Best House Water Filter: How to Choose the Right Whole-Home Water Filtration System

Oct 8, 2024

A house water filter can help improve the taste, smell and general quality of water throughout your home. Instead of filtering water at only one tap, a whole-home filtration system is installed near the incoming water supply so water is filtered before it reaches showers, taps, toilets, laundries and appliances.

The best house water filter depends on your water source, household size, flow rate, pressure, pipework, cartridge type and what you want to reduce. A system for treated town water may be different to a system for rainwater, tank water or bore water. A filter for chlorine taste and odour is not automatically a PFAS, bacteria, heavy metal or virus filter.

Installed Today offers supply-only ordering across major Australian metro areas for water filters, including whole-home water filtration systems, Puretec water filtration systems, drinking water filtration systems, kitchen water filters and shower water filters.

Quick Answer

The best house water filter is the one that matches your water source and household demand.

For many homes:

A whole-home filter can improve water entering the property
A drinking water filter can provide filtered water at the kitchen tap
A kitchen water filter can suit everyday drinking, cooking, tea and coffee
A shower filter is for shower water, not drinking water
UV filtration may be relevant for rainwater, tank water or bacteria concerns
Reverse osmosis or specialist cartridges may be needed for certain drinking water contaminants
Water testing is important for PFAS, heavy metals, bore water, rainwater and health-related concerns

One filter does not solve every water issue. Always match the system to the water source and the specific contaminants you want to reduce.

What Is a House Water Filtration System?

A house water filtration system is usually installed at the point where water enters the property. This means the system filters water before it travels through the home’s pipework to taps, showers, laundries and appliances.

A whole-home filter may help reduce selected contaminants such as sediment, chlorine taste and odour, depending on the cartridge and system chosen.

Whole-home filtration is different from a drinking water filter. A drinking water filter usually filters water at one point, such as the kitchen tap. A house water filter is designed to treat water across the property.

Whole-home systems can be useful, but they need to be chosen carefully. Flow rate, pressure, pipe size, maintenance access and cartridge replacement all matter.

Why Install a Whole-Home Water Filter?

A house water filter may suit homeowners who want broader filtration than a single kitchen tap system.

Potential benefits include:

Filtered water across multiple outlets
Reduced sediment before water reaches fixtures
Improved taste and odour depending on cartridge type
Broader filtration than a single drinking water tap
Reduced chlorine smell in some town water applications
Cartridge-based maintenance
Support for homes with specific water quality goals

The results depend on the water source and filtration media. Always check product specifications before assuming a system removes a particular contaminant.

Best Whole-Home Water Filters to Compare

There is no single best whole-home water filter for every property. The right choice depends on water source, flow demand, home size, number of bathrooms, pressure, pipework and the contaminants you want to reduce.

Below are Puretec whole-home options customers may compare through Installed Today.

Puretec G6 Whole House Water Filter

The Puretec G6 Whole House Water Filter may suit homes looking for whole-property filtration in a compact system.

It may suit:

Homes wanting filtration beyond one kitchen tap
Town water applications where suitable
Households wanting reduced sediment, taste or odour depending on cartridge
Customers comparing Puretec whole-home systems
Properties where flow rate and pressure requirements have been checked

Before ordering, check the cartridge specifications, installation requirements, flow capacity and whether the system suits your water source.

Puretec G12 Whole House Water Filter

The Puretec G12 Whole House Water Filter may suit customers comparing larger whole-home filtration options.

It may suit:

Medium to larger homes
Homes with multiple bathrooms
Higher household water demand
Customers wanting broader household filtration
Properties where maintenance access is practical

When comparing whole-home filters, flow rate is important. A system that is too small for the home may restrict water flow or require more frequent cartridge changes.

Puretec G13 Whole House Water Filter

The Puretec G13 Whole House Water Filter may suit customers looking at more advanced whole-home filtration options.

