Best Whole House Water Filter Systems December 2024

• 3M Aqua-Pure™ AP900 Series Model #AP904: Best Overall
• Aquasana Rhino® Well Water with UV Model #EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST: Best for Well Water
• G.E. Appliances System Model #GXWH40L: Best for Easy Installation
• SoftPro Water Systems Whole House Upflow Catalytic Carbon Filter: Best Compact Design
• Whirlpool Central Water Filtration System Model #WHELJ1: Best for Convenience
• G.E. Appliances Whole House Water Filtration System Model #GXWH04F: Best Budget
• Express Water Heavy Metal Whole House Water Filter Model #WH300SCKS: Best for Simple Changes
• SpringWell Water Whole House Water Filter System 1,000,000 Gallons Capacity Model #CF1: 
• Aquasana Rhino® 600,000 Gallons Model #EQ-600: Best for Small Homes
• Pentair Water Solutions Water Filter & Pelican Water Softener Alternative Combo System Model #PSE1800-P: Best Filter/softener Combo

A whole house water filter system works to keep contaminants out of your water while removing sediment, bad odors and taste. It typically connects to your main water supply and filters out chlorine and other chemicals. Some filter systems include water softeners to reduce the impact of hard water.

Whole house water filtration systems remove or destroy contaminants in your water supply as it enters your home. There are five basic ways a whole house filter may be used to do the job. Whole house water filters currently on the market use one or more of these methods to target and remove or destroy specific water-borne elements. Depending on what’s in your water will determine what type of water filter you need.

1. Water Softener

Water softeners are the most basic form of home water filtration. Many whole house water filters offer water softening as a byproduct of filtering. Water softening passes your home’s water through a synthetic medium to remove minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium and others. Removing these minerals “softens” the water and reduces scale and mineral buildup on plumbing fixtures.

2. Sediment Filter

A sediment filter removes larger contaminants from your water. Typically a sediment filter is the first one in multiple-stage filtering and purification systems. Sand, dirt, clay, sediment pollutants and metals are all captured within the sediment filter before the water moves on to subsequent filtering stages that remove even smaller particles.

3. Carbon Filter

A carbon filter passes water through an activated charcoal medium, often after it has passed through a sediment filter. The carbon can remove very fine particles, including contaminants like herbicides, pesticides and chlorine, and eliminate contaminants that cause poor-tasting or smelling water.

4. UV Purification

Ultraviolet or UV purification destroys organic pollutants in water by breaking DNA molecules down. UV purification is typically the final stage in a whole house filtering system. Unlike a mechanical filter, UV light penetrates the cells of viruses, water-borne algae, bacteria, fungi and parasites and destroys the chemical makeup from within, rendering them harmless for consumption

5. Acid Neutralization

Many whole house filters also pass water through a calcium carbonate medium to neutralize highly acidic water. Whole house water filters that include acid neutralization are excellent for use with well-water potable water systems.

Whole house water filtration systems come in various styles, capacities and price points to meet the needs of any family. The amount of filtration and purification your water needs to reach your desired water quality is the most significant factor affecting price.

A relatively simple sediment filtration system for a home can range in cost from $30 to $100 to purchase and install as a DIY project. Replacement filters for these systems typically cost under $40 and must be replaced after six to 12 months, depending on use and water quality.

Multi-stage, whole home, complete purification systems can cost between $1,000 and $4,000 or more to purchase and have professionally installed. The higher cost of these systems is justified by providing higher flow rates, larger filter capacity and less frequent filter changes. Accessories, such as reverse osmosis or UV purification options, are often available as add-ons if they’re not already included as part of the system.

Between those two extremes are large selections of additional one and two-stage filtration systems that cost between $100 and $2,000 that address specific filtration needs such as sediment removal or various levels of purification to eliminate micro-organisms or water-borne minerals.

Whole house water filtration systems are also known as point-of-entry systems. The idea behind them is to remove or destroy contaminants and harmful pollutants from your home’s water before it can enter the rest of the water system in the house.

