Best Whole House Water Filter in 2022: Clean and Healthy

Water is used by everyone to cook, drink, bathe, and wash. The importance of clean water in any household is undeniable, so why settle for clean water from one faucet only? Whole house water filters can ensure that the water coming out of all the taps in your home is clean and safe from harmful contaminants.

Whole-home water filter systems are some of the most popular filtering solutions simply because they’re effective at producing high-quality water. However, a google search on the best whole house water filter will end up with hundreds of different results and it can get confusing for some. This is where we step in to help you out.

We’ve shortlisted and reviewed some of the top-ranking whole house water filtration systems to make it easier for you to decide. We’ve also included a detailed buying guide below on the factors to consider when shopping for the best whole house water filter.

What is a Whole House Water Filter?

A whole house water filter is a water filtration system that can ensure all the water that enters your home is clean and free from dangerous contaminants. These systems are known as Point of Entry (POE) systems that are installed at the main water supply before entering your home. This means that filtered water is delivered to every faucet in your house including your shower, washing machine, and toilet.

Why Get Home Water Filtration System?

The main mission of whole house water filtration systems is to improve the quality of water. Although municipal water supply is tested and certified to be safe, you never know what kind of contaminants can enter the water stream on their way here. Old rusty pipes can introduce rust and iron particles.

Chlorine is also used in city water as a disinfectant. However, recent studies have shown that the consumption of large quantities of chlorine can negatively impact your health. Chlorine water can also cause your skin to be excessively dried and give your hair a dull aspect. A good water filtration system can help you remove heavy metals, chemicals, chlorine, and chloramide.

Buying Guide for the Best Whole House Water Filtration Systems

Sure, there are premium water filtration systems that easily cost thousands of dollars that can help you treat everything from pathogens to radiation – but the question is if you really need all that? Of course, we want the best to protect our family from the unknown, but you need to keep note that not all water supplies are prone to the same type of contamination.

Therefore, it is advisable for you to do a water test to identify what exactly is present in your water before deciding on a whole house water filter. Here are a few more important factors to consider when deciding which best whole house water filters to invest in:

What Does it Filter?

The main purpose of a whole house water filter is obviously to remove unwanted contaminates. City water is disinfected and verified safe to drink. But despite EPA regulations, other chemicals could leach into the water supply while on its way to your house. Here are some of the chemicals that can commonly be found in city water:

  • Fluoride
  • Chlorine
  • Chloramine
  • Bromate
  • Haloacetic acid
  • Herbicides
  • Pesticides
  • PFOA/PFOS
  • Industrial solvents
  • VOCs
  • Sediment
  • Trace pharmaceuticals

Other than chemicals, lead, bacteria, and even parasitic cysts can enter your water source through deteriorating underground pipes.

Well waters may be safe from the added fluoride and disinfectants but they’re also susceptible to the following natural and human-made toxins:

  • Hard minerals
  • Lead
  • Arsenic
  • Mercury
  • Chromium
  • Nitrates
  • Agricultural chemicals
  • Petroleum products
  • Industrial chemicals
  • Bacteria
  • Parasites
  • Etc

Obviously, not all well water will have them and what’s in your water will be determined by your local geology and what’s nearby your watershed.

As mentioned before, the best way to choose a filter is to know what’s in your water so you can get the best whole house water filters designed to remove those specific contaminants.

Certification and Standards

Whole house water filters are not tested or regulated by the federal government. Instead, homeowners can rely on industry members of NSF international that have created voluntary, minimum performance and safety standards that are recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Below are some of the certifications that you can look out for:

NSF 42 – remove taste and odor impurities
NSF 44 – removal of hard minerals via ion exchange to soften water
NSF 53 – reduce contaminants that can lead to known health effects.
NSF 55 – reduces and kills bacteria, viruses, and cysts with ultraviolet light
NSF 58 – reduce EPA-regulated contaminants via reverse osmosis
NSF 401 – reduce emerging contaminants that are not yet regulated such as PFOA and pharmaceuticals.

Generally, NSF/ANSI-certified filters have a performance guarantee since it proves that the companies are committed to making better-quality products and are willing to spend more for independent testing and certification.

