What is a whole house water filter?
Whole house water filters are point-of-entry systems that treat water at your main water line to provide filtered water throughout your entire home. These systems are installed at the main water line, so all incoming water is filtered before it goes into the pipes in your home. This means that you’ll get filtered water from every faucet and shower, and all of your water-using appliances will be supplied with filtered water. However, the systems won’t address contamination from your plumbing, since water passes through pipes after filtration.
Pros of whole house water filters
- Comprehensive Protection: A whole house water filter removes contaminants at the point of entry, providing filtered water throughout your entire home. This means you never have to worry about getting water from the right faucet or where you take a shower.
- Cost-Efficiency: If you need filtered water from all sources in your home, a single whole house system may be cheaper than a combination of shower and under sink filters. A whole house system can also be easier and cheaper to maintain, since you only have to worry about replacements for one system rather than several.
- Helps Preserve Pipes and Appliances: Because whole house water filters remove contaminants before they enter your home’s plumbing, they reduce buildup and damage to pipes and appliances that isn’t addressed by under sink systems.
- Benefits for Skin and Hair: Whole house systems also filter the water you use for washing your skin and hair while bathing, which can help improve their health and appearance.
Cons of whole house water filters
- Cost: Whole house water filters can cost upwards of $1,000, which is more than you’d typically pay for an under sink system.
- Size and Installation: Whole house systems require space in your garage or basement, which might be difficult to accommodate. These systems also have an installation process that’s more complex than under sink filters and may require a plumber.
- Not Point-of-Use: While whole house systems filter water as it comes into your home, these systems won’t offer protection from contaminants already present in your plumbing such as if your home uses lead pipes.
What is an under sink water filter?
Under sink water filters are point-of-use systems that are installed to a single sink and provide filtered water right before you’re about to use it. These systems allow you to selectively filter water at commonly used places in your home such as the kitchen or primary bathroom. Since these systems are installed at the sink, they also offer protection against contamination from your home’s plumbing such as exposure from lead pipes. However, you only get filtered water at sources where under sink filters are installed, so you’ll need to think about which faucet you’re using and you won’t get filtered water for showering and appliances.
Pros of under sink water filters
- Point-of-Use: Under sink filters remove contaminants right before you turn on the faucet, meaning they protect you from contaminants outside your house and within your plumbing.
- Affordability: Compared to whole house systems, under sink filters are typically less expensive and may only be ⅓ or ½ the cost.
- Size and Installation: Under sink filters take up less space than whole house systems, and typically have an installation process that’s easier to complete without hiring a plumber.
Cons of under sink water filters
- Single-Source Protection: Under sink water filters only provide filtered water for the faucet they’re installed at, meaning you don’t get the comprehensive protection of a whole house system unless you’re willing to install filters for every sink in your home. Even then, you won’t get protection for pipes, appliances, and the water from your bath or shower.
- May Require a Separate Faucet: Many under sink systems require you to drill through the countertop and use a separate faucet for filtered water, which might make this unsuitable for renters or those that prefer to use their existing faucet.
- Lower Water Pressure: Some under sink water filters can reduce your water pressure, or require you to wait a few seconds before filtered water is dispersed.
Should you choose a whole house or under sink water filter?
If you want protection throughout your entire home, a whole house water filter is the ideal choice. However, if you’re only concerned about filtered water in select locations then an under sink filter will do the job and may save you some money.
Aquasana’s whole house water filters are WQA certified to NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 61 for the removal of up to 97% of chlorine and the use of compliant materials. With a lifespan of up to 1,000,000 gallons or 10 years, you can get long-lasting protection for your entire home. Alternatively, our under sink water filters come in several options with WQA certifications and the capability to remove up to 99% of 90 contaminants.
Still not sure which system to choose? Talk to our water experts for personalized guidance based on your needs and improve your home’s water quality today!
WHOLE HOUSE WATER FILTER
Rhino® Max Flow
Maximum-flow whole house water filtration system reduces 97% of chlorine at 2X the flow rate. Lasts 1,000,000 gallons or 10 years.
