by Carl Jensen
Plumber, Welder, Contractor
> 2 min read
From poor tap water taste to sinks and drains clogged with limescale, there are many reasons to consider whole-home water filters. The best whole house water filter cleans and filters your water for drinking, washing, watering the lawn, and more.
Depending on where you live and what type of water you have (hard or soft), you might need a different level of filtration. Filter systems can remove a lot of impurities, but you need to remove specific ones for the best results.
Deciding on the best option requires sifting through best whole house water filter reviews online—but fortunately, we’ve done the work for you.
Top Choices in the Market
Product | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Express
| |
 | Aquasana
| |
 | Home Master HMF3SDGFEC
| |
 | iSpring WGB32B 3-Stage
| |
 | GE GXWH40L
| |
 | Culligan WH-HD200-C
| |
 | 3M Aqua-Pure
| |
 | Whirlpool WHELJ1
| |
 | AO Smith Single-Stage
|
How to Pick the Perfect One for Your Needs?
Choosing the right whole house water filter system can be a challenge. Knowing what type of filtration you want—and how much you want to spend—are important factors.
Think about the features you want and consider these points before shopping.
Features to Look for
All whole house water filter systems filter every drop of water from each spigot in your home. But they do offer different features, some of which can make it harder or easier to use the system.
Add-on filters for hard water, for example, are a handy feature if your water often has chalky residue or turns your hair green. You might want the ability to add-on more filters later, too.
An easy-install system is another factor; if you don’t want to hire a plumber, make sure to choose a simpler system.
Considerations Before You Buy
There are a few crucial points to consider before you buy a whole-house filtration system.
First, what do you plan to use your water for? Cleansing your water with whole-house filtration can help preserve your plumbing and prevent buildup from rust and limescale in your shower and sinks.
But if you want better-tasting and safer water, you might want extra filtration steps.
Next, what type of filtration is your priority?
Whole-house filtration systems can remove contaminants like:
- Hard minerals—IE magnesium and calcium
- Fluoride
- Sodium
- Iron
- Viruses and bacteria
- Lead
- Chlorine
However, you’ll need to read carefully to find out what level of filtration the system offers. Not all systems protect against every type of molecule or particle in the water.
Next, consider your budget. Investing in a whole-house filter can be expensive. Fortunately, most brands offer a pricing comparison for per-gallon water costs. These figures can help you determine whether a filter is a good deal.
Knowing how long the filters last is also helpful for planning your finances. The economical most filters last a long time and don’t cost much to replace.
Learn the benefits of Under Sink Water Filtration here.
Benefits at Home
Being able to enjoy fresh, safe water is a clear benefit of water filtration. You don’t want to worry about drinking chemicals, pesticides, chlorine, or any other contaminant. But what makes a whole house water filter system a better option than everything else on the market?
Here are a few benefits of a whole house water filter system:
- You no longer need to buy bottled water
- There’s no plastic to store your H2O in
- You install it once and then forget about it until it’s time to change the filters
- The whole house gets cleaner water
- You don’t have to wait for the water to filter—it comes on demand
- You can reduce water spots and stains on dishes, sinks, and more
- Plants and pets get cleaner water no matter which faucet you fill from
- You don’t need to use different water sources for drinking, cooking, or cleaning
- Storing water is unnecessary since filtration happens each time you run the tap
- Each water source in your home is safer, so you can drink from any faucet
- Your skin and hair can feel cleaner with fewer minerals in your water
- You can customize the filtration to your water profile and preferences
- Whole house systems come in purification, reverse osmosis, and other styles
For many households, a whole house system offers a permanent water filtration solution. Once you install your system, you only need to change the filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Many units range from six months to over a year, meaning there’s very little upkeep to handle. Some equipment lasts even longer—see our recommendations below.
Plus, your entire home will benefit from cleaner water. If you often see limescale on your bathtub or feel a grimy film on your hands after washing, you’ll know how important clean water is throughout the whole house. Water spots on your dishes are another telltale sign that your water contains things it shouldn’t.
While under sink systems clean up your kitchen’s water, they don’t help with bathroom taps or anywhere else in the home. A system that cleans your water from where it enters your house and on eliminates the risk of many contaminants and illnesses reaching your family.
