Every house needs to have access to a source of water that is free of bacteria and other contaminants. However, the supply you have could contain a variety of contaminants, depending on where it came from. These impurities could include heavy metals, sediment, bacteria, viruses, and significant quantities of compounds such as chlorine and hydrogen sulfide. If your water has an unpleasant flavor, an odd odor, an unusual color, visible particles, appears suspiciously cloudy, or stains your clothing or utensils, a whole-house water filtration may be able to fix the issue. Other symptoms of water quality issues include these: Several different types of filtration, including small physical obstacles, KDF (kinetic degradation fluxion), carbon, and UV light, are utilized by water filtration devices. After having one installed, the water supply in your house will be treated in a single location to eliminate the contaminants in question before it travels through all of the pipes and is delivered to each and every faucet.
A number of factors should be taken into account before purchasing a whole-house water filter, including the flow rate, which indicates how quickly the water will pass through the system and to your desired location, the frequency with which the filter must be replaced, and whether or not the entire unit must be dismantled in order to be serviced. A new, not-so-budget-friendly refrigerator can cost upwards of $2,000 or more, but a long-lasting whole-house water purifier will cost the same, says Richard Epstein, a qualified master plumber and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board. One more thing to think about is that the price of such a filter won’t be much different from any other. You should get advice from an expert who can help you sort through your options and decide which one is best for you.
You will want to make sure that the filtration system is intended to remove the particular contaminants that are present in the water that comes from your tap. Epstein says, “It’s best to have the water tested by a certified lab or consultant, as well as a comprehensive review of appliances and fixtures, in order to determine what will work best. This applies whether you are unsure as to what is contaminating your supply or you are simply looking into the whole-house water filters that are available to you.” If you are unsure as to what is contaminating your supply, or if you are simply looking into the whole-house water filters that are available to you, This will help determine whether you need filtering throughout the entire building or just at the place of use. He goes on to say that “drinking grade water at every location” is not a requirement for whole-house filtration systems because the cost of doing so can build up quickly.
You can determine the quality of your water by taking a sample to a laboratory that has been approved by the state. It is in your best interest to get in touch with either the laboratory or the local health department in order to confirm that you are collecting the samples correctly and do not require assistance. After you have received the findings of the test, you and a trained professional can collaborate to determine which whole-house water filter will serve your requirements most effectively, and the trained professional can also assist you in installing the filter.
We did extensive research to find some of the best filtration systems available on the market today, taking into consideration filtration technique, flow rate, maintenance requirements, and overall effectiveness. These systems can accommodate any concern, any size house, and any budget. The Express Water 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System is our top choice because it employs three distinct filtration processes to eliminate contaminants and does not require the entire system to be disassembled in order to replace the filter. Although we really like that it has low maintenance needs and comes with a guarantee that lasts for a whole year, we want you to keep in mind that conferring with an expert is the best way to determine which solution is ideal for your property and your requirements.
Express Water WH300SCKS 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System – Best Overall
- Whole House Water Filter: Reduce harmful impurities and dangerous heavy metals from your entire home’s water with Express Water’s 3 Stage Heavy Metal Water Filtration System. Heavy Metal Water Filter: Drink the healthiest water on Earth as your home water filter reduces over 80 different impurities from your water
- Express Water’s water filtration systems are ready to install with 1” inch standard connections. Easy to Replace Water Filter Cartridges: All Express Water whole house water filter replacement cartridges are designed for quick and easy replacement to keep your system up and running.
- Durable Whole House Water Filter: Express Water Whole Home Water Filtration Systems are constructed with standing stainless-steel frames for long term durability and quality.
