What is a Whole House Water Filter?
A whole house water filter, also known as a point-of-entry system, treats all the water entering your home. It is installed on the main water line, so every tap and appliance receives filtered water. This includes your kitchen and bathroom sinks, showers, washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator.
Benefits of a Whole House Water Filtration System
There are several key advantages to using a whole house water filter:
Cleaner, Healthier Water
A whole house water filter provides comprehensive protection against a variety of contaminants:
- Chlorine and chloramines: These disinfectants are added by municipal water treatment plants but can cause dry skin, irritation, and breathing issues when inhaled in shower steam. Whole house filters reduce these chemicals for healthier bathing and indoor air quality.
- Heavy metals: Some water sources may contain lead, mercury, arsenic and other metals that pose health risks, especially to children. Filtration systems certified for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 can significantly reduce these contaminants.
- Microorganisms: Untreated well water may contain bacteria, viruses, and cysts that cause gastrointestinal illness. UV light filtration is highly effective at disinfecting these pathogens.
- Chemicals and VOCs: Industrial pollutants, pesticides, and byproducts can end up in both city and well water. Activated carbon filters remove many of these compounds to minimize exposure.
Protection for Appliances
Hard water minerals, sediment, and chlorine can all damage appliances over time:
- Scale buildup from calcium and magnesium makes appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters work harder and less efficiently. This increases energy costs and reduces the lifespan of the appliance.
- Sediment clogs pipes and builds up in appliances, leading to maintenance issues and early failure.
- Chlorine can slowly degrade rubber seals and components, causing leaks.
A whole house filtration system with multi-stage filtration and a water softener or conditioner can prevent these issues, helping appliances perform better and last longer. This saves money in the long run on repairs and replacement.
Better Tasting Water
Chemicals, minerals, and organic matter can all affect the taste and smell of your water:
- Chlorine has a distinctive chemical taste and odor that many find unpleasant, especially in drinking water.
- Iron, sulfur, and some microorganisms can cause metallic, musty, or rotten egg smells.
- Tannins from decaying vegetation make water look and taste dirty.
Removing these contaminants with a whole house filter makes water taste and smell much more appealing. You can enjoy clean, refreshing water from any tap in your home without the need for bottled water.
Softer Hair and Skin
The impurities in unfiltered water can take a toll on your hair and skin:
- Chlorine strips away natural oils, leaving hair dry, brittle, and prone to dandruff. It can also fade color-treated hair faster.
- Hard water minerals interfere with soaps and shampoos, making it harder to get a deep clean. Soap scum residue can irritate sensitive skin and clog pores.
- Chlorine and other chemicals are drying and irritating to the skin, worsening conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Showering and bathing in filtered water is much gentler on hair and skin. Many people notice their hair is softer, shinier, and more manageable. Skin feels cleaner and less dry or itchy. Reducing these everyday irritants can make a big difference in your comfort.
In summary, a whole house water filtration system provides cleaner, healthier water for all your needs – drinking, cooking, cleaning, bathing, and appliances. While the upfront cost may be higher than other methods, the long-term benefits and savings make it a smart investment in your home and quality of life.
How to Choose a Whole House Water Filter
Here are some additional details on how to choose a whole house water filter:
Determine Your Water Quality and Filtration Needs
Before selecting a system, it’s important to know exactly what contaminants are in your water supply. This will help you choose the right filtration methods to target your specific issues.
- Get a water quality test from an independent lab to identify contaminants like heavy metals, chemicals, microorganisms, and sediment. Don’t rely solely on free tests offered by salespeople.
- Review your local water quality report to see what contaminants may be present in municipal supplies.
- Consider your water source – city water may have chlorine and byproducts, while well water is prone to bacteria, iron, and hardness minerals.
- Prioritize contaminants that pose health risks, like lead, arsenic, and PFAS, as well as those that affect taste and appliance performance, like chlorine and sediment.
Evaluate Filtration Methods
There are several types of filtration used in whole house systems. You may need a combination of methods for comprehensive protection.
- Activated carbon: Removes chlorine, VOCs, pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals using adsorption. Improves taste and odor.
- Sediment filtration: Mechanical filters strain out sand, silt, rust and other particulates in a range of micron sizes.
- Reverse osmosis: Removes dissolved solids like lead, chromium-6, arsenic, nitrates and sodium. Requires additional storage tank and drain line.
- UV light: Disinfects bacteria, viruses and cysts without chemicals. Works best with pre-filtration to remove particles that can shield microbes.
- Water softening: Ion exchange resins or TAC (template-assisted crystallization) reduce hardness minerals to prevent scale buildup. Salt-based softeners add trace sodium.
- Specialty media: KDF (kinetic degradation fluxion) and other customized media target specific contaminants like iron, hydrogen sulfide, and arsenic.
Calculate Flow Rate and Sizing
Whole house filters must be sized to accommodate your household’s water pressure and peak demand.