Whether you need to get a drink from the restroom faucet or just want peace of mind while brushing your teeth, a whole house filter delivers.
Check out our latest post: Best Refrigerator Water Filters
Why is There a Need for it?
While most people understand wanting clean water to drink, the question of why it’s necessary for the whole house might come up. The short answer is that cleaner water is always better—and many people prefer to clean all the water in their homes.
After all, each time you shower, whatever is in your tap water is saturating your body. Whatever minerals and contaminants are in the water soak in, which means toxins can penetrate your skin and hair.
The same applies to your bathroom sinks—even washing your hands isn’t as effective if your water supply is tainted. Not to mention, brushing your teeth with chlorine-heavy or lead-contaminated water is unhealthy—and doesn’t smell or taste good, either.
And when it comes to cleaning your home, mineral deposits can make your bathtub green, your toilet rusty, and your sink corroded. Cleaning the water as it enters your home’s pipes can cut down on all manner of contaminants and rust.
Plus, in the kitchen, whether you’re washing dishes or watering plants, mineral buildup can cause issues. Your dishware might have spots—or a greasy film—and the deposits can affect the flavor of your fruit and beverages. Severely contaminated water can ruin your dishwasher, kill your plants, and clog your refrigerator’s water spigot and ice maker.
The only way to guarantee safer water through your home’s pipes is to catch it and clean it at the source. While no filtration system can remove 100 percent of contaminants, you can vastly reduce the contents of your H2O by installing a whole house system. Plus, you only install it once—and then you’re done—instead of swapping filters at every faucet in the house.
What Contaminants Does It Remove?
Whole house water filters remove a range of contaminants. From lead to microbes to cysts, there are tons of undesirable things floating in even “safe” municipal water. Your whole hose filter can nix things like chlorine, sediment, rust, and other toxins.
But, does a whole house water filter remove calcium? That depends on the specific filter type. Many filters aren’t ranked for removing TDS, which includes many minerals—such as calcium. To know for sure whether your whole house system will eliminate the minerals you’re worried about, you need to read their documentation carefully.
Testing your home water source can also indicate whether you need a specific filter for removing minerals. But keep in mind that many home filtration systems aim to leave minerals in since some are healthy for human consumption. So, it might be tough to find a filter that can eliminate as much calcium as you want from the water.
Also, if fluoride removal is a concern, you’ll need to check carefully for that, as well. Ideally, you should choose multiple filtration modes for your home system for better odds at removing harmful and unwanted substances.
How Does It Work?
When you decide on a whole house filter, it’s understandable to be a little apprehensive. You need to install the system where your plumbing enters the property—which is usually in the basement.
Here’s a rundown of the installation and use steps for a whole house filter:
- Turn off the water
- Cut the pipe
- Measure and install the filter system
- Tighten everything
- Turn the water back on
- Flush the system
- Start enjoying fresher water
To install most systems, you need to shut the water off to the entire property. Then, you’ll need to cut your home’s pipes and fit the filter unit in the opening. But once everything is in place, you can turn the water back on, run a quick flush of the system, and start sipping from the tap.
Because the system is fitted to your pipes, every ounce of water that passes into your home gets filtered. Then, it travels through your home’s plumbing and reaches sinks, faucets, and even the toilet. All the water that’s on its way into your house flows through your pipes and gets filtered.
Most whole house filters use multiple modes of filtration. For example, you can find these types of filters on many systems—often working in unison.
- Carbon filtration to improve taste
- .5-micron filtration to remove sediment and other fine elements
- Re-mineralization with mineral-rich pods or packs
- Ionization filters to create healthier water
- pH-balancing filters to maintain water with safe-to-consume levels
Your system might also offer options for filter swapping—with specialized filters for hard water, alkaline water, and other scenarios. Just be sure to read the manufacturer’s recommendations for your water type and needs. Making an alkaline water is an easy task together with your equipment.
Depending on the filters your system includes, it might have one stage or many stages of processing. For hard water, a pre-treatment phase typically cuts down on the total dissolved solids (TDS) so that the remaining filters don’t have to work as hard.
