Buying a water filtration system for your home is an investment that provides many benefits. Whole house water filters can cost well over $2,000. It’s not a decision that should be taken lightly. Though you may not need to spend this much, there much cheaper options. This review will help you make the wise choice.
Best Whole House Water Filters
- 1SoftPro® Whole House Chlorine+ Filter
- 2Springwell Whole House Water Filter System
- 3SMART Whole House Water Filter
- 4BodyGuard Plus Whole House Water Filtration System
- 5Rhino Whole House Water Filter
- 6Home Master Filter Three Stage Filter
- 7Defender Whole House Reverse Osmosis System
- 8FilterWater GAC Carbon Whole House Water Filter
- 9Eagle Whole House Water Filter System
- 10Springwell Well Water Filter + Salt-Free Water Softener
- 11Springwell Well Water Filter + Salt Based Water Softener
Investing in a whole house water filter means an investment in your lifestyle. Clean, purified water, free of contaminants and heavy metals, is healthy and tastes great. A good whole house water filter will do more than just provide healthy purified water. Filtration systems with multiple reverse osmosis stages can condition the water, making it perfect for your skin and softening your clothes. Many of the best water filter systems also kill bacteria and viruses.
With the right whole house water filters, you will also ensure the longevity of your water pipes, plumbing fixtures, water heaters, and appliances like washing machines. Bathtubs, sinks, and showers will no longer have unsightly residue and staining. Spend your money wisely on the best water filtration system for your home, and you will save fortunes in the future on plumbing repair bills and replacing expensive appliances. After reviewing the products, I’ll provide a buying guide and answer all frequently asked questions.
We’ll start with the best whole house water filter review, our selection of the top products. Through many hours of research we’ve found, not only the best high-end water filters, but many that can be viewed as excellent value for money. In saying this, I don’t mean simply buying the cheapest water filter systems. Rather, highly affordable products that deliver the goods.
Whole House Water Filtration Systems
1. SoftPro® Whole House Chlorine+ Filter
If your primary reason for getting a carbon filter is chlorine, the Chlorine+ may be the solution for you. Instead of using a variety of carbon filters, the tank only uses catalytic carbon. This is the most effective filter media available for removing chlorine and chloramine.
The Whole House Chlorine+ comes pre-loaded with filter media and support gravel. To maximize contact between water and carbon, the tank uses a reverse flow system. Water travels from the inlet to a tube that goes to the bottom of the tank. From there, it has to pass through the entire length of the tank to reach the outlet. The system is completely passive, with no timer or electronics in the head. The only maintenance required is the addition of a ½ cup of bleach to the tank once per year. SoftPro includes a neoprene jacket for the tank. This absorbs condensation, letting it evaporate before it can pool on the floor.
The Whole House Chlorine+ is offered in two tank sizes. The 9 x 48 inch tank contains one cubic foot of filter media, which is enough to filter 600,000 gallons of water. This tank has a service rating of up to 9 GPM. It can handle a home with 1-3 bathrooms. The 10 x 54 inch tank contains 1.5 cubic feet of filter media, which is enough to filter one million gallons of water. It has a service rating of up to 14 GPM, and is suitable for a home with 4-6 bathrooms. Both tanks use ¾ inch fittings to connect to your plumbing system. Depending on the amount of contaminates in your water and the amount of water you use, you can expect the carbon media to last between 6 and 10 years.
SoftPro offers a limited lifetime warranty on the valve and a lifetime warranty on tank. There is no warranty on filter media, since its life varies depending on the amount of contaminates it has to remove. The Chlorine+ has a 6 month return policy, but the company doesn’t cover shipping costs, and they can charge a restocking fee up to 25% of the filter’s purchase price.
2. Springwell Whole House Water Filter System 1,000,000 Gallons
The Springwell Whole House filter system is built to maximize contamination removal without reducing water flow rates. It uses KDF media and catalytic carbon to remove lead and other metals from the water, as well as chlorine, chloramine, VOCs, pesticides, herbicides and many other chemicals.
Channeling is a major problem for loose carbon filters. Once channels open up in the filter, much of the water passes through without contacting the media. Springwell’s proprietary flex bed keeps the media in place, maintaining maximum contact without reducing the water flow rate. The carbon tank uses an upflow design. A tube connected to the inlet forces the water down to the bottom of the tank. From there, it travels up through the media to the outlet. This way, it has to pass through the entire length of the tank, maximizing filtration. After exiting the main tank, water passes through a 5 micron sediment filter. This removes large particles, and should keep any stray carbon from reaching your taps.