- On Demand Support: Support from experts who can answer any of your questions about your new home water filter. Quality Guaranteed: Rest easy with our 1-year warranty on all Express Water Whole Home Water Systems
What We Like
- Deodorizes water supply
- Simple maintenance requirements
- One-year warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t filter bacteria or viruses
- Can be very leaky
What’s contaminating your supply is eventually the most important factor in determining which is the best filtration for your house. However, the Express Water WH300SCKS 3-Stage Filtration System effectively deals with a wide variety of pollutants, including lead and organic matter, making it a great option for a wide range of homes. When you use this method, the first step that your water will take is to go through a sediment filter, which removes large particles as well as organic and inorganic debris. After that, the KDF filter gets rid of small amounts of heavy metals such as lead, iron, mercury, and copper. Last but not least, the activated carbon filter is used to deodorize your supply in order to enhance both its flavor and its scent. Additionally, the carbon lowers the amounts of chlorine and takes care of turbidity, which is the degree to which your water is cloudy.
The only things that aren’t removed by this purification system for the entire house are germs and viruses. Because some of the components that connect to your infrastructure are made of plastic, which is not as resilient as metal, it also has the potential to be quite leaky. Nevertheless, aside from that, the construction of this system is very solid and made of stainless steel, so it should last for many years to come. It is recommended to change the filter for each of the three phases approximately every six months; however, this can be done quickly and easily without disassembling the system.
- Number of Stages: 3
- Flow Rate: 15 GPM
- Dimensions: 29 x 23.5 x 8.5 inches
- Filtration Method: Activated carbon, sediment, and KDF
GE GXWH40L High Flow Whole House Water Filtration System – Best Budget
- Heavy-duty filtration system: Clear sump allows for easy viewing of filter
- Filters water at the main supply: Install system in basement and/or out of sight. Compatible Pipe Connections-Horizontal only
- Premium filtration: Certified to reduce sediment, scale, dirt and rust in your water, appliances and plumbing fixtures
- Easy installation: Includes 1" plumbing connection, pressure relief valve, bypass option, mounting bracket and remote filter reminder light for simple installation and filter change
- Three-month life: For best filtration results, filter: FXHTC or FXHSC (not included) should be replaced every three months
What We Like
- Improves taste and smell
- Easy to install
What We Don’t Like
- Filters must be replaced frequently
- Doesn’t remove heavy metals or bacteria
When it comes to whole-house water purifiers, GE’s single-stage High Flow Filtration System (model GXWH40L) is one of the most cost-effective options available. Not only is it capable of efficiently removing sediment, chlorine, and corrosion, but it’s also very affordable.
It does this by utilizing granular activated carbon, also known as GAC, and a sediment filter to remove particles from your stream water while simultaneously enhancing its color, flavor, and odor. Another benefit that appeals to us is that it is simple to set up. Although the price of this whole-house filtration system is significantly lower than that of other products in its category, it is important to keep in mind that you will need to purchase new filters approximately every three months. In most cases, inexpensive systems are not designed to last either, which is why you should probably overspend on a more expensive system in order to have fewer concerns (and water impurities) in the future.
- Number of Stages: 1
- Flow Rate: 10 GPM
- Dimensions: 15.25 x 9.75 x 8 inches
- Filtration Method: GAC, sediment
Pentair PSE1800-P Whole House Filtration System with NaturSoft Water Softener – Best Splurge
- Whole home solution addresses sediment, chlorine and chloramine, hardness and scale
- Reduces scale 99.6%; only DVGW certified water softener alternative in North America
- Handles hard water scale in plumbing and appliances, extending their life
- Filtered and treats water from every tap, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry and more
- Includes sediment pre-filter system with mounting hardware
What We Like
- Improves taste and smell
- Removes 99.9 percent of bacteria
- Includes water softener
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t remove heavy metals
If you have a larger income, you might want to think about purchasing this whole-house filter from Pentair (model PSE1800-P), which is actually in the same ballpark as what Epstein suggests you should anticipate spending on a whole-house filter that will last for a long time. The one-stage filtering device consists of a physical particle screen, GAC, coconut-shell carbon, sand, and ultraviolet light.
