Controlling the quality of municpal water may be out of your control, but using a filter can protect yourself and your family from harmful contaminants and also improve the taste of your water.
The most efficient way to filter it is with a whole house water filter; you will know that every faucet in the house is getting clean, drinkable water, with less care and maintenance.
Here are the best whole house water filters.
Comparison Chart
Express Water Heavy Metal Whole House Water Filter – 3 Stage Whole House Water Filtration System – Sediment, KDF, Carbon Filters – Includes Pressure Gauges, Easy Release, and 1” Inch Connections
Home Master Whole House Three Stage Water Filtration System with Fine Sediment, Iron and Carbon, Blue
Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter System – Water Softener Alternative w/ UV Purifier, Salt-Free Descaler, Gl,EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST,(Pack of 1, 4 Boxes Per Pack)
Best Whole House Water Filter Reviews
Express Water Heavy Metal Whole House Water Filter
Overview
The Express Water Heavy Metal Whole House Water Filter is a high-capacity whole house water filter that removes contaminants and heavy metals from well water. The system is easy to install, with standard 1” connections, and easy to maintain, with visibility housing and pressure gauges for easy monitoring and easy-to-replace filter cartridges.
It’s a durable, convenient, powerful way to make sure your whole house has clean, delicious water.
Highlights
The Express Water Heavy Metal Whole House Water Filter has a three-stage filtration system. The activated carbon block, kinetic degradation fluxion, and sediment filtration stages remove over 80 different contaminants, including chlorine, odor, heavy metals, pesticides, industrial solvents, VOCs, and simple contaminants like dirt and sand from your water.
The high-capacity system can filter up to 100,000 gallons of water, and it’s built to last. This system is made from 100% food-grade materials, including stainless steel frames and ABS and PCE plastic. All components have been independently tested and verified to meet NSF and ANSI standards.
The high -low design won’t reduce your water pressure and will deliver up to 0.25 gallons of water per second.
The Express Heavy Water Filter system is also easy to install and maintain. It has standard 1” connections, and the freestanding stainless steel frame makes it easy to see and access for monitoring and maintenance.
The first filter housing is clear, so you can easily monitor your filters and see when they need replacement. It also comes with pressure gauges, so you can easily monitor your water pressure.
The high-capacity system can filter 100,000 gallons of water, which can last for 6-12 months, depending on your well water quality and water usage. It’s backed by free lifetime support.
The Good
The Express Water Heavy Metal Whole House Water Filter is an excellent system for filtering well water. It’s easy to install, effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, and simple to monitor and maintain.
We love that it doesn’t reduce water pressure and that the filters last for such a long time. It has been independently tested and verified to meet NSF and ANSI standards which is a sure sign of quality.
The Bad
This system does not remove total dissolved solids, like a reverse osmosis system. The plastic filter housings may crack and leak if parts are over-tightened. While the leak is typically due to installation errors, it would be better to have metal housings that are less prone to this problem.
Pros
- Efficient way to remove contaminants and heavy metals from the entire home’s water supply
- Easy to install and maintain
- High-quality independently tested system made of food-grade components
Cons
- Does not remove TDS
- May develop tiny cracks and leaks when over-tightened
Home Master HMF3SDGFEC Whole House Well Water Filtration System
Overview
The Home Master HMF3SDGFEC Whole House Well Water Filtration System is specifically designed to clean well water, removing dirt, sediment, rust, and herbicides and pesticides—95% of the sediment and chemicals that affect water quality, smell, and taste.
The three-stage filtration system cleans water without reducing the flow rate with filters that are easy to access and replace. Perfect Water Technologies cares about their customers and are happy to consult with customers before purchase to make sure that this is the right system for them.
Highlights
The Home Master HMF3SDGFEC Whole House Well Water Filtration System is designed for well water, optimized for removing dirt, iron, and other common well water contaminants. It does not remove chlorine or other common urban water supply contaminants.
The three-stage filter system includes a 4-layer multi-gradient sediment filter to reduce contaminants up to 1 micron, a radial flow iron filter that reduces iron up to 3ppm, and a radial flow granular activated coconut shell carbon filter to remove chemicals. The system effectively treats iron, manganese, dirt, rust, sediment, chemicals, and hydrogen sulfide, removing 95% of common contaminants.
