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What’s the best whole house water filter? We tested over 46 different water filteration systems–our top choice is going to pleasantly surprise you!
iSpring RCC7 High Capacity Under Sink 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filtration System and Ultimate Water Softener
Removes contaminants down to 0.0001 microns
Filters out flouride
Some users reported the faucet sometimes drips
Instruction manual has minor errors
Express Water Whole House Water Filter System GAC Carbon Sediment 3 Stage Filtration 4.5″ x 20″ Inch
Provides chlorine- and odor-free water
Low maintenance
Whole House 3-Stage Water Filtration System, 1/2″ port
Removes sediment, chemicals, and various other contaminants
Filters easy to replace, inexpensive, and easy to find
Filters need to be changed every 2-3 months
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WriterHome Master HMF2SDGC Whole House 2-Stage Water Filter with Fine Sediment and Carbon
The two-stage filtration in this system lets you get rid of sediment and chemicals and the filters for the system need to be changed only once a year.
Filters need to be replaced approximately once a year
Removes 95% of sediment, chemicals, and other contaminants
Plastic ports
Getting a tight seal might be difficult
Ultraviolet Water Purifier Sterilizer Filter for Whole House Water Purification
A great choice for eliminating bacteria and microorganisms from water. Easy to install and highly durable.
Kills 99% of microorganisms
Easy installation
Water has to be pre-treated
Doesn’t improve taste, odor, PH, or chemistry of the water
Home Master HMF3SDGFEC Whole House 3-Stage Water Filter with Fine Sediment, Iron, and Carbon
This system gives you amazingly clean water by removing sediment, chemicals and metals form your water. It is easy to maintain and filters need to be changed only once a year.
Removes 95% of sediment, iron, manganese, chemicals, and other contaminants
Good water flow rate
The plastic on copper fittings sometimes leak
Shouldn’t be used with acidic water
IRON Pro 2 Combination water softener iron filter Fleck 5600SXT
For those who have problems with hard water and iron, this system can tackle even the most problematic water with high impurity levels.
Can handle high heavy metal rates
Good at removing sediment
Not good for very large households (more than 8 people)
Installation connections not included
Aquasana 10-Year, 1,000,000 Gallon Whole House Water Filter with Salt-Free Softener, UV Filtration, and Professional Installation Kit
Efficiently removes various impurities from water, but can be problematic for some customers. Risky purchase.
No draining, water waste, or backflushing
Removes 99.99% of viruses and bacteria
Filters need to be changed every 2-3 months
Complicated installation
9 Superior Whole House Water Filter Reviews 2024
Therapist with experience of more than 25 years. She has written over 15 scientific papers. She works as a family doctor.
Diane W. Christenson
If the answer is yes, you're probably confused by individual products' specs. No wonder, since the reviews can get a bit technical, and doing research on each of the terms involved can be a real hassle. On the other hand, you wouldn't want to invest in something you don't quite understand.
We got you covered. There's really no need to do all that on your own. We know your main goal here is to make the water in your home clean and safe for drinking and using on an everyday basis. We understand the fact we all have our unique living situations, budget restrictions, and different preferences. That's why we've made this review accessible to everyone, regardless of all the varying factors involved.
When looking for an all-in-one water filtration system that’s dependable and affordable, our research showed that you can’t go wrong with the iSpring RCC7. This multi-layered system filters over 1,000 different types of contaminants, ensuring clean and healthy water in the home. Although this is not a whole house system, it delivers amazing results at a great price!
What makes the RCC7 one of the best systems out there is its five-stage filtration which eliminates bacteria, viruses, iron, lead, mercury, chlorine, asbestos, and much more. The system consists of three pre-filters: the polypropylene (PP) sediment filter, the granular activated charcoal (GAC) filter, and the carbon block (CTO) filter.
The PP sediment filter removes sediments, dust, sand, dirt, and rust from the water, while the GAC filter ensures that no chlorine comes through. It also makes the water odorless and colorless, while removing foul tastes and cloudiness. The third pre-filter, the CTO filter, removes chloramines and other harmful chemicals.
Here’s what we really loved:
The heart of this excellent filtration system is the RO (reverse osmosis) membrane. It’s a very fine membrane that removes contaminants down to 0.0001 microns. This basically means that nothing except water molecules is able to pass through. After the RO membrane, another GAC post-carbon filter removes possible residual tastes and odors, ensuring perfectly clear and healthy water.
All the filters have to be changed about once or twice a year, depending on water quality and hardness. The only exception is the RO filter, which should be changed after two years. The replacement filters are inexpensive and easy to come by.
With its 75 gallons per day capacity, the RCC7 is perfect for home use. What also sets it apart from most other filtration systems is that it looks great. It also comes with a convenient and visually enticing lead-free brushed nickel faucet.
This system is small enough to easily fit under any sink, and even a beginner can install it in about two hours. All the installation pieces and equipment come with the system, and there is also an instruction manual, as well as many handy YouTube installation videos available. iSpring also offers live phone support, and while doing our research, we’ve confirmed that this company’s customer service is unparalleled.
Our research also showed that there are a few downsides to this iSpring RCC7 RO system. Firstly, the faucet included in the package sometimes starts dripping. Some users report that it started dripping right away, while most report that the dripping begins after six or more months of use.
We also found that the installation manual that comes with the product is a bit outdated, and does not include all the items that come with the product. Luckily, the YouTube videos by iSpring are very convenient and helpful, so the mistakes in the installation manual can be overlooked.
