Best Whole House Water Filters 2023: Top Reviews & Buying Guide

Are you looking for the best whole house water filter to remove chlorine, chemicals, bacteria and sediments from your water?

You’ve come to the right place. 

Depending on the type of filtration it uses, a whole house water filter can remove chlorine, sediment, rust, dissolved metals, chemicals, and harmful bacteria from every drop of water entering your home. 

This is because unlike an under-sink or faucet water filter, a whole house water filter is installed directly into the main water line coming into your home. This eliminates the need for other kinds of water filters throughout your house, which saves you money.

In this buying guide, we review & compare the best whole house water filters selling today and answer the most common questions about whole-home systems.  

After reviewing the best filtration systems, we explain how to install and maintain a whole house water filter in your home including important issues that many overlook, like installing a bypass valve to make filter changes easy.

So let's get to it!

What’s In This Buying Guide

Best Whole House Water Filters

The table below compares the best whole house water filters selling today on a range of features.  We also note our best picks for the most common needs.  

• Aquasana

• 
  TOP PICK
• 10 year filter
  1 million gallons
  7 GPM
• 4 filter stages
• - sediment
  - minerals
  - chemicals
  - organics
  - chlorine

• $$$

See Price on Amazon

• Home Master HMF2SMGCC

• 
  BEST VALUE
• 1 year filter
  95,000 gallons
  10GPM
• 2 filter stages
• - sediment
  - minerals
  - chemicals
  - chlorine

• $$

See Price Now

• 3M Aqua-Pure

• BUDGET PICK
• 1 year filter
  100,000 gallons
  20 GPM
• 2 filter stages
• - sediment
  - chlorine
  

• $

See Price on Amazon

• Home Master HMF3SDGFEC

• BEST FOR WELL WATER
• 10 year filter
  1 million gallons
  15 GPM
• 3 filter stages
• - sediment
  - minerals
  - chemicals
  

• $$$

See Price Now

1. Our Top Overall Pick:

Aquasana 10-Year Whole House Water Filter

The Aquasana 10-Year Whole House Water Filter provides whole-house water filtration for up to 10 years or a million gallons.

This powerful, certified home water filter removes up to 97% of chlorine content from your home water and removes heavy metals, chemical contaminants and sediments.

The only downside is the installation process, which takes time and requires someone with some plumbing experience to complete. Most customers will need a plumber, which adds to the overall cost.

Best features  

1. 4-Stage Filtration

The basic system (without the water softener) provides four levels of filtration, as follows:

1. Sediment pre-filter: removes large contaminants such as rust, dust, sediment, and silt. This not only enhances water purification, but it also prevents the rest of the system from clogging up. The 20” pre-filter has 2 times the capacity of standard pre-filters. It’s able to catch more impurities without lowering water pressure.
2. Copper-zinc & mineral stone filter: this filter reduces the amount of chlorine in water and inhibits the growth of bacteria and algae. It also reduces dissolved metals such as mercury and lead. 
3. Activated carbon filter: Reduces chemical contaminants such as herbicides and insecticides.
4. Post-filter: Catches the tiniest impurities that remain including organic particles, microscopic cysts, and sediment as small as 0.35 microns.

Note: this filter only works for municipal water supplies that contain chlorine / not chloramine.

Some utilities use chloramine (a combination of chlorine and ammonia), instead. It gives water a strong metallic taste and is harder to remove than chlorine.

We’ve reviewed other filters below that can remove chloramine. Aquasana also sells a 4-year chloramine filter.

Check your local Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) on EPA’s website to find out whether they use chlorine or chloramine.

You can also call your water utility and ask them.

2. Efficient Water Filtration

3. Professional Installation Kit Included

4. Upgrades Available

This system removes sediment, chlorine, chemicals and dissolved heavy metals.

If your home gets hard water, there is an upgrade kit consisting of the basic filtration system plus a salt-free softener tank.

If you want higher-performance water purification, there’s another option consisting of the basic system, a softener, and a UV sterilizer.

UV filtration kills bacteria, viruses and other bugs that are resistant or chlorine disinfection.

Issues and Limitations

1. Time-Consuming and Tricky Installation Procedure

The main issue with this system is the installation.

Like any other whole house filter, it’s going to take time to install. You’ll also need to have a bit of experience around plumbing.

If you are not sure that you can install it yourself, play it safe and hire a plumber. This will add to your initial cost, but it's worth it to ensure proper installation.

2. Price

Another issue is the price, which is relatively high. The costs go even higher if you have to hire a plumber.

But the price tag is justified considering the 10-year filter life. If you have a tighter budget, we review several less expensive filters below.  

Avoid this system if you are looking for a budget-friendly whole house filter or a smaller under-sink or faucet filter.  

Bottom Line

This water filter is a great for: Anyone looking for a high-performance whole house water filter.

When it comes to water purification, Aquasana can be trusted. This particular model has NSF certification for chlorine reduction (see their test results here).

They have also conducted extensive lab tests for the reduction of other contaminants including heavy metals, VOCs and chemicals.

If you have the time, consider doing your own water test before and after installation to see the difference.

Read Our Review

2. Best Overall Value:

Home Master HMF2SMGCC Whole House 2-Stage Water Filter

If the Aquasana 3-stage system is a bit out of your budget, then this 2-stage system by Home Master is a great alternative.

This Home Master 2-stage filter removes sediment, dirt, chlorine / chloramine, heavy metals and chemicals from your home water supply.

The 95,000 gallon filter life is enough to support most families of four for about a year.

As long as you are OK with annual cartridge replacements, this unit is a great whole house system that will last a long time.  And it's easy to install.

