuard Plus Whole House Water Filtration System
Catalytic carbon and coconut shell granular activated carbon contained in the main tank do the bulk of the contaminant removal. They remove hundreds of contaminants, primarily chemicals: Chlorine/chloramine, pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, industrial solvents, THMs, PCB, VOCs.
2 optional pre-filters to choose from. Both prolong the life of the carbon filter media:
The Interceptor is a 5-micron sediment filter outside with pleated material made up of nano fibers inside. These nano fibers literally attract contaminants including bacteria (99.9%), lead, chromium 6, and sediments down to the sub-micron level like a magnet due to their Zeta potential (51 millivolts).
The Magna is a high-quality 5-micron pleated sediment pre-filter used to trap dirt.
Whole house water filter comes in 3 sizes:
117-BGP-100 delivers 10 gallons per minute (1-3 bathrooms).
117-BGP-150 can process up to 15 gpm (4-6 bathrooms).
117-BGP-200 for up to 20 gpm water flow (7 or more bathrooms).
You can track and monitor your water usage connecting the head unit to your smartphone. The Waterlogix app to pair the devices is free.
Simple, easy Installation.
Package includes a bypass valve.
The carbon can be used for hundreds of thousands of gallons or even millions, depending on the level of contaminants in your water. US Water Systems recommend replacement after 5 years. Both pre-filtration cartridges last about 1 year. Hassle-free maintenance guaranteed.
You get a warranty lifetime on the tank, 10 years on the valve and electronics, and 5 years on the carbon filter media.
Cons
Sediment filter replacements are more expensive than with the competition.
Our Rating
Filtration Performance: 4.5/5.0
Filter Life: 5.0/5.0
Price: 4.0/5.0
Maintenance Cost: 5.0/5.0
Overall: 4.5/5.0
Best for
The USWS BodyGuard Plus is our second top pick for chlorinated and chloraminated city water.
4. The Runner-Up for Well Water: USWS Matrixx inFusion Iron and Sulfur Removal System
As an alternative to the SpringWell WS for well water treatment, we recommend the Matrixx inFusion by US Water Systems.
Using hydrogen peroxide for oxidation in combination with catalytic carbon, the whole house filtration system is designed for removing very high levels of iron, hydrogen sulfide, and manganese (the company says the system excels at 5-6 ppm iron and/or sulfur or higher). It can even handle iron and sulfur bacteria without issues.
Provides rust-free and sulfur-free water. Also removes or reduces sediment, sand, silt, and cloudiness.
Protects plumbing, fixtures, and appliances.
When water is used, the water meter notices and signals the chemical pump to inject hydrogen peroxide into the water stream based on flow rate and settings. The hydrogen peroxide instantly oxidizes any iron, manganese, and sulfur precipitating it from solution. Thus, as the water passes through the catalytic carbon filter, all oxidized contaminants are removed.
Being a very strong oxidizer, the hydrogen peroxide also eliminates odors and microorganisms.
There are no unwanted byproducts. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) disintegrates into oxygen (O2) and water (H2O). This is much safer than using chlorine.
Every few days, all accumulated contaminants are automatically backwashed from the filter media during regeneration.
A Vortech tank plate increases backwashing efficiency: Up to 30% less wastewater. And it eliminates channeling for continuous performance and long catalytic carbon life.
Filter system comes in 4 sizes:
10 gpm peak water flow for 1-2 bathrooms.
15 gpm ideal for 2 to 3.5 bathrooms.
20 gpm for 4-6 bathrooms.
25 gpm for 7 bathrooms or more.
Package includes all accessories you need: 15-gallon peroxide tank, injection panel (Stenner Econ Series chemical pump + precision water meter), 5 gallons NSF-approved H2O2 (OxiPro-7).
Easy to clean chrome tank protector.
Easy installation with good step by step directions. Built-in bypass.
30-second programming with smartphone. WaterLogix app also allows you to track and monitor all water usage using your mobile device.
Virtually maintenance-free.
Lifetime warranty on filter tank, 10 years on control valve, 5 years on peroxide injection panel.
Cons
Due to the nature of the filtration process, it entails an annual hydrogen peroxide bill of around $200-400.