Filter Life

Just like many things, even filters have finite filtration capacity and they can only remove so many contaminants before they need to be replaced. Regularly changing filters is a must to ensure effective performance, but it’s not cheap. The cost of the filter cartridges can have a significant impact on the filter’s ownership cost.

Sediment and carbon filters can generally last 3-9 months depending on water quality. Obviously, the more contaminants they need to remove, the shorter their lifespan. Certain companies have begun designing and creating extra-long capacity filters that can last up to 1-2 years, depending on consumption. Reverse osmosis membranes can last 2-5 years. There are also multi-stage filtration systems that use more than one type of filtration. Each filtration cartridge may have different replacement frequency and maintenance intervals.

When looking at the cost of whole house water filters, do remember to also factor in the price of replacement filters. Sub-par carbon and sediment cartridges are cheap but they need to be replaced more often. Better filters have a higher upfront cost but they last longer and require less maintenance, making for better long-term value.

Flow Rate

Flow rate is measured in gallons per minute and it indicates how fast the filter can treat the water. Typical water-using activities at home will require an acreage of 6 gallons per minute combined, so do remember to take that into consideration, especially if you live with others or have a large family. There’s no point in installing a water filter that will only give you trickles of water during showers.

Best Whole House Water Filter Systems in 2022

1. SpringWell Water

SpringWell whole house water filter is one of the highest-rated and best-priced whole house filtration systems in the industry that deserves the top spot on our list today. The whole house water filter is made with certified materials and adopts a very effective 4-stage water filtration with premium coconut carbon and KDF filter media to get rid of harmful chemicals like chlorine, lead, and heavy metals.

The whole house filter is also effective at removing other contaminants like chloramine, VOCs, pesticides, haloacetic acids, bad odor, taste, and can even help control bacteria growth. The water filtration model delivers up to 1,000,000 gallons of water without experiencing a loss in water pressure.

One of the things we love about the SpringWell whole house filter system is the innovative technology that filters out contaminants by increasing contact time with the filter media. The company also offers a 6-month satisfaction guarantee and a lifetime warranty on all their components. The whole house water filter also comes with an easy installation kit and guide to help you out.

Overall, the Springwell whole house water filter is an investment-level purchase that offers great value. Its quality performance, low maintenance, and lifetime warranty coverage make this the top pick for the best whole house water filter.

Pros

  1. Removes 99.6% of germs in the water.
  2. Lifetime warranty on components.
  3. High-quality whole house water filtration unit.
  4. 6-month money-back guarantee.
  5. Industry-leading gallons per minute (GPM) rating.
  6. Optional UV filtration add on

Cons

  1. Not the easiest DIY project.
  2. Might not be suitable for apartments and condos

2. Aquasana Rhino

For purifying your tap water, you simply cannot go wrong with the Aquasana Rhino Whole House Filtration System that comes equipped with a 1,000,000 gallon water filter. The pro-grade installation kit comes included with brass fittings, pre-filter, post-filter, and all the necessary supports and shut-off valves required for a successful installation.

The whole house water filter system is 9 inches by 46 inches by 44 inches and weighs 44.5 pounds. It boasts a very long life capacity that’s equivalent to 10 years of service at a 7 GPM flow rate. The increased longevity of the water softener cylinder means that this whole house water filter is an install-it-and-forget-about-it model.

The whole house water filter has a dual function to work as a water filter and as a natural salt-free softener to prevent salt from accumulating in your internal pipes and damaging them. The Aquasana Rhino whole house water filter system is excellent for both tap and well water as the filter tank contains mineral stones and copper-zinc oxidation media to remove contaminants of up to 5-micron size including lead, sediment, chlorine, industrial solvents, agricultural chemicals, and more.

The whole house water filter features a four-stage filtration process: sediment pre-filter to remove large particulates, copper-zinc & mineral stone filter mentioned above, activated carbon filter to improve smell and taste, and sub-micron post-filter to remove remaining particles. The water filtration system even has a high-grade performance UV sterilization filtration at the end to kill microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses.