Best Features

1. 2-Stage Sediment and Chemical Filtration

This filter uses a 2-stage filtration process to purify water as follows:

Multi-gradient-depth sediment filter: The Home Master water filters use a graded sediment filter. It consists of 4 layers of media that can capture different particle sizes. The layers have a descending micron rating starting from the topmost one: 25 microns, 10 microns, 5 microns, and 1 micron. The graded design improves filtration performance and reduces clogging (which can reduce water pressure). 

Activated catalytic carbon filter: removes chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals such as mercury, copper and lead and chemicals such as herbicides and insecticides.

You may have noticed that the second filter uses activated catalytic carbon rather than activated carbon.

Does it make a difference? You bet. Catalytic carbon is better at removing chlorine/chloramines, hydrogen sulfide, VOCs and various other chemicals.

To enhance its performance, the catalytic carbon is mixed with KDF 85.  This is a special type of medium designed to remove hydrogen sulfide and iron from the water. It also reduces bacteria, algae, and scale.

2. Removes Foul Odor and Bad Taste from Water

If you’ve noticed that the water coming into your home has a weird taste or foul odor, it might be because it contains chlorine, hydrogen sulfide (produces a rotten egg smell) and various other chemicals.

The catalytic carbon + KDF 85 filter removes over 95% of chlorine and other chemicals that affect water quality.

Immediately after you install the filter, you’ll notice your water tastes fresher and has no unusual smells.   

3. No Noticeable Loss of Water Pressure   

The filter comes with large filter housings and large 1” ports that can accommodate a flow rate of up to 10 gallons per minute.

You will hardly notice any drop of pressure in the taps or shower.

Issues and Limitations

1.  Replacement of Filter Cartridges

The main limitation of this unit is its filtering capacity.

With a 95,000-gallon capacity, the sediment and catalytic carbon filters are only good for one year.

You may have to replace them sooner if you use a lot of water or your water contains more impurities than normal.

If you don’t want the bother (and cost) of replacing the cartridges every 6-12 months, you’ll have to spend on a larger system such as Aquasana’s 10-year filter.

2. Leaky O-Rings (easy to fix)

Another issue you are likely to encounter is leaking from the O-rings in the canisters. But the fix is easy: buy food grade lubricant and apply it generously before securing the rings. That should solve the problem.

If you have any other issue, feel free to contact customer support. Home Master's customer service and support are really good.

Who should avoid it: Anyone looking for a high-capacity whole house filter for extra large families or high-throughout systems, it’s also not ideal for well water since it does not have a dedicated iron filter.

If you get your water from a well, the check out our next top pick - also from Home Master.   

Bottom Line

The 2-stage Home Master water filter is a great choice for anyone looking for a really affordable whole-house system.

The best part is that it works as well as other more expensive systems.

The only major trade-off is the limited filter capacity.

On the other hand, the cartridges are not expensive, and replacement takes just a few minutes. So it’s not a huge sacrifice.

Read Our Review

3. Best for Well Water:

Home Master HMF3SDGFEC Whole House 3-Stage Water Filter

This Home Master HMF3SDGFEC whole house water filter system is ideal for filtering non-chlorinated water from a private well or a community well.

The 3-stage filter can remove sediments, iron, manganese, chemicals and hydrogen sulfide (‘rotten egg’ smell/taste) from the water.

The filter has a capacity of 100,000 gallons, which is perfect for a mid-size family. It’s good for around 1 year after when you need to replace the cartridges.   

Best Features

1. High-Performance Well Water Filtration  

This filter uses a 3-stage filtration process as follows:

> Multi-gradient-depth polypropylene sediment filter: This filterer is layered to provide efficient sediment filtration. The layers are arranged as follows – 25 microns, 10 microns, 5 microns, 1 micron. This design also ensures the filter does not clog too quickly.

> Radial Flow Iron Reduction Filter: removes iron in the water. Iron is notorious for causing stains on tiles, walls, and clothing.

> Radial flows granular activated carbon: Removes manganese, hydrogen sulfide, herbicides, chlorine and other chemicals that impair the quality and taste of water.      

Most customers notice a difference immediately after installation. The water tastes significantly better, and there are no chemical smells.

2. Reduces Staining

Dissolved iron in well water stains every surface the water touches. You’ll find reddish or brownish stains in your bathtub, bathroom tiles, toilet bowl, and other plumbing fixtures.

Stains can also form inside your dishwasher, washing machine and even on white clothes and fabrics.

The culprit is oxidized iron that forms when the dissolved iron in water is exposed to oxygen in the air.

The Home Master water filter removes most of the iron from your incoming well water. It also removes manganese, hydrogen sulfide, insecticides, herbicides, and many other chemicals.

3. High Flow Rate and Low Maintenance

You’ll not notice any drop in pressure.

That’s because the filter uses oversized 1” ports. This increases the flow rate, allowing the filter to process up to 15 gallons a minute.

You’ll still enjoy the same great shower you did before installing the filter.

The filter is very low maintenance.

Just replace the filter cartridges at the end of their lifespan (1 year for the average family but this may vary depending on water usage and amount of contaminants in water).

Issues and Limitations

1. Needs Yearly Filter Replacements

Another limitation is the capacity. The filters don't last as long as those of the Aquasana whole house filter.

The Home Master HMF3SDGFEC can filter up to 100,000 gallons, which is about 1 year of usage.

You may need to replace the filter cartridges sooner if you use more water or if your well water has a lot of impurities.

Use this table to estimate how long the filter will last. This only applies to the iron filter. For complete replacement instructions regarding the other filters, consult the user manual.