But the upside is that you don’t need to do anything—except turn on a faucet. The water filters work together as the water flows, and you won’t need to adjust anything, press any buttons, or turn on or off electricity.
The only maintenance you’ll need to do is changing the filters, occasionally flushing the system, and ensuring there aren’t any leaks.
How to Correctly Do Maintenance for This Type
Maintaining your whole house water filter system is straightforward. You’ll need to follow the manufacturer guidelines as to how often you should replace your filters. In general, water filters last between six months and one year. However, depending on your household’s consumption, you might need to change the filters sooner (or even later).
Many systems have automatic alerts when the filters require changing. Others rely on consumers visually monitoring filter cleanliness to determine when to swap the units.
In most cases, you’ll need to shut off the water while you change your system’s filters. You can learn how to clean the whole house water filter by reading the product instructions carefully.
How to Install
Wondering how to install a whole house water filter at home? Follow these steps:
- Turn off your home’s water while you work.
- Find your adjustable wrenches and grab a bucket. You’ll likely need a pipe cutter to place the system, too.
- Open a faucet (at the system’s lowest point) to clear out the pipes as much as possible.
- Cut the pipe—as necessary—using the template from your installation kit (if the manufacturer doesn’t provide one, measure carefully before cutting).
- Attach the included filter fittings to the pipe. Use plumber’s tape (Teflon tape) to ensure a leak-free connection.
- Slide the filter into place. Follow the installation instructions and guides on the product.
- Turn the water on to check for leaks.
How to Change or Replace
Once your system has been running for a few months (or longer), you’ll need to learn how to change the whole house water filter.
- Turn off the water to the filter system. If there’s no bypass valve, you might need to turn off the water to the whole house.
- Place a bucket underneath the filters to catch any spills.
- Unscrew the filter(s) and remove it.
- Install (screw in) the new filter(s).
- Turn the water back on slowly to check for leaks.
For filters that do not unscrew, you will need to follow the installation steps in reverse to swap out your cartridge/filter combination.
Common Problems (& Fixes)
Changing the whole house water filter should go smoothly. But if you run into one of these common problems, we have the solutions.
What if the system leaks? If water is leaking out, check for:
- A loose seal on the filter(s)
- Lack of Teflon/plumber’s tape at vital connection points
- Adjustment on the pressure release valve (as applicable)
The water doesn’t taste better. If your tap water doesn’t meet expectations, you might want to grab a test kit to check pollutant and mineral levels. Remember that not all systems work with all water types, either—so read carefully before buying.
Related Article: Best Gravity Water Filters
9 Best Whole House Water Filter Reviews
1. Express Whole House Water Filter Heavy Metal – 3 Stage Home Water Filtration System – Sediment, KDF, Carbon Filters – includes Pressure Gauges, Easy Release, and 1” Inch Connections
FEATURES
- Made From 100% High Quality Food-Grade Materials
- Housing Attached With High Capacity Flow Connectors
- Drop-And-Go Unique Design
- 1-Year Warranty
- Hassle-Free Installation And Replacement
Filter Life:
Up to 6-12 Months
System:
3-Stage Filtration Technology
What We Like
Express Water’s whole-house water filter features three-stage filtration that addresses a long list of contaminants. From VOCs to cloudiness and odors, this filtration system works hard to remove everything unsightly from your water.
We like the clear first stage housing, which makes it easy to tell when the filters require replacement. Plus, the system is budget-friendly overall. More on the filters later—but you only need to change them about every six to 12 months or 100,000 gallons.
Express Water also provides a one-year warranty and free lifetime support—so you’re not alone when it comes to navigating any performance issues. Pressure gauges give you real-time feedback if there’s a problem, too.
What We Don’t Like
While the unit itself is economical, the replacement filters are steep in cost. Also, the free-standing frame is a little awkward to handle and install—it is made well, though, and can handle tough conditions.
Conclusion
Express Water’s rugged whole-house filter system removes a long list of contaminants from your water, and it’s easy to see what’s happening with the system. Replacement filters can be pricey, but the affordability of the system overall means your cost-per-use is fairly low.
