What Is a Whole House Water Filter?

A whole house water filter is installed on your home's main water line, before your water heater and before the water splits off to each room. That makes it a point of entry system: every drop that comes into the house is filtered first, whether it ends up in a glass, a shower, the washing machine or the dishwasher.

An under sink or countertop filter treats one faucet. A whole house system treats them all, from one place, with one maintenance routine.

Why Filter the Whole House?

Your skin and hair. In the shower you absorb and inhale what is in your water. Filtered water at every shower and tub means less of it reaches your family.

The air you breathe. Chlorine and other chemicals can escape into shower steam. Filtering at the main line means cleaner water in every bathroom, not just one.

Cooking and drinking. Filtered water from every tap, for washing vegetables, boiling pasta and filling the dog's bowl.

Your laundry. Clothing free of chemical residues, and colors that last longer.

Your home. Removing sand, silt and rust at the point of entry protects your pipes, plumbing fixtures and water using appliances.

How Whole House Filtration Works

A good whole house system works in stages.

1. Sediment pre-filter. Catches sand, silt, rust and other particles first, so they never reach the main filter.

2. The main tank. This is where the real work happens. Carbon and other media reduce chemicals such as chlorine and chloramines, along with metals and organic compounds. The media you choose decides what your system removes.

3. Sediment post-filter. A final stage before the water moves on to the rest of the house.

Our Whole Home Filtration System is built on exactly this sequence, rated for 500,000 gallons, with the pre-filter and post-filter included. See its page for the full list of media inside the tank.

City Water or Well Water?

City water is treated with chlorine or chloramines before it reaches you. A whole house filter reduces those at the door.

Well water gets tested first. Our Well Water Test Kit is a National Testing Labs 73 point test, essential before any equipment for a well can be recommended.

Whole House Filter or Reverse Osmosis?

They do different jobs. A whole house filter protects all of the water in your home. A reverse osmosis system under the kitchen sink purifies the water you drink and cook with. For drinking water we recommend our EZTwist 5 Stage RO, and you can read why we recommend reverse osmosis.

Whole House Water Filter FAQs

Where is a whole house water filter installed?
On the main water line where it enters your home, before the water heater.

Do I still need a filter at the kitchen sink?
For drinking and cooking water, we recommend adding reverse osmosis under the sink. The whole house filter handles everything else.

Is a whole house water filter the same as a water softener?
No. A filter reduces chemicals, metals and sediment. A softener removes hardness minerals. They are separate systems.

How often are the filters changed?
Your water will ultimately determine how often, but we recommend changing the pre-filter and post-filter every 3 months. Each 20" Pre and Post Filter 1-Year Kit covers a whole year for one filter canister. The main tank is rated for 500,000 gallons.

Is it covered by your guarantee?
Yes, by our six month money back guarantee. Whole home systems are built to order, so a 15% restocking fee may apply if cancelled or returned.

Not sure which system is right for your home?
Call us at 214-878-2568.