Aquasana’s whole house water filter package comes with manual instructions and online video tutorials to help with DIY installation. The pro-grade install kit includes brass fittings, post-filter, 20 inches pre-filter, bend supports, and shut-off valves. Overall, this is an attractive whole house water filter system that delivers food performance and extensive warranty coverage to make this one of the best whole house water filtration systems you can buy.

Pros

  1. NSF International certified components.
  2. Top-quality filters that are suitable for long-term use.
  3. Low-maintenance with long life capacity of up to 10 years.
  4. Two-in-one water filter and salt-free softening system.

Cons

  1. Requires a pex crimper for installation.

3. SpringWell Whole House Lead & Cyst Removal System

If lead and cyst are common issues faced in your water supply, then you should consider investing in the SpringWell Whole House Lead & Cyst Removal Water Filtration System that’s designed to get rid of more than 99.95$ of heavy metals like lead, other chemicals (chlorine, chloramine), disinfectant-resistant parasitic cysts, and other harmful contaminants.

The SpringWell whole house water filtration system is specifically designed at a 0.5-micron nominal filtration level to effectively remove both particulate and soluble lead from your water. Unlike particles, soluble lead is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, meaning it cannot be removed with a sediment filter. Instead, the soluble lead needs to be chemically removed from the water. Fortunately, this SpringWell whole house water filter is designed to remove both forms of lead contamination from your water supply.

All the components used to build the whole house water filter system are independently tested and NSF certified for lead and PFOA/PFOS reduction to deliver good performance. It also has convenient features such as a 100,000-gallon filter and changes indicator light to let you know when it’s time for a filter replacement. Other than that, the whole house water filtration system is backed by a lifetime warranty and SpringWell’s commitment to customer care.

Pros

  1. Removes more than 99% of lead, cysts, and PFOA.
  2. NSF/ANSI Standards 53 and P473 certified.
  3. LED filter change indicator.
  4. Good water flow rate and does not reduce water pressure.

Cons

  1. Warranty only applicable with professional installation.
  2. Primary replacement filters are expensive.

4. Pelican PC600/PC1000

Pelican’s Premium Whole House Water Filter System is designed to help homeowners remove hazardous contaminants such as chlorine, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial solvents from their water supply.

The Pelican whole house water filtration system comes in two models: the PC600 has a lower capacity of 600,000 gallons and is suitable for homes with up to 3 bathrooms while the PC1000 has a 1,000,000 gallon capacity to cover up to 6 bathrooms.

The whole house filtration system by Pelican is fully certified to get rid of 97% of chlorine to deliver water that will feel softer and taste better. Water purification involves 4 different stages in order to ensure your whole house water supply is free from sediments, dirt, chloramine, pesticides, and heavy metals like zinc and copper.

Unfortunately, the house water filtration system does not filter out iron, so this might not be the best whole house water filter if you’re relying on well water as your water source. Nonetheless, the advanced granular activated carbon media, 5-micron sediment filter, bacteriostatic KFD 55 media will ensure that your drinking water is pure. The filters are also covered by a limited lifetime warranty and 5-year performance promise by Pelican.

This whole house water filtration system is a great choice for a broad range of contaminants and it delivers great performance without frequent maintenance. If you find that your water tastes as it came from a swimming pool, then the Pelican whole house water filtration system might just be your best bet for clean, quality water.

Pros

  1. Can remove 97% of chlorine.
  2. NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 61 certified components.
  3. Steel-wrapped tank for better durability and longevity.
  4. Excellent 10 GPM flow rate to cater to large families.
  5. 90-day satisfaction guarantee.

Cons

  1. Carbon media requires a 48-hour soak before use.

5. AquaOx Home Water Filtration System

With an average system lifespan of 20 years with zero maintenance and no filter replacements, the AquaOx is the industry’s longest-lasting filter. However, you’ll need to be prepared to spend a sizable sum of money if you decide to go with the AquaOx whole house water filter system. However, the features and benefits it offers make it a worthy investment.

The whole house water filter system is made right in the USA for quality guarantee and the components are even NSF certified. The 7-stage whole house water filtration system features a proprietary blend of KDF 85, garnet, carbon, and clinoptilolite ore to offer maximum water filtration of lead, arsenic, chromium, chlorine, as well as other toxic chemicals.