Springwell’s whole house water filter system comes in three sizes. The CF1 is suited for homes with 1-3 bathrooms. It has a 9 x 48 inch tank, and flows up to 9 GPM. The CF4 is built for 4-6 bathrooms, and uses a 10 x 54 inch tank with a 12 GPM service flow rate. The CF+ handles 7 or more bathrooms, thanks to its 13 x 54 inch tank and 20 GPM service flow rate. The bypass valve adds four inches to the total height of the tanks. These valves use one inch connectors. All versions filter up to 1 million gallons of water. The filter media can last up to 10 years in small homes, but it will need to be replaced sooner in homes with a large number of bathrooms.
The pre-filter needs to be replaced every 6-9 months. Otherwise, this system is maintenance free. Springwell includes everything you need for installation, including a wall mounting bracket for the sediment filter and MNPT fittings for the water connections. There is no warranty on the media, but the tanks and valves are covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
3. SMART Whole House Water Filter (9-13 GPM)
Crystal Quest’s SMART water filter system packs multiple water treatment functions into a single tank. Depending on your choice of accessories, this system can address most well and municipal water issues, including chlorine, pathogens and water hardness.
Water passes through a 20 inch sediment cartridge, then to the SMART multimedia tank. This tank has multiple layers of filter material. Standard and catalytic activated carbon filters remove chemicals from the water, including chlorine and chloramine. From there, it passes through two types of Crystal Quest’s Eagle Redox Alloy to oxidize and remove any remaining heavy metals, then through two mineralizing layers to adjust pH.
The system can be ordered by itself, or with either an ion exchange or salt free water softener. The salt-free conditioner handles water hardness up to 25 GPG. For harder water, get the ion exchange system. After going through the main tank and optional water softener, the water passes through a 20 inch carbon block cartridge filter to remove any remaining contaminates. A UV filter and external oxidizer are also available, letting you add pathogen and iron treatment to your system. For added safety, the system can be equipped with a leak-detecting valve. This cuts the water supply before plumbing leaks around the system flood the room. Crystal Quest also lets you choose between a fiberglass or stainless steel SMART tank. This casing doesn’t affect the function of the filter system.
The SMART water filter is offered in two sizes. The 1-3 bathroom model has 1.5 cubic feet of carbon filter media stored in a 10 x 54 inch tank. It can process 1,000,000 gallons of water, and has a service flow rate between 9-11 GPM. The 2-4 bathroom model comes with 2 cubic feet of media in a 12 x 52 inch tank. It can filter up to 1.5 million gallons of water, and has a service rate of 10-13 GPM.
This system comes with a one year warranty that covers everything except consumables.
4. BodyGuard Plus Whole House Water Filtration System
This water treatment package combines two of U.S. Water Systems’ filters. The Interceptor is a 5 micron filter. The BodyGuard is a tank filled with granular activated carbon (GAC) and catalytic carbon. Together, they remove particles and chemical contaminates, including chlorine and chloramine.
The BodyGuard’s tank uses U.S. Water Systems’ Vortech design. It’s lined with a series of plates that direct water through the gravel bed and carbon filter media. This maximizes contact between the water and the media, while preventing the formations of channels that reduce carbon contact. This should keep filtration running efficiently for the life of the filter media.
The BodyGuard Plus is available in three sizes. The 9 x 48 inch tank contains 1 cubic foot of media, has a service flow rate of 10 GPM and a backwash flow rate of 4 GPM. The 10 x 54 inch tank contains 1.5 cubic feet of media, and flows 15 GPM in service and 5 GPM for backwash. The 12 x 54 inch tank contains 2 cubic feet media and flows 20 GPM in service and 10 GPM for backwash. The valve body adds 6 inches to the height of these tanks. The amount of GAC carbon filter media increases as the tank size goes up, but the catalytic carbon filter stays the same size. The largest model comes with a 4.5 x 20 inch pre-filter, while the other models use a 10 inch long filter. All tanks are compatible with ¾ and 1 inch connections.