It promises to remove 99.9 percent of bacteria from the water in addition to getting rid of particulate matter, making your water scent and flavor better, and improving all three of those aspects. In addition, the water softener that is included helps to prevent scale accumulation and eliminates the distinct scent that is associated with hard water. This is accomplished without the removal of minerals that are actually beneficial to your health, such as calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
- Number of Stages: 1
- Flow Rate: 7 GPM
- Dimensions: 48 x 12 x 12 inches
- Filtration Method: UV, sediment, GAC, coconut-shell carbon, sand
Pentair PUV-14 Whole House Water Treatment and Disinfection System – Best for City Water
- Wrapped in premium stainless steel protects the underlying tank to ensure long life, durability and unsurpassed quality
- Pentair Pelican carbon series filter features preloaded design that makes it ready to install, minimizes steps and saves time
- Minimal filter/media change with the sediment pre-filter every 6 - 9 months; tank 1 media every 5-years or 1,000,000 Gal.
- Includes sediment pre-filter system with mounting hardware
What We Like
- Kills 99.9 percent of germs
- Long-lasting filter
- 10-year warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t remove heavy metals
- Doesn’t remove sediment
We advise you to get the Pelican PUV-14 Treatment and Disinfection System if the water in your house comes from the municipal supply. The maker of the product claims that it employs potent ultraviolet light to eradicate 99.9 percent of dangerous microorganisms. This encompasses waterborne infections and bacteria such as E. coli, cryptosporidium, and giardia. Viruses and fungus are also included in this category.
In addition to this, the UV screen has a lifespan of an entire year, and the system itself consumes approximately the same amount of energy as a light bulb with a low wattage. It is important to keep in mind that the Pelican Disinfection System does not eliminate particles or heavy metals from the water.
- Number of Stages: 1
- Flow Rate: 14 GPM
- Dimensions: 23.5 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches
- Filtration Method: UV
APEC Water Systems CB3-SED-KDF-CAB20-BB 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System – Best for Lead
- 3-Stage whole house water filter system effectively removes Chlorine, Lead, Iron, Dirt, Sand, Silt, Rust, Odors, VOCs, Hydrogen Sulfide and much more
- This point-of-entry system is installed at the main water supply line to deliver clean and healthy water for washing, bathing and cooking
- 1st stage pleated sediment filter is washable and reusable for extended life service and exceptional dirt holding capacity; 2nd stage KDF85 filter captures Chlorine, Iron, Lead, Hydrogen Sulfide and other heavy metal contaminants; 3rd stage sediment and carbon 2-in-1 filter removes chlorine, taste, odor and much more
- Pre-assembled complete system is ready to mount, providing unlimited filtered water throughout the entire home for many years to come
- Filter up to 100, 000 gallons of water before changing the cartridges
What We Like
- Filters lead and iron
- Improves taste and smell
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t remove bacteria
Lead in drinkable water has no flavor, odor, or visual characteristics at all. The APEC 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System (model CB3-SED-KDF-CAB20-BB) is a great option if this toxic element has been detected in your water source.
A KDF filter is used after an ultrafine pleated barrier has been used to remove sediment, corrosion, and volatile organic compounds. The KDF filter then collects lead, iron, and other heavy metals. Your water will then go through a carbon filtration, which removes chlorine and hydrogen sulfide from the water, leaving you with water that tastes fresh and is free of contaminants. Before the filtration cartridges need to be replaced, the APEC device is capable of filtering up to 100,000 gallons of water.
- Number of Stages: 3
- Flow Rate: 15 GPM
- Dimensions: 20 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches
- Filtration Method: Sediment, KDF, carbon
A.O. Smith AO-WH-FILTER Single-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System – Best for Chlorine
What We Like
- Six-year warranty
- Improves taste and smell
- Compatible add-ons
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t filter sediment
- Doesn’t filter bacteria
We recommend the A.O. Smith Single-Stage Water Filtration System to homes that have to deal with the disagreeable flavor and odor of chlorine. (model AO-WH-FILTER). According to the manufacturer, it is able to eliminate 97 percent of the stench for an entire six years thanks to its sophisticated granular activated carbon filtration.
In addition to lowering mercury concentrations and getting rid of turbidity, this water filtration will provide you with water that is completely clear. It will not remove particles or pathogens, but it is interoperable with a number of add-ons, such as a sediment filter from A.O. Smith, a UV sterilizer, and a whole-house descaler.