The whole house water filtration system has a backwash system with Double Vortech technology so you never have to spend a dime on new filters and replacement cartridges anymore. The system will refresh the filtration and keep the unit in tip-top condition.

While the initial cost of the AquaOx whole house filtration system can cause a shock to most, after running the calculations, this unit makes for a great long-term investment with a low cost of ownership. Assuming it’s able to last a minimum of 20 years, the annual cost of this best whole house water filter is only $150.

That’s equivalent to the cost of sediment pre-filters alone for most other house water filter systems out there. Still, we do acknowledge that this is a stretch to afford upfront for those on a tight budget.

Pros

  1. Ability to remove dozens of contaminants and taste impurities.
  2. NSF certified components.
  3. The low long-term cost of ownership.
  4. 10-year warranty.
  5. 12-months satisfaction guarantee.

Cons

  1. Very expensive upfront cost.

6. Home Master 3-Stage

If you often encounter staining issues with your water supply, then the Home Master 3-stage whole house water filtration system might be the solution. However, this whole house water filter system can only be used with non-chlorinated well water. For use with municipal water, you will need to install a carbon filter before it to remove chlorine.

This system has three sequential filters with a high-quality sediment filter that’s able to remove any particle that’s larger than 1 micron plus other minerals like iron and manganese that could stain your clothes, dishes, bathroom fixtures, and costly damage to your plumbing and appliances.

The activated carbon filter in the whole house filter system has good longevity with a filtering capacity of 100,000 gallons, which is enough to last for up to a whole year or two, depending on your water consumption. Furthermore, the whole house filter is designed for easy DIY installation that comes included with everything you need.

The whole house filtration system has an average initial price for its capability but does take note that the replacement filters cost a bit more than other models in its class. However, their filters are known to last longer and do a better job, especially at helping you remove iron from your water supply.

Considering its benefits, total cost ownership, this whole house filter is definitely a bargain at that price.

Pros

  1. Two-year warranty.
  2. Excellent 15 GPM flow rate.
  3. Quality construction.
  4. Removes iron from water to help extend the life of appliances.

Cons

  1. Replacement filters cost more than other models.
  2. Not suitable for municipal or chlorinated well water.

7. Home Master Whole House 2-Stage Water Filter

If your water source comes from city water, then the Home Master 2-stage whole house water filter offers great value. The two-stage system costs less than its 3-stage whole house filter system cousin reviewed above but still offers most of its capability.

The Home Master 2-Stage water filter is an effective unit that’s capable of removing particles larger than 1 micron to give you clean and clear water. This is a very efficient water filter that can help you get rid of most chemicals and sediments that are likely to creep into municipal water supplies like lead, industrial chemicals, chlorine, chloramines, and other contaminants.

The catalytic carbon filter excels at removing both chlorine and chloramines so that your water does not taste as it comes from a swimming pool. The carbon filter also has a water filtering capacity of 95,000 gallons, so it should be able to provide filtered water for up to a year or more, depending on your water consumption.

Another advantage of choosing this whole house water filter system is that it comes with a 2-year warranty as proof of the manufacturer’s trust in this product. Overall, if your goal is to improve the taste of your water, then this whole house water filter system makes an excellent choice. Not only is it easy to install and maintain, but it has an excellent reputation for meeting performance claims.

Pros

  1. Good 10 GPM flow rate.
  2. Easy homeowner installation.
  3. Removes impurities that can affect the water’s taste and color.
  4. Economical replacement cartridges.
  5. Low maintenance.

Cons

  1. Not suitable for well water.

8. 3M Aqua-Pure

The 3M Aqua-Pure whole house water filter is another model that many will feel inclined to like after comparing its price and filtering capacity. This water filter features a scale inhibition system to protect your pipes and appliances. The carbon filter works to capture sediments that are down to five microns, which is smaller than your red blood cell and even has the ability to remove chlorine from your water.