The Home Master HMF3SDGFEC Whole House Well Water Filtration System will clean your water without reducing water pressure. The 1” ports can deliver up to 15 gallons per minute, with oversized filters that last longer, and can clean 95,000 gallons of water before replacement.
It comes fully assembled, with everything you need for installation, including the steel mounting brackets, bolts, a wrench, and instructions.
The Good
The Home Master HMF3SDGFEC is a high-quality system designed to treat the most common problems with well water: dirt and sediment, iron and rust, and hydrogen sulfide that creates the familiar egg smell. The high-capacity system has oversized filters that last longer, doesn’t reduce water flow, and are easy to access and replace.
Perfect Water Technologies knows that every well is different. They recommend a water quality test before buying a whole house filter system and offer a free consultation by email, chat, or phone to determine the right filtration system for your water and your needs.
The Bad
The Home Master HMF3SDGFEC will only work effectively and clean water if the existing range of dirt and contaminants is below a certain level. It may also affect the pressure of some well water pumping systems.
Perfect Water Technologies strongly advises customers to have their water tested and consult with them before investing in the system because it isn’t the right choice for every well and every installation setup. The system is designed to hang from the wall, which may be more challenging to install.
Pros
- Effectively removes 95% of most well water contaminants
- A high-capacity system lasts longer and doesn’t reduce water flow
- Free pre-purchase consultation
Cons
- Does not work as well or last as long with extremely dirty water
- May be more difficult to install due to the number of parts and connections
Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter System
Overview
The Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter System removes common well water contaminants like lead, mercury, herbicides, pesticides, and VOCs while leaving healthy minerals intact. It also has a UV purifier that kills organic contaminants like germs and bacteria.
Finally, the salt-free Scale Control Media technology conditions your water to preserve your pipes and appliances. Altogether, this system removes 97% of chlorine, 99.9% of bacteria and provides healthy, great-tasting water to every tap in your home.
Highlights
The Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter System has a unique dual-tank up-flow design that prevents clogs while exposing water to the filtration system for longer. The well water system has three filtration stages, including the sediment pre-filter, the activated carbon filter, and a UV filter, as well as a salt-free water conditioner that prevents mineral buildup in your pipes and appliances.
The carbon media filter is designed specifically for well water, and the UV filtration stage kills unwanted microorganisms that aren’t caught in traditional water filters, killing viruses and bacteria. This filter system removes contaminants and unwanted flavors from your water but leaves healthy minerals intact without demineralizing your water.
It also prevents excessive sodium waste, naturally and safely improving your well water.
This filtration system lasts for 5 years or 500,000 gallons and seamlessly hooks up with your home’s water supply, with a maximum flow rate of 7 gallons per minute.
It comes with a 500,000-gallon filtration dual-tank, the salt-free water conditioner, the UV filter, the pre-filter, the post-filter, brass fittings, bend supports, and a shutoff valve. It does not come with Pex tubing.
The Good
Many well water filters are designed to remove minerals and sediment but don’t have a UV filter to kill microorganisms. Municipal water uses chlorine to sanitize water and kill germs and bacteria, but well water is usually untreated and may have unwanted microorganisms in it.
The Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter System has a UV filter to kill microorganisms and a water conditioner to keep water feeling and tasting great. The water conditioner prevents mineral scale inside your pipes, preserving your water flow for longer. This system is built to last for 5 years or 500,000 gallons of water.
The Bad
Despite these benefits, there are some downsides to this system. To preserve water flow, Aquasana recommends that you replace filters every three months. Other filters last for longer, saving you time and maintenance costs.
Because the Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter System doesn’t have a frame or a structure, it can be challenging to install. The company has told some customers that installing it yourself can invalidate the warranty, and it’s best to have a professional install it.
The many parts and components require a lot of assembly and many specialized plumbing tools that can drive up the overall cost of the system and increase opportunities for leaks.
Pros
- The many filtration stages and UV filter remove almost all contaminants from well water without demineralizing
- Durable system is built to last for 5 years or 500,000 gallons
- Salt-free scale protection for your pipes and appliances
Cons
- Can be difficult and expensive to install
- Filters need to be changed relatively frequently
Culligan WH-HD200-C Whole House Sediment Water 1″ HD CLR WTR Filter
Overview
The Culligan WH-HD200-C Whole House Sediment Water Filter is a compact, easy-to-install filter system. The 1” stainless steel connectors fit most standard residential plumbing, and the compact unit fits in a wide range of places in the home.