The tank comes with an electronic head that automatically backwashes the system. This removes buildup in the gravel bed and carbon, but it won’t prevent the eventual saturation of the carbon media. Like similar systems, you can expect the carbon to last 5-6 years. The head must be plugged into an outlet to work, but you have the option of turning the bypass valves manually. The head is Bluetooth compatible, letting you make adjustments and monitor the system from the Waterlogix app.
U.S. Water Systems guarantees the valve for 10 years, and they offer a lifetime warranty on the tank. Unlike most carbon filter manufacturers, they also warranty the media, guaranteeing it for 5 years.
5. Rhino Whole House Water Filter 600,000 Gallons
While companies come up with all kinds of ways to maximize contact between water and filtration media, Rhino’s method is definitely the most unusual. Instead of using a single tank, they run the water lines between two vertically stacked tanks. Water is pushed through the upper tank then down into the lower tank before exiting. Rhino says this increases contact time, and it also makes these systems surprisingly short at 46 inches in height. This makes their whole house filter a great choice for compact installations.
The whole house water filter has a 10 or 20 inch sediment pre-filter. The short filter lasts 1-3 months, while the long filter lasts 2-3 months. If you choose the optional water conditioner, it’s the next filtration step. Instead of relying on salt to reduce hardness, it uses nucleation, which turns calcium and magnesium into harmless crystals. Next, the water passes through a filter loaded with KDF carbon and mineral stone. This removes chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals and a variety of chemicals. From there, the water can go straight through to your taps and appliances, or through optional particle and UV filters to remove any pathogens or remaining sediment. If you choose these options, you’ll need to replace the UV light 12 months, and the sediment filter every 6 months.
Whichever setup you choose, the system has a service flow rate of 7 GPM. The carbon filter is large enough to filter 600,000 gallons of water. That should be enough to last about 6 years in a small home. The Pro kit doesn’t increase the filter’s capacity, but it does add a bypass loop for easy maintenance.
The entire system, aside from the replaceable filter cartridges, is backed by a 6 year warranty. That includes the media in the carbon filter tank. Rhino also has a 90 day no questions asked return policy. They’ll refund the full purchase price, but you have to pay return shipping.
6. Home Master Filter HMF3SmgNCC Three Stage Filter w/ Fine Sediment
Want to add carbon and particle filtration to you water treatment system, but don’t have a lot of space? The Home Master Filter HMF3SmgNCC combines both into a unit that can fit under a sink, at the expense of frequent filter changes.
This unit uses a three stage filtration system. The first filter is a gradient sediment filter. As the water moves through the filter, each layer removes smaller and smaller particles, from 25 microns down to one micron. The second filter uses nanofiber layers to remove particles as small as 0.2 microns. This is small enough to remove pathogens, including viruses and bacteria. Finally, the water passes through a KDF carbon filter. It removes heavy metals, including lead. Pressure gauges can be added to monitor the flow of water through the filter cartridges. This lets you identify clogged filters at a glance. This system only handles dissolved solids up to 2,000 PPM, so it’s not recommended for use with well water systems.
This Home Master system measures just 28 x 24 x 9 inches. All three filters attach to a metal bracket that mounts to a wall. The compact size suggests the Home Master filter is a Point of Use (POU) system designed to filter water at one tap. However, it’s built to work as a Point of Entry (POE) system, filtering all the water in your home. The system uses 1 inch ports, and has a service flow rate of 10 GPM. This is plenty for a house with one to three bathrooms. The filters are also effective at removing fluoride, but only if the flow rate is limited to 5 GPM.
Due to the size of the filters, the carbon cartridge can only handle 95,000 gallons of water, or about a year of regular use. Unfortunately, the cost of replacing all three filters is almost half the price of the entire system.
Home Master backs this water filter system with a two year warranty.
7. Defender Whole House RO System
Reverse osmosis filters remove salt, turning clean water into great tasting water. While RO filters are usually Point of Use (POU) systems that have their own dedicated tap, the Defender treats all the water in your home. This gives you the best quality water possible, albeit at a high price to purchase and operate.
Aside from its size, the Defender has one major advantage over single tap systems: efficiency. While most systems dispose of one or more gallons of waste water for every gallon of clean water generated, the Defender only generates one gallon of waste water for every 5 gallons of clean water.
This filter extracts almost anything dissolved in water, including chemicals and pathogens. However, it’s also sensitive to some contaminates, making setup complicated. U.S. filter recommends contacting them before installation to make sure the filter is adequately protected. A sediment pre-filter may be required, and the RO filter may need to run a less efficient cycle to deal with contaminates.
