A whole house water filtration system is essential for having clean and healthy water year-round. Except today’s market is crowded with systems specializing in filtering one thing while others are exceptional at removing another. The last thing you want is to end up with a system that’s not right for your needs. Our team has done extensive research to help you shop with confidence for your new system.
Browse through our complete 2023 shopping guide to review the best systems available. There’s a little something for everyone, from the best systems for hard water to solutions for renters. Keep reading to find the water filtration system right for you.
Best All-Around: Nuvis Water Softener and Filtration System
Price
Contact Manufacturer for Pricing
Features & Benefits
We start our discussion of the different types of whole house water filters with Nuvis. The Nuvis water softener and filtration system provide clean water throughout your entire home. Built by the same manufacturer as Maytag, you can expect high quality and reliability from Nuvis. Based on the quality of the water sample tested, you choose from three different Nuvis models installed by a water filtration dealer, such as ONIT Home.
This softener and filtration duo has the best all-around performance of the ten systems reviewed. For starters, Nuvis models are automated. The technician programs your system to meet the water quality needs of your family. This includes the capacity and other factors needed for your unit to provide optimal functionality.
Specifications
Filtration components:
- Carbon activated granular (CAG) removes chlorine, improves taste, and eliminates odors.
- High-capacity crosslinked cation resin removes hard minerals and iron.
- Quartz filters sediments for even distribution.
Low, No, or High Maintenance
This is a low or no maintenance system. Every few days, the system runs a self-cleaning program to ensure your media bed remains fresh to preserve its filtering capacity. Occasionally, you’ll have to add more salt. See the owner’s manual or ask your dealer for details.
Budget Friendly: iSpring WGB21B 2-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System
Price
Starting at $153.99
Features & Benefits
This is the best whole house water filtration system for budget-minded consumers. Unlike some reverse osmosis systems, the iSpring two-stage whole house filter retains valuable minerals and doesn’t leach out all the total dissolved solids or TDS. You need these minerals for good health and can maintain them while properly filtering your water with this system.
It also provides peace of mind through a money-back guarantee when returned within the first 30 days. There’s also a one-year warranty and you can extend the manufacturer’s warranty when you register your product online. The system also comes with lifetime tech support. If you encounter any problem at all, the manufacturer can answer your questions.
Filtration Process
iSpring WGB21B has two-stage filtration.
- During the first stage, water goes through a 5-micron polypropylene sediment filter (FP15B). During this process, the filters eliminate silt, dust, dirt, scale, sand, rust, and scale particles using a highly compact fabrication technique based on coconut shell carbon.
- In the second stage, a CTO filter (FC15B) clears away odors and elements affecting the taste and smell of your water. Plus, it removes 90% of chlorine as well as VOCs such as herbicides, pesticides, and industrial chemicals.
Specifications
- Extensive Filtration Capacity. The replaceable compact filter measures 10″ x 4. 5″ and cleans up to 50,000 gallons of water, providing a full year of drinking water to a family of four.
- Wide inlets and outlets measuring one inch facilitate rapid water flow, so you don’t lose all your water pressure. The fine PP sediment filter and premium quality CTO filter bring clean water to every tap in the house. It also protects your dishwasher and washing machine by filtering the water used to clean your dishes and clothes. This prevents scale buildup that creates wear and tears on your appliances.
Low, No, or High Maintenance
The iSpring two-stage whole house filter is a low-maintenance system that offers easy installation for homeowners. The pre-assembled system comes with a mounting rack for fast DIY installation. It even includes a filter wrench for fast filter changes and continuously clean water.
There’s a pressure release valve to make the process even more efficient. iSpring has uploaded numerous YouTube videos and created a helpful manual to make this point-of-entry (POE) filtration system a no-brainer for homeowners.
The Best Low-Maintenance System: Pentair/Pelican Dual-stage 10-GPM Carbon Block Whole House Water Filtration System
Price
Starting at $1,027 (frequently on sale)
Features & Benefits
You won’t have to keep spending money on bottled water when you implement the Pentair/Pelican dual-stage water filtration system. The PC600-P 10 GPM system accommodates whole homes with up to three bathrooms. It filters chlorine out of the water your family uses to drink, bathe and clean your home. The system’s dual-stage effectively reduces sediment, pharmaceuticals, the taste and odor of chlorine, and other chemicals.