This water filter is specifically designed to remove sediment, sand, and other contaminants from your well water. The wide range of Culligan filter cartridges allow you to customize your filtration for your needs. This filter has been tested and certified for material safety, structural integrity, and low lead compliance.
Highlights
The Culligan WH-HD200-C Whole House Sediment Water Filter is a single-stage water filtration unit that is compact and easy to install in almost any home. It traps and removes sediment and rust and protects your pipes and appliances from mineral-scale buildup. It has a built-in filter life monitor, so you know when your filters need to be replaced.
The high-quality, stainless steel reinforced filter housing is compatible with a wide range of Culligan filters, so you can choose the filter that solves your water problems.
Culligan has a wide range of filters with different filtration types, designed to remove sand, silt, bad tastes, odors, chlorine, and other common water problems. This water filter system comes with the housing wrench, mounting bracket, filter life monitor, and filter monitor battery.
The Good
The Culligan WH-HD200-C is a convenient and easy-to-install whole house water filter. It is compact and lightweight, with 1” inlet and outlet connectors. It has a built-in bypass valve that makes it easier to maintain and saves time and money installing a bypass valve on your own.
The wide range of compatible Culligan filters lets you choose what water problems you want to address in your home, and most filters are well water compatible. It’s affordable, versatile, and easy to use. We also love that it’s been tested and certified for safety and structural integrity.
The Bad
The Culligan WH-HD200-C is only a single-stage filter, so you can’t use multiple filters for different types of filtration and protection. Some filters also have a relatively short useful life, at only 2-3 months, or 8-12,000 gallons. A few of the filters will last longer, up to 6 months.
Pros
- Compact and affordable whole house water filtration
- Huge variety of filters to address your specific water problems
- Easy to install and maintain
Cons
- Should be professionally installed, due to somewhat delicate plastic threads
- Only a single-stage system
iSpring WGB32BM 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System
Overview
The iSpring WGB32BM 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System is a three-stage filtration system that reduces iron, manganese, and heavy metals, along with dirt, sand, particles, sediment, and a carbon filter that removes VOCs, chemicals, and tastes and odors.
It has a robust water flow of up to 15 GPM and a total capacity of 100,000 gallons. This system is independently third-party tested to meet NSF and ANSI standards. It’s backed by a one-year warranty and free lifetime US-based customer support.
Highlights
The iSpring WGB32BM 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System cleans water without demineralizing it, protecting your pipes and appliances from scale and buildup over time.
The three-stage system includes a sediment filter that removes sand, particles, dust, dirt, and rust flakes; a carbon block that removes chlorine, VOCs, chemicals, cloudiness, tastes, and odors; and an iron filter that removes iron, manganese, and other heavy metals.
This system is made with high-quality, independently tested components, built to last. The 1” connections make it easy to install, and the see-through housing makes it easy to monitor your filters.
The filter system has a 100,000-gallon capacity and ample water flow, and the integrated auto-flushing module with scraper saves time in maintenance. It is backed by a one-year warranty and lifetime support from a US-based support team.
The Good
The iSpring WGB32BM Filtration System is specifically designed to address the most common problems with well water, but you can choose other iSpring compatible filters to address your specific water concerns.
The system is easy to install and maintain, with good filter capacity and easy monitoring. The auto-flushing capability makes maintenance easier.
The Bad
This filtration system is large and heavy, limiting your choices in where it can be installed. It performs best and lasts the longest when the well water is not extremely dirty; iSpring recommends having your water tested before installing the system and adding a pre-filter (as a separate purchase) if you need it.
In fact, iSpring intends this filter system to be part of a larger home well water treatment plan, with an additional pre-filter, water conditioner, and under-sink filters for drinking water. Creating that comprehensive system may be more time, expense, and filter monitoring than most people want or need.
Pros
- High-quality system that filters most common dirt and contaminants from well water
- High-capacity and long life for fewer filter changes
- Auto-flushing and scraping features for easier maintenance
- Lifetime support
Cons
- May need additional fittings and tools depending on your installation
- Doesn’t come with pressure gauges
Buyer’s Guide
When choosing a water filter system for a whole house to treat well water, it’s always a good idea to have your water tested first and know what conditions you want to address. Here are the essential things to keep in mind.