Our Rating
Filtration Performance: 5.0/5.0
Filter Life: 4.5/5.0
Price: 4.0/5.0
Maintenance Cost: 5.0/5.0
Overall: 5.0/5.0
Best for
The USWS Matrixx inFusion is our second top pick for private wells laden with Fe, Mn or S.
5. Best Budget Pick + Best for Cartridge-Based Treatment of Tap Water: Kind Water Systems E-1000 2-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System
In our opinion, the Kind Water Systems E-1000 2-stage whole house water filtration system makes the best choice if you are on a budget and prefer whole house water filters working with filter cartridges.
Just like the other products reviewed above, the E-1000 provides clean water for the entire house. The big difference, however, is that – and this goes for cartridge water filters in general – the system is much lower cost upfront. Bottom line: 4.5 stars!
Kind Water Systems E-1000 2-Stage Whole House Water Filter System
Mike, one of our inhouse video content creators, has ordered, plumbed in, and tested the Kind E-1000 whole house filter in his new home – including a water quality analysis for contaminant reduction rates. 100% hands-on experience! Mike has documented the entire process and shares his findings in the video below:
I’m really impressed with the system. It is made with high-quality components. It performs really well. And after reviewing the laboratory test result it honestly did quite a bit better than I thought it was going to (…) You’re getting a lot of bang for your buck and you are getting a really good performing system that is reducing a ton of contaminants out of your water.
Protects water-using appliances like water heater and extends their life.
Prevents premature clogging of the other filter stage.
Catalytic activated carbon filter block adsorbs chlorine taste and odor, chloramine, herbicides, pesticides, industrial solvents, VOCs, PFAS, THMs, HAAs, and many, many other contaminants and chemicals (with health effects) that may be present in your water source.
15 gallons per minute water flow rate is perfect for small to large households.
Intuitive DIY installation + easy-to-follow instructions is ideal to save money.
Filter system is shipped preassembled.
Mounting hardware included.
Sediment + carbon filter need replacement every 12 months, so not much to do in terms of maintenance.
Replacement filters are affordable and standard-sized (20″ x 4.5″ big blue) so you could go off-brand if need be.
Join the AutoShip program to save 15% on new filters.
Comes with 120 days satisfaction guarantee: Kind guarantees full satisfaction or you get 100% of your money-back.
The whole house filter is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Fast delivery.
Great customer support.
Cons
No built-in bypass.
Our Rating
Filtration Performance: 5.0/5.0
Filter Life: 4.0/5.0
Price: 4.0/5.0
Maintenance Cost: 5.0/5.0
Overall: 4.5/5.0
Best for
The Kind E-1000 is the best budget pick if you prefer a cartridge-based unit for your municipal water.
6. Best for Broad Contaminant Removal: Crystal Quest SMART Whole House Water Filter
Crystal Quest’s SMART Whole House Water Filter is another system providing an unlimited pure water supply to your kitchen, bathrooms, and the rest of your home.
What makes it special is the combination of 7 different filter media for broadest contaminant removal – suited for both city water and well water.
First comes a 5-micron sediment pre-filter. It traps floating solids such as sand, rust, and silt. It’s used to prevent fouling of the other filter stages.
7 types of filter media are found in the main tank: Granular activated carbon, catalytic carbon, Eagle Redox Alloy 9500 (KDF), Eagle Redox Alloy 6500 (KDF), ion exchange resin, ceramic balls, and tourmaline balls. Combined, they filter out chlorine and chloramine, DBPs, pesticides and other chemicals, heavy metals including lead, sulfur gases, and all kinds of other organic as well as inorganic impurities. The treatment process also provides for balanced water pH and microorganisms have no chance of accumulating inside the system.
Naturally, this improves water aesthetics by a great bit.
There’s a larger and a smaller version of the Crystal Quest SMART:
1 million gallons filtration capacity at 9-11 gallons per minute flow rate (1-3 bathrooms).
1.5 million gallons at 10-13 gpm (2-4+ bathrooms).
You can upgrade the fiberglass to stainless steel tanks for longevity.
System maintenance doesn’t require much of your time or attention. All you need to do is change the pre- and post-filter cartridges after 12 to 18 months of use. The costs are manageable.
System warranty is valid for 1 year.
Cons
Higher price tag.