It’s easy to install and results in spring-quality water rushing into every faucet. That means so long dry skin and hard-water stains. It holds a large amount of carbon media for water filtration, resulting in a longer lifespan and improved performance.
This system has an extremely low replacement cost. To replace the filter, simply change the media and forget about the plumbing required for other whole house water filtration systems.
Specifications
- Premium stainless steel surrounds the tank for durability and quality.
- The carbon series filter arrives ready for installation.
- Energy-efficient design requires no electricity.
- Certified by IAPMO R&T to NSF/ANSI standard 42 for chlorine removal
Low, No, or High Maintenance
PC600-P 10 GPM is a low-maintenance whole house water filter system. If you’re wondering how often to change the whole house water filter, change the sediment pre-filter every 6-9 months. Meanwhile, the tank one media can last up to five years and filters 600,000 gallons of water. Tank two media does not require replacement for the life of the product.
Renter-Friendly: Brondell H630 H2O+ Cypress Countertop Water Filter System
Price
$325 non-sale price
Features & Benefits
This renter-friendly water filter system comes in black or white. Deep sales discounts usually take off about a third of the price. The Brondell faucet mounted water filter is extremely compact, measuring just 11.5 x 4.25 x 11 inches. Despite the low price, it has several beneficial features, including a faucet diverter to help the filter last longer. It weighs just over six pounds and uses water to purify the water that your family drinks.
Filtration Process
Brondell H630 features three-stage filtration utilizing Nanotrap technology for top performance.
- First Stage – Composite Plus Filter: A 2-step filter serving as your system’s pre-filter. This stage is responsible for reducing particulate materials, like sand, rust, and other tiny particles, from your water supply.
- Second Stage – Nanotrap Filter: The Nanotrap filter uses innovative nanotechnology to reduce different particulates.
- Third Stage – Carbon Block Filter: The third stage offers that final, game-changing clean. You can expect this stage to reduce even more particulate while reducing bad tastes and odors. It will also reduce chlorine and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Specifications
- Faucet Attachment: It’s easy to attach the system to your faucet and has adapters to fit almost any faucet style.
- Inspired Design: The slim profile and elegant design are countertop-worthy. Simply push the button to dispense clear, refreshing water.
- WQA-certified for NSF/ANSI Standards 53, 42, and 372.
- Continuous Filtered Water: no wonder option to water dispensing. The push-button delivery system bypasses the filtering of wastewater in complex reverse osmosis systems.
Low, No, or High Maintenance
You can install the system in less than 10 minutes. It’s also fast to replace a filter. Unlike other portable systems, Brondell’s filters don’t need to be replaced regularly.
It’s recommended you switch out the Composite Plus Filter every 6 months, the Nanotrap Filter every 12 months, and the Carbon Block Filter every 6 months.
Best for City-Water/Metropolitan: SpringWell Whole House Water Filter System
Price
This system costs $821.30.
Features & Benefits
The SpringWell Whole House Water Filter System is the best whole house water filtration system for city and metropolitan water. SpringWell is perfect for removing harmful contaminants and chemicals found in municipal water sources. This water filtration system targets numerous contaminants like chloramine, chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful substances.
If you want a salt-free water softener, this is the choice for you. You’ll also be able to enjoy cleaner water and better-tasting food.
If you ever go to a spa, they only use filtered water to protect their clients’ skin. With this whole house water filter and softener combo, you can achieve similar results. Filter 99.6% of chlorine and contaminants that cause foul odors and funky tastes.
Filtration Process
SpringWell Whole House Water Filter System provides four stages of filtration.
- First Stage – Flex Bed: In this stage, you can expect the system’s flex bed to cut channeling in exchange for more contact time with your system.
- Second Stage – KDF Bed: The KDF Bed has a special copper/zinc alloy media to eliminate chlorine and other harmful contaminants.
- Third Stage – Catalytic Carbon Bed: The third stage eliminates organic contaminants.