It may suit:

Larger homes
Households wanting filtration across multiple outlets
Customers comparing higher-capacity Puretec systems
Properties where flow demand, pressure and pipework have been checked
Homes needing a whole-home solution rather than a kitchen-only filter

Whole-home systems should be selected based on water source and usage, not just brand or price.

Whole-Home Filter vs Drinking Water Filter

A whole-home filter and a drinking water filter do different jobs.

A whole-home water filtration system filters water entering the property. This can help improve water across taps, showers and appliances, depending on the filter.

A drinking water filtration system is usually installed at one point, most commonly the kitchen. It focuses on water used for drinking, cooking, tea and coffee.

A whole-home system may be better if you want broader filtration across the property.

A drinking water system may be better if your main concern is water for drinking and food preparation.

Some homes may use both: a whole-home filter for broader household water quality and a dedicated kitchen filter for drinking water.

Whole-Home Filter vs Kitchen Water Filter

A kitchen water filter is ideal when your main goal is better-tasting water at the kitchen sink.

Kitchen filters may suit:

Drinking water
Cooking water
Coffee and tea
Washing fruit and vegetables
Smaller households
Customers wanting a lower-scope filtration option

Whole-home filters may suit:

Multiple bathrooms
Whole-property filtration
Sediment reduction before fixtures
Water quality improvement beyond the kitchen
Customers who want filtered water across the home

Puretec kitchen and drinking water options include the Puretec PureMix Z7 Water Filter, Puretec PureMix Z2 Water Filter, Puretec PureMix Z6 Water Filter and Puretec X4 Water Filter.

Shower Filters Are Different

A shower water filter is designed for shower water, not drinking water.

Shower filters may be chosen for comfort, smell or shower water feel depending on the cartridge and water source. They are not a substitute for a drinking water filter, whole-home filter, reverse osmosis system or UV system.

Do not use a shower filter as a drinking water solution.

Water Source Matters

The right house water filter depends heavily on where your water comes from.

Common water sources include:

Town water
Rainwater
Tank water
Bore water
Rural supply
Mixed water sources

Town water may require a different filter than rainwater or bore water. Rainwater and bore water can involve sediment, bacteria, minerals, metals or other issues that should be tested before choosing a system.

If you are concerned about PFAS, bacteria, heavy metals, lead, pesticides, bore water or rainwater safety, water testing is important before choosing a filter.

Town Water Filtration

Town water filtration is often focused on improving taste, odour and general water feel.

Common town water concerns may include:

Chlorine taste
Chlorine smell
Sediment
Rust particles from old pipework
Scale concerns in some areas
General taste improvement

A whole-home filter can be useful for town water, but the cartridge should match your goals. A carbon filter may help with taste and odour, while sediment filtration may help with particles.

Specific contaminants such as PFAS or heavy metals require product-specific verification and may need specialist filtration.

Rainwater and Tank Water Filtration

Rainwater and tank water can require more careful filtration planning than treated town water.

Possible concerns include:

Sediment
Leaf litter
Organic matter
Bacteria
Tank condition
Roof catchment contamination
Insects or animal waste
Colour or odour
Pump and pipework condition

Water testing is important before choosing a filter for rainwater or tank water, especially if it is used for drinking.

Depending on the test results, filtration may involve sediment pre-filtration, carbon filtration, UV treatment or other specialist options.

Bore Water Filtration

Bore water can vary significantly from one property to another.

Possible concerns include:

High sediment
Iron
Manganese
Hardness
Salinity
Metals
Odour
Colour
Bacteria
Mineral staining

A standard whole-home filter may not be enough for bore water. Water testing should come first so the filtration system can be selected based on the actual water chemistry.

PFAS, Heavy Metals and Health-Related Concerns

If PFAS, lead, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses or health-related contaminants are a concern, do not rely on taste, smell or appearance.

Water can look clear and taste normal while still containing contaminants that require testing to identify.