2. Leaky O-Rings (easy to fix)

One other issue brought up by several customers is the installation. It’s generally easy to install, but the O-rings in the canisters can be problematic and tend to leak after installation.

I recommend using food grade lubricant to create a tight seal around the O-rings to prevent  leaking.

Other than that trick, installation is not hard. But if you are a complete newbie around DIY plumbing, you may want to hire a plumber to install the system properly. 

Who should avoid it:  Homes without an iron problem. If your city water has low levels of iron, you don't need the Home Master HMF3SDGFEC. It is more suited to well water that's often high in iron.

Bottom Line

This high-performance well water filter effectively removes iron, hydrogen sulfide, manganese and other chemicals from any kind of well water. 

You will notice results immediately - your drinking water will taste and smell better, and your toilet will no longer suffer from reddish stains

Read Our Review

4. Best for Removing Taste/Odor:

iSpring WGB32B 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System

If you have too much chlorine or chloramines in your city water supply or our water suffers from a stinky sulfur odor, then the iSpring WGB32B 3-Stage whole house water filter is a great choice.

This is a 3-stage NSF/ANSI-certified filter system. Two of those stages are dedicated specifically for removing chlorine and a host of other chemicals.

The filter removes up to 98% of chlorine from your water. It also works great if your city disinfects water with chloramines.

Best Features

1. 3-Stage Filtration

Here’s how the 3-stage system filters chemicals and particulates out of your water.

> Sediment filter: The first blue housing contains a layered filtration system to capture different sizes of sediment and silt. The finest layer can filter out particles as small as 5 microns. The multi-layered configuration reduces the risk of clogging and ensures there is no impact on water pressure.

> two CTO Carbon Blocks: The other two canisters house high-quality coconut shell carbon filters that target chlorine and chloramines. They also remove dissolved heavy metals, hydrogen sulfide and chemicals such as herbicides and industrial solvents. Having two carbon filters greatly improves filtering performance.

2. High-flow Inlets/Outlets

In addition to a layered sediment filter, another technique this system uses to maintain water pressure is having wide 1” inlets and outlets. This maintains a high flow rate of 15 GPM in and out of the filters.

As most customers have noted, you will not notice any drop in pressure from your faucets or shower.  

3. 1-Year Water Supply  

This iSpring system is half the price of Aquasana’s 10-year filter because it has a lower capacity of just 1 year / 100,000 gallons.

But a 100,000 gallon capacity is enough for most families.

Note: The 1-year estimate is for an average family of 4 people. Depending on your family size, how much water you use and the level of impurities in your water supply, the filters can last 6 months to 2 years.

To monitor the status of the filters, I recommend installing pressure gauges both before and after the filters.

This allows you to monitor the pressure of the water coming in and out of the system. It should be about even.  

Issues and Limitations

1. For Municipal Water Only

This particular system is not for well water. It does not remove dissolved minerals like iron and manganese. It’s designed to treat chlorinated municipal water.

If you get your water from a well, iSpring offers two other filters: the WGB32B-M model for iron and manganese removal and the WGB32B-PB  for lead and iron removal.

2. Leakage

The only other minor issue that several customers have mentioned is leakage.

The connectors from plumbing to the canisters and between individual canisters can start leaking in a few months. But it’s something easy to fix yourself.

Just shut off the valves to bypass the water, remove the filters and reseal the connectors using food-grade lubricant.

Who should avoid it: Homes that use well water, which contains no chlorine or chloramine.

Bottom Line

This water filter is great for homes that suffer from highly-chlorinated municipal water.

If you detest the smell and taste of chlorine, this filter will help.  It also makes water safer for your skin and hair.

Note: this system also removes chloramines.

Read Our Review

5. Best Budget Whole House Filter:

3M Aqua-Pure Whole House Water Filtration System

If you are looking for a low-priced whole house water filter to remove chlorine and sediment from your water, I recommend the 3M Aqua-Pure.

Unlike most of the other filters that have two or three canisters, this one consists of a single cartridge. Both the sediment filter and carbon filter (for chlorine) are housed in the cartridge.

The capacity is still the same as most of the other filters – 100,000 gallons or 1 year.

But this 3M filter has a higher flow rate (20 gallons/minute) and simpler filter replacement process.   

The main downside is that it doesn’t remove chloramines – only chlorine.

You are out of luck if you live in one of the cities that use chloramine like Miami, Minneapolis, Austin, Arlington, San Francisco, and others. 

Best Features

1. Removes Chlorine and Sediments

2. High Flow Rate

This filter can sustain a flow rate of up to 20 gallons per minute, which is higher than the 15 gpm of most other filters.

It’s actually not that surprising that this filter has a higher flow rate than the other 2 and 3-canister filters.

With just one cartridge for water to go through, the water can flow through faster.

3. Easy Filter Replacement  

Issues and Limitations

1. Only Effective at Removing Chlorine and Sediment

The biggest limitation for this filter is the range of chemicals it can remove from water. It’s great for chlorine and sediment, not so much for heavy metals, chloramines, iron, herbicides, and manganese.

I recommend it for homes that are already getting relatively clean water and their biggest issue is sediment and chlorine smell/taste.

Who should avoid it:  Homes that receive well water or dirty water containing chemicals and minerals such as heavy metals, iron, manganese, VOCs and herbicides.

Bottom Line

This filter is perfect for: anyone who needs a simple and affordable whole house filter to remove  chlorine, rust, sediment and silt from a typical city water supply.

The filter does not perform as well as most we have reviewed, but it does a fine job.