- Fourth Stage – 5 Micron Sediment Filtration: The final stage removes tiny particles like sand and silt. It also filters clay and other remaining sediments.
Specifications
- Catalytic carbon and certified KDF media
- Removes Chlorine, Chloramine, Haloacetic Acids, MTBE & TTHM.
- Also removes PFOA, PFAS, PFOS, Herbicides, Pesticides
Low, No, or High Maintenance
Easy to install and requires little maintenance. Just remember to switch out the 5 micron filter every six to nine months.
Hard Water: Pelican Salt Free Water Softener System
Price
$1,838 (non-sale price)
Features & Benefits
The Pelican Salt Free Water Softener System is a great way to soften your water without having to use salt. If you would like to prevent hard water scale, this is the right water filter system for you. Plus, it comes with a warranty. The eco-friendly system leaves in beneficial minerals. It doesn’t waste any water and requires no electricity.
If you would like to treat your water without the use of salt, this could be the system for you. It also conditions water without leaving behind a slippery feel. This system can prevent hard water scale from negatively impacting your appliances and plumbing. It also provides better drinking water for your family and pets. You can even install it outside your home.
So, why are salt-free water softeners so popular? Water softeners based on salt remove hardened minerals but that also means you don’t get natural minerals in your drinking water. Alternatively, NaturSoft® Systems neutralizes minerals without completely removing them. By converting them to a crystallized form, the system prevents them from sticking to your dishes and pipes. However, your water retains healthy minerals such as magnesium and calcium, which both contribute to your health.
This is a water softener alternative that offers several benefits, including the following:
- Simplify cleaning in your home
- Improve dry skin caused by contaminants in your water
- Filter water without the use of harmful sodium/potassium chloride.
Specifications
- IAPMO tested and certified (NSF/ANSI 61)
- Structural integrity tested to NSF/ANSI 42 standards
- Water softener alternative for water conditioning and anti-scaling features
Low, No, or High Maintenance
Low! The system comes ready to install and it’s easy to implement.
The Best Whole House Water System for Well Water: Rhino Well Water with UV
Price
$4,064 (non-sale price)
Features & Benefits
The Rhino Well Water with UV filter is the best whole house water system for well water. If you use well water, you need a filter that specifically addresses issues associated with well water. If you want to trust the water coming from your spigots, this Rhino system can filter viruses, bacteria, and contaminants unique to well water.
This system doesn’t add chemicals to your water but uses natural processes to filter it. That leaves behind great-tasting water. Did you know that harmful chemicals in your water can evaporate when it boils, creating steam? This can affect your indoor air quality.
When you filter your water, you can breathe easier due to the improved indoor air quality. When you take the time to cook your favorite recipe, you want to taste the pure ingredients instead of overtones left behind by unfiltered water.
Make filtered water your secret ingredient for healthier, more nutritious meals. You can also improve the quality of your skin and hair by filtering out contaminants that leave behind limp hair and dry skin. UV light sterilizes 99.99% of viruses. So, keep chlorine-resistant cysts and E.coli away from your family with this unique system.
Filtration Process
- Superior Filtration: This independently tested whole house water filtration system has several stages of filtration. As a result, it resolves issues with multiple contaminants.
- Pre-Filter lasts two times longer, reducing sediment in water.
- Sediment pre-filter is the first line of defense against debris and dirt. Also captures any sediment, silt, or rust that clogs systems
- Salt-Free Water conditioner prevents minerals from binding and forming build-up
- Rhino Filter is composed of copper-zinc and mineral stone to help reduce chlorine and heavy metals. The activated carbon filter also removes any herbicides, pesticides, VOCs, PFOA/PFOS, and more.
- Post-filter is your polishing agent, reducing any remaining organic particles or sediment left in the water
- UV light kills 99.99% of bacteria and viruses lurking in untreated well water.