Our Rating
Filtration Performance: 4.5/5.0
Filter Life: 5.0/5.0
Price: 3.0/5.0
Maintenance Cost: 5.0/5.0
Overall: 4.0/5.0
Best for
The Crystal Quest SMART whole house water filter system is best for targeting all the different types of water contaminants.
7. Aquasana Rhino Whole House Water Filtration System
The Aquasana Rhino is designed for treatment of municipal water disinfected with chlorine. It uses activated carbon and KDF-55 to also reduce other chemicals from water and possibly even few heavy metals including lead.
First, a sediment pre-filter captures dirt so it doesn’t foul the carbon and KDF media beds.
The Rhino WH-1000 then uses activated carbon to reduce or remove chemicals, like chlorine and pesticides, and VOCs. KDF-55 further eliminates chlorine and reduces water-soluble heavy metals. KDF is also ideal for preventing germs from accumulating in the filter system.
Average chlorine removal is 97%.
The Rhino WH-1000 lasts for 1M gallons of chlorinated city water (10 years).
Flow rate is 7 gallons per minute (1-2.5 bathrooms).
Filter replacements are a piece of cake.
Depending on your water quality and usage, sediment pre-filters need replacement every other month.
Post-filters last 6 months.
10-year warranty? Check!
Cons
The plastic fittings tend to leak.
In some cases, customers had problems claiming their warranty.
Our Rating
Filtration Performance: 4.0/5.0
Filter Life: 5.0/5.0
Price: 4.0/5.0
Maintenance Cost: 4.5/5.0
Overall: 4.0/5.0
Best for
The Aquasana Rhino whole house filter is best for chlorinated city water.
8. Best NSF 42-Certified System: Pentair PC1000-P Whole House Water Filter
People who installed the Pentair PC1000-P (formerly Pelican PC1000) whole house water filter system could immediately tell the difference in their water quality: Clean & refreshing taste, odorless, and more gentle to the skin. All in all, the price is fair making it an ideal choice for basic filtration needs.
NSF Certifications: 42 (Chlorine Taste and Odor), 61, 372
Key Features & Pros
Provides great-tasting and clean drinking water at every tap in your home.
Pure shower water for softer hair & skin and improved indoor air quality.
Eliminates both chlorine (96.6%) and chloramine.
Reduction of chlorine taste and odor was independently tested and certified according to NSF/ANSI Standard 42.
Also filters out other chemicals as well as non-chemical contaminants in your water, some that could be responsible for bad water taste and odor, and others with potential health effects.
e.g. pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, volatile organic compounds, industrial solvents, water-soluble heavy metals like lead
Sediment pre-filter removes particles larger than 5 microns – think sand and silt – which protects the rest of the filter system from clogging.
Uses high-grade catalytic granular activated carbon filter media (coconut shell based) instead of regular carbon for the highest filtering capacity and more effective and broader contaminant reduction.
Pentair PC1000-P is guaranteed to remove chlorine + chloramine reduction below the minimum detection level for 5 years or 1.3 million gallons.
KDF-55, a bacteriostatic copper-zinc alloy, controls bacteria and algae growth inside the tank. It also further reduces chlorine and water-soluble lead, mercury, nickel, chromium, and other dissolved heavy metals.
Flow rate is 12 gallons of water per minute which is enough for large homes with 4 to 6 bathrooms.
There’s also a smaller version of the water system:
Filtration capacity of 650,000 gallons or 5 years and 8 gpm, perfect for small to mid-sized homes with up to 3 bathrooms.
Tank is wrapped in stainless steel for longevity.
Whole house water filtration system can be installed by DIYer to save money.
Everything comes pre-assembled and pre-loaded.
Built-in bypass.
No electricity required.
Low maintenance requirements. Cost: $30-40 per year.
Backed by 1-year tank and 5-year electronics warranty.
Cons
Priming the carbon can be a bit challenging.
We would have preferred metal instead of plastic fittings.
A handful of people had issues with leaking.
We read about people having difficulties when dealing with customer service (isolated cases).
Our Rating
Filtration Performance: 4.5/5.0
Filter Life: 5.0/5.0
Price: 4.0/5.0
Maintenance Cost: 5.0/5.0
Overall: 4.5/5.0
Best for
The Pentair PC1000-P whole house water filter is best if you want a system with an NSF/ANSI standard 42 certification.