There are some very popular add-ons that go with this product. iSpring ICEK Ultra-Safe Fridge Water Line Connection and Ice Maker Installation Kit is used to connect the water filtration system to the ice maker or water dispenser of a refrigerator. This kit contains all the items you need to install it, including tubing, valves, and a compression fitting set. It’s easy to install, even for beginners, and there are absolutely no tools required.
There’s also iSpring 1-Year Filter Replacement Supply Set for 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Systems. The set includes two of each of the pre-filters and one post-filter. Each filter is wrapped individually. This replacement set is meant to cover your replacement filter needs for a full year. Note: this set doesn’t include a replacement RO membrane, only pre- and post-filters.
Removes contaminants down to 0.0001 microns
Filters out flouride
Some users reported the faucet sometimes drips
Instruction manual has minor errors
If you want to have completely clean and safe water in your home for your family, pets, and plants, we’ve found that this Whole House Water Filter System from Express Water is a quality choice. Express Water is a reputable company which focuses on making quality systems which are easy to use, and this one definitely fits the bill.
We found that this filtration system provides any household with chlorine- and odor-free water which is safe for the family, as well as pets and plants. It also protects your appliances from damage and increases their durability, efficiency, and lifespan. This means you will save some extra money on energy bills and repairs. This water filter system includes three filtration stages – the SEDIMENT, GAC and CTO stage.
The SEDIMENT filter is made from pure polypropylene microfibers and complies with the highest industry standards. This filter traps various particles such as dirt, rust, coarse sand, silt, and more. It also has a high holding capacity, which means you won’t have to clean it or change the filter as often.
The second filter is the GAC filter which removes chlorine, organic chemicals, suspended particles, dirt, and odors found in tap water. It also removes any unnatural tastes, which provides absolutely clean drinking and cooking water. The CTO or Carbon Block filter is made from fine coconut shell carbon which once again removes suspended particles, chemicals, and dirt on a finer level.
Want to know the best part?
All of the filters have been tested by independent laboratories, so you can be sure they work as promised. All of them also have relevant industry certificates to ensure safety and efficiency.
This water filtration system also includes a pressure gauge and pressure release button. Previous buyers have reported that this means you can easily determine incoming water pressure, as well as replace the cartridge without much hassle. We found that the only downside to this filtration system is that it includes plastic housing caps which can sometimes break if handled roughly.
Provides chlorine- and odor-free water
Low maintenance
This whole house filtration system is simple and inexpensive and is a great solution for an average homeowner. Made by a reputable company, our research showed that it mostly provides what it promises.
Our research found that this quality filtration system can provide any household with water that’s free from the taste, smell, and harmful chemicals. It makes it safe for the family, as well as pets and plants. Another advantage of this system that it removes chlorine, radon, VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and other common chemicals. This filter also removes cloudiness, offensive odors, colors, and unpleasant tastes. Basically, the filtered water protects your appliances from accruing any damage, which can increase their efficiency and lifespan, saving you money on bills and repairs.
This system features three-stage filtration: a polypropylene sediment filter, a GAC filter, and a CTO filter. The sediment filter removed dust, dirt, rust, and other debris from the water. The second stage filter, the GAC, filters out chlorine, radon, VOCs, and other harmful chemicals, while the CTO carbon block filter eliminates pesticides, insecticides, and industrial solvent, as well as odors and bad tastes.
This system also comes with 3 pre-installed filters and one extra filter set. Filters need to be changed every 3 months. Luckily, the replacement filters are inexpensive and easy to find.
But guess what:
Unlike some other systems, this one is also extremely simple to install. And with the see-through housing, you can take a peek inside and know when the filters need changing. However, our research showed that, when this system is installed, sometimes the water pressure drops. So consider this system only if you have strong water pressure.
If you want to know the quality of your water, you might want to invest in HM Digital Water Quality TDS Tester. It’s a popular add-on among owners of water filtration systems because it’s an inexpensive, but precise item. Its microprocessor technology allows it to be very efficient, measuring from 0 to 9990 ppm. The results can easily be read off of the large LCD screen, but this gadget also allows you to save measurements with the hold function. The item shuts off automatically after 10 minutes of non-use to preserve battery life.
Removes sediment, chemicals, and various other contaminants
Filters easy to replace, inexpensive, and easy to find
Filters need to be changed every 2-3 months
If you’re on the lookout for a whole house filtration system, this iSpring system is a good choice. The company is a reputable one, and our research showed that they sell high-quality items. This system provides sediment and chemical filtration which gives you clean and healthy water.
This iSpring system is easy to install, thanks to the built-in frame, and our research has shown that the complete installation takes less than two hours. The company also provides DIY installation videos on YouTube, to make the process even simpler.
The iSpring whole house system uses three stages of filtration. During the first stage, the high-quality polypropylene sediment filter catches dirt, rust, silt, and various other sediment particles. The second stage utilizes the coconut-shell carbon block filter which removes chlorine and other chemicals from the water. The third stage purifies the water further by running it through an even finer filter, thus removing residual chlorine, odors, cloudiness, colors, etc.
It gets better:
This means that, when using this system, as much as 95% of sediment, chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, and various other contaminants are removed from the water. Also, while researching this system, we have noticed that many users report that their water pressure isn’t reduced, which is a common downside when installing some other filters.
This system has a capacity of 500 gallons per day, which means it’s perfect for households of a small to medium size. The filters have a standard dimension, which makes them easy to find, buy, and replace when the time comes. The system also features a pressure release valve, which makes installing and replacing filters even easier.
All in all, this is a very good filtration system, but our research did produce a few downsides. Namely, if you have bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms in the water, you should know that this system doesn’t remove them. However, many people buy an iSpring UV disinfection system to handle that issue. See more about a compatible UV sterilizer – the iSPring #UVF55 below.