One main advantage of the 3M Aqua-Pure is its huge flow rate of 20 gallons per minute. With such a huge water flow, you never have to worry about water pressure drops even when you have multiple family members using the shower at the same time. Other than that, the filters have a capacity of 100,000 gallons that can last a year or more. Changing the filters are also very easy, all you need to do is twist them off and twist in the new ones.

This whole house water filter proves that simplicity can sometimes be the best. Delivering generous water flow and only requiring one annual filter change makes this a whole house water filter that you can just install and forget about it. This is also one of the best house water filter systems that work for both city and well water to protect your plumbing from damaging contaminants.

This whole house water filter is a high-quality, high-capacity sediment filter with softening capability. While it does not remove heavy metals and chemicals, this is a simple water filter that’s great for those who already have a relatively clean water supply and don’t feel the need to spend extra on the bells and whistles.

Pros

  1. Simple design and operation call for easy installation and maintenance.
  2. Generous 10 GPM flow rate.
  3. Removes contaminants to protect appliances.
  4. High-quality construction.

Cons

  1. Relatively short one-year warranty.
  2. Limited filtration capability.

9. iSpring 3-Stage

The iSpring WGB32B is yet another effective model if you need a whole house filter. This water filter is capable of removing up to 95% of contaminants in your water, including chlorine, sediment, herbicides, pesticides, rust, and other chemicals.

The fine sediment cartridge is designed to get rid of large particles like dirt, dust, silt, and rust while the two high-density coconut carbon filters are effective at removing up to 95% of chlorine, heavy metals, VOCs, and other chemical contaminants. All this is done without removing healthy minerals that are good for your body.

Other than that, the cartridges are also independently tested and certified to meet the strictest NSF/ANSI standards. One advantage of this filtration system is that its activated carbon filter has a 100,000-gallon capacity to remove most of the contaminants without requiring replacement for a year or two.

Another advantage of the whole house water filter is that the 1” input and output ports the system use allow up to 15 gallons of water to pass through the system. The high water flow rate means that you won’t notice a sharp drop in water pressure once you install the system even when two or more family members are using the shower at the same time.

The iSpring advanced carbon block technology is an excellent choice for removing 95% of contaminants in city water. The model does it all without the high cost of neutralizing pathogens and it leaves healthy minerals in the water for better-tasting water.

Pros

  1. 100,000-gallon capacity filter.
  2. Minimal water pressure reduction with a high 15 GPM flow rate.
  3. Low maintenance.
  4. 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

Cons

  1. Limited 1-year warranty.

10. Express Water Heavy Metal

If you’re specifically looking for a whole home water filter to tackle heavy metals in your water, then the Express Water Heavy Metal Whole House Water Filter may just be what you’re looking for.

This three-stage whole house water filtering system comes in the following order: Sediment Filter first, then Kinetic Degradation Filter, and finally the Activated Carbon Block. Each filter is designed to take care of a specific set of particles.

Water passes through the sediment stage to shed contaminants like sand, rust particles, and dirt before entering the KDF filter media. In this stage, the filter removes heavy metals like iron, lead, mercury, and aluminum. This is also where chloramine, hydrogen sulfide, and arsenic also get removed from the water. Finally, the activated carbon filter is effective at capturing chemicals like chlorine, pesticides, and trace pharmaceuticals, making this a great whole house water filter model for those with water with high iron content or older plumbing in their house.

The whole house water filter takes approximately 30 minutes to clean the water and has a relatively long lifespan of up to a full year or more for a family of four. Each filter also has a pressure gauge to help you determine when it’s time for a replacement.

Express Water is a newcomer in the whole house water filter industry, but their well-built products are just as reliable as the rest. If you want to ensure your water is free from heavy metals, then this is the whole house water filter worth considering. The gauge that it comes with helps guide cartridge changes and the system even comes with a lifetime of technical support.

Pros

  1. Integrated pressure gauges to indicate when filters need to be replaced.
  2. One-year warranty with free lifetime technical support.
  3. Filters are made with food-grade materials.
  4. NSF and ANSI-certified components.
  5. Quick and clean filter changes.

Cons

  1. The water pressure might drop at the KDF stage.

Type of Home Water Filtration Systems

There are different filtration methods in the industry, each type engineered to target certain contaminants. Some best whole house water filters come with a multi-stage system with several types of filters to achieve maximum contamination reduction.