Read Our Review

6. Best UV Whole-House Water Filter:

VH410 VIQUA UltraViolet Water Disinfection System

If you suspect your water has biologicals in it like E.coli, Vibrio cholera, and Legionella, then the Viqua UV whole house water filter is your best protection.

Most whole house filter systems start with a sediment filter that removes small particles of sand and rust from your water. Next, activated carbon filters remove chlorine, heavy metals and chemicals.

Adding a UV water purifier at the end of the filtering process finishes the job by killing harmful bacteria and viruses that may remain.

This Viqua UV filter is easy to install in your main water supply line.

The only maintenance required is to replace the UV bulb every year or so.

You can install the UV filter on its own, but I highly recommend you install it along with one of the filtration systems we have reviewed above.  Place it into your water supply line after all other types of water filters and water softeners for best results.

Best Features

1. High UV Output

The VH410 filter is relatively compact compared to most other whole house UV filters. The smaller footprint makes installation and maintenance easier.

Though small, the UV bulb has a high output, allowing the unit to provide the same water purification performance as other bigger UV filters.

2. High Water Flow Rate

Installing this filter will not affect your faucet or shower water pressure.

Unlike carbon and sediment filters, there is no filtration media for the water to pass through. It simply goes through a tube where bacteria and microorganisms are irradiated with UV light.

3. Easy DIY Installation

Most customers did not need to hire a plumber for installation. The filter is easy to install – 30 minutes to one hour max.

Simply connect your plumbing to the inlet and outlet ports and then install the UV bulb. You’ll need 3.4” or 1” connectors depending on which threading you use.

If you use the outer threading, get 1” connectors. If you opt to use the inner threading, buy 3/4” fittings.

The filter comes with a bracket to secure it to the wall.

I recommend installing a water gauge (get a dual one that can measure pressure and flow rate), just before the UV filter.

Check what the flow rate is. You don’t want it to be too high. The longer the water stays in the chamber, the more effectively it is disinfected.

VIQUA recommends a flow rate of 18gpm. That provides a disinfection rate of 30mJ/cm2 (millijoule per square centimeter). 

That’s enough to kill most microorganisms including Streptococcus and Listeria.

A lower flow rate of 14 GPM results in even better 40mJ/cm² disinfection.

But if the water is flowing too fast, say 34 GPM, the disinfection is going to be at a low 16mJ/cm².

4. Replacement Reminder

The UV bulb has a lifespan of 9,000 hours. That comes to 375 days of 24/7 bug killing.

VIQUA recommends replacing the bulb annually. A replacement costs about $100.

As the replacement date approaches, the filter will produce audible reminders. It will also alert you if the bulb fails.

Issues & Limitations

1. Price

There is really nothing bad to say about this filter. It’s easy to install, and works exactly as advertised.

The only issue is the price. Compared to other whole house UV filters, it is pricey. And that’s excluding the $100 annual bulb replacement costs.

But considering it is one of the best and most reliable UV water filters, the price tag is worth it.

Avoid this system if you are unconcerned about microorganisms in your water. If your main concern is chlorine, sediment, and chemicals, then a standard sediment + carbon filter system will do.

Bottom Line

This filter is a great choice for anyone who wants to add a high quality UV water filter to their whole house water filtration system.

If you suspect your water might contain dangerous bacteria and viruses, adding this UV filter to your main supply line ensures that you get water that is clean and safe for your family.

Read Our Review

7. Best Whole House Sediment Filter: 

Culligan WH-HD200-C

You can install a sediment-only filter on its own or, more commonly, as a pre-filter for another whole house filter or a water softener. 

A sediment-only filter is especially ideal if your existing filter system lacks an integrated sediment pre-filter or if you have very high levels of sediment in your water (common with well water). 

One of the highest rated whole house sediment filters on Amazon is the Culligan WH-HD200-C. It removes sediment, silt, sand and rust from water. 

Best Features

1. High-performance Sediment Removal 

The Culligan WH-HD200-C sediment filter removes any particulates floating in the water. This includes coarse and fine sediment, sand, and silt. It also removes rust (undissolved/ferric iron), which can cause reddish stains on surfaces.

While homes that use treated city water likely don't need a dedicated sediment filter, it is a must have for well water users. Without it, the high levels of sediment in water can clog plumbing and stain surfaces. It also gives water a ‘dirty’ appearance. 

2. High-flow 1” Ports 

Most homeowners say they did not notice a drop in water pressure after installing the Culligan WH-HD200-C sediment filter. 

That’s because it has large 1” ports to ensure water flows quickly in and out of the filter. 

3. Built-in Bypass Valve 

You don't need to set up your own bypass for the sediment filter; the Culligan WH-HD200-C already comes with a pre-fitted bypass valve. 

The bypass valve allows water to keep flowing to your home when you are performing maintenance on the filter, such as switching out the filter or fixing a leak.

Other accessories included are a mounting bracket for secure wall installation and a wrench to remove filter housing. 

4. Filter Change Reminder

The Culligan WH-HD200-C comes with a convenient filter change reminder that lights up when it’s time to replace the filter. 

Note, however, that the reminder is time-based. It lights up after 90 days. If your water doesn't have too much sediment, you can afford to use it for longer as long as you are still getting strong water pressure. 

You can also look at the filter through the clear housing to see how dirty it is. 

Issues and Limitations 

1. Plastic Threads

The WH-HD200-C has very good build quality, except the inlet/outlet threads. The inlet and outlets are reinforced with stainless steel on the outside, but the threads themselves are plastic. 