Related Post: Reliable Countertop Water Filter
2. Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System - Filters Sediment & 97% Of Chlorine - Carbon & KDF Home Water Filtration - EQ-1000, 10 Yr, 1 Million Gl
FEATURES
- Dual Tank Upflow Design Prevents Clogging
- Removes 97% Of Chlorine And Other Harmful Contaminants
- Powerful UV Filtration Kills 99.99% Of Virus And Bacteria
- Capacity Of 1,000,000 Gal
Filter Life:
Up to 10 Years
System:
SCM Salt-free Technology
What We Like
Aquasana’s Whole House Water Filter system lasts a whopping ten years—or 1 million gallons—and filters out sediment, chlorine, and more. It removes 97 percent of chlorine, cuts 99.99 percent of viruses, bacteria, and cysts and reduces VOCs, pesticides, herbicides, and other contaminants.
The filter system features carbon and KDF filtration plus UV purification and a salt-free descaler.
Per Aquasana, you’ll pay an average of $.01 per gallon—making this unit an economical choice when you consider cost-per-use. And, replacement filters are very economical, too.
What We Don’t Like
Aquasana’s whole-house filter presents a significant investment. Though the system will last ten years—a huge perk—the filters need to be changed about every three months.
Also, though the Rhino whole-house model cuts a lot of contaminants, it doesn’t remove all minerals. If you prefer a “cleaner” water taste, you might not like the flavor this system provides.
Conclusion
We love that Aquasana includes everything you need to install this 10-year system. Replacing the pre- and post-filters every three months is a bit inconvenient, but this might be the best option for long-term water filtration for your entire home.
Also, replacing the filters is straightforward—just screw off the old ones, and thread on the new ones.
3. Home Master HMF3SDGFEC Whole House Three Stage Water Filtration System with Fine Sediment, Iron and Carbon, Blue
FEATURES
- Eliminates Up To 95% Of Dirt, Rust, And Harmful Impurities
- Reduced Maintenance Frequency And Improved Flow Rate Due To Its Oversized Filters
- Removes The Foul Tastes And Odors
- Capacity Of 95,000 Gal
- 2-Year Warranty
Filter Life:
Up to 1 Year
System:
3-Stage Filtration Technology
What We Like
Home Master’s whole-house three-stage filter system works with both well and city water. It’s a low-profile unit that processes up to 15 gallons per minute, keeping your water flowing fast.
The filters use multi-gradient materials, which means filtration is effective down to one micron. Multiple purification steps remove up to 95 percent of toxins like iron, chemicals, and more.
Filters last about six to 12 months, depending on a handful of factors like flow rate and water quality. Swapping the filters might involve a bit of spillage, but nothing major.
What We Don’t Like
The system is not compatible with chlorinated city water or acidic water. Therefore, the manufacturer recommends checking your well water report or local city information before ordering.
Also, the filter may require replacement sooner, depending on the parts per million of certain toxins. That said, consumers may find that other off-brand filters fit this system quite well, too.
Conclusion
Home Master’s whole-house system offers multiple stages of filtration and delivers peace of mind. The cost-per-use is very low, making this one of the more affordable options for filtering your entire home’s water supply.
4. iSpring WGB32B 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System w/ 20-Inch Big Blue Sediment and Carbon Block Filters
FEATURES
- Removes Harmful Contaminants And Other Chemicals
- Retains All The Healthy Minerals In The Water
- Cartridge Designed To Extend Life Of Filter
- 100,000 Gal Of Capacity
Filter Life:
Up to 1 Year
System:
3-Stage Filtration
What We Like
iSpring’s 3-stage system addresses sediment primarily, but its carbon filtration also helps reduce other impurities. The first-stage sediment filter can remove particles down to five microns, and the second and third stage carbon block filters use coconut shell carbon for high efficiency.
iSpring promises 100,000 gallons of filtration—up to one year—with this system. You can anticipate the removal of 95 percent of sediment, chlorine, chemicals, and other toxins.
What We Don’t Like
There’s no mineral removal with iSpring’s unit, and it doesn’t reduce total dissolved solids (the company does offer reverse osmosis systems to address TDS).