Specifications
- Filters 500,000 gallons, lasting the average family five years of use
- Specifically designed for well water systems, filtering out the common bacteria, contaminants, and viruses most commonly found in private well water
- Benefits your whole home, from quicker cooking times to keeping your skin hydrated and healthy
- Dual tank design to increase water contact time and preventing any clogging or media channeling
Low, No, or High Maintenance
Low maintenance. The Rhino Well Water with UV is easy to install and even easier to maintain. No electricity, back flushing, or drain lines are required. Rhino filters are designed for simplistic and fast tank changes.
Does Your Water Have a Weird Smell? Choose Pelican Whole House Water Filter System
Price
$1,027
Features & Benefits
The Pelican Whole House Water Filter System provides better-tasting coffee and tea. It can also soften your skin and hair by taking harsh elements out of the water you use to bathe with. Also, it doesn’t waste any water, unlike some other full-home water filtration systems. Additionally, enjoy a 60-day satisfaction-free guarantee. This gives you two months to decide whether this system works for you and your family.
Filtration Process
- Stage One: 5-Micron Pre-Filter System. This reduces silt, sand, sediment, and debris in the water down to 5 micron in size
- Stage Two and Three: Granular Activated Carbon Media. A high-grade activated catalytic carbon filter works with the chlorine, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, industrial solvents, and hundreds of other chemicals and contaminants.
- Stage Four: Pelican Media Guard. Our bacteriostatic copper-zinc reduction oxidation prevents and reduces bacteria and algae growth.
Specifications
- UV System. This destroys 99.9% of pathogens and harmful microorganisms
- Removes 97% chlorine
- Softer skin and hair
- Services every tap in your home
- The patented system requires no electricity
- Innovative design requires no drain
- Filters chlorine, chloramine, and other byproducts of cleaning municipal water.
- Long-lasting media in the tanks makes this the premier system for many homeowners.
Low, No, or High Maintenance
It’s a low-maintenance system requiring very little attention. With other water filtration systems, you may have to replace the entire tank. For the Pelican Water filtration system, you simply replace the media. So, there’s no need to call a plumber to get the job done.
Best Whole House Water Filter and Softener combo: Pentair Whole House Carbon & Softening Combo System
Price
$3,433 (non-sale price)
Features & Benefits
The Pentair Whole House Carbon & Softening Combo System filters the water in your whole house. It filters out chlorine that can impact the smell and taste of your water. Additionally, this filtration system improves the water coming out of every tap in your home. Its simple design results in longer service life and easy maintenance.
The second component of this combo is the Pentair Water Softening System. if you want to reduce the amount of magnesium, calcium, and other minerals in your hard water, combine these two systems for a powerful water softening and filtration system.
This smart system only regenerates when it has to, so it doesn’t use as much salt. That can save you time and money. So, what are the benefits of carbon filtration? If you want softer skin and hair and to bathe in water that feels like it came straight from the spring, this system might be the one for you. It also improves the taste of your coffee, tea, and other beverages using tap water.
It comes with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.
Specifications
- An efficient 5-micron pre-filter protects your appliances from scale buildup.
- Traps particles 1/20th the size of human hair.
- Large tank
- High-capacity resin
Low, No, or High Maintenance
The electronic head is easy to program and includes standard bypasses. This is a low-maintenance choice!
Best for Viruses In Water: LeverEdge Uv Light SL-E
Price
Contact Manufacturer for Pricing
Features & Benefits
If you live in an area prone to water boil notices, you never know when you can no longer use the water coming out of your faucets. However, UV lights kill the pathogens that collect in tap water. A best option to combat this is with the LeverEdge UV Light SL-E. Typically, authorities issue boil orders when the water pressure drops below 20psi. This allows bacteria to accumulate in the waterline. You can eliminate this issue by installing UV lights that kill organisms that can make you sick.
UV sanitation kills anything containing nucleic acids such as pathogens, Hepatitis, Salmonella, and E. coli. It also destroys Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
Specifications
- Lamp life expired alarm dinner 65-day resettable lamp life cycle
- Built-in surge protector
- Touch screen visual and audible alarm
- Solenoid valve connection
Low, No, or High Maintenance
Low maintenance. Keep it dust free and replace the lamp every year.
What are the Different Types of Whole House Water Filters?
Let’s talk about the different types of whole house water filters on today’s market. We’ll break down systems that are both renter and homeowner-friendly.