Also, some users have reported that the system sometimes leaks. The company is very responsive and quick to send replacement parts, but it can still be a hassle.
A common add-on for this product is iSpring Whole House UV Disinfection System. If you want to remove bacteria from your water, this UV sterilizer goes along perfectly with the iSpring whole house filtration system. It uses UV light to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and protozoan cysts from the water.
Removes up to 95% of sediment, chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, and various other contaminants
Minimal pressure reduction
Sometimes has problems with leaking
Does not eliminate bacteria and other microorganisms
The Home Master HMF2SDGC is a great whole house water filtration system perfect for those using city water. Our research shows that it’s easy to install, and most people don’t need the help of a professional. Instruction manual is included with the product.
This product features 2-stage filtration, which means it includes two filters. The first filter is a multi gradient depth polypropylene sediment filter. This filters catches dirt, rust, silt, and other sediments. It has four layers with 25, 10, 5 and 1 microns, so it captures even the smallest particles of sediment in your water. It’s also resistant to bacteria and chemicals and has a huge dirt holding capacity.
The second filter is an activated carbon filter made from coconut shell with radial flow. It removes various chemicals including chlorine, and helps with the taste and odor of your water. It’s made with high-quality coconut shell and carbon contact time is lengthened, so your water comes out as pure as it can be.
This system features oversized filters, housings, and one-inch ports. This can ensure that your water pressure always delivers! One of the best pros of this system is that the filters don’t need maintenance and they only need to be replaced approximately once a year.
And when the filters need replacing, getting new ones is a breeze. For the 1st stage filtration, this Home Master Sediment Filter is a great choice. It fits this system perfectly, also have a life of approximately 12 months, chemical and bacterial resistance, and a huge holding capacity.
And the Home Master Radial Flow GAC is a perfect fit as a 2nd stage filtration replacement filter. It’s easy to install, and doesn’t hurt your water pressure (<1 PSI pressure drop).
The system comes with everything you need to install it – mounting bracket, wrench, ports, etc. It also features a 2-year limited warranty.
But here’s the deal:
Unfortunately, this system will not eliminate bacteria and other microorganisms, so if you have these in your water, it’s important to select a system with a UV or bacteria elimination stage. Also, the ports which come with this system are plastic, and we’ve found that, when installing the system, getting a tight seal might be a bit difficult.
Filters need to be replaced approximately once a year
Removes 95% of sediment, chemicals, and other contaminants
Plastic ports
Getting a tight seal might be difficult
The HQUA-UV-12GPM is a great purifier if you’re on the lookout for a quality ultraviolet water purification system. Our research showed that these systems can ensure the water in your home is clean and drinkable. HQUA is a reputable company with exceptional customer service, and this model is a top choice when it comes to UV systems.
Our research has shown that one of the best features of the HQUA-UV-12GPM is that it’s very easy to install. Although it comes disassembled in a box, the parts and assembly are intuitive, even for a beginner. There’s also a handy instruction manual that comes with the product.
When you order the HQUA-UV-12GPM, the box contains the chamber made from stainless steel, two UV bulbs, and a protective quartz sleeve. There are two O-rings, two plastic brackets, and a 55-watt electronic ballast with a standard three-prong plug.
Here’s where it gets good:
Unlike standard filtration methods which can include chlorine or other chemicals, this system doesn’t add anything to the water – it’s completely free of chemicals. It uses UV to purify the water. Of course, this means it doesn’t affect the makeup of the water in any way, apart from removing bacteria and germs.
A potential downside to this filter is that water quality is important for its performance – it requires water with little amounts of iron, manganese, and tannins, a specific hardness, etc. We’ve found that it’s recommended to have a 5-micron filter in front of this one to prevent particles from covering the tube.
If your home has pre-filtered water, this filter can be a great choice. But the HQUA-UV-12GPM isn’t a great system for homes which have problems with dirt, sand, rust, and other residue in the water, as it won’t remove any of the undesirable particles and they will influence its effectiveness. You can buy additional filters to complement this one – we’ve found that the DuPont Cartridge and DuPont Filtration System are great choices.
However, many customers who have tainted water and have failed numerous bacteria tests (coliform, E-Coli, etc.) claim that this filter solved their problem efficiently. So if the only problem is bacteria in the water, this system is a good choice.
Our research showed that, when compared to other similar UV filtration systems, the HQUA-UV-12GPM is extremely fast, purifying water at a rate of 12 GPM (gallons per minute), which is awesome if you have a quality kitchen faucet. It’s also incredibly durable, with the UV tube made to last at least 9000 hours. This package also includes an extra tube.
When it comes to maintenance, this filter doesn’t require much. The quartz sleeve needs to be cleaned out approximately once every eight months, and the UV lamp should be replaced yearly.
But we’re not quite done:
There are two awesome add-ons you can get to complement your filtration system. DuPont Universal Whole House 2-Phase Cartridge reduces chlorine, rust, dirt, and other particles in the water, thus increasing the clarity and quality of the water. Our research showed that it extends the life of appliances, and can be the pre-filtration that will complement the HQUA-UV-12GPM. This product includes two cartridges, each with a lifespan of three months.
There’s also DuPont Universal Whole House 15,000-Gallon Filtration System. This simple water filtration system increases water clarity by removing sediment and various particles from the water. It can be used along with the HQUA-UV-12GPM and comes with a 3-year Limited Warranty.
Kills 99% of microorganisms
Easy installation
Water has to be pre-treated
Doesn’t improve taste, odor, PH, or chemistry of the water
If you’re looking for a great whole house filtration system, the Home Master HMF3SDGFEC is a quality choice, especially if you’re using city water which is full of chemicals, iron, and dirt. When we researched this system, we’ve found that installation is easy and simple – not many people need the help of a professional plumber. The installation manual is easy to read and follow.