The whole house water filtration system that your home needs depends on the water source and your desired level of purification. There are several methods of filtering and treating water to achieve similar results. While systems and manufacturers vary in how they reach the goal, your system will include one or more of the following steps.

Sediment Removal

Sediment removal filters remove particles from water. This is the first step in the purification process in multi-stage filtration systems. These filters mechanically separate out solids by passing the water through a fine-mesh media and sending the clearer water to your faucet or the next filtering stage. Sediment filters are rated by the size of debris they can remove. Filters that can capture sizes down to around five microns effectively eliminate cloudiness in the water.

Fine Mineral Filtration

The second stage of filtration passes water through additional mechanical filters that may include activated carbon, fine membrane filters or carbon-zinc combinations to remove minerals, chemicals and metals, as well as having some ability to eliminate or destroy organics like algae, fungi and other microorganisms.

Purification and Bacterial Filtration

The final stage of water purification destroys or eliminates microorganisms like viruses and bacteria. A reverse osmosis system or exposure to ultraviolet light (UV) can accomplish this level of purification by capturing or destroying biological contaminants on a molecular level.

What Gets Filtered

It’s important to know what’s in your water that you want to filter out. Filter systems should remove, at a minimum, chlorine and sediment. After that, filter systems can remove chemicals, volatile organic compounds, scale, minerals and metals. How much a filter system removes can vary greatly between manufacturers and the type of filters yours includes.

While some systems work by simply removing sediment from your water, others are more comprehensive and can include UV light exposure or other means to destroy or otherwise eliminate microorganisms on a molecular level.

Degree of Filtration

The size of the impurities in water is measured in terms of microns. A micron rating is closely associated with a system’s filtration degree and identifies the purity level in treated water. Filter micron ratings indicate the largest size of particles that are allowed to pass through the filter. A filter designed to capture five-micron particles won’t allow larger particles to go through the filter, but will let particles smaller than that pass.

Pre-sediment filters trap sand, dust and large metal contaminants from water, typically down to around 50 microns. Finer filters that remove and trap 20-micron particles eliminate those elements down to a size in which you’ll begin to see cloudiness disappearing. Five-micron filtering will remove any particles visible to the naked eye and eliminate many bacterias, cysts and some organics, while one-micron and smaller purification methods create very pure water.

Filter Capacity

A filter’s capacity matters because it will determine how often you need to purchase a new filter. Filter capacity and lifespan can vary depending on how much water you use and the quality of water you’re filtering. Filters become ineffective once they fill up.

As a general rule, the finer the filter media, the more often you’ll need to swap filters for a fresh one. For instance, a five-micron filter will need replacement more often than a 20-micron one. However, frequent filter changing can be reduced in a multi-stage filtration system by starting with large-micron filtration and sequentially moving through finer filters.

Flow Rate

Home filtration systems tend to impact the flow rate in a home, or at least it’s a frequent complaint of homeowners who install them. The flow rate determines how much water can pass through the filter at one time. A five GPM filter is typically adequate for one to two people in a one or two-bathroom home.

Generally, the finer the filtration, the lower the flow rate. Meaning cleaner water requires more time to pass through the filtering system. Whole house filtration systems that provide a high water purity are often physically larger to increase the flow rate or can be accompanied by temporary filtered water storage.

HOUSEHOLD SIZE	ONE TO TWO BATHROOMS (GPM)	THREE TO FOUR BATHROOMS (GPM)	FIVE TO SIX BATHROOMS (GPM)
1 - 2	5 - 7	7 - 10	10 - 14
3 - 4	5 - 8	8 - 12	12 – 14
4 - 5	7 - 10	10 - 12	14 - 16
6 - 7	8 - 12	12 - 16	16 - 20
7 - 8	12	14 - 16	20

*GPM: gallons per minute

See More See Less

Operational Temperature and Pressure Range

Whole house water filtration systems can only operate if adequate water pressure is available. Typically these systems require a minimum of 20 pounds per square inch (PSI) to function. Higher filtration levels require higher pressures. Most municipal water systems deliver somewhere around 35 PSI of pressure. However, homes served by private wells may have to ensure their well pump can deliver adequate pressure.