This is a problem if you are connecting them to fittings with metal threads. It’s easy to damage the plastic threads, resulting in leaks. 

There are two ways to go about this challenge. One, be careful when tightening the connectors. Make sure you do not cross thread the fittings, as that could damage the filter’s threading. 

Two, and most importantly, use lots of teflon tape. This will not only protect the plastic threads; it will also prevent leaks. 

2. Hard-to-turn Bypass Valve

The other issue customers ran into when installing the WH-HD200-C sediment filter is the bypass valve. It’s difficult to turn. 

Advice from customers is to turn the valve before you mount the filter. It allows better leverage. 

Who should avoid it: Homes with a filter system that has a sediment pre-filter. Also not suitable for most homes with treated city water since it usually has little to no sediment. 

Bottom Line

This filter is perfect for: Homes that receive water high in sediment and rust. This is especially the case for homes that use well water. 

8. Most Affordable Whole House UV Filter:

HQUA-OWS-12 Ultraviolet Water Purifier

The Viqua VH410 is pricey. If you are looking for a cheaper whole house UV filter, we recommend the HQUA-OWS-12 that is about three times cheaper. 

One of the reasons it costs less is because it has a lower flow rate of 12 GPM compared to the VH410’s 34 GPM.  

But 12 GPM is fast enough for an average household. So you won’t get slower flowing water from faucets when you get the cheaper HQUA-OWS-12 UV filter. 

As for sterilization performance, the HQUA-OWS-12 is just as effective as the Viqua VH410 at zapping bacteria, mould and other microbes in water. 

Best Features

1. Powerful 40W UV Sterilization 

UV radiation is an extremely effective way of neutralizing microbes in water. The HQUA-OWS-12 uses a 40W UV bulb to zap the DNA of germs in water. This renders the microbes harmless, essentially purifying your water. 

The HQUA-OWS-12 is great for both city water and well water. However, depending on the level of various impurities in the water, you may need to install a pre-filter.

The UV light requires specific levels of iron, water hardness and other parameters for it to be most effective. 

2. 12 GPM Flow Rate

While not as high as Viqua VH410’s flow rate, the 12 GPM flow rate of the HQUA-OWS-12 is perfect for most households. 

It’s very important to make sure your water flow doesn't exceed this figure. That’s because the UV’s ability to sterilize the water depends heavily on the water’s flow rate.

If the water flows too fast through the steel chamber, it won’t be effectively sanitized. 

We recommend measuring your water’s flow rate and installing a flow restrictor if it’s higher than 12 GPM. If it’s lower, you don't need to do anything. In fact, a lower flow rate ensures the UV kills more bacteria.  

3. Easy to Install 

Unlike most whole house filters, the HQUA-OWS-12 is easy to install. It uses ¾” ports to connect to your home plumbing. 

The manufacturer recommends mounting it on the wall horizontally. Mounting brackets are included. Make sure there’s an outlet nearby to plug in the controller.

The combined length of the power cord is 6.2 feet, so you can install the filter a good distance from the outlet. 

4. Low Maintenance

The HQUA-OWS-12 is also easy to maintain. You only need to clean the glass sleeve 1-2 times a year and replace the bulb once a year. A spare bulb is included so you are sorted for the first year. Here is the replacement UV bulb.

Issues and Limitations

1. No Auto-on and Off

One thing we don't like about the HQUA-OWS-12 UV lamp is that it stays on all the time.

Some UV lamps only turn on when they detect water flowing through the pipe and turn off when there’s no flow. This saves energy and extends the life of the UV lamp. 

One problem with the HQUA-OWS-12’s being always on is that it can get hot when water has not flowed for an extended period, such as when you go on vacation.

This heats the water sitting in the pipe and can burn you when you open a faucet. 

The manufacturer recommends letting the water run into the sink for some time if you’ve been away for several days. 

If you want a whole house UV filter with an auto on/off feature, we recommend the iSpring UVF55FS, which uses a smart flow sensor switch to control the UV lamp.

2. You May Need an Additional Filter

One of the main limitations of the HQUA-OWS-12 is its limited versatility. Unlike carbon filters or RO systems that can target a wide range of contaminants in water, UV lamps target only microbes. 

For this reason, the HQUA-OWS-12 is not enough to eliminate most of the impurities from your water. 

This is not a problem if your only concern is germs in water. But if you also want to remove chlorine, heavy metals, sediment, iron or some other impurities, you’ll need an additional whole house filter. 

Another reason you may need another filter is to make sure the UV works at its best.

For UV sterilization to be most effective, the water should have iron levels less than 0.3 ppm, hardness lower than 7 GPG, and manganese levels lower than 0.05 ppm among other requirements. 

So if you have high levels of iron or manganese in your water, you need a filter to reduce them before the water passes through the UV filter. If you live in a hard water area, you’ll need to install a water softener.

Who should avoid it: Homes that already have an RO system for drinking water. An RO system is just as effective at purifying water, and removes far more impurities. 

Bottom Line

9. Best Whole House Filter for Lead Reduction:

iSpring WGB22B-PB

If you are worried about lead in your water, a whole house filter is the best choice. It ensures all points of use in your home - faucets, shower, refrigerator, ice maker and so on - produce lead-free water. 

The iSpring WGB22B-PB is one of the most effective lead reduction whole house filters. It uses filtration media designed specifically to remove over 99% of lead from water. 

It also reduces chlorine, chemicals and various tastes and odors. 

Best Features

1. 2-Stage Filtration 

The iSpring WGB22B-PB consists of two filters. The first is a CTO carbon block that reduces chlorine, VOCs, and various other chemicals in water. 