This Home Master whole house filtration system features three-stage filtration. This means that the system includes three separate filters. All of the filters are durable, high-quality, and require little maintenance.
Let’s take a closer look:
First, there’s a huge multi-gradient depth sediment filter made from quality polypropylene. Its main purpose is to eliminate dirt, silt, rust, and other sediment from your water. It’s multi-gradient, which means it features multiple layers of filtration, in this case it has four layers. The shell filters up to 25 microns, followed by 10- and 5-micron layers, and the 1-micron core gets rid of even the smallest particles.
The second filter featured in this system is a specialized iron filter. It’s a radial flow filter which gets rid of iron in your water up to 3ppm! So if you have iron in your water, this phase is a must. It also helps with hydrogen sulphide and manganese.
The third and final filter in the system is a carbon filter. Made from high-quality coconut shell, this filter features radial flow, and it eliminates various chemicals from your water. Our research showed that it effectively removes any unnatural tastes and odors from the water it filters.
However:
One of the cons of this system is that it won’t get rid of microorganisms. Also, some users complain that the ports featured in this system are plastic, and when we did research on that, it showed that getting a tight seal on the system might be a bit difficult when installing it.
On the other hand, all the filters in this system are specially designed not to reduce water pressure. Also, the filters are oversized, which means you only need to change them approximately once a year!
And when they do need replacing, it’s easy to get new ones. The Home Master Sediment Filter is a quality choice as a first-stage replacement filter. It’s designed for this system, so it also lasts for approximately 12 months, and it’s easy to install because it fits the system perfectly.
For the second stage, the Home Master Radial Flow Iron Reducing Filter is a great replacement choice. It does everything the original filter does and is easy to install. The Home Master Radial Flow GAC is a good choice if you need the third-stage filter replaced. It’ll fit perfectly and won’t interfere with your water pressure. Our research shows that it only causes a <1 PSI pressure drop!
Removes 95% of sediment, iron, manganese, chemicals, and other contaminants
Good water flow rate
The plastic on copper fittings sometimes leak
Shouldn’t be used with acidic water
Many people live in areas which are affected by hard water and high iron quantities in the water. Luckily, there are great water filters designed just for those issues. The IRON Pro2 is a high-quality system which removes sediment and metals and softens the water in a household.
Water softeners are used to eliminate hard minerals, which can inconveniently cause build-up in pipes and faucets, as well as lower the longevity of home appliances. The IRON Pro2 does that very efficiently, and it requires little maintenance.
This system also eliminates iron, manganese, and other metals from the water. It’s a good choice for areas with very hard water and high metal content because it can handle high quantities of both with ease. It can handle up to 8 ppm of iron and 6 ppm of manganese.
This is crazy:
This filter isn’t just very versatile when it comes to contaminants it eliminates. It’s also highly efficient due to its meter based regeneration feature. Basically, the system measures water usage and only regenerates when needed. When less water is being used, it regenerates less, thus conserving water.
The filter comes with a digital control system, and programming the system is extremely easy. Note that you will have to know what the water hardness is, what the system capacity is, and what the water usage would be. Installation is also simple, with all the tools and instructions provided, and it takes about two hours.
This filter is designed and sold by Fleck, which is a prominent company that has been producing quality water softeners for years. They are known for their high-quality customer service, and our research confirmed that they are available and always happy to help. They also provide great warranties – the IRON Pro2 has a 10-year warranty on the tank and a 5-year warranty on the control head.
The only downsides we could find are that the system is not suitable for very large households. So if there are more than eight people in your home, it’s better to opt for a more powerful system. Also, the installation lines aren’t included in the package.
Can handle high heavy metal rates
Good at removing sediment
Not good for very large households (more than 8 people)
Installation connections not included
The Aquasana Whole House Water Filter is a filtration system which purifies the water in the entire home and removes microorganisms, chemicals, and sediment. It’s a great system for eco-friendly filtration.
This system features pre- and post- filters and sub-micron filtration, which makes it extremely effective in removing all kinds of unwanted particles from the water. This includes pesticides, herbicides, dirt, rust, silt, sediment, heavy metals, industrial solvents, and more. It’s a complete system for purifying all the water in your home and making it clean, healthy, and safe.
The Simplysoft salt-free water softener featured in this system softens water but doesn’t use chemicals or salt. This means it’s great for preventing scale formation, and protecting the pipes and plumbing of a home. Also, the system won’t negatively affect the environment because it doesn’t add excessive amounts of sodium into the communal water system.
But it gets even better:
This system also includes a UV Sterilight filter which uses UV light to eliminate 99% of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms like E. coli, giardia, and cryptosporidium from the water. The Aquasana system lasts for 10 years, or one million gallons and the package includes a pro installation kit. However, the kit doesn’t include PEX tubing.
All in all, the Aquasana system might seem like a great choice, but our research has shown some troubling potential cons. Although many users have reported that the system functions perfectly, many people also complain that the system starts leaking and malfunctioning around the 2-year mark. We’ve also uncovered that the company seems to be aware of the pitchers’ tendency to leak, but haven’t found a solution.
The system also sometimes causes water pressure to drop unexpectedly. The fittings and tubing is plastic, so it’s prone to leaking. Also, note that the filters need to be changed every two to three months.
Many users also have problems taking advantage of their warranty, with the company being unresponsive or dismissive when issues are brought up. Very bad customer service is often brought up by people who have installed the system. Also, the company will only warranty if the system is set up by a licensed plumber, and the cost of installation is usually around two-thirds of the cost of the system itself. This means that in reality, the total cost is even higher than anticipated.