9. Best for Cartridge-Based Treatment of Well Water: Home Master HMF3SdgFeC
For people on well water that like filter cartridges we recommend the Home Master HMF3SdgFeC. It was specifically designed for water supplies with low to moderate levels of iron. The promise: Provide an entire home with water freed from bad tastes and odors. Water that doesn’t stain clothes, sinks, and toilets etc., and that doesn’t damage water-using appliances. 4.5 stars!
Home Master HMF3SdgFeC Whole House Water Filter System
Filter Media: Sediment (25 to 1 Microns), Iron Filter, GAC
Filter Stages: 3
WxHxD: 24″x25″x9″
Water Temperature: 40-100 °F
Water Pressure: 20-90 psi
Water pH: Ideally >7.0
Fitting: 1″
Key Features & Pros
High quality water filter is one of the best of its kind. People are very pleased with the results they see: Improvement in water quality right after installation – no more iron staining, clean water taste, and fresh smell.
No huge single payment upfront.
Filter stage 1 is a multi-gradient density sediment filter (25 – 10 – 5 – 1 micron nominal) that traps rust, sand, silt and other particles. It makes your water crystal clear and takes out harmful contaminants including bacteria and cysts.
Manufacturer says has triple the dirt holding capacity of similar sized filters.
Filter stage 2 is a specialized iron filter. Reduces up to 3 ppm ferrous (clear-water iron) and ferric (red-water iron).
Also helps with manganese and sulfur but both lower the filter life at up to 2-6 times the rate of iron. Ideal conditions: No hydrogen sulfide, no iron bacteria, and manganese below 1 ppm.
The post-filter uses granular activated carbon (20 micron nominal) to give the water a final polish removing chlorine, chemicals like pesticides, VOCs, and residual tastes and odors among other things.
Optimal pH level is above 7.0.
Whole house water filter shouldn’t be used with microbiologically unsafe water or water containing viruses without further treatment.
Filters up to 15 gpm which is plenty of water and sufficient for homes with 4+ bathrooms.
Easy to install if you have any prior plumbing experience or are simply handy with tools.
Low maintenance which is convenient. Naturally, how frequently one has to change filters depends on water usage and quality. Most users are probably looking at biannual filter changes.
Customer support is impressive. You can send in your well water report and get recommendations from the knowledgeable staff members.
Two-year warranty.
Cons
No built-in bypass.
Replacement filters are quite pricey.
Our Rating
Filtration Performance: 4.5/5.0
Filter Life: 4.0/5.0
Price: 5.0/5.0
Maintenance Cost: 4.0/5.0
Overall: 4.5/5.0
Best for
The HMF3SdgFeC is best if you prefer a cartridge-based unit for your private well.
10. Budget Whole House Water Filter System: 3M Aqua-Pure AP903
Our final review features 3M’s Aqua-Pure AP903. It’s not the best whole house water filtration system by any means, but it’s a solid alternative for everyone on a tight budget; a system that makes your water look, smell, and taste delicious.
Since it won’t help you get rid of most smaller contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides, however, it’s best suited for people who already have fairly clean water – municipal water ideally.
NSF Certifications: Standard 42 (Nominal Particulate Reduction, Class III)
Key Features & Pros
The AP903 whole house water filter applies carbon block filtration (5 microns nominal) with a non-woven pleat media to remove sediment, chlorine, and chemical contaminants in water. This improves water taste and smell and increases the life of water heaters and other appliances.
Can process an exceptionally high amount of water per minute, up to 20 gpm peak flow, ideal for large homes with multiple bathrooms.
304 stainless steel head is corrosion resistant providing a long service life and won’t affect the taste of drinking water.
Easy installation. The slim design allows for placement at the main water supply even if space is limited.
Filter can be replaced with a quarter turn – quick and easy with no tools needed.
Head comes with a 25-year warranty.
Cons
Minor disadvantage is a small percentage of users have to change the filter way more frequently than indicated by the manufacturer. It’s supposed to last 100,000 gallons or 12 months. Theirs was clogged after about 30 days (15,000 gallons) resulting in a significant water pressure drop.