Water temperature can also affect water filtration. However, most homeowners don’t have much to worry about. Optimal filtering is achievable in a wide range of temperatures between freezing and boiling. A filter system located outdoors should only be considered in climates that don’t experience freezing weather.

Installation

Most water filtration systems can be installed by yourself. However, some of the higher-end models will need professional installation. Anytime you’re dealing with water, you’ll want to make sure you know what you’re doing because any error can lead to catastrophic damage to your home. If you’re not comfortable installing a filtration system, call a pro.

Maintenance

Water filtration systems vary widely in their maintenance needs, and the manufacturer can supply information regarding what your particular system will require. Single-stage systems may only require infrequent filter changes on a regular schedule, while complex, multi-stage systems could require regular backwashing, cleaning, regeneration and other maintenance that you can perform or hire a professional to complete the work.

Whole House Filter System Warranties

Warranties on whole house filtration systems are highly variable between manufacturers, products, what they cover and for how long. Warranties of one year are just as common as lifetime warranties. A typical warranty covers manufacturing defects and component failures, but doesn’t cover installation issues or filter changes.

Filter Certification

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) tests and rates water filters and has developed requirements for safety and performance. The number signifies that the order, requirement or protocol was established, and not focused on the rating.

NSF certification ensures that your water filtration system meets rigorous safety and construction standards. An NSF-approved system has been tested to ensure that it removes the contaminants it claims to, and won’t allow specific pollutants to pass through.

Water Tastes Bad

A home water filtration system is a quick way to eliminate poor tasting water. Filtration systems will eliminate chlorine, which is often the cause of the poor taste. Additionally, whole house water filtration systems can remove or destroy harmful contaminants from your water, such as metals, sediments, chemicals, pollutants and microorganisms, to ensure that the water you use is safe for consumption.

Cloudy Water

Cloudy water could contain impurities, like sediments, that a whole house water filter can help remove. Cloudy water can be the result of suspended particles in the water as small as five microns. Although some sediment filtration can lessen water cloudiness, charcoal filtration can typically eliminate the condition altogether.

Impurities

Whole house water filter systems can help remove chemicals and VOCs. Some will even remove herbicides, pesticides, iron and heavy metals. Impurities such as algae, fungi, viruses and bacteria can also linger in untreated water. Comprehensive whole house systems can eliminate or destroy these elements as well.

High Chlorine Levels

Water filtration systems can significantly decrease chlorine levels in your water. Most can remove around 80%, while some can remove up to 99%, depending on the level of filtration your whole house system can achieve

Hard Water

Hard water is caused by the presence of minerals such as calcium and magnesium suspended in water. Many homeowners experience the effects of hard water, like mineral buildup on faucets and showerheads, in municipalities with water that contains these and other minerals.

Whole home water filter systems with a water softener function can reduce the impact of hard water. Some models feature salt-free water softening, and others don’t even use electricity.

Relatively simple whole house water filters can be installed quickly as a DIY project if you have some plumbing experience or knowledge. The process involves ensuring the water to the home is turned off at the water main valve, cutting the pipe, installing a pair of valves, a bypass line and valve and the filter itself.

Professionals often install more complex water filter systems. However, the reason isn’t often because the plumbing is more complex, but correctly setting up the filtration requires additional system knowledge.

Featured Partner

Advertisement

THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.