Whole Home Water Filters
Whole house water filters eliminate contaminants from every faucet inside a home, letting families enjoy safe water from their kitchen sink and bathroom shower. Your washing machine will also use this filtered water. You connect these systems to your main water line for filtration. Where the water filter needs to be installed will depend on the type of system.
Reverse Osmosis
RO systems offer a deep clean, removing up to 99.8% of contaminants found in a typical water supply. These include arsenic, copper, ammonia, bacteria, mercury, lead, fluoride, aluminum, trihalomethanes, chlorine, as well as dirt and debris.
An RO system is able to clean more thanks to its four levels of powerful filtration working to eliminate contaminants from your drinking water. This process includes:
- Sediment and Activated Carbon Block Module: Removes remaining traces of Chlorine and microscopic debris.
- Reverse Osmosis Chamber: Small particles, pollutants, fluoride, and trihalomethanes are trapped in the prefilters and removed from the water supply.
- Granular Activated Carbon: Eliminates organic and odorous chemicals like hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell) from water.
- The last stage in this super filtration process. Any remaining foul tastes and odors are removed while there’s a boost in pH level to ensure bottle quality water.
Read more about how reverse osmosis systems work and keep water clean here.
Filtered Water Pitchers
Filtered water pitchers offer a portable take on filtration, making them an ideal option for renters. This filtering system is great for removing chlorine, lead, and foul odors and tastes from drinking water.
After installing a filter cartridge inside the pitcher, you simply fill the pitcher up with water and wait for it to pass through the filter to complete the process. Most water filter pitchers use a coconut-based activated carbon filter to reduce chemicals and toxins in the water. A major downside to these systems is the frequency in which the filter needs to be changed.
One of the most popular filter pitchers is the Brita. Learn more about if the Brita pitcher actually works here. Read more about filtered water pitchers here.
UV Light Purification
If you’re worried about viruses seeping into your water supply, UV light purification is the system for you. UV light purification uses ultraviolet light to safely remove microbiological contaminants, bacteria, and harmful pathogens (Salmonella and Hepatitis) from your water.
Some systems use different components to purify water, like a UV rod, flow restrictor, filtration system controller, reactor chamber, or a quartz sleeve. Learn more about UV light purification here.
Water Softener
If you have hard water at home, a water softener is your solution. A water softener adds salt to your home’s water supply to remove minerals responsible for causing hard water.
Water softeners work throughout your entire home to remove the minerals leaving behind the filmy residue, scale build-up, and unattractive stains. This filtration system also protects plumbing and household appliances from damage and keeps water from drying skin and hair.
Salt and Water Softeners
Simply put, your water softener needs salt. It plays a key role in the ion-exchange, a process that breaks down hard minerals in water into sodium ions. In most systems, you can monitor your salt levels by checking the softener brine tank each week.
How much salt you add to your softener will depend on the type of system you have. Make sure not to add too much salt to your brine tank as this will cause salt bridges. This will cause the salt to build up and harden in your system.
How to Add Salt to a Water Softener
- Check and see if your softener has an indicator light. This is usually on newer systems and there to help you know when the salt levels need to be checked.
- If you have an older tank without an indicator, you’ll need to check the brine tank manually.
- Lift the lid of the brine tank and look inside for salt levels.
- Use quality salt of at least 99.5% when refilling. This will help with quality and how much salt is used over time.
- Pour and fill the tank! Easy!
- When filling, be careful not to overfill. Salt should be 4-6 inches away from the top of the tank. Don’t overfill!
- Depending on the size of the tank, it needs more salt than you think. Again, shoot for that 4–6-inch mark below the tank rim.
- Enjoy your softened water!
Still have questions about how much salt your system needs or how to properly care for your water softener? Find more tips and answers related to maintenance here.
Countertop Water Filter
Another great option for renters is the countertop water filter. Installation is often simple and doesn’t require plumbing or interference with your main water line. Like water filter pitchers, these systems are portable and easy to move. They work right on your counter for convenient access.
The type and level of filtration the countertop water filter has will depend on the system you purchase. There are a variety of countertop water filters available on the market specializing in removing different things, like bacteria, viruses, and chemicals.