Too expensive to replace at such frequency so you may need additional pre-treatment to get rid of particles that could clog the 3M Aqua-Pure whole house water filter easily.
Our Rating
Filtration Performance: 3.5/5.0
Filter Life: 4.0/5.0
Price: 4.0/5.0
Maintenance Cost: 3.5/5.0
Overall: 3.5/5.0
Best for
The 3M whole house filtration system is best for people on a really tight budget.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Whole House Water Filter That’s Best for You
The following are key features worth considering when shopping for a whole house water filter. They will help you choose the right on for your needs and budget.
Which Whole House Water Filter Do I Need? Test Your Water Quality!
First things first. You need to find out more about the quality of your water. This allows you to purchase a whole house water filter capable of dealing with all or at least most of the contaminants lurking in it.
Are you on well water or on municipal water a.k.a. city water? If your water is sourced from a well, do you have access to a water quality report? If not, your best option is to send a direct sample to an independent lab. Alternatively, you can purchase a well water test kit which gives you a rough idea of what you are facing (hard water level, iron and other heavy metals, etc.).
If you’re on city water you can go here or visit this page and search for your utility. All reports in both databases are free!
Whole House Water Filter Types
There exist different types of whole house water filters.
Whole house water filters for city water usually focus on removing sediments, chlorine, chloramine, disinfection byproducts, and various chemicals responsible for creating unpleasant odor and taste. These systems are carbon-based and might even contain additional KDF media to reduce heavy metals and keep bacteria and algae in check. Units making use of bone char can even remove fluoride from water with enough contact time (see best fluoride water filters here).
Filters specialized in well water treatment will usually eliminate iron, manganese, and sulfur, which are the most common contaminants here. One example is the SpringWell WS using air injection oxidation + greensand filter bed. In case your well is also polluted with contaminants from agricultural runoff – think fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides – consider adding carbon filtration.
How about a salt-based or a salt-free water softener? Well, an (ion exchange) water softener has the purpose to provide soft water which doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with home water filtration.
Flow Rates
A whole house filtration system has to provide enough filtered water for your kitchen, bathroom(s), dishwasher, washing machine, and all other household appliances that use water.
Therefore, high flow is mandatory if you don’t want to experience a water pressure drop when opening multiple outlets. 10 – 15 gpm is pretty standard for a whole house water filter. Less might not suffice for a large household.
On a side note: A bathroom faucet uses up to 1.5, a kitchen faucet up to 2.2 gallons per minute. The maximum water flow for a shower head usually doesn’t exceed 2.5 gpm.
Micron Ratings
When dealing with suspended solids, filtration effectiveness is measured in micron (one micron is a thousandth of a millimeter). Generally speaking, a smaller micron rating indicates more thorough filtration with more contaminants removed.
For example: Whole house water filters that only remove sand, silt, and rust might have a micron rating of 50. This means they trap the vast majority of particles with a minimum size of 50 microns, which won’t affect contaminants such as fluoride, lead, chemicals, and most pathogens like bacteria.
Other micron ratings are 25, 10, 5, and 1, followed by the sub-micron level. The dilemma: The smaller the micron rating, the lower the output water pressure and flow. This is also why whole house reverse osmosis water systems are super rare. Regular reverse osmosis water purification membranes are rated at 0.0001 micron which is great for TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) reduction. However, the process also reduces water pressure to a trickle if no additional booster pump is applied.
Whole House Water Filter Cost
You should not only take into account the initial purchase price of a whole house water filter, but also the lifespan and cost of replacement filter media/cartridges.
A system featuring a large media tank might cost much more upfront, but likely filters up to 1,000,000 gallons of water or more. This not only means virtually no maintenance requirements for several years, you also save tons of money in the long run.
Cartridge-based home water filters are cheaper in the beginning. Therefore, you need to replace filters every 6 months or so, so that replacement cost start to add up over time.
Space
Whole house water filtration systems are way bigger than the average point-of-use filter. Don’t underestimate their size and make sure you have enough space for installation and maintenance.
More on Whole House Water Filter Systems
What Is a Whole House Water Filter?
Opposed to point-of-use units, whole house filters filter water at the point of entry, so all incoming water in your home before it gets distributed. This way you have access to filtered water at every outlet including water-using appliances.