Also, customers that use bleach while washing clothes or doing chores have reported that the Aquasana system turns their water brown when bleach is used. The installation of the system is fairly complicated, and although the installation kit and instructions are provided, a professional plumber might be needed.
So even though the system works perfectly for some users, and they have reported being very satisfied, our research shows that purchasing this system comes with its risks.
No draining, water waste, or backflushing
Removes 99.99% of viruses and bacteria
Filters need to be changed every 2-3 months
Complicated installation
Whole house water filters make for the easiest way to getting clean water in the entire home, but they need to be carefully chosen. The right kind of filter will be easy to install, provide the household with enough clean water on a daily basis, and not have any negative effects on the water pressure.
But more importantly:
A great filter will get rid of all the contaminants floating in the water, be they physical, chemical, or of some other kind. The result of the filtration process will be simply water – clean, clear, tasteless, and odorless – safe to drink and use at any given time.
Your best choice if you have very hard water or very high iron content
This water softener is an excellent choice if you live in an area which has very hard water, or very high iron content in the water. It can tackle even the most impure water with ease. It can easily tackle hardness up to 85gpg and can handle up to 8 ppm of iron and 6 ppm of manganese, making your water cleaner and healthier.
Another important thing to note is that very hard water can cause build-up in pipes, faucets, and appliances, shortening their lifespan, and increasing your utility and repairs’ bills. The IRON Pro2 eliminates elements from your water very efficiently, is easy to install, and requires little maintenance.
Your best choice if you have bacteria in your water
If your water’s not seriously contaminated with sediment or metals, but you have dangerous bacteria floating in it, your best choice would be the HQUA-UV-12GPM. This high-quality purifier can ensure the water in your home is clean and drinkable and isn’t infected with E. coli, giardia, or similar bacteria.
Another upside to this system is that it doesn’t add anything to the water. Where some other systems might add chlorine or other chemicals, this one uses UV rays to purify the water. It also purifies water at an extremely fast rate of 12 gallons per minute, and the UV tube lasts approximately 9000 hours.
Your best choice if you want complete purification
This five-stage filtration system eliminates over 1,000 different types of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, iron, lead, mercury, chlorine, etc. It contains three pre-filters, a reverse osmosis membrane, and a post-filter. All of this ensures your water is extremely clean, tasteless, odorless, and healthy.
The RCC7 has a 75 gallon per day capacity, looks great, and included in the package is a lovely lead-free brushed nickel faucet. It’s quite small so it can fit under your sink, and installation is simple, even for a beginner. The company provides excellent service, and with the affordable price, this system gets you the best bang for your buck if you’re looking for complete purification.
Your best choice if you want inexpensive quality
Whole House 3-Stage Water Filtration System, 3/4″ port with 2 valves and extra 3 filters set
If you’re looking for something inexpensive and simple, but still of decent quality, this whole house filtration system is your best choice. It provides any home with water that’s tasteless, odorless, and devoid of harmful chemicals. The system is simple to install, and while it isn’t something to rave about, it does provide inexpensive quality.
It features a three-stage filtration system which removes dust, dirt, rust, and other debris, as well as chlorine, radon, VOCs, and other harmful chemicals. The filters in the system need to be periodically changed, and this is why three extra filters are included in the purchase.
Your best choice if you want something that’s easy to maintain
Home Master HMF2SDGC Whole House 2-Stage Water Filter with Fine Sediment and Carbon
Our research shows that, when it comes to ease of maintenance, the Home Master HMF2SDGC is your best choice. It’s an amazing whole house water filtration system which is incredibly easy to install, even if you have no plumbing experience. Everything you need for the installation comes with the product.
The filters in this system are resistant to bacteria and chemicals. They are also designed to have a huge holding capacity, which means that you will have to change the filters at a rate of only approximately once per year.?tag=bestazy-20
Making sure you drink only clean water is very important, but it takes some effort on your side. Some of the things you need to consider include types of filtration systems, types of filters, your living situation, water usage, water pressure, estimated total cost, and ease of installation. Thinking about all this ensures you end up with a system that’s perfectly tailored to meet your needs.
However:
Before we even get into filtration systems themselves, you should learn more about their purpose, as well as the types of contaminants you might have in your water.
Why is this important, you might ask.
Simply because you should know what you’re fighting before you make any decisions about the type of weapon you might need for that purpose. This may seem like a lot of information, but that’s why we’re here.
Let’s break it down:
According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), your water can contain a number of different contaminants. These include physical, chemical, biological, and radiological elements. Examples of physical contaminants would be sediments from different bodies of water, while chemical elements refer to compounds such as bleach and pesticides. Microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoan are some examples of biological contaminants, but there are also uranium, cesium, and the like as radiological elements.
Sounds disgusting, right?
Any number of these contaminants could be floating in your water.
This is also the reason why more and more people decide to use some kind of a filtration system. The main purpose of filtering water in your household is eliminating all the harmful substances and elements. But before you make any final decisions on which type of system to use, try to find out exactly what you’re dealing with.
Fighting water contaminants makes a lot less sense if you don’t know what kind of water you’re using in your household. You might find the perfect solution for eliminating physical contaminants, but what’s the use if your problem is microorganisms? That’s why it’s important to find out exactly what’s floating in your water. Luckily, this isn’t as hard as it may sound.
Here’s what you should do:
Visit the Environmental Working Group’s site for any information on the water you’re dealing with. EWG is a non-profit organization with a database of water contaminants categorized according to different regions. You only need to find your state or region and read the info on its pollutants.