Types of Water Filter
There are many different types of water filters, and you may need other filters or a combination of filters depending on your water conditions and concerns. Here are the most common types of water filter:
Pre-Filter
A pre-filter is usually simply a screen that removes the larger particles of dirt and sediment before allowing water to pass into the rest of the system. A pre-filter reduces clogging and prolongs filter life for the rest of the system.
Sediment Filter
A sediment filter physically screens out dirt, sand, dust, and particles from the water, trapping and holding larger particles and debris.
Carbon Filter
A carbon filter physically traps and holds tiny particles due to the structure of its surface area while also triggering chemical reactions that remove some compounds (like chlorine) from water.
Carbon filters remove herbicides and pesticides, organic contaminants, chlorine, VOCs, and lead and reduce toxins like arsenic, asbestos, mercury, and radon.
Iron Filters
High iron levels can leave stains on clothes and plumbing fixtures and give water a metallic taste. Iron filters have an oxidizing agent that attracts iron and precipitates it from the water.
Water Softening Filter
A water softening filter removes excess calcium and magnesium from water, reducing mineral buildup on surfaces and appliances. Water softeners typically use salt to attract unwanted chemicals, but some communities have restrictions on salty wastewater, and there are salt-free alternatives.
UV Filters
Most water filters remove physical particles and contaminants from water but cannot kill microorganisms. A UV filter exposes water to UV light that kills bacteria, germs, and other living organisms that may be in well water.
Reverse Osmosis Filter
A reverse osmosis filter forces water molecules through a very fine membrane, separating the ions and removing virtually all the minerals from the water. Some people don’t like the taste of demineralized water. Some minerals are actually good for you, so many people feel that a RO filter is only necessary for specific conditions.
Water Flow
Many people find that a whole-house water filtration system reduces water flow or pressure. Choose a system with high water flow, and keep the filters (especially sediment filters) clean to maintain water flow and pressure.
If the system doesn’t include them, add pressure gauges during installation to help determine if there are issues with water flow during filtration.
Filter Capacity
A water filter usually has a specific capacity indicating how many gallons of water it can filter before it needs to be replaced. The lower the capacity, the more often the filters need to be checked and changed.
Filter Types
Most whole house water filter systems require a cartridge-type filter, which is easier to monitor and maintain.
Cost
Some whole house water filtration systems can be costly, while some are pretty affordable. Generally speaking, the cost is driven by the number of filter stages, the size of the filters, and the system’s total capacity.
It’s also important to factor in the installation cost, including any tools or connectors, pressure gauges, and a bypass system.
Finally, factor in the price of replacement cartridges over time; a whole house well water filtration system is an ongoing investment in your water quality and can add up over the years.
FAQ
What is a Water Filtration System?
A water filtration system passes water through one or more filters, which remove specific contaminants from the water.
How do Water Filters Work?
Water filters work by taking water through one side, forcing the water through a filtration process or over a filtration media, and then allowing the filtered water to pass out the other side.
What do Water Filters Remove?
No single water filter type can remove all unwanted contaminants because it requires different filter structures and designs to remove physical particles, or screen out specific ions, bind to certain chemicals or kill organic contaminants.
What Filter Works Best for Well Water?
Well water is usually high in dirt, sand, and sediment and often high in iron and heavy metals. Some well water in agricultural areas is also high in chemicals from herbicides and pesticides. It’s always best to have your water checked to determine what contaminants you need to filter out.
Still, a three-stage system with a filter for sediment, a filter for iron and heavy metals, and a carbon filter for chemicals is usually the best choice for well water.
Final Verdict
The best whole house well water filtration system really depends on your needs and your water quality. If you simply want water that tastes better, the Culligan WH-HD200-C Whole House Sediment Water Filter is a great choice. We love that it’s so compact and easy to install and that you can choose the compatible filter that best meets your needs, whether you want to use a sediment filter to remove dirt or an activated carbon filter to remove chemicals and odors.
If you need to remove multiple types of impurities from your well water, a three-stage system is best, and we love the Express Water Heavy Metal Whole House Water Filter. It has built-in pressure gauges at each filtration stage to simplify maintenance and a robust frame to facilitate mounting and connections.
If your water is also contaminated with microorganisms, you should choose a whole house water filtration system that includes a UV filter, like the Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter System. This water filtration system is expensive, but it has everything you need to clean even very contaminated well water, including pre-and-post-filters, a UV filter, and a salt-free water conditioner. It’s a comprehensive way to ensure that your water is clean and pure for years to come.