Faucet Mounted Water Filter
A faucet mounted water filter clips to your faucet, removing different contaminants and helping you improve the quality of your water. Most faucet mounted systems use special screening and carbon block filtration to block sand, dirt, chlorine, and other chemicals.
Whole House Water System for Well Water
If your drinking water comes from a well, then the overall health of your water is on your shoulders and not the city.
Keep toxins and chemicals out of your water with a multi-stage whole house water system for well water. These systems are designed to target contaminants and heavy metals commonly found in well water to provide your entire home with a reliably clean finish that tastes delicious. Learn more about well water vs city water here.
Whole House Water Filtration Cost
If you’re looking towards having a whole house water filtration system, there’s generally one big question at hand: what is it going to cost?
The cost of a filtration system has a few different variables, but the average total price is around $2,000. That number is comprised through the following factors:
- Carbon filter system averages $50 to $500
- UV disinfection system averages $800 to $2,000
- Ionization system averages between $1,000 and $2,000
- Reverse osmosis system can be between $1,400 and $1,500
- Filtration installation averages $500 but can fall between the $100 to $2,000 range
Of course, there are additional factors that dictate the price, such as:
- Type of system. A sediment filter is the least expensive, but it’s not recommended due to the fact it doesn’t remove any tiny particles or serious contaminants. So, reverse osmosis is more expensive, but you’re paying for the top quality.
- The efficiency of the filter. The better filtration, the more expensive it’s going to be.
- Does it use a pre-filter? Systems like reverse osmosis or carbon systems use pre-filters.
- The capacity. Capacity is the number of gallons that can be filtered before the filter needs to be changed. The typical range is between 50,000 to 150,000 gallons.
- The number of filters. The most common is a three-filter system. However, there are more comprehensive options with more filters. This leads to an increase in price.
- Professional or DIY installation. DIY comes at no cost, but if you make a mistake and destroy the system, you’re adding on more costs later. Sometimes it’s best to trust the professionals.
Whole House Water filter and Softener Combo
The water in your home is readily accessible, so we use it for just about everything. However, every home has its individual needs. Some homes need a reverse osmosis cleansing system, while others need a solution for their hard water. But, what if you need both? That’s where the whole house water filter and softener combos come in.
A water softener or conditioner helps correct the issues that hard water presents to your household. However, these systems don’t filter your water to remove harmful chemicals and contaminants. Similarly, a water filtration system won’t remove the hard minerals from your water, but it will remove contaminants, tastes, and odors. Combining the two different systems helps you get the best of both worlds.
Why You Should Have a Water Softener and Filtration System
If you have hard water, you’re going to want a water softener in your household. Some negative effects of hard water include:
- Scaling in appliances, leading to a decreased lifespan
- Feeling like there is a film or residue on your hands after you’ve washed them due to the leftover soap scum
- Mineral stains on clothes coming out of your washing machine
- Spots on dishes from leftover calcium carbonate deposits
- Decreased water pressure
- Clogged pores, dry skin, and lifeless hair. Can also lead to hair loss.
- Increased potential for kidney stones
You shouldn’t have to choose between solving your hard water problems or having a filtration system in place. Instead, look towards a water softener and filtration system. There is a misconception that having a water softener filters their water, but it only works to soften the water by removing calcium and magnesium minerals. The only way to remove contaminants to make water safe for drinking and hygienic purposes is to purchase a whole home water filtration system. But why buy both? Look towards buying a whole house water filtration system and softening combo with ONIT Home today by calling us at 1-833-433-0331.
What size water filtration system do I need?
We realize that every home and every family is different. That’s why you trust the professionals at ONIT Home to find the perfect size system for your household! To get a free quote for a water filtration system, call us today to speak with a live representative.
Call us now at 1-833-433-0331.
How to Install a Whole House Filter
While paying for professional installation is easier and oftentimes worth it, some love to tackle the challenge of installing the whole house water filtration system themselves. So, if you’re handy enough and want to save a little bit of money, here are the steps you can take to install a filtration system.