This makes your water safer and healthier, and eliminates any unpleasant odors and tastes. 

The second stage is a lead-reduction filter that reduces lead to below the EPA-recommended minimum. 

2. High Flow Rate

Homeowners who’ve installed the iSpring WGB22B-PB whole house filter say they’ve not experienced a drop in water pressure. 

The water filter uses large 1” outlets that allow water to flow quickly in and out of the filters. That and the big 20” filters maintain a high 15 GPM flow rate.  

3.Long Lasting Filter 

The yearly filter replacements make maintaining the iSpring WGB22B-PB easy. Replacing the filters is easy. You just unscrew the housing and swap out the filter cartridges for new ones.

Note that the iSpring WGB22B-PB doesn't come with a bypass valve. So you either build a bypass yourself, or shut off water to the house for the few minutes you’ll be replacing the filters. 

Issues and Limitations

1. Not Suitable for Hard Water

If you live in a hard water area, you’ll need to install a whole house water softener as well then connect the iSpring WGB22B-PB after it. 

That’s because the iSpring WGB22B-PB doesn't work well with hard water. The filters degrade quickly and don't last long. 

2. No Sediment Filter

The iSpring WGB22B-PB lacks a sediment pre-filter. This is not an issue for most homes that use city water. But if you use well water, you’ll need to install a whole house sediment filter to deal with the high levels of sediment, silt and rust often found in groundwater.

Who should avoid it: Homes without a lead problem. Test your water to make sure you really need a lead filter. 

The Bottom Line

This filter is perfect for: Anyone looking to reduce the amount of lead in all the water coming into their home. 

Note that the iSpring WGB22B-PB, being a point of entry filter, only removes lead that’s introduced by plumbing outside your home. If the lead in your water is coming from your internal plumbing, you’ll need a point of use filter such as an under-sink, water pitcher or countertop filter. 

Why You Need a Whole House Water Filter

Even if you are on a municipal water supply, your tap water may still contain sediment, dissolved chemicals like pesticides, and other contaminants. It also most likely contains chlorine, which gives water an unpleasant taste.

Water from a private well or cistern is likely to contain even more contaminants, some of them dangerous for your health and others like rust a nuisance.

A whole house water filter removes all or most of these impurities from your water supply before it enters your home, so everything and everyone in your house that uses water is protected.     

This isn’t just good for your health - a whole-house water filter also protects your skin and hair and keeps your clothes and utensils from staining due to contaminants like iron.  

In addition, a whole house water filter improves the taste of your drinking water by removing chlorine and hydrogen sulfide, which gives water a rotten egg smell.

Some whole house water filters also soften your water in addition to purifying it. This is beneficial if you have hard water problems (high mineral content)..

How To Select The Right Whole House Water Filter For Your Home

The most important thing is to know what kind of filter you need.

This depends on what you intend to remove from your water. It can be chlorine, iron, sediment bacteria or a combination of different contaminants.

If you use well water, it’s a good idea to get your water tested first to know exactly what kind of filter you need.

The flow rate is also important. If it is too low, the filter will affect your water pressure.

Two other important considerations are filter size and filter lifespan.

What Type of Whole House Water Filter Do I Need?

The best type of water filter will depend on your particular water purification needs. This is because filters are categorized based on what they filter out.

There are carbon filters for chlorine and chemicals, iron and manganese filters, sediment filters and so on.

Here are the different varieties available in the market and their purpose.

Note: Most house filtration systems combine several of these filters into one unit. But you may also choose to install them individually.

1. Activated Carbon Filters

Activated carbon is the most common type of media found in water filters.

It is very effective at removing a wide range of chemicals, and it doesn’t add any chemicals to the water.  It is also affordable.

Activated carbon has a very porous surface that allows molecules of chemicals like chlorine and hydrogen sulfide to get into the carbon structure where they are trapped.

It is highly effective at removing 81 chemicals and moderately so in 50 others. 

These include herbicides, benzene, glycols, pesticides and THMs (Trihalomethanes).  

But the most common use of carbon filters is to get rid of the unpleasant taste and smell of chlorine or chloramines found in city/municipal water.

But there  are contaminants that activated carbon cannot filter out of the water. They include:

Because of its level of versatility, a carbon filter is the best option for most families.

2. Sediment Filters

While activated carbon can filter out some sediment, it is not the best media for removing suspended solids in water.

It will not catch all the particles and will get clogged quickly, which will reduce the lifespan.

A dedicated sediment filter is much more effective.

A standard sediment filter can easily filter out anything that’s bigger than 50 microns while finer filters are rated at 20 microns and higher. Ultra-fine sediment filters can catch particles as small as 0.35 microns.

Sediment filters usually come in a multi-gradient design consisting of several layers rated at different microns.

Such filters provide better filtration and have a longer lifespan because they don’t clog quickly.

Sediment filters can remove a wide range of suspended particles in water from large ones like sand to tiny ones like silt and rust.

The filter is usually installed as part of a multi-filter system where it is always first in line to ensure the large particles don’t clog up the other filters ahead.

You can also install a sediment filter on its own, but it will not protect you from chemicals, heavy metals or chlorine-tasting water.

A sediment filter is particularly helpful for homes that receive well water, which is likely to contain more suspended particles compared to city water.

3. Iron Filters

Well water contains significant amounts of dissolved solids including minerals and metals.

One of the most common soluble metals is iron. It causes many issues for homes that receive well water. 

When exposed to air the dissolved iron (known as ferrous iron) oxidizes and turns into reddish brown sediment (known as ferric iron).