Some modifications are needed if your water’s total dissolved solids (TDS) is over 2,000 PPM, or the water is lower or higher than 77° F. Adding the permeate flush system lets the filter cycle treated water through during its cleaning cycle, minimizing contamination. U.S. Water doesn’t mention chlorine, but this chemical usually needs to be removed with a carbon filter to protect the reverse osmosis filters. The system also has options for remineralization and pH adjustment to improve the water’s taste.
The reverse osmosis filter measures 25 x 25 x 55 inches, and the pump used to push water through the filter measures 13 x 23 x 9 inches. There are two holding tanks available for treated water. The 140 gallon tank measures 29 x 29 x 58 inches, while the 250 gallon tank measures 35 x 35 x 69 inches. Keep in mind that the larger tank is too big to fit through a standard doorway.
This reverse osmosis system is backed by a two year warranty, excluding consumables. If you get a pre-filter, the filter cartridge needs to be replaced every 6 months.
8. FilterWater GAC Carbon Whole House Water Filter
It’s no surprise that FilterWater promotes this as an entry level system. While competing systems use several types of carbon along with other filter technologies, this model just uses GAC. This granulated carbon won’t remove heavy metals or chlorine, but it will remove VOCs, THMs and many other chemicals that can lead to bad tasting water. This makes it a simple upgrade for your current water treatment system.
The FilterWater GAC uses a 9 x 48 inch tank. This tank holds between one and three cubic feet of filter media. When you order this filter, the tank and filter media are shipped separately, so you have to fill the tank yourself. Fortunately, that also means it’s relatively easy to replace the media when it wears out. FilterWater says users can expect the carbon to last anywhere from 3 to 7 years, depending on the amount of media and your water usage.
There’s more to the different models than the amount of included carbon. Depending on the amount of media you order, the tank will be fitted with one of two valve heads. 1 and 1.5 cubic foot models come with a Fleck Electronics 5600SXT control valve that flows between 7 and 10 GPM. It can be set up with ¾ or 1 inch connections.
Two to three cubic foot tanks use the Fleck 5812, which uses 1 inch connectors and has a flow rate between 9 and 14 GPM. Both units are electronic valves that backwash the tank automatically. However, the Fleck 5812 also has a 48 hour battery backup, saving your settings in the event of a blackout. With both valves, the filter tank will still work during a blackout. It just won’t be able to backflush.
Fleck guarantees their valve heads for 5 years. There is no warranty on the filter media.
9. Eagle Whole House Water Filter System
The Eagle Whole House Filter System packs a lot of features into a small space. However, it’s design is downright bizarre. Some steps are repeated, while one step has no basis in water science.
Filtering starts with a pass through a 20 inch sediment filter cartridge. Once water enters the main tank, it goes through several filters. First, the water passes through a ZDF filter, which removes lead and other heavy metals. Next, the water moves through an ion exchange resin, which softens the water and removes more heavy metals. The water is filtered again, this time by a granular activated carbon (GAC) layer.
At this point, the water passes through an infra-red filter filled with mineral balls. Infra-red is literally heat. Eagle’s description of how this step improves water is vague. They claim this “invisible light” has been found to “promote growth and health in plants, animals and humans.” If that was true, it would also cause blooms of bacteria and other pathogens.
A calcium carbonate filter remineralizes the water to raise pH, making water alkaline. This mineral was just removed in the ion exchange step. From here, the water passes through a gravel bed, which helps with backwashing the system. Then it goes through an electromagnet to keep hardness minerals, like calcium carbonate, from sticking to pipes. At this point, the water leaves the main tank, passing through another carbon filter and a 0.2 micron filter to strip out any remaining contaminates and pathogens.
This water filter system is available in two sizes. The 54 x 10 inch tank model contains 1.5 cubic feet of filter media. It can filter 1 million gallons of water, and is suitable for homes with 1-3 bathrooms. The 52 x 12 inch tank model has 2 cubic feet of filter media. It can process 1.5 million gallons of water, and is suitable for homes with up to 6 bathrooms. Both tanks work with ¾ and 1 inch connections.
Eagle backs this system with a 10 year warranty on tank and a 5 year warranty on the control valve.