- First, you need to drain the system. To do this, turn off the main water supply. This way, no more water comes through the pipes. Find the lowest point in the house to drain the water and lessen the pressure.
- After you’ve drained the water, cut the pipe. This is more labor-intensive. Once the pipe has been cut, it removes all the excess metal.
- Third, attach the fittings to the pipe ends.
- Then, position the filter so the water enters it correctly. Check to ensure that it’s been installed the correct way.
- Once this has been taken care of, change the filter as instructed to keep the quality of your at-home water supply in top form.
Benefits to Professional Installation
If this sounds too complicated, we have you covered! Choosing a professional installation is a great alternative to keep your system working the way it should. Here are some other top reasons to consider professional installation over DIY.
- Trusting the professionals means finding the right system, cost, quality, and knowledge
- DIY installation can lead to calling a professional
- Ability to problem solve and diagnose any issues
- The system is up and working after installation
How Often to Change Whole House Filter
The timeframe in which your whole house water filter needs to be changed depends on the type of system inside your home. Portable systems, like countertop water filters and filtered water pitchers, need to be changed more routinely, about every month or so. Built-in systems have filters with longer lifespans and won’t need to be changed as often.
Pro Tip
Refer to your product manual or ask the professional installer for more information on how often to change the filter in your specific system.
How Often to Add Salt to Water Softener
The frequency in which you add salt to a water softener depends on how often your family uses the system. However, an average family of four should add salt every month or every month and a half.
Signs You Need Whole House Water Filtration
There are some hard-to-miss signs you need whole house water filtration at home. Once you start noticing the following examples happening at home, we recommend scheduling a free water test with a professional to determine what’s in your water and what type of filtration system you need.
Water Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your water tastes and smells like rotten eggs, sulfur is the reason. High levels of sulfur bacteria will bring a foul odor and taste to your water. If this smell only happens when using hot water, then there could be a chemical reaction happening within your water heater and not a problem with your water supply. Call a professional to see if the problem is a chemical reaction or an issue with your water supply.
We also recommend scheduling a water test with your local water experts to figure out what’s lurking in your water. If you have high levels of sulfide, a reverse osmosis system is great for targeting this odorous chemical, thanks to its multiple chambers and stages.
Does your water taste like plastic? Read more about why water tastes bad in your new home.
Water Tastes Like a Swimming Pool
While swimming pools are great for warm weather recreation, it’s not what your drinking water should taste like. If your drinking water tastes like swimming pool water, then you likely have high chlorine levels at home.
While frustrating, the root of this problem probably stems from your city’s water treatment process. Many cities use chlorine to eliminate bacteria, viruses, protozoans, pathogens, and more from the water.
You can quickly fix this problem with a filtered water pitcher, like Brita or Pur. These are known for filtering chlorine from water for a cleaner taste.
Stains on Glass / Dry Hair and Skin / Decrease in Water Pressure
Does your glassware have foggy or powdery white residue on glassware? What about around your faucet or on your glass shower door? This is a sign you have hard water at home.
Other signs will appear on your hair and skin, specifically if it’s feeling dry, dull, and itchy. You may also notice a decrease in water pressure because of mineral buildup in piping and appliances. This can clog drains and decrease water quality.
The best solution for hard water is a water softener. A water softener uses salt to remove these damaging minerals from your water supply.
Find the Best Whole House Water Filtration System and More at ONIT Home
Installing a whole house water filtration system inside your home is an excellent step toward enjoying cleaner and healthier water all year long. No matter if you rent your space or own your home, there’s a system on the market that can meet your needs.
But the easiest way to shop for a whole house water filter system is with ONIT Home. We’re here to help you every step of the way, starting with a free water test that identifies the exact contaminants lurking in your water. We’ll use these findings to recommend the best system for your needs. When it’s time to install your filtration system, we’ve got that covered too.
We provide professional installation to ensure your investment is installed the right way the first time. The best thing is, you can get an industry-leading filtration system and enjoy safe and fresh-tasting water right from your sink. We also have warranty coverage to protect your system year-round. Call us today at 1-833-433-0331 to learn more about how we can help make shopping for a whole home water system a breeze.