You’ll find deposits of it around your home in the toilet bowl, bathtub, washing machine, dishwasher and even on your clothes.

Since activated carbon is not very effective at filtering out dissolved solids, a specialized iron filter is the best choice.

As with the other types of filters, you can buy and install it on its own or get it as part of a complete filtration system.

4. UV Filters

With the above filters, we have removed sediments, iron, chemicals, and chlorine from the water.

Bacteria and viruses are still in the water. These are the most dangerous water contaminants.

They may not cause your water to turn a weird color or taste funny, but they can be deadly.

These microorganisms cause water-borne diseases like cholera, typhoid, Giardia, and diarrhea.

This is where a UV water filter is very helpful.

Water passes through a chamber where it is exposed to UV light. The radiation inactivates the bacteria, making it impossible for them to reproduce or spread infection.

A UV filter is often installed as part of a filtration system. You set it up as the last filter before the water moves on to the various parts of the house.

Other Types of Filters

The above are just the most common types of whole house filters. There are a few other types you can install in your home.

For instance, there are sulfur water filters that remove the ‘rotten egg’ smell in the water. They work by exposing hydrogen sulfide – which is responsible for that awful smell – to oxygen.

Catalytic carbon filters are great at removing chloramine, a stronger disinfectant than chlorine that is used by many cities.

You may also have heard of reverse osmosis or RO filters. But it is rare to find a whole house RO system. Most are designed for single faucets or installation under the sink.

The Definitive Buyer’s Checklist: What To Look For

1. Single or Multiple Stage Filters ?  

If you only need to remove one thing from water – chlorine, iron, bacteria or sediment – then you just need a single filter.   

Depending on what you want to remove, it can be a carbon, UV, sediment or an iron filter.

But multi-stage filters are the best for most homes. They can remove several types of contaminants from the water.   

For instance, a standard 3-stage filter can remove sediment, chlorine, iron, and chemicals.

A bigger system consisting of 4 or 5 stages might also have a UV filter and a water softener.

2. Flow Rate

Flow rate refers to how fast water flows through the filter.

A good flow rate is important in ensuring that the filter does not slow down water, causing pressure in the shower and faucets to drop.

The best water filters have a flow rate of at least 15 gallons per minute. Some can go up to 20 gallons per minute.

One way to tell that a filter has a good flow rate is to look at how big the inlet and outlet ports are.

They should be at least 1” wide.

3. Filter Size and Lifespan

The size of the filter is an indication of how long it will last.

Take Aquasana’s 10-year filter as an example. Each canister is 46” high.

Compare that to the Home Master HMF3SDGFEC 1-year filter. The canisters are 28” high.

It makes sense. A larger filter is able to take on more impurities. So it is going to be some time before you’ll need to replace it.

If you have a big family, I recommend a larger filter – at least 3 years.

If you buy the standard 1-year filter, it may not even last that long because you will most likely use more than the 100,000 gallons the average family consumes in a year.

You’ll find yourself buying replacements every 6-8 months.

How We Evaluate Whole House Water Filters

We evaluate water filters on an objective 5-star scale.

Our ratings are based on the features and capabilities of a product, our expert opinion as well as customer feedback.

Here are the features that we consider most important when evaluating whole house water filters.

Capacity/Lifespan  

We prefer filters that have a lifespan of at least 1 year or 100,000 gallons. These filters have the best balance between affordability and convenience. They are adequate for most families.

3 and 5-year filters are also good and are not too expensive.

10-year filters (1 million) are the best in terms of capacity and lifespan but are too expensive for most customers.  

But if you have the budget for a 10-year whole house filter, go for it. It will save you the trouble of replacing the filters every year.

Number of Stages

The best filter for most homes is one that filters multiple impurities and chemicals.

That’s why we recommend a multi-stage filter over a single-stage one.

A multi-stage filter can remove sediment, chlorine, heavy metals and chemicals from your water. Others can remove sediment, dissolved minerals and soluble metals such as iron and manganese.

Such a system is very convenient since you do not need to buy all these filters separately.

But that doesn’t mean single-stage filters are bad. They are useful in certain situations.

If for instance, your aim is to just remove sediment and rust from the incoming water, you just need to install a sediment filter.

If your water is free of sediment and chlorine (or maybe you don’t mind the chlorine taste), but you are concerned about bacteria, a UV filter is adequate.

But unless you have tested the water and know exactly what’s in it, we recommend a multi-stage filter system. It provides the best protection.    

Flow Rate

One of the things we check when reviewing a certain filter is whether there are any complaints from customers regarding water pressure.

If several customers say the filter lowered the pressure of water coming out of the shower and faucets, we give it a lower rating.

The best whole house filters have little to no effect on water pressure.

They have large inlet sizes and innovative filter designs to maintain water flow rate.

Ease of Installation

Some filters can be a headache to install even if you hire a professional plumber.

We check customer reviews to see people’s installation experience. Products that earn the highest marks are those that were simple and straightforward to install with few or no issues.

Warranty and Customer Support

Finally, we evaluate how well the company supports their product.

The first thing we look at is the warranty.

We expect a 1-year warranty for small single-stage filters such as UV and sediment filters.

But for larger multi-stage systems, we expect the warranty to be no less than 2 years. The longer the lifespan of the filter, the longer the warranty should be.

That’s part of the reason we rate the 10-year Aquasana filter highly. It comes with a 10-year warranty.

You can be sure the filter will last as long as the manufacturer says it will.  

We also find out how well the company answers customer queries and handles issues such as broken or missing parts.

How To Install a Whole House Water Filter

Unless you have some experience with DIY plumbing projects, we recommend hiring a professional plumber.