Also, you may need a water pressure regulator for proper installation. Otherwise, the pressure relief valves might leak. Checking your water pressure—and water contents—before installing is a smart idea.
Conclusion
With its multi-stage filtration and focus on eliminating sediment, the iSpring system might be the best whole house filter for well owners or those with high-sediment water. For cutting strong smells and sediment without sacrificing water pressure, consider iSpring’s economic system for your home.
5. GE GXWH40L High Flow Whole House Water Filter
FEATURES
- Remote Filter Reminder For Easier Replacement Change
- Reduces Sediments, Scale, Dirt, And Other Substances Present On Tap Water
- Easy Installation And Replacement
- 1-Year Warranty
Filter Life:
Up to 3 Months
System:
Heavy-Duty Filtration Technology
What We Like
General Electric’s high-flow whole-house filter provides heavy-duty filtration in a small package. The clear sump allows you to view the filter and see when it requires changing. Of course, the magnetic filter reminder light helps prompt you to swap filters, too.
With the mounting bracket it comes with, it probably won’t take you long to install this system. An adjustment valve on top lets you bypass the filter if you want to—which is nice if you need to shut off the unit while changing the filter or for other reasons.
What We Don’t Like
The three-month filter life is a bit of a disappointment. However, replacements are quite affordable, making this an acceptable tradeoff for most consumers. What is frustrating is the unit itself doesn’t come with a filter. Be sure to add one to your cart when purchasing.
Conclusion
When it comes to basic, overall filtration, GE’s high-flow filter is a gamechanger. There’s nothing complicated about installation or filter replacement, and it’s an affordable option for those wanting to clean up with their sediment-filled water—but without targeted filtration for pollutants or heavy metals.
6. Culligan WH-HD200-C Whole House Heavy Duty Water Filtration System, Clear
FEATURES
- Integrated Bypass Valve And Shut-Off Valve
- Easier To Predict When To Change With Its Indicator
- Stainless Steel Reinforced
- Removes Silt, Sand, Dirt, And Other Unhealthy Substance
- 2-Year Warranty
Filter Life:
Indicator Activated
GRAIN SIZE:
Uses polyphosphates
What We Like
Culligan is another entry-level filtration option that’s convenient and economical. It helps remove sediment, scale, dirt, odors, bad tastes, and chlorine. Multiple cartridge options can enhance the removal of toxins—so check out the choices when ordering.
A battery-powered filter monitor keeps tabs on the filter’s performance, alerting you when it’s time for a replacement. Filters are affordable and easy to find on Amazon, too.
Shutoff, bypass, and pressure relief valves make it easy to get around the unit when you need to change filters or perform maintenance. These are helpful features and a trait you won’t even find on pricier systems.
What We Don’t Like
It’s tough to say exactly what level of filtration Culligan offers since the whole-house system is compatible with multiple filter types. So, you’ll need to read the information on each filter to determine what type you need.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing general odor and cloudiness problems with your tap water, Culligan’s system might be a great fit. The ability to swap out and customize filters is handy, and the filter monitor is a welcome add-on to this entry-level water purifier.
7. 3M Aqua-Pure Whole House Sanitary Quick Change Water Filter System AP903, Reduces Sediment, Chlorine Taste and Odor
FEATURES
- Sanitary Quick Change (SQC) Designed
- Helps On Extending The Life Of Water-Dependent Appliances
- Stainless Steel Head Comes With 25-Year Limited Warranty
- 100,000 Gal Of Capacity
Filter Life:
Up to 1 Year
System:
Carbon Block Technology
What We Like
For targeted water filtration, 3M’s quick-change filter system is a smart tool. It’s easy to install, easy to replace, and lasts for up to 100,000 gallons before requiring replacement. The filtration reduces particles measuring up to five microns, too.
Plus, if you’re on a budget, you can’t go wrong with this quick fix. You’ll enjoy up to 85 percent lower chlorine—which improves the water’s taste—and fewer odors, too.
What We Don’t Like
Though this system is handy for many applications, it only reduces chlorine and sediment—that’s it. If you have other known pollutants in your water supply (or suspect contamination), you’ll probably want a two- or three-stage system instead.