- Number of Stages: 1
- Flow Rate: 7 GPM
- Dimensions: 26 x 8.5 x 8.5 inches
- Filtration Method: GAC
iSpring WGB32BM 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System – Best for Well Water
- Whole house water filter that protect your family and household appliance from iron, manganese and more: Our 3rd stage iron water filter (FM25B) is specially designed for iron and manganese removal, reducing iron (MAX 3.0 ppm) and manganese (MAX 1.0 ppm). The water filter lasts up to 3 times longer than greensand due to the catalytic media not being consumed in the process. This whole house water filter system also removes sediment, chlorine, rust, herbicides, industrial solvents, and more.
- DIY installation and maintenance - refer to our manual and our helpful YouTube videos for easy DIY installation. With 1 in. NPT inlet / outlet and 20 in. x 4.5 in. water filter cartridges, WGB32BM whole home water filter system has minimum impact on water flow (up to 15 GPM) and requires minimum maintenance.
- Top-notch quality - the first stage high capacity polypropylene sediment filter achieves filtration down to 5 microns. The second stage carbon block filter is made of high quality coconut shell carbon for maximum filtration efficiency and filter life. Both water filters are tested by an independent third-party to meet NSF/ANSI standards. Both water filters have a capacity of 100,000 Gal. of water, enough to supply a family of four with clean water for a full year.
- Peace of mind customer service - register online to activate your 1-year manufacturer warranty and life-time free tech support from U.S. local support team. We stand behind our products and if you encounter any problems with any of our products please reach out to us immediately. We are happy to help!
- Please note - this whole house water filter is installed at the main water supply line in order to treat all the water in your home; unlike an RO system, this whole house water filtration system will NOT reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and instead keeps healthy minerals in your water; if you are interested in a filter that removes TDS consider our iSpring Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems. The cartridges are individually wrapped to ensure freshness. Please unwrap the cartridges before use.
What We Like
- Reasonably priced
- Filters most common contaminants
- Improves taste and smell
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t filter lead
The iSpring WGB32BM 3-Stage Filtration System is the most effective solution for purifying well water available today. It does this by utilizing powerful carbon and sediment screens to remove organic fragments like soil, grit, and rust that are frequently discovered in subterranean wells.
In addition to chlorine and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), this whole-house water filtration also removes hydrogen sulfide, which is responsible for the unpleasant odor associated with sulfur. Although it is not intended to remove lead, the iSpring is effective at removing other heavy metals such as iron and manganese. In addition, it features a limited warranty that lasts for one year and lifelong technological assistance.
- Number of Stages: 3
- Flow Rate: 15 GPM
- Dimensions: 24.25 x 7.75 x 27.75 inches
- Filtration Method: Coconut-shell carbon, sediment
Pelican Water PRC-5 5-Stage Whole House Water Filtration with NaturSoft Water Softener – Best with Water Softener
What We Like
- Includes water softener
- Improves taste, smell, and color
- Five-year warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t remove heavy metals
At ease with hard water? This water filtration and softener combination from Pelican is your best option, in my opinion. (model PRC-5). The sediment and particulates are collected at the beginning of the five-stage purification process, and then the chlorine and chloramines are removed using activated carbon.
Bacteriostatic media inhibits the growth of microorganisms but does not destroy bacteria directly in the process. To be more specific, the NaturSoft feature that is included in your system softens your water supply while also preventing scale accumulation in your infrastructure, faucets, and appliances. All of this is accomplished without the use of any harmful chemicals.
- Number of Stages: 5
- Flow Rate: 15 GPM
- Dimensions: 59.5 x 19 x 19 inches
- Filtration Method: Sediment, GAC, bacteriostatic
Final Verdict
The Express Water 3-Stage Water Filtration System is the finest option for filtering water throughout an entire home. Activated charcoal, potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDF), and a silt filter are used in this comprehensive method to remove chlorine, cloudiness, particulate matter, and numerous heavy metals, including lead. The Pentair Whole House Filtration System with NaturSoft Water Softener is an alternative for your house that comes at a higher cost but can help get rid of the scent associated with hard water as well as pathogens.