Chances are you won’t need to have your water tested. Instead, you can just pick a filtration system according to this list of contaminants that are common in the area where you live.
As you’ll see, there are plenty of different methods for filtering water, but according to EPA, pitchers and distillers are among the most inexpensive. Both are portable, don’t require installation, and are quite efficient at removing physical and some chemical contaminants. However, they come with a couple of pretty big downsides. Apart from not being able to remove a number of common pollutants, they’re also very slow at producing clean water.
Another option for filtering water is a faucet filter, which you can attach to the end of any faucet in your home. This comes with plenty of advantages, such as easy installation, limitless access to cleaner water, and affordable replacement filters. But using individual filters also means you need to install and maintain them all separately if you want your entire home to have access to clean water. Also, they get worn out a lot quicker when you use them to filter hot water, which can be a real nuisance.
You can also opt for under-counter filters, which make a good choice if you don’t want to filter hot water. Heating water rids it of a number of contaminants, which is why filtering cold water is much more important. Under-counter filters need to be connected to cold water lines under your kitchen or bathroom sink, but they don’t take up any space. They free your cold water of contaminants, but people usually need to call a professional to install them.
You might be wondering:
Aren’t there simpler solutions that could take care of your entire household?
This is what whole house filters are all about. With this type of system, you don’t need to worry about the number of water lines or faucets. You install a filter on the main line and automatically get purified water in the entire home.
There are plenty of upsides to using whole house filter systems. Most of them are very easy to install, but what’ s even more important, incredibly efficient at eliminating water contaminants. But before you start going into individual products’ specs, you should learn about the different types. These can be categorized according to the kind of filter they use to purify your water.
One of the most important things you need to consider before buying a whole house water filter system are types of filters. There are basically three options from which you can choose. Each has its upsides and downsides, but they mostly come down to the way in which they purify water and types of contaminants they can eliminate.
This means that:
You get the most out of your water filter system if you know what kind of contaminants you’re dealing with. Once you’ve done some research, check in again to learn more about each of the filter types.
Carbon filters are filters that contain activated carbon. Carbon is very efficient at removing herbicides, pesticides, trihalomethanes (THMs), chlorine, and radon, as well as some of the more common inorganic chemicals. Some carbon filters can even reduce the amount of lead in your water, but they can’t eliminate salts, nitrites, nitrates, nor some of the common metals. The efficiency of such filters depends on the amount of carbon they contain, but they all need to be replaced regularly.
Reverse osmosis filters are great at removing salts, minerals, nitrates, metals, and some organic chemicals. They also eliminate lead, but not chlorine. Most of them come with carbon pre- and post-filters, which means they can remove herbicides, pesticides, radon, and various sediments, as well as make water taste better. Reverse osmosis filters, along with their pre- and post-filters, need to be replaced at least once a year.
UV disinfection filters are designed to eliminate viruses and bacteria but aren’t meant for removing cysts, spores, nor chemical contaminants. You can use them to make the water in your home tasteless and odorless. However, they’re among the more expensive options when it comes to filtering.
We’re not through yet:
You’ll see in our detailed reviews that there are two more options when it comes to whole house water filters – three- and five-stage systems. What does this mean?
Three-stage systems refer to those that use three different types of filters to purify your water. This means you can eliminate more contaminants without buying additional products.
But it gets better:
There are five-stage systems, too. With these, you get five different types of filtration in a single product. If you want the water in your home to be of the highest quality, this is probably the best way to achieve your goal.
Now that we’ve gone through all the available options, let’s talk about some of the other things you should consider before choosing a water filtration system. You still have five questions to answer before you can make an informed decision.
Here they are:
What’s your living situation, especially considering water supply lines?
People with houses can choose between any of the above-mentioned options. But if you live in a building, you might not be able to install a whole house water filter system, for example. That’s why you should check if you have access to the main water supply line before you get into the details.
What about water usage?
People who live alone can use pitchers and distillers to purify their water and have plenty of it to drink and use in everyday life. The same can’t be said for families since they need a lot more water than a single person does. It’s been estimated that an average family uses around 123 gallons of water each day.
How’s your water pressure?
If it’s low even as it is, you might want to be careful when choosing a water filtration system. Namely, some filters can reduce water pressure, causing unnecessary annoyance to the people that use them on a daily basis. To avoid this, look for notes on changes in pressure when going through reviews of individual products.
Worried about going over your budget?
Some people forget to include the cost of replacement filters into the estimated total cost of installing a water filtration system. But once you’ve been warned about it, this mistake can easily be avoided. Simply check the price of individual filters and how often they need to be replaced, and do the math.
And last but not least, can you install it yourself?
Are you open to having a professional install your new filtration system, or would you prefer to do it yourself? If it’s the latter, check for notes on ease of installation when browsing through reviews of individual products.
Also, keep in mind that installing under-counter filters is something most beginners wouldn’t know how to do properly. And if you’d like to get cleaner water without having to install anything, you might want to check out pitchers and distillers instead.
If you’re looking for an affordable multi-stage system that will eliminate bacteria and other microorganisms from the water, the RCC7 is a great choice. This quality five-stage filtration system will filter out over a thousand different contaminants from your water. This includes bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, as well as dirt, silt, rust, iron, chlorine, fluoride, and various other dangerous or annoying substances. This system has a low price point, but it’s still one of the best out there. Our research showed that installation is simple and the company is extremely responsive and helpful!
If you want a multi-stage system that will get the job done, this one is a decent choice. It will filter out sediment and chemicals from your water, giving you water that’s clean, tasteless, odorless, and healthy. It also removes minerals which damage your pipes, faucets, and appliances. You can install the system yourself, but it’s somewhat more difficult to install than other systems. However, the system requires little maintenance and cartridges are easy to replace.