- Determine your required flow rate by adding up the gallons per minute (GPM) of all the fixtures and appliances you expect to use simultaneously. For example:
- Shower head: 2.5 GPM
- Kitchen faucet: 2.2 GPM
- Dishwasher: 2.0 GPM
- Washing machine: 4.0 GPM
- Look for a system with ports and a flow rate higher than your peak demand. Typical whole house systems range from 10-25 GPM and have 1-1.5″ ports.
- Consider the size and capacity of the filter housings and media beds. Larger systems allow for higher flow rates and longer times between replacements.
Assess Costs and Maintenance
The upfront price is just one factor in the lifetime cost of a whole house water filter. Also consider:
- Filter lifespan: How many gallons can it treat before replacement? Typical carbon tanks last 3-5 years, while sediment and specialty filters may be changed every 2-6 months.
- Replacement costs: Factor in the price of replacement filters, media, and membranes over the expected life of the system.
- Maintenance: Some systems require professional servicing, while others have DIY-friendly filter changes. Consider the time and expense of upkeep.
- Warranty and support: Look for manufacturers that offer robust warranties and customer support in case of issues.
Verify Certifications
To ensure performance and material safety, look for these independent certifications:
- NSF/ANSI Standards: Certify that the system has been tested to reduce specific contaminants and is made of safe materials. Relevant standards include:
- NSF/ANSI 42 – Aesthetic effects like chlorine, taste, and odor
- NSF/ANSI 53 – Health effects like lead, VOCs, and PFOA/PFOS
- NSF/ANSI 401 – Emerging contaminants like pharmaceuticals and herbicides
- NSF/ANSI 55 – UV microbiological treatment
- NSF/ANSI 58 – Reverse osmosis systems
- NSF/ANSI 372 – Lead-free compliance
- WQA Gold Seal: Verifies that the product is constructed or formulated from safe materials, has been tested for performance, and has been manufactured under a quality management system.
By carefully evaluating your water quality, filtration needs, system specs, costs, and certifications, you can select a whole house water filter that delivers safe, clean water to every tap. Consulting with a water treatment professional can also help you navigate the options and tailor a system to your home.
Top Whole House Water Filter Recommendations
Everpure EV937000 T20 Whole House Filter System
The Everpure EV937000 T20 Whole House Filter System is a high-performance filtration solution designed to provide clean, fresh-tasting water for your entire home. Here are the key details about this system:
Filtration Technology
The T20 system uses a combination of two advanced filtration technologies to remove a wide range of contaminants:
- Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC): The filter contains a bed of finely powdered activated carbon that has a high surface area for maximum adsorption. The PAC effectively reduces chlorine taste and odor, as well as other organic compounds like VOCs and pesticides.
- Powdered Diatomaceous Earth (DE): The system also incorporates a powdered DE filter, which is a natural, porous sedimentary rock that is excellent at straining out fine particulates. The DE filter removes particles down to 1 micron in size, including dirt, sediment, and cysts like Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
Filtration Performance
The Everpure T20 is certified to NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53 for the reduction of the following contaminants:
- Chlorine taste and odor: Reduces up to 99% for cleaner, better-tasting water
- Particulates: Removes particles down to 1 micron in size for clearer water
- Cysts: Eliminates up to 99.9% of protozoan cysts like Giardia and Cryptosporidium
- Lead: Reduces precipitated lead that can leach from pipes and fixtures
Flow Rate and Capacity
The T20 system is designed to provide ample filtered water without significantly impacting flow rate or pressure.
- Flow rate: 10 gallons per minute (gpm), enough to supply multiple taps and appliances simultaneously
- Capacity: 50,000 gallons or approximately 6-12 months, depending on water usage and quality
Installation and Maintenance
The Everpure T20 is designed for whole house, point-of-entry installation on the main water line. Key features include:
- Stainless steel filter housing for durability and corrosion resistance
- Inlet/outlet connections: 1″ NPT
- Pressure range: 10-125 psi
- Temperature range: 35-100°F
- Replacement filter cartridge: EV937020
- Filter change frequency: Every 6-12 months or 50,000 gallons
Benefits of the Everpure T20
By providing filtered water to every tap and appliance, the T20 system offers several benefits:
- Improves the taste and odor of drinking water by removing chlorine and other off-tastes
- Reduces sediment and particulates for clearer, better-looking water
- Protects appliances like water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines from sediment buildup and corrosion
- Provides cyst reduction for added protection against waterborne illness
- Reduces precipitated lead that can leach from older pipes and fixtures
Overall, the Everpure EV937000 T20 Whole House Filter System is a comprehensive and reliable solution for homeowners seeking to improve the quality and safety of their water. Its advanced filtration technology, high flow rate, and durable construction make it a top choice for whole-house water treatment.