Sediment Filters

Sediment filters work similarly to strainers. They’re effective at removing large, suspended particles by trapping them in their filter mesh. This type of filter is perfect for making any water supply clear and more pleasant to drink.

Sediment filters also work to protect subsequent filter cartridges in multi-stage systems that are prone to sediment clog. However, do take note that this type of filter only removes sediments and doesn’t solve issues related to chemicals, bacteria, or minerals.

Sediment filters remove large debris, including:

  • Dirt
  • Dust
  • Silt
  • Sand
  • Rust
  • Carbon Filters

Carbon filters permanently trap contaminants by the adsorption process. A single gram of carbon has a surface area of 32,000 square feet for maximum filtration. The amount and quality of the carbon granules will determine how efficient and long the water filter system can last.

A carbon filter excels at removing heavy metals and chemicals, plus it can also deodorize and improve both the taste and safety of incoming water. Just like the filter type discussed above, carbon filters are often used as pre-filters to protect other more delicate filter components.

Carbon filters can filter the following:

  • PFAS
  • Phosphate
  • Select heavy metals
  • Chlorine
  • Chlorine byproducts including bromate and haloacetic acid
  • Pesticides
  • Herbicides
  • Industrial solvents
  • etc

Reverse Osmosis Filters

Reverse osmosis filters force water particles through a semipermeable membrane with very small pores that only allow water molecules through. This means that the system can catch tiny particles that sediment filters and RO systems miss.

However, do take note that this type of filtration model is very slow, and they do create a significant amount of wastewater. While effective at removing small particles, they do not remove all pathogens present in the water.

RO filters can remove:

  • Dust
  • Silt
  • Sand
  • Rust
  • PFAS
  • Phosphate
  • Select heavy metals
  • Chlorine
  • Chlorine byproducts including bromate and haloacetic acid
  • Pesticides
  • Herbicides
  • Industrial solvents
  • Fluoride
  • Minerals
  • Some arsenic
  • Select microorganisms

Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF) Filters

KDF filters are filled with high-purity copper and zinc granules to help reduce contaminants in water via the oxidation-reduction process. The KDF system is effective at reducing chlorine levels as well as high percentages of dangerous heavy metals like lead in water entering your home.

KDF filters can remove:

  • Chlorine
  • Hydrogen sulfide
  • Mercury
  • Lead

UV Filters

UV filters use ultraviolet light to treat and kill microorganisms. UV light can change the microorganism’s DNA and stop them from multiplying. UV filter is the highest level of pathogen treatment on the market other than chlorination.

Water Softeners

Hard minerals present in some water sources can be healthy for the body when consumed in small amounts, but these hard minerals can lead to limescale buildup along pipes and appliances. Over time, the accumulation of limescale can result in high utility bills and breakdowns.

If your well water has high levels of hard water, then investing in a water softener is a good idea as they remove minerals through ion exchange.

There is also another type of water softener known as salt-based softeners. This type of system is effective but they’re increasingly unwelcome due to ecological concerns. Salt-based softeners produce briny wastewater that’s bad for the environment.

Water softeners remove minerals including:

  • Calcium
  • Magnesium
  • Barium
  • Iron less than 5 PPM

Water Conditioners

Water conditioners are descalers or salt-free softeners that change the chemical composition of calcium and magnesium to stop them from forming limescale. While they’re not as effective as traditional softeners, they’re inexpensive to use and do not produce wastewater like salt-based softeners.

Common Contaminants that Whole House Water Filters Remove

So, how important is it to invest in water filters? Whole-house filters are designed to help homeowners remove common contaminants present in their water supply. Here are a few contaminants commonly found in city and well water:

Sediment

Sediment is any particle or debris such as sand, silt, clay, and rust that are suspended in water. This problem is more prevalent in water that is pumped from the ground as they have more contact with sand and dirt particles. A whole house sediment filter is effective at helping you remove large particles before the water is passed to subsequent filters.