Whole house water filters are also known as point-of-entry water filtration systems.
Why Do You Need a Whole House Water Filter?
If you look at the data, almost all US water supplies are contaminated. Not all of the contaminants are harmful, but many are. So the number one reason why you may need a whole house water filter is to protect the health of your family. And the purified water will taste and smell much better, too!
What if I drink nothing but bottled water? Well, what about the water you use for cooking and showering? For example, did you know that the largest chunk of your daily chlorine exposure does not come from the water you drink but from the water you use for washing? That’s because human skin is permeable for all kinds of stuff. Plus, you inhale some of the volatile compounds. Also, a lot of the bottled water on the market is plain tap water.
The second reason to use a whole house water filter is to prevent your plumbing system, fixtures, and appliances from taking damage due to water containing high levels of iron or sediments for example. This will result in reduced maintenance, fewer repairs, and ultimately safe you a lot of money.
How Does a Whole House Water Filter Work?
Whole house filtration systems connect to the main water line and filter all the water entering your home. How each individual system works depends on what type of filter process it applies:
Whole house sediment filters work by size exclusion.
Activated and catalytic carbon filters contaminants through adsorption into its surface pores.
KDF uses oxidation and reduction to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and certain inorganic contaminants from your water.
Bone char relies on adsorption and chemical reactions to remove fluoride and heavy metals from water.
Greensand oxidizes and then traps iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide.
Air injection oxidizes iron and manganese, and sulfur which are then trapped by subsequent filter stages.
What’s more, many systems come with various pre- and post-filters for additional contaminant removal.
How to Install & Maintain Whole House Water Filter Systems?
Installation
Installing a whole house filter system is certainly more difficult than setting up a POU unit. For one, it may involve plumbing. But it’s still doable if you’re handy around the house and have the necessary supplies and tools including tubing, fittings, and a pipe cutter.
In our opinion, getting everything up and running is moderately difficult. Here’s a brief overview of what you need to do if you don’t want to call a plumber:
Follow manufacturer instructions to properly activate any filtration media.
Shut off the main water supply.
Drain any remaining water.
Cut into the main water line.
Optional: Install shut-off valves on both sides of the system for ease of maintenance. Adding a bypass valve is usually not necessary. Most whole house water filters have one already built in.
Connect the whole house filter making sure it’s facing in the right direction. Use Teflon tape on all threads for sealing and adapters on ports if necessary.
Turn the water back on.
Open all valves except for the bypass.
Leaks? Use more Teflon tape.
Flush the entire water system for several minutes.
Maintenance
Whole house water filter systems using a large media tank don’t require maintenance at all. Only the sediment pre-filter needs regular replacement in case there is one.
As for cartridge-based filters, they do require some attention every now and then to perform at their best. Timely filter replacements usually do the trick:
Turn off the water supply.
Drain all remaining water.
Remove the first filter housing, take out the old filter, and insert the new.
Optional: Clean the filter housing with soapy water or bleach solution and rinse thoroughly when done. Lubricate/replace O-rings.
Screw the filter housing back on.
Slowly turn the water supply back on.
Leaks?
Flush the new filters as per manufacturer instructions.
How often should a whole house water filter be replaced? It depends. Is your water full of sediments? Apart from that, one filter might be designed to only last 3 months, while another is good for a whole year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does a whole house water filter reduce water pressure?
Yes, it does. However, not all whole house filters affect outgoing water pressure equally. Thorough sediment filtration usually results in a higher pressure drop, whereas a whole home water filter based on activated carbon has much less of an effect.
How much does it cost to install a whole house water filtration system?
That’s hard to predict as it depends on the exact system as well as your plumbing setup. We would think the bare minimum is somewhere between $300-500 USD. That said, if you feel comfortable cutting into your main water supply line you might be able to complete the project yourself.
How do I choose a whole house water filter?
That’s exactly the question we tried to answer in our buying guide above. There are a bunch of factors to consider such as the quality of your water source, your filtered water demand at times of peak consumption, and your budget. But it all starts with water testing.
Can I drink the water filtered provided by a whole house filtration system?
Yes, you can. But there’s no guarantee that it’s 100% free from harmful contaminants. That’s why we recommend you do thorough testing before purchasing a system. After all, a whole house water filter must be suited for your specific water conditions.