10. Springwell Well Water Filter and Salt-Free Water Softener Combo
This Springwell combo package includes an iron filter and a water conditioner. Unlike ion exchange systems, the conditioner doesn’t generate brine as it treats hard water. However, it also doesn’t remove heavy metals. If lead and other heavy metals are present in your water, you’ll want to add a carbon filter to this treatment system.
The iron filter comes in two versions. The WS1 has a 10 x 54 inch tank, a flow rate of 12 GPM, and handles up to four bathrooms. The WS4 has a 13 x 54 inch tank, a flow rate of 20 GPM, and handles four or more bathrooms. The valve control head adds another 10 inches to these tanks. This filter removes up to 1 PPM of manganese, 7 PPM of iron and 8 PPM of hydrogen sulfide. This tank backflushes daily to remove contaminates and replace the air bubble used to oxidize these metals, forcing them out of suspension.
The water conditioner comes in three versions. The FS1 is sized for homes with one to three bathrooms. It has a 6 x 35 inch tank and a flow rate of 12 GPM. The FS4 handles 4-6 bathrooms, and has a 9 x 48 inch tank with a flow rate of 15 GPM. The FS+ will work with 7 or more bathrooms. Its 13 x 54 inch tank has a 20 GPM flow rate. The valve head adds four inches to the height of these tanks.
The conditioners handle water hardness up to 81 GPG and salinity up to 35,000 PPM. They only work with water that has a pH of 7 to 9.5. The head is Bluetooth compatible, letting you monitor the system and change settings from your smartphone. A slow release valve gently reduces air pressure inside the iron tank before backflushing, so it doesn’t bang like other systems.
Springwell guarantees the tank for 10 years, and the valve head for 7 years. Other parts are covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
11. Springwell Well Water Filter and Salt Based Water Softener
Metal contaminants and water hardness are the two main problems most people have with their well water. This filter combo combines an oxidation tank that removes iron, manganese and sulfur with an ion exchange water softener. This type of softener replaces hardness minerals with salt, and it’s also effective at removing some heavy metals. You may be able to use this in place of carbon filtration system. However, some jurisdictions ban the use of these softeners, due to pollution from the brine used to flush the system.
The iron filter comes in two versions. The WS1 has a 10 x 54 inch tank, a flow rate of 12 GPM, and handles up to four bathrooms. The WS4 has a 13 x 54 inch tank, a flow rate of 20 GPM, and handles four or more bathrooms. The valve control head adds another 10 inches to these tanks. This filter removes up to 1 PPM of manganese, 7 PPM of iron and 8 PPM of hydrogen sulfide. This tank backflushes daily to remove contaminates and replace the air bubble used to oxidize these metals, so they fall out of suspension.
The water softener comes in three versions. The SS1 handles one to three bathrooms, and has a 9 x 48 inch main tank. It has a flow rate of 11 GPM. The SS4 handles 4-6 bathrooms, has a 10 x 54 inch main tank and a flow rate of 13 GPM. The SS+ handles 7 or more bathrooms. It has a 13 x 54 inch tank and a 20 GPM flow rate. All models come with an 18 x 33 inch brine tank, as well as a valve head that adds 9 inches to the main tank’s height.
Springwell guarantees the tanks for 10 years, and the heads for 7 years. Other parts are covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Fix the Plumbing or Install a Whole House Water Filter?
Enter the whole house water filtration system and we have applause. These water filter systems connect to the main plumbing of your home and supply clean, pure water to the entire home. There’s an obvious benefit to having filtered water throughout your house and then there are some real benefits that you may not have thought of. We never see the inside of our pipes and water heaters, so we take no notice of the minerals that collect inside them.
Anyone who’s bought an old “fixer-upper” home knows what a hassle it is to replace old plumbing fixtures and pipes. This is a really expensive exercise and leaves your home in a mess for days – even weeks. Most the damage to our plumbing is caused by impurities in the water and every home will, at some point need repairs done to the plumbing as a result of this damage. With a whole house water filter system, it’s not just you and your family who are protected, it’s every part of your household plumbing that’s going to benefit.
With all this in mind, a whole house water filter system starts to look more attractive. These are by no means cheap and require some installation. As this is a major and permanent investment in your home, you want do your homework before embarking on the project.
Whole House Water Filter Buying Guide
Unlike a water pitcher, under counter, and above counter water filters, a whole house water filter connects to the main water supply. In other words, the water pipe entering your house. This makes it the most complicated water filtration system to install. If you’re not all that good at DIY and plumbing, you’ll probably want to get a plumber to install it for you. Though most are not all that complicated to install and come in a complete DIY installation kit.
