The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Water Filter System for Your Home

A water filter system can improve the taste, smell and quality of the water you use every day. But the best system for your home depends on what is actually in your water, where the water comes from, and whether you want to filter only drinking water or the whole house.

Some homes mainly want better-tasting kitchen water. Others need help with chlorine, sediment, rusty particles, tank water, bore water, hard water, scale, odour, or appliance protection. A basic under-sink filter, reverse osmosis system, whole home filter, UV system and shower filter all do different jobs.

That is why choosing the right water filter system starts with one simple question: what problem are you trying to fix?

Quick answer: what water filter system should you choose?

For most homes, the right water filter system depends on the water issue.

No single filter is best for every home. The best system is the one matched to your water source, water quality and household needs.

Why a water filter system matters

Water can look clear and still have taste, odour, sediment or dissolved contaminants.

Common water concerns include:

• Chlorine taste or smell

• Sediment

• Rust particles

• Cloudiness

• Hard water minerals

• Scale on fixtures

• Tank water debris

• Bore water minerals

• Organic matter

• PFAS or chemical concerns in some areas

• Microbiological risk in untreated water sources

• Poor-tasting drinking water

• Appliance build-up

Town water is usually treated before it reaches your home, but many people still prefer filtration for taste, odour and extra peace of mind. Tank water and bore water often need more careful testing because they can have very different treatment requirements.

Start with your water source

Before choosing a filter, identify where your water comes from.

Town water

Town water homes commonly filter for:

• Chlorine taste

• Chlorine smell

• Sediment

• Rust particles

• Scale

• Drinking water taste

• Shower water feel

• Appliance protection

For many town water homes, an activated carbon filter or whole home carbon system is a practical starting point.

Rainwater tank water

Tank water can vary depending on the roof, gutters, leaf load, tank condition, pump setup and maintenance.

Tank water may need treatment for:

• Sediment

• Organic matter

• Colour

• Odour

• Microbiological risk

• Roof debris

• Fine particles

• Taste issues

Tank water used for drinking may need sediment filtration and UV treatment depending on the setup and test results.

Bore water

Bore water should be tested before choosing a filter.

Bore water may contain:

• Hardness minerals

• Iron

• Manganese

• Salts

• Sediment

• Odour

• Metals

• pH issues

• Microbiological risk

Do not choose a bore water filter based only on symptoms. Proper testing helps avoid buying a system that does not treat the actual issue.

Whole home water filter systems

A whole home water filter system treats water as it enters the property, so filtered water is supplied to multiple taps, showers and appliances.

Whole home filtration may help with:

• Sediment

• Chlorine taste and odour

• Rust particles

• Dirt

• General incoming water quality

• Shower water quality

• Appliance protection

• Tapware and fixture protection

A whole home filter can be a good choice when the issue affects more than just drinking water.