What to Look for in a Whole-House Water Filter
Contaminants Filtered
According to Richard Epstein, a qualified master plumber and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board, it is best to have your water tested before buying a whole-house water filter because filtering systems vary in terms of what pollutants they eliminate. Chlorine and hydrogen sulfide are two of the most prevalent types of contaminants, and both of these can have an impact on how something tastes and smells.
There are also substances that can pose a threat to one’s health. Some examples of these include bacteria, fungus, viruses, and other waterborne organisms. Heavy metals such as lead, iron, mercury, and copper are also examples of such substances. Lastly, the majority of water purification systems, but not all of them, are designed to remove particulate matter, such as sediment, grit, soil, and rust.
Flow Rate
The amount of water that can be filtered through a device in one minute is quantified in gallons. (GPM). In general, lesser flow rates are preferable because they enable more interaction time with the screening media, which results in the elimination of a greater number of contaminants.
The number of people living in your home is another factor that should be considered when calculating the optimal discharge rate for purifying your water supply. For instance, a maximum of 7 GPM is recommended for a single-family home with two persons using the bathroom. This is because two people require more water per minute than one person does. However, residences that contain five persons or more and three bathrooms or more will likely require a higher flow rate of approximately 15 GPM.
Required Maintenance
The majority of whole-house water filtration systems are fairly simple to maintain after the original implementation has been completed. The routine replacement of water filters is the single most essential action that must be done. Be careful to consult the manual, as the frequency of replacement for some can be as high as once every three months, while others can remain functional for an entire calendar year.
Due to the fact that each model is one-of-a-kind, it is recommended that you search for an alternative that does not require disassembly each time the filters are changed. In addition, just like the rest of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, it is recommended that you have a qualified technician perform maintenance on your water filtration at least once per year.
FAQ
Are whole-house water filters worth it?
Epstein notes that the price of a decent whole-house water purifier can range anywhere from $2,000 to more than $3,000, depending on the level of filtration that is desired. While the price of many models is around $500, The purchase of a water purifier is an excellent expenditure for many different kinds of households.
Epstein recommends taking stock of your present requirements in order to ascertain whether or not the investment will be beneficial. Are you imbibing or consuming a significant amount of water from the tap? Is there a tinge of color in the water? Does it have a scent to it? Is there a large concentration of particles?” The answers to these questions can shed light on the level of urgency and necessity associated with installing a purification system in your house.
Do whole-house water filters remove lead?
The removal of lead and other heavy elements, including mercury, iron, copper, manganese, chromium, and arsenic, is a function of some whole-house water purifiers. However, not all systems are intended to remove lead, even if they can filter other heavy metals; therefore, before purchasing a system, it is important to make sure that you read the product description carefully.
Epstein suggests investing in a reverse osmosis system that complies with the standards set forth by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) if there is lead present in the water source at your location. Lead can also be effectively removed from drinking water by using whole-house water purifiers that contain kinetic degradation fluxion (KDF) media.
Where are whole-house water filters installed?
Epstein explains that these filters are typically installed at the point where the water supply enters the home in order to purify all of the water used for household purposes. It is highly probable that the primary water shut-off valve for your home is located on the exterior of the structure, possibly in the basement, garage, or utility area, but it could also be in the basement. In addition, according to Epstein, electricity is generally necessary, and “drainage may be necessary for automatic washdown of the filter.”
How long do whole-house water filters last?
The tanks of the majority of whole-house water purification systems have a lifespan that can range anywhere from three to ten years, depending on the capacity of the system and the size of the residence. There are some high-end ones that can last for up to twenty years.
However, the filters do not have a particularly lengthy lifespan and will eventually need to be replaced. Filters that remove sediment and charcoal typically need to be replaced every three to six months, whereas UV water filters typically last for about a year before needing to be replaced. KDF media has a much extended shelf life, typically ranging from three to six years.
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