The advantage to using a whole house water filter is that it supplies filtered water to all the water outlets in your home, faucets, showers, toilets, and appliances like washing machines, coffee makers, and dishwashers. Many of the best whole house water filters include a water softener and descaler, which protects the pipes in your home from the buildup of calcium and heavy metals.
Deciding What Type of Whole House Water Filter You Need
Whole house water filter will come in different sizes and provide different stages of filtration. Filter manufacturers may rate their water filter as 6-stage (even 9 or 10 stage). Though this can be misleading, as other manufacturers will consider some of these stages as being part of another.
Typically, three stages have been the norm for basic water filtration. The first stage is a sediment pre-filter. This is a membrane that prevents solid matter from flowing through it, down to a certain size, usually 5-micron or less. This removes mostly sediments, like dirt and rust.
The second stage of water filtration is usually an active carbon filter which removes chemicals and organic material that can be harmful to our health. Many will also remove heavy metals. By removing the chemicals from the water, foul odors are eliminated, and the water tastes better. Heavy metals produce what is known as hard water. This is acidic water. Some metals, like iron, stain bathtubs, sinks, and tiles. Minerals, including some metals, can also accumulate in the pies, causing a blockage. By removing these metals, water becomes softer (alkaline), which many believe to be healthier.
The third stage is generally a post filter that does much the same as the pre-filter, removing any additional particles from the water.
While there is no rule as to what each stage of a whole house water filter does. Or in what order the filtration stages may occur. The three stages mentioned above are the most common.
Other stages can include extra carbon filters. Not all carbon filters are the same. Some are better at removing chemicals, mostly chlorine, chlorimides, fluoride, as well industrial and agricultural contaminants. Others will be better at removing metals and controlling the growth of organic compounds.
I would recommend at least one stage of sediment filtration and a good active carbon filter. There are several additional stages depending on your individual preference and the water in your area.
Consider Your Specific Requirements
The best whole house water filters will provide much more than the three basic stages of water purification. One can always buy individual, specialized filters, like a water softener and add it to a more basic 3-stage filter system. Let’s take a look at what these are, and how you may benefit from the various types of water filtration.
Water conditioning is the adjustment of the PH. This can be controlled to ensure that water is more alkaline or acidic, depending on the user requirements. While advanced active carbon filters remove most heavy metals, reducing acidity, some prefer an additional stage that ionizes the water, or a salt filter, to ensure the best alkaline water.
A UV filter, usually one of the final stages, kills bacteria and viruses. Another final stage, which is not exactly filtration, can be water remineralization. This replaces essential, healthy minerals that may have been removed during the filtration process.
The best water filters will often include multiple active carbon filters (two or more). This will be more effective at removing high levels of chemicals, metals, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
You may not need all these stages. Often municipal water only requires a sediment filter to remove rust from old pipes, and other sediment that may have collected, and active carbon filters to remove chemicals, like chlorine. Well water could require more complex filtration. Though, well water can be the heathiest, without any type of filter.
Many areas in the US have naturally hard water, making water softeners popular throughout most of the country.
You may not know which is the best whole house water filter based only on the taste, smell, or look of the water. There are some common signs, like staining of bathtubs, toilets, and other fixtures. Sulphur is a common odor, leaving a smell much like rotten eggs. Chlorine is a recognizable odor and is particularly bad for your health. White residue is usually a sign that there are high levels of calcium in your water which will eventually block your pipes.
It would be a good idea to have your water tested. This way you know exactly what your filtration requirements are. Municipal water is tested, but the criteria is not always the best. Many water treatment facilities add chlorine to disinfect the water. Well water should, as a rule, be tested as there is no form of regulated testing conducted and you will not know which contaminants are in your drinking water without laboratory testing.
Only once you know exactly what your water filtration requirements are, will you be able to decide which will be the best whole house water filter your home.
Filter Size
Whole house water filters tend to be quite bulky and need quite a bit of space. The more filters, or stages to a system, the more space will be required. You need to know where you want to install your filter and whether you have sufficient space to accommodate it. The garage is usually the best place to install these systems.