Are whole house water filters worth it?
Yes, a whole house system is definitely worth it. With the right filter you not only get clean and great tasting drinking water in your entire home. It’ll also protect your home appliances from harm – think sediments.
How long does a whole house water filter last?
This completely depends on the type of system. For example, the SpringWell WS uses greensand media which is backwashed on a regular basis. This allows for an average filtration capacity of up to 10 years. In contrast, regular activated carbon filters may only last one year.
Where should a whole house water filter be installed?
You are free to install your whole house water filtration system wherever you want (as long as no freezing temperatures occur), but it needs access to the main water supply. The garage or basement is usually the preferred location. By the way, make sure to install your system after the pressure tank.
How do you maintain a whole house water filter?
That’s simple. Most units are fully automated and do everything themselves. This includes tasks like backwashing. Filter cartridges need to be replaced on a regular basis, though. Check the product manual for further instructions.
Questions? Ask away!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
Alex is a content writer with an affinity for research and a methodical attention to detail. Since 2020, she has fully immersed herself into the home water treatment industry only to become an expert herself. Alex has been using water filters and similar products for years which has gained her lots of hands-on experience.
Learn more about Alex and the rest of the BOS Team.
Information provided on BOS is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.
We adhere to strict editorial guidelines. Rest assured, the opinions expressed have not been provided, reviewed, or otherwise endorsed by our partners – they are unbiased, independent, and the author’s alone. We fact-check all content for accuracy. It is accurate as of the date posted and to the best of our knowledge.
Leave a Comment:
Ben Dykman says
September 19, 2018
Thank you for you informative website. I think it has helped a lot of people. I’m leaning towards getting the Aquasana Premium with additional water softener, UV filter and Pro Grade install kit.
There’s another intriguing system I’d like your opinion on . The Company is called “Next Filtration Technologies” and the product is called “scale stop plus” which supposedly uses “Template assisted crystallization” and “catalytic carbon technology”. It supposedly does not use salt or chemicals to eliminate calcium scale buildup. They are totally California based. Their high end product is called “Scale stop Turbo Plus” supposedly removing 99% of all soluble lead, mercury, copper, and other dissolved metals from the water. The cost is $4,800 + $600 installation.
Thanks for your opinion on this.
Ben
Have you heard of Next Filtration Scale Stop Plus? Do you have an opinion on it and how it compares to Aquasana?
Hi Ben,
Thank you for your kind words and your question. The Aquasana Premium is a good choice for sure.
As far as Next Filtration Technologies is concerned, you are right, they use “TAC” that seems to make the calcium in your water clump together without removing it and without the need for salt. According to the company, the formed crystals won’t stick to metal surfaces. However, I couldn’t find any lab reports on that matter. I also couldn’t find a performance data sheet for the Scale Stop Turbo Plus.
What I can say is that these systems are not suited for most well waters without pre-treatment. They can’t handle ferrous iron above 0.3 ppm and manganese above 0.05 ppm (according to their own information).
Also, almost $5,000 is a lot of money. Other than that, I really can’t make any statements.
Hope that helps.
Gene
One more thing, the Aquasana Premium is a full house purification system for the removal of impurities. Scale Stop Plus are treatment systems that literally won’t remove anything from your water, so it’s kind of hard to compare them to each other.
We have city water. My wife has some sort of sensitive skin condition. She wants the most chemical free water possible (Whole House RO water is not feasible). What type of whole house water filtration do you recommend for her. I was thinking Aquasana. What do you think is best?
–Ben
The Aquasana definitely has the most thorough filtration. Plus you can choose the version that comes with a salt-free conditioner, which might benefit your wife’s skin. I mean, I’m not a dermatologist, but excessive sodium might not be a good idea in your case.
Gene
The faucet water to me tastes fine, although I’m not able to brew a good cup of English tea with it, even using a Carbon filter (I have to use bottled Spring Water). When testing the water it is very soft and the alcalinity is at the top of the scale. Could this be my problem, if so, what sort of sink filter could I install to fix my problem?
Thanks in advance,
Thanks for sharing, I really like your article cause it shows almost the pros and cons of each product that helps me easier to choose a suitable filter for my house. This is very useful for me.