This iSpring system is a great choice for homes that don’t have problems with bacteria but suffer from dirty, colored, and smelly water. The three-stage filtration featured in this system is capable of removing up to 95% of sediment, minerals, chemicals, and various other contaminants. It’s easy to install with the help of iSpring DIY videos which can be found online. The company also offers live phone assistance and we’ve found that its customer service is amazing.
This is a quality whole house three-stage system which is extremely affordable and great for those who have low-quality water in their home. Whether it’s a bad smell, murky look, or unpleasant taste, this system will help. Iron, manganese, chlorine, dirt, rust, silt, and pesticides are just some of the things it eliminates. The only thing this system doesn’t remove is bacteria. All in all, it’s an affordable choice for simple multi-stage filtration.
This two-stage system is a great choice for those who don’t have bacteria in their water, but want a system that will give them odorless and tasteless water. The filters in this system are high-quality and don’t need to be changed often. Also, they are resistant to bacteria. Overall, with its 1-micron filtration and two filters, this system is a simple and low-stress choice.
If you have a problem with bacteria and microorganisms in your water, this is an affordable, simple, and eco-friendly solution. This UV sterilizer is easy to install and will last for a long time. It uses UV rays to eliminate bacteria and other microorganisms, and it doesn’t change the chemical compound of the water, meaning it doesn’t add anything to it.
This system is a quality choice if you want a system that will provide extremely fine filtration (1-micron). It is an especially good choice if you’re using city water. The installation of the HMF3SDGFEC is very easy and the manual helps a lot. The system includes three separate filters which need to be changed only approximately once a year.
If your home has a problem with dirty, hard water, this system is a great choice. It’s specifically made to tackle very hard water and high mineral contents. It can filter even the most problematic water and leave your whole home with water that is clean and clear. So if your appliances break often, if you have problems with pressure due to build-up, or if your water tastes metallic, this system is a great choice.
The Aquasana is a whole house system which filters out bacteria, sediment, and chemicals from water. It can last for a whopping 10 years! So if you want something that’s high-priced but durable, this is a good choice. The only downsides are the relatively high price and the company’s bad customer service. Our research also showed that these systems sometimes have issues, so purchase with care, and definitely have a professional install the system or risk voiding the warranty!?tag=bestazy-20
Although some whole house water filter systems do require professional help, most of them come with all the parts and details which enable you to install the system yourself. We’ve found that some reputable companies even offer DIY YouTube videos and live phone support for people looking to save a few bucks and install the system themselves.
How much time and effort am I looking at?
The time and effort needed to install a whole house filter system depends on the system itself. But while doing research on our systems, we’ve found that most systems can be installed with moderate effort in no more than three hours.
DIY Installation Steps
Step 1: Draining the system
Before you can install your new water filtration system, it has to be drained. To do that, first, find the main water supply valve in your home and turn off the water supply. Next, find the lowest point in your home, and open a faucet to release water pressure and let the water drain from the system. This will most probably not drain all the water in your system, but it’ll drain enough of it to let you install a filtration system.
Step 2: Selecting a location
Since the filters in the system will need to be replaced periodically, it’s important to choose a location which is accessible. Also, make sure you have enough room under the tank. Most experts recommend that the filtration system be placed as near to the water supply as possible, and make sure that it’s placed before all the outlets where you want to have filtered water. Of course, some filtration systems aren’t placed at the supply line, but right under the sink, and they provide clean water only on the faucet or through kitchen appliances.
Step 3. Cutting and removing the pipe
If you have a pipe that’s easily removable, simply twist it off. But in most cases, the pipe where your filtration system will be installed will need to be cut off. To do that, simply use a pipe cutter (or mini pipe cutter if you don’t have a lot of space). Tighten the cutter onto the pipe and rotate it around the pipe for a clean cut. We’ve found that cutting a pipe usually lasts a few minutes, so don’t be surprised if it doesn’t cut through right away. When the pipe is cut, make sure to clean out any chunks that are left on or in the pipe.
Pro tip: Have an empty bucket and some towels handy, in case excess water pours out after the pipe is cut.
Step 4: Attaching the fittings
To attach the fittings, the first step is placing a compression nut onto one of the cut pipe ends and sliding on the ferrule. Then do the same for the other pipe end. Next, the fittings need to be threaded onto the ports of the filter housing. In most cases, you’ll have an instruction manual from the manufacturer which details exactly how this is done. The fittings need to be tightened onto the filter, but make sure not to over-tighten. When you’ve done that, we’ve found that using some extra Teflon tape to cover the fitting and filter port ensures a good seal and makes leaking less probable.
Step 5: Positioning the filter
The most important thing to note when positioning your filter is that the flow of the water enters through the “in” port and goes out through the “out” port. Take great care to double check this because our research showed that the filter will absolutely not function if installed backwards. If you’re confused about where which end should go, we’ve found the easiest way to figure it out – the “in” port goes toward the water meter, and the “out” port toward the water heater.
When you’ve figured out the correct position, simply place it on the water line, and tighten the compression nuts onto the fitting bodies. This is best done by hand. Next, use a wrench to tighten the fittings. Depending on the system, two wrenches might be needed.
Step 6: Turning the water on
When you’ve properly installed the filtration system, make sure the valve on the filter itself is in the “off” position. Next, slowly turn your main water supply valve on while keeping your eye on the filter. If you see a leak, shut the valve off immediately and fix the leak. If you’ve turned your water valve on and see no leaks, turn the valve on the filter from the “off” to the “on” position (our research showed that “on” is sometimes marked as “filter”). This should make the filter start working. Wait until the tank fills with water and check for leaks again.