For health-related concerns, check:

Water test results
Product specifications
Cartridge reduction claims
Testing standards
Flow rate
Cartridge life
Maintenance requirements
Whether pre-filtration is needed
Whether reverse osmosis or UV filtration is more suitable

A basic taste-and-odour filter is not automatically a PFAS filter, bacteria filter or heavy metal filter.

How to Choose the Best House Water Filter

1. Identify Your Water Source

Start by confirming whether your home uses town water, rainwater, tank water, bore water or a mixed source.

Water source determines what contaminants are likely and what filter type may be suitable.

2. Decide What You Want to Reduce

Common filtration goals include:

Chlorine taste
Chlorine odour
Sediment
Dirt or rust particles
Scale concerns
Bacteria concerns
PFAS concerns
Heavy metal concerns
General taste improvement

Different goals require different cartridges or systems.

3. Check Flow Rate and Pressure

Whole-home filters must handle the flow demand of the property.

Consider:

Number of bathrooms
Number of people in the home
Shower usage
Laundry use
Irrigation or outdoor taps
Pipe size
Incoming pressure
Simultaneous water use

A system that is too restrictive can affect water flow.

4. Consider Cartridge Replacement

Every cartridge-based water filter needs maintenance.

Before ordering, check:

Cartridge replacement interval
Replacement cartridge cost
Ease of access
Whether tools are required
Whether shut-off valves are included or needed
Whether replacement can be handled safely
Whether a plumber is required

A filter that is not maintained can lose performance or restrict flow.

5. Check Installation Requirements

Whole-home filters usually need more installation planning than small kitchen filters.

Check:

Installation location
Pipework access
Weather protection
Mounting space
Water pressure
Drainage if required
Service clearance
Future cartridge access
Whether plumbing alterations are required

Plumbing work should be completed by a licensed plumber where required.

Choosing by Household Size

Small Homes

A smaller home may not need the largest whole-home system. The right filter should still match water source, pressure and flow demand.

A kitchen water filter may be enough if the main goal is better drinking water.

Medium Homes

Medium homes with multiple occupants may benefit from a whole-home system if the goal is broader filtration across taps, showers and appliances.

Flow rate and cartridge life become more important as water use increases.

Large Homes

Larger homes need careful sizing because multiple bathrooms, laundries and outdoor taps can increase demand.

A larger whole-home filter may be needed to avoid pressure or flow restrictions, but the system still needs to match the water source and pipework.

Customers comparing larger Puretec options may consider the Puretec G12 Whole House Water Filter or Puretec G13 Whole House Water Filter, depending on suitability.

Whole-Home Filter Installation Considerations

A whole-home water filter is usually installed on the incoming water line before water is distributed through the home.

Before ordering, consider:

Where the main water line enters the property
Whether there is enough wall or ground space
Whether the filter will be protected from weather
Whether there is room to change cartridges
Whether isolation valves are needed
Whether a pressure limiting valve is present
Whether existing pipework is suitable
Whether water pressure may be affected
Whether a licensed plumber is required

For supply-only orders, confirm all installation requirements before purchasing.

Maintenance Tips for House Water Filters

Whole-home water filters need regular maintenance to keep working properly.

Maintenance may include:

Replacing sediment cartridges
Replacing carbon cartridges
Replacing UV lamps where applicable
Checking seals and housings
Monitoring pressure changes
Checking for leaks
Keeping the system accessible
Following product-specific cartridge schedules

Replacement timing depends on water quality, household usage and the system selected.

If water flow drops, the cartridge may be clogged or the system may need inspection.

Common House Water Filter Buying Mistakes

Assuming One Filter Removes Everything

No single filter removes every possible contaminant. Match the system to the water issue.

Buying Without Testing Problem Water

Rainwater, bore water, PFAS concerns, heavy metals and health-related issues should be tested before choosing filtration.

Choosing Only by Price

A cheaper filter may not match your water source, flow demand or contaminant concerns.