3M Aqua Pure SS12 EPE 316L Whole House Water Filter System
The 3M Aqua-Pure SS12 EPE-316L is a high-capacity, whole house water filtration system designed for long-lasting performance in harsh, corrosive environments. Here are the key details about this system:
Stainless Steel Construction
The SS12 EPE-316L housing is made of durable, corrosion-resistant 316L stainless steel. Key features include:
- Electropolished finish for enhanced corrosion resistance and easy cleaning
- Designed to withstand harsh water conditions and high temperatures
- Ideal for use in coastal areas, well water systems, and other challenging environments
Large Capacity and High Flow Rate
With its large diameter housing, the SS12 EPE-316L offers extended filter life and minimal pressure drop.
- Accepts 12″ double open-ended (DOE) filter cartridges for high contaminant holding capacity
- Provides flow rates up to 96 gallons per minute (gpm) with 2″ NPT inlet/outlet connections
- Allows for longer filter replacement intervals, reducing maintenance frequency
Versatile Filtration Options
The SS12 EPE-316L is compatible with a range of 3M Aqua-Pure drop-in filter cartridges to target specific contaminants:
- AP124: Reduces sediment, chlorine taste and odor, and scale
- AP110: Reduces sediment and chlorine taste and odor
- AP1001: Reduces sediment and chlorine taste and odor
- AP117: Reduces sediment, chlorine taste and odor, and cysts
- APS117: Reduces sediment, chlorine taste and odor, cysts, and scale
- AP420: Reduces sediment, chlorine taste and odor, and mold and algae
Easy Installation and Maintenance
The SS12 EPE-316L is designed for simple, inline installation on the main water supply line.
- Includes mounting bracket and wrench for easy cartridge changes
- Pressure relief button allows for quick and easy cartridge replacement without tools
- Clear sump allows for visual inspection of filter cartridge
- Replacement cartridges available for easy maintenance
Benefits of the 3M Aqua-Pure SS12 EPE-316L
By providing filtered water to the entire home, the SS12 EPE-316L offers several benefits:
- Reduces sediment, chlorine taste and odor, and other contaminants for better-tasting, cleaner water
- Helps protect plumbing, appliances, and fixtures from sediment buildup and corrosion
- Offers customizable filtration options to target specific water quality issues
- Provides high flow rates and capacity for reliable, long-lasting performance
- Ideal for use in harsh water conditions and corrosive environments
Overall, the 3M Aqua-Pure SS12 EPE-316L Whole House Water Filter System is a durable, high-performance solution for homeowners seeking to improve the quality and consistency of their water supply. Its stainless steel construction, large capacity, and versatile filtration options make it a top choice for challenging water conditions and long-term reliability.
Aquasana OptimH2O Whole House Water Filter System
The Aquasana OptimH2O Whole House Water Filter System is a comprehensive water filtration solution designed to provide clean, healthy water throughout your entire home. Here are the key details about this system:
Advanced Filtration Technology
The OptimH2O system uses a unique combination of filtration technologies to remove a wide range of contaminants:
- Ultra-dense carbon block: The filter contains a large, ultra-dense carbon block that offers superior filtration compared to granulated media. The block combines catalytic and activated carbon for highly effective contaminant removal.
- Ion-exchange: The system also utilizes ion-exchange to reduce heavy metals like lead.
- Sub-micron filtration: The dense carbon block can filter particles down to the sub-micron level, including cysts like Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
Certified Contaminant Reduction
The OptimH2O is IAPMO tested and certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for the reduction of the following contaminants:
- Lead: Reduces over 99% of lead
- Cysts: Reduces over 99% of cysts like Giardia and Cryptosporidium
- PFOA/PFOS: Reduces over 98% of these “forever chemicals”
- Chlorine: Reduces over 90% of chlorine taste and odor
- Chloramines: Reduces over 90% of chloramines
High Flow Rate and Capacity
The OptimH2O is designed to provide ample filtered water without significantly impacting flow rate or pressure.
- Flow rate: 4.8 gallons per minute (gpm), enough to supply the needs of most households
- Capacity: 100,000 gallons or up to 12 months before filter replacement
Easy Installation and Maintenance
The OptimH2O is designed for whole house, point-of-entry installation on the main water line. Key features include:
- Built-in bypass valve for easy filter replacements without shutting off water
- Patented snap ring technology allows for tool-free filter changes
- LED notifications to indicate when it’s time to replace the filter
- Durable, lightweight tank made of food-grade HDTE material
Benefits Throughout Your Home
By providing filtered water to every tap and appliance, the OptimH2O offers several benefits:
- Healthier, better-tasting drinking water with reduced lead, chemicals, and odors
- Cleaner, softer water for bathing and showering, reducing exposure to harsh chlorine
- Improved flavor and faster cooking times when preparing food and beverages
- Protection for plumbing and appliances against sediment and scale buildup
The OptimH2O also comes with a 1-year limited warranty, 5-year limited warranty on the tank, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee for peace of mind.
Bottom Line
A whole house water filtration system is an excellent way to get clean, healthy water from every tap. While more expensive upfront than other options, their comprehensive filtration and long lifespans make them a smart long-term investment in your home and family’s wellbeing.