1

LeafHome – Water Solutions

BBB

A

States Serviced

20

Feature

FREE in-home water test and white glove service

1

LeafHome – Water Solutions

Get Free Estimates

From Participating Partners

Maintaining a whole house water filter system is crucial for ensuring its efficiency and longevity. Follow these steps to keep your system in optimal condition:

1. Regularly check the filters: The most critical maintenance task is to check and replace the filters as needed. Sediment pre-filters should be checked every two to three months and replaced if they show significant buildup or discoloration.
2. Schedule annual inspections: Even if everything seems to be working fine, having a professional inspect your system once a year can help catch potential issues before they become serious problems.
3. Clean and sanitize the system: Depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations, your system may need to be cleaned and sanitized periodically. This usually involves running a sanitizing solution through the system to clean the interior surfaces and control any bacterial growth.
4. Monitor water pressure and flow: Changes in water pressure or flow rate can indicate a clogged filter or another issue within the system. Keep an eye on your water pressure and consult your system’s manual for troubleshooting tips if you notice any significant changes.
5. Check for salt bridging in softeners: If your system includes a water softener, check the brine tank regularly for salt bridges—a hard crust that forms and prevents salt from dissolving into the water properly. Break up any salt bridges you find.
6. Replace UV bulbs annually: If your system uses UV purification, remember that the effectiveness of the UV light can diminish over time. Replace UV bulbs annually, even if they haven’t burned out, to ensure optimal performance.
7. Keep a maintenance log: Keep a record of all maintenance activities, including filter changes, system inspections, and any repairs. This log can be invaluable for troubleshooting and ensuring that maintenance tasks are performed on schedule.

Determining the value of a whole house water filter depends on various factors unique to each household. These systems are designed to provide comprehensive water purification for your entire home, ensuring that clean, filtered water flows from every tap. Here are some considerations to help you assess whether such an investment might be worthwhile for you:

• Water quality concerns: If your water supply is prone to contamination, high in sediment or affected by unpleasant tastes and odors, a whole house water filter can significantly improve the quality of your water.
• Health and safety: For households concerned about specific contaminants that might affect health, such as lead, chlorine or bacteria, a whole house system can offer peace of mind by removing these substances from your water.
• Appliance longevity: Hard water and sediment can damage appliances and plumbing over time. A whole house filter, especially one with softening capabilities, can protect your appliances and extend their lifespan.
• Convenience: Having filtered water available from every tap is highly convenient, eliminating the need for multiple point-of-use filters or bottled water.
• Environmental impact: For those looking to reduce their environmental footprint, a whole house water filter can decrease reliance on bottled water, contributing to less plastic waste.

While the initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs can be significant, the benefits of improved water quality, health protection, appliance preservation and environmental sustainability may outweigh these expenses for certain households. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your specific water quality issues, priorities and long-term household needs.

To determine the best whole house water filter system ranking, the Forbes Home Improvement editorial team analyzed third-party data on 23 whole house water filter systems, with each product’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including:

Price (20%)

Because price is a major deciding factor when choosing a potentially large investment product for your home, products that equated to an excellent value in their price range were awarded in our review.

Flow Rate (GPM) (20%)

Flow rate for a whole house system affects the product’s usability. For that reason, systems with excellent flow rates for their level of filtration were awarded higher points in this crucial category.

Stage Type (15%)

In our review, the type of stages or filtration included with the filtration system was analyzed and scored against other systems with similar abilities.

Filter Lifespan (Number of Months) (15%)

Filter changes and maintenance determine the overall convenience and affordability of a whole house filtration system. Filter lifespans were evaluated against their level of filtration and the average number of months it will last with regular use.

Warranty (Number of Months) (15%)

Warranty durations on whole house systems are highly variable between manufacturers and product lines. Longer warranties were compared against competitor products and rewarded in our review.

NSF/ANSI- Standard Certification (10%)

Safety certification is crucial when dealing with products that can have a direct impact on health. NSF/ANSI certification is rewarded with higher ratings in our review.

Softening Capability (5%)

Not all water filters have water softening capability. Likewise, not all homes require water softening. Systems that include the ability to soften water were rated slightly higher than their competitors.