Turbidity

If you notice that your water is a little cloudy, this could be a turbidity issue as there are a large number of small particles present in the water. The particles are so small that they would not be visible to the naked eye in minute amounts, but when there’s a large amount suspended in the water, it can turn the water cloudy. These particles will either settle out slowly or not at all.

Rust and Manganese

If you notice your water is brown, red, or yellow, this could mean that your water has rust or manganese in it. Rusty water can produce an unpleasant smell, especially if the water is hot. A filter can help you prevent and remove excess rust in your water.

Iron

Just like rust, iron can result in reddish stains that could lead to other more serious problems in your house. High levels of iron can also promote the growth of iron-feeding bacteria in the water supply. Not only that, but consuming too much iron can cause other health problems like liver, heart, pancreatic damage, diabetes, and more.

Stomach problems, nausea. Vomiting, fatigue, weight loss, and joint pain can also be signs of excessive iron digestion.

Sulfur reacts with air to produce hydrogen sulfide and can emit a rotten egg smell. Sulfur is a byproduct of bacteria in water and drinking too much can lead to diarrhea or dehydration. Hot or warm water can be a breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria. If you start to notice any bad smell or taste in your water, it is best to immediately check your water quality.

Microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, and cysts

Other than chemicals, microorganisms are one of the most common contaminants in water and contaminated internal hot water systems. Large quantities of microorganisms can quickly become uncontrollable which can lead to significant health problems. This is why many water filter manufacturers offer UV (ultraviolet) filters as an add-on to their system to help kill microorganisms before drinking.

Whole House Water Filter System Installation

The level of difficulty for installing a whole house water filter will depend on the dimension and bulkiness of the whole home water filter. Generally, the bigger the unit is the more elaborate the details, which means more parts and components to install. While you don’t necessarily need to have plumbing expertise to install whole-house filters, it is still an advantage on your side.

Installing a whole home water filter is more complicated than installing point-of-use units. Nonetheless, many manufacturers provide a step-by-step guide with their whole home water filter system to help you out with the DIY home installation. To give you a basic idea, here’s how to install a whole home water filter in your home:

Tools required: tubing, fittings, and a pipe cutter.

Installation Steps:

1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to properly activate any filter media.
2. Shut off the main water supply.
3. Drain off any remaining water in the pipes and system.
4. Decide where you want to locate the filter and cut the main water line with a pipe cutter.
5. (Optional) Install shut-off valves on both sides of the system. This will aid in future maintenance. A bypass valve may not be necessary if the water filter already has one built-in.
6. Connect the whole house filter ensuring it’s facing in the right direction. Use Teflon tape on all threads for sealing and adapters on ports to prevent leaks. Different filtration systems will require different methods for installing brass or plastic fittings and compression nuts. Remember to check your manual for a detailed guide.
7. Turn the water back on.
8. Open all valves except the bypass.
9. Use more Teflon tape if there are leaks.
10. Flush the entire water system for several minutes until the water becomes clear.

Some whole house water filter systems use a large media tank that does not require maintenance. However, the sediment pre-filter will need to be replaced regularly. Cartridge filters also need to be replaced every now and then for optimum performance. Remember to only change the water filter as necessary. Here are a few steps to take when doing filter replacement:

1. Turn off the water supply.
2. Drain off all remaining water in the tank.
3. Remove the first filter housing, take out the old filter, and insert the new one.
4. (Optional) Clean the filter housing with soapy water or bleach solution and rinse thoroughly.
5. Screw the filter housing back on.
6. Slowly turn the water supply back on and ensure no leaks.
7. Flush the new filters as per manufacturer instructions.

Conclusion: Is It Worth Getting a Whole House Water Filter?

After reading our house water filter reviews and our comprehensive guide on what to look out for when shopping, we’re confident that you’re ready to make an informed decision about which water filter best suits your needs.

Shopping for the best whole house water filter is not just about getting the most expensive one right off the shelf as different filter systems are designed to remove different contaminants. That is why it is very important for you to first know what’s present in your water and what filter is best for removing them.

A home test water kit can help you determine the contaminants present in your water in under half and house. With that info in mind, you’ll be able to easily decide on the right filter model for your home.