Multi-stage systems can be especially tricky to install.

If you decide to do it yourself, here’s a general process that applies to most filters.

Note: Read your product manual for specific installation instructions and warnings.

I recommend you also set up a bypass with a valve. When you need to replace the filters, just turn off the inlet and outlet valves and turn on the bypass valve.

This gives you time to work on the filters without disrupting water supply to the house.

Something else you should consider installing is a pair of pressure gauges, one before the filter and another after.

This allows you to see whether the filter is affecting water pressure. It is also a good way to determine when the filter has clogged and needs replacement.

You’ll notice the water pressure in the outlet pressure gauge dropping.   

Care and Maintenance of Whole House Water Filters

Whole house water filters need very little maintenance.

Just check for leaks. If there are some, turn off the valves, take apart the system and reseal the connector that’s leaking.

Then at the end of the filter’s lifespan, replace the filter cartridges. It takes just a few minutes since you don’t need to take the system apart.

Just turn off the water valves and then follow the replacement instructions in the manual.

Whole House Filter vs. Whole House Water Softener: Which One Do I Need

A whole house filter purifies your water of specific impurities, but it doesn't affect TDS (total dissolved solids). So it won’t remove hardness minerals from water. 

A whole house water softener removes the hardness minerals (softens the water), but it doesn't remove any impurities, though certain softeners also reduce iron. 

Whether you get a filter or a water softener depends on the condition of your water. 

If there are particular impurities you want to remove from water - chlorine, iron, heavy metals, bacteria and so on - then a whole house filter is what you need. 

If you also want to soften your water, you’ll need a water softener. Many households in hard water areas will need both a whole house filter and a water softener.

Whole House Vs. Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration Systems

Whole house filters target specific impurities. Carbon filters reduce chlorine and various chemicals. Sediment filters reduce particulates like rust and silt. KDF filters reduce heavy metals like lead. UV filters sterilize microbes. 

However, you won’t find a whole house water filter that reduces all these impurities at the same time. Only a reverse osmosis (RO) system can do that. 

RO systems use multiple filtration stages - usually a sediment pre-filter and two carbon pre-filters, an RO membrane, and a carbon post-filter - to target a wide range of contaminants. 

An RO system can reduce chemicals, sediment, heavy metals, tastes & odors, as well as microbes. 

But because an RO system works slowly, it’s typically installed as a point of use filter under the sink or on the countertop. There are some whole house RO systems but they are pricey and waste a lot of water when flushing the RO membrane. 

An RO system is best for purifying drinking and cooking water. 

A whole house filter, on the other hand, filters water quickly and doesn't drain any water away. This makes it perfect for filtering all the water in your home. 

Depending on your water treatment needs, you may need both a whole house filter and an RO system. The whole house filter reduces impurities like iron or lead in all the water coming into your home, while the RO system purifies your drinking water. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole House Water Filters

Is whole house water filter really necessary?

It depends on the quality of your water and your preferences. For instance, you might be getting clean city water but don’t like the chlorine they use for disinfection. A whole house water filter can remove it.

Or maybe you get your water from a well. Well water has dissolved metals like iron and manganese that leave stains all over the house and on your clothes. It also contains sediment.   

Most filters can also remove chemicals, heavy metals, and some dissolved minerals.

The biggest advantage of a whole house water filter is that it treats all the water coming into your house. You do not necessarily need to invest in under-sink or faucet filters.

Can I buy a whole house water filter and softener combo?

Yes, you can.

Companies like Aquasana sell systems consisting of several types of filters plus a water softener.

You can also buy the whole house water filter and water softener separately and then install them together.

Can a whole house water filter remove sulfur?

Yes, it can.

If your water has a rotten egg smell, it is because of hydrogen sulfide. An activated carbon filter or a specialized sulfur filter can remove it from your water.

Do whole house water filters remove lead?    

Yes, but you need to have the right kind of filter. Not all carbon filters can remove lead. Look for NSF-certified lead removal carbon filters.  

How does a whole house water filter work?

The water passes through several types of filtration media such as activated carbon. Impurities like sediment and dissolved metals are left behind while the water passes through.

By the time the water comes out on the other end, almost all the targeted contaminants are gone.

How to change a whole house water filter?

Turn off the inlet and outlet valves. Using your hands or a wrench, loosen the filter housing. Make sure there is a bucket underneath to catch the water.

Remove the old filter, clean the inside of the housing and put in a new filter.

Screw the filter housing back on being careful not to over-tighten it.

How often do I change a whole house water filter?

It will depend on the filter’s advertised capacity and the amount of water your family uses.

100,000-gallon filters can last between 6 months and one year. The highest capacity filters can last up to 10 years or 1 million gallons.

If you install a pressure gauge before and after the filter, you will know when to change the filter (a drop in water pressure means the filter is clogged and needs to be replaced).

What size of a whole house water filter do I need?

The size of a water filter is measured in gallons and ranges from 100,000 gallons (1 year) to 1,000,000 gallons (10 years).

A 1-year filter is adequate for the average family. If you use a lot of water, consider a 3 or 5-year water filter.

Where do I install a whole house water filter?

On the main water line just after the meter and before the water heater.

How To Get The Best Deal on a Whole House Water Filter

Most companies offer frequent coupons and discounts on their water filters. Check their official websites or Amazon product pages for the latest offers.

You can also get some great deals on special occasions such as Black Friday, Christmas and other holidays.

Another trick is to get a bundled filter system instead of buying individual filters. A combined sediment, chlorine and UV filter might save you a good chunk of money.

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