Ignoring Flow Rate

Whole-home filters must be sized for the property. Poor sizing can reduce pressure and flow.

Forgetting Cartridge Costs

The product price is not the only cost. Cartridges need ongoing replacement.

Choosing a Shower Filter for Drinking Water

Shower filters are not designed for drinking water.

Not Leaving Room for Maintenance

Filters need space for cartridge changes and future access.

Supply-Only Ordering with Installed Today

Installed Today offers supply-only ordering across major Australian metro areas. This can suit customers who already have a licensed installer organised and want to order the product online.

For water filters, the listed product price generally covers the product only.

It does not usually include:

Installation labour
Plumbing alterations
New pipework
Tap hole drilling
Electrical work
UV system electrical setup
Drainage changes
Whole-home pipework modifications
Water testing
Cartridge replacement labour
Site assessment
Disposal of old equipment
Compliance upgrades

Before ordering a supply-only filter, confirm the system, connection requirements, water source and installation suitability with a licensed plumber where required.

Before Ordering Checklist

Before choosing a house water filter, check:

Is your water source town water, rainwater, tank water or bore water?
What do you want to reduce?
Is water testing needed?
Is the filter for the whole home or just drinking water?
How many people live in the home?
How many bathrooms does the property have?
What is the household water flow demand?
Is incoming water pressure suitable?
Is pipe size suitable?
Is there a good installation location?
Will the system be protected from weather?
Is cartridge access practical?
How often do cartridges need replacing?
Are replacement cartridges easy to source?
Is plumbing work required?
Is the product supply-only?
Has a licensed plumber confirmed suitability where required?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best house water filter?

The best house water filter depends on your water source, flow rate, pressure, household size and filtration goals. A Puretec whole-home system may suit some homes, while a kitchen drinking water filter may be better if you only want filtered water at one tap.

Is a whole-home water filter worth it?

A whole-home water filter can be worth considering if you want water filtered across the property, not just at the kitchen tap. It can be useful for sediment, taste and odour concerns depending on the cartridge. The system must suit your water source and household flow demand.

Does a whole-house filter make water safe to drink?

Not automatically. Whether water is safe to drink depends on the water source, contaminants present and the filtration system used. Water testing is important for rainwater, bore water, PFAS, bacteria, heavy metals and health-related concerns.

What is the difference between a whole-home filter and an under-sink filter?

A whole-home filter treats water entering the property. An under-sink or kitchen filter treats water at one tap, usually for drinking and cooking. Some homes may benefit from both.

Does a whole-home water filter remove chlorine?

Some whole-home filters can help reduce chlorine taste and odour depending on the cartridge. Always check the product specifications.

Does a whole-home water filter remove PFAS?

Not every whole-home filter removes PFAS. If PFAS is a concern, water testing and a filter specifically rated for the target contaminants should be considered.

Can I install a house water filter myself?

Whole-home filtration often involves plumbing work on the incoming water line. A licensed plumber should complete the work where required.

How often do house water filter cartridges need replacing?

Replacement timing depends on the filter model, cartridge type, household usage and water quality. High sediment or high usage can shorten cartridge life.

Is a shower filter the same as a house water filter?

No. A shower filter is designed for shower water only. A house water filter is designed to filter water entering the property.

Final Word

The best house water filter is not simply the biggest or most expensive system. It is the filter that matches your water source, household size, flow demand, pressure and filtration goals.

A whole-home water filter can suit customers who want broader filtration across the property. A kitchen or drinking water filter may be enough if the goal is better-tasting water at one tap. A shower filter is a separate option for shower water and should not be used as a drinking water solution.

For town water, taste and odour may be the main concern. For rainwater, tank water, bore water, PFAS, bacteria or heavy metals, water testing should come first.

Customers can compare water filters, whole-home water filtration systems, Puretec water filtration systems, drinking water filtration systems, kitchen water filters and shower water filters online with Installed Today.

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