While a whole house water filter can be quite expensive, it is actually a lifetime investment that will help preserve your health. If you live anywhere without access to pure natural water, a whole house water filter is a convenient unit that can ensure you get cleaner, healthier water at all times by eliminating up to 99.99% of impurities.

Other than impurities, these filter systems can also help remove harmful microorganisms from your water supply for better and safer drinking water.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I have to filter well and city water?

The decision on whether you need to filter city or water can be decided after you’ve tested the water. If the water testing shows no worrisome contaminants, then it may not be necessary to get a filter. However, many homeowners still choose to install one as it enhances the taste or softens the water to safeguard home appliances. Others may also simply feel safer with a water filtration unit to protect their family against the unknown.

Does a water filtration unit affect water pressure at the tap?

Yes, a water filtration unit can affect water pressure at the tap. However, not all house filters will affect outgoing water pressure equally. A thorough sediment filtration with small filter sizes usually results in higher pressure drops, whereas home filter systems that use activated carbon have less of an effect on water pressure.

How much does it cost to install a whole home water filtration system?

The cost of installing a whole home water filtration system will depend on your existing plumbing setup. A bare minimum installation cost is somewhere between $300-500 USD. That said, it is significantly much cheaper if you complete the installation project yourself.

Can I drink water filtered by a whole home filtration system?

Yes, filtered water by a whole home filtration system can be drunk safely. But there’s no guarantee that it is free from harmful contaminants. That’s why we recommend that you conduct thorough testing before purchasing a system.

Where should I install a whole house water filter?

A whole house water filter can be installed anywhere connected to the main water supply (as long as it’s safe from freezing temperatures). Most owners choose to install the house water filter system in their garage or basement.

How often should I replace the water filter?

Filter components need to be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions. With proper care, frames, housing, and fittings can last a lifetime. Several high-capacity filtration models come with a single disposable tank that can be discarded once they’ve reached capacity. These models do not require maintenance and can offer ultimate value for homeowners who want a fix-it-and-forget-it filter.

What happens if I do not change the filter?

If you do not change the filters on time, pollutants such as bacteria, pesticides, herbicides, lead, fluoride, and many others can start to build up within the filter. The filter will then clog over time and make it harder for water to pass through the whole house system. The decrease in water flow can have a dramatic impact on the water pressure in your home.

Is it bad to drink water from an old filter?

Yes, it is bad to drink water from an old filter as old filters can add unwanted bacteria to your water. Ingesting too much bacteria can make you sick. In fact, researchers have concluded that a filter with a biofilm on it had colony counts in filtered water up to 10,000 times those in direct tap water. Hence, it is very important for you to replace your filter regularly.

What is the healthiest water filtration unit?

Some believe that reverse osmosis systems are the healthiest water filtration unit as they are some of the strongest, most effective filters for drinking water. Reverse osmosis systems are known to be able to remove more than 99% of dangerous contaminants in the water supply including heavy metals, herbicides, pesticides, chlorine, hormones, pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals.

Is soft water or hard water better?

Both soft water and hard water have their own disadvantages. While soft water is low in minerals like calcium, they have a higher sodium content. Soft water is also less corrosive compared to hard water, meaning less impact on your plumbing. However, it is better to drink hard water than soft water as soft water has low mineral content and offers few health benefits in that respect.

Is hard water bad for your skin and hair?

Yes, hard water is bad for your skin and hair as it contains a buildup of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These chemicals will produce a film on the skin and hair, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate resulting in dry hair and skin.

Is a whole house water filter better than the kitchen sink filter?

No, not necessarily because it boils down to personal preference. Regardless, whole house water filters are more comprehensive and able to improve the human health in many ways as compared to kitchen sink filter.

Whole house water filters function by filtering chemicals at the point of entry so you will not be affected by any form of chlorine vapors especially when you’re taking a shower to reduce health risk. Furthermore, whole house water filter can remove iron manganese hence, it would prevent any form of sediment rust on your household appliances.

The benefits of high water quality are amazing. However, if you’re looking filtering systems which are more budget friendly to serve the ultimate purpose of producing safe and clean drinking water then whole house water filters may not be necessary as there’s other filters on the market.

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