Another potential pitfall is that you must replace the entire cartridge when the 100k gallons are up. That means ditching the whole cartridge and purchasing a new one—which can get pricey.
Conclusion
If you suspect (or smell) chlorine in your home’s tap water, 3M’s quick-fix whole home filter might be the perfect solution. It can reduce sediment, clear up smells and funky flavors, and works in the background for six months or more. We don’t like that you can’t swap the internal filters, but it’s a decent tradeoff for basic filtration on a budget.
8. Whirlpool WHELJ1 Central Water Filtration System
FEATURES
- Automatically Flushes, Cleans And Drains Its Filter Every 14 Days
- Reduces Chlorine For Great Tasting And Odorless Water
- Designed To Filter Out Sediment And To Reduce Chlorine Taste & Odor
- 1 Year Full Parts Warranty
- Easy To Install
Filter Life:
Lifetime of Filter life
System:
FilterSense Technology
What We Like
Whirlpool’s WHELJ1 promises that you can skip filter cleaning and changing for the lifetime of its system. An automatic flush-and-clean cycle occurs every 14 days, ensuring that your water supply stays safe and clean.
We like that the system is NSF certified to 40 microns, which helps remove a ton of sediment, chlorine, and other contaminants with ease. We also like the three-year warranty on all the electronic components—and the five-year warranty on the tank itself.
What We Don’t Like
The unit takes up quite a bit of space, and you can’t install it along the wall. It needs space to stand up in your basement or water closet area.
While the unit doesn’t need filter changes—ever—the lifetime of the system is around ten years. Depending on your household’s water consumption, it could last for less or more time. Though it’s affordable when you consider cost per use, the up-front investment can be significant for many households.
Conclusion
Whirlpool’s set and forget it model makes an excellent addition to your home. You can skip filter changes and upkeep and still get around ten years’ worth of fresh, safe water, which makes this a great choice of whole house water filter.
9. AO Smith Single-Stage Whole House Water Filter - Valve-In-Head Sediment Filtration System - NSF Certified - AO-WH-PREV
FEATURES
- NSF Tested And Certified
- Can Be A Stand-Alone Filtration System
- DIY Installation
- Built-In Shut-Off Bypass Valve
- Suitable For Household With A Size Of 3-4 People
Filter Life:
up to 6 Months
System:
Valve-In-Head Sediment Filtration System
What We Like
AO Smith’s single-stage whole house filter system is an excellent budget-friendly option. Universal cartridges make it easy to find and replace your filters, and you can add multiple filtration modes to the equipment. Whatever contaminant your water tests positive for, there’s an AO Smith filter to help clean it up.
The system is also NSF certified to remove particulates, so you know it is removing the contaminants it claims to. And with universally compatible cartridges, you can pick and choose what you like to achieve healthier water.
What We Don’t Like
Creating a multi-stage filtration system will take a bit of work, so even though we like that you can add filters, the DIY aspect isn’t so appealing. Lowered water pressure is another potential drawback of the AO Smith single-stage filter, and it could get worse the more cartridges you add.
Conclusion
If you’re hoping to clear up discolored or bad-tasting water, AO Smith’s whole house filter might be the perfect starting point. You can add or remove filter cartridges to target the contaminants in your water supply—and you won’t break your budget coming up with the ideal solution.
Final Verdict
Express Whole House
In our opinion, the best whole house water filter is the Express Water Heavy Metal Whole House Water Filter. It’s a mid-range option that can run for up to one year on a single set of filters—filtering through an impressive 100,000 gallons in that time.The one-year manufacturer warranty coverage—plus the overall affordability of the system—makes the Express Water unit an excellent choice. From smells to odd taste to cloudiness, the Express Water filter removes everything questionable from your water and makes drinking tap water a tolerable (and economical) experience once again.
Carl Jensen
About the Author
Carl Jensen is a plumber with over 50 years of experience in the industry, as well as related jobs like underwater welding. He runs a successful plumbing practice in Tampa, Florida, and contributes his plumbing expertise to our DIY articles, and helps to fact check and consult on most of our other stuff to boot.
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