Flow rate indicates how much water the filter can supply at any given time. Gallons per Minute (GPM) is how much water you can use without a significant pressure loss. A manufacture will often specify the number of bathrooms. For Example, 7 GPM is usually recommended for 1 to 2 bathrooms. Though it is actually about how much water you use in your home. Basically, more people in the home are more likely to be using more water. Buy a filtration system based on the size of your family. Not necessarily how many bathrooms you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Benefits of Using Whole House Water Filter Systems?
In the review, we discussed many benefits for whole house water filters. It will depend on the filter you’re using, which of the following benefits will apply:
Are Whole House Filter Systems Worth it?
Answers to this question may vary. Though I think most will agree that these systems are definitely worth the investment. You have safe, healthy drinking water and many other benefits, as listed above
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Whole House Water Filtration System?
Some whole house water filtration systems are relatively easy to install and someone with basic DIY skills could install it themselves. You will only have to pay for the filter and materials, anything from $300 to $4,000, based on the system you choose. Depending on the size of the system, materials needed, and the type of filter, a plumber could charge around $1,000 or less. Through, high-end installations can cost over $4,000. Filter installation costs will also be relative to local pricing standards.
How Long Does a Whole House Water Filter Last?
A water filter will last as long as it’s rated capacity, usually from a 100,000 to 1,000,000 gallons. The filter lifespan will depend on the type of filter and how much water you use. Typically, a pre-filter lasts 3 – 6 months, up to a year in some cases. Carbon filters, and post filters, should last up to 1-year.
Where Should a Whole House Water Filter be Installed?
A filter with no electrical requirements can be installed outdoors. Though it is best to protect the system from direct sunlight and extreme cold. The best place to install a whole house water filter is in a garage or shed. Since they are not aesthetically pleasing, and too big to fit under a counter, inside the home is not really an option.
How do Whole House Water Filters Work?
There are many types of filters, and they work in different ways. Most filters use a polymer membrane that traps solid matter, preventing it from flowing into the water pipes. Various types of media, like active carbon, are used to remove contaminants. Some filtration systems will backwash, flushing out contaminants into the drain.
How Long Does a Whole House Carbon Filter Work?
Used as part of a whole house water treatment system, carbon filters usually last about a year.
How Do you Replace a Whole House Sediment Filter?
Sediment filter cartridges are easy to replace. The plastic filter housing is designed for easy removal, you can usually loosen it by hand. Tools are available that fit around the filter housing, making it easier to loosen. Turn the filter housing counter-clockwise until it is free. Remove the used cartridge and insert the new one. Ensure that the filter is properly seated in the housing and that the O-ring (which seals the housing) is not damaged or twisted. Using grease or petroleum jelly will protect the O-ring. With new filter secured, tighten the housing can be placed into position and tightened by turning it clockwise.
Is Boiling Tap Water Same as Filtered Water?
No, boiling water will kill bacteria but will not remove chemicals, metals, and sediment.
Will a Whole House Filter Soften Water?
Not all whole house water filters include a water softener. Though most active carbon filters will remove hard metals, thereby softening the water.
Does a Whole House Water Filter Need a Water Softener?
Since the best water filters use active carbon to remove hard metals, an additional water softener may not always be necessary. However, in areas with particularly hard water, or for controlled alkaline drinking water, a water softener can be an advantage.
Should Whole House Water Filters Go Before or After a Water Softener?
It is best to install the carbon filter before the water softener, as active carbon removes chlorine and many other contaminants, thereby increasing the lifespan of the water softener.
Which is Better, Reverse Osmosis or Filtration?
Reverse Osmosis systems (RO) are good for removing most metals, chemicals, VOCs, salts, and bacteria. Though active carbon tends to be more effective for removing organic material and chemicals. RO systems will waste some water.
How do you Know if a Water Filter Needs Replacing?
If you notice that the water is no longer clear (it may become cloudy), or you notice odors, the filters probably need to be replaced. Clogged filters will usually cause a decrease in water pressure. Slow running faucets or low water pressure at your appliances, will be an obvious sign of this. Clogged filters need to be replaced.
What Happens if the Water Filter is Not Changed?
If you don’t change a water filter when it has expired, it will not function. This means that contaminants and harmful minerals will flow to your faucets and appliances.
How do you Know What Size Water Filter your Home Needs?
Water filters are sized according to their flow rate. A home with many occupants will require a filter with a higher flow. The GPM rating indicates what the maximum flow rate is for a particular water filter.
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