Step 7: Changing the filters
All whole house water filter systems need the filters replaced periodically. Usually, the filters (or cartridges) need to be replaced once every two to 12 months. The first sign that can let you know your filters need to be changed is a drop in water pressure. So how do you change the filters?
Changing water filters is simple with most systems. First, find the valve on your system again and turn it to the “off” position. While doing our research, we’ve found that some systems even have a pressure release, so that water isn’t sprayed when removing the filter. In any case, have a bucket ready to catch water that might come out.
After turning the valve to “off”, remove the filter from the housing, remove the water from it, and discard it. In some systems, you’ll need to remove the whole tank and take the filter out of it. Before placing a new cartridge in, make sure to wipe down the inside of the tank. Then insert a new filter, place the tank back into the housing, and turn the valve back to the “on” or to the “filter” position. Open the main water valve slowly while checking for leaks, then open your faucets, and wait until the trapped air escapes.
Water can contain dirt, rust, silt, chemicals, bacteria, and other particles that affect its taste and smell, as well as its overall quality. When water’s filtered, especially using multi-layered multi-stage filters, all of these particles can be efficiently removed from your drinking water, providing you with safe, clean, and healthy water.
Many people have water of lower quality in their homes, but having bad water doesn’t just affect its taste and smell. It can also be very dangerous. Here are just some of the things that the water in your home often contains, and all of them can be removed using a filtration system.
Did you know that there are pesticides present in over 94% of the drinking water in the US? And although some places in the world have better results, in some areas the situation is even worse. Some pesticides can be extremely harmful when ingested. For example, atrazine, a pesticide often found in drinking water, has been shown to cause cancer, reproductive issues, and endocrine disruptions, even when ingested in small doses.
Water pipes are often full of bacteria and viruses which can cause serious health issues. One of the most common bacterium found in drinking water is E. coli.
A research study conducted in 2008 showed that pharmaceuticals are found in the drinking water of more than 40 million Americans. These range from antibiotics and mood stabilizers to various sex hormones and medicines for asthma, cholesterol, pain, etc. They can all cause various health problems.
Arsenic is basically poison and is linked to various illnesses. This is why it’s concerning to have it be so prevalent in water supplies all around the world.
Lead should not be ingested in any amounts. Unfortunately, people found out that lead was so dangerous not that long ago, which is why there’s still lead-based paint around, as well as high amounts of lead in our water in various areas. If your home was built before the 1980s, it’s at high risk of having lead in the water supply.
Most municipal water companies dump a huge amount of chlorine in water supplies. They use chlorine as an easy and inexpensive way of eliminating bacteria, but this practice can have adverse effects. High chlorine content can make your water taste and smell awful, and it reacts with certain metals to produce dangerous compounds.
Various minerals such as iron, manganese, and calcium aren’t dangerous for your health, but they can make drinking water taste and smell terrible. Metals such as iron can stain your clothes, and can also discolor porcelain and other materials.These minerals also often build up in pipes, faucets, and appliances such as washing machines. This can cause pipes to become blocked resulting in reduced water pressure and can cause damage to your appliances. Basically, minerals won’t destroy your health but will destroy your budget by increasing your utility bills and repair frequency.
Of course, taste and smell is also an important factor in the quality of drinking water. Many people opt to have a filtration system installed simply because they want to have perfectly clean, clear, and tasteless water.
So if you want to have clean and healthy water that won’t ruin your health and your home, installing a whole house filter system is an often inexpensive and convenient solution.
What’s the best whole house water filter? We tested over 46 different water filteration systems–our top choice is going to pleasantly surprise you!
What’s the best whole house water filter? We tested over 46 different water filteration systems–our top choice is going to pleasantly surprise you!
What’s the best whole house water filter? We tested over 46 different water filteration systems–our top choice is going to pleasantly surprise you!
There are many factors which determine the right system for your needs. Some factors would include your water usage and water flow rate, the quality of your water and the contaminants inside, what level of purity you want, etc. If in doubt, consult our water filtration system buying guide.
If you receive your water from a municipal water supplier, the city, country, you can probably find out the most recent water test results by going on their website or by calling the appropriate institution on the phone. However, if you have well water, or you just want to test the water for yourself, you can send a sample to a certified laboratory, or buy a water testing gadget like the HM Digital TDS-EZ Water Quality TDS Tester online.?tag=bestazy-20
The frequency of replacing filters highly depends on the quality of your water. While RO membranes can last for a couple of years, most sediment, GAC, and CTO filters should be changed at least once every six months. If your water is very impure, this frequency could easily rise to once every two or three months. If unsure, check your filters regularly and change them when they become dirty. Another way to know when to change filters is to keep your eye on water pressure – when it drops, your filters probably need changing.
Most systems come with all the parts needed for installation and an installation manual. Also, most of them are easy to install, and some companies even provide DIY videos. However, whole house systems can be a bit tricky and might require some mechanical aptitude. Of course, some systems are extremely complicated to install, so the help of a professional is paramount. When purchasing, look for details on the ease of installation.
Deionization removes or replaces ions or minerals in the water. Filtration signifies physically removing solid particles from a stream of water.
That smell is most likely sulfur, and yes it can – look for an active carbon or a carbon block filter (GAC/CTO).
Yes, reverse osmosis filtration can remove fluoride from water.
The answer to this question depends on the system. While some systems are eco-friendly and avoid wasting water as much as possible, most of them do waste some water. Reverse osmosis systems in particular use up approximately 2.5 gallons of water for each gallon they purify.
Therapist with experience of more than 25 years. She has written over 15 scientific papers. She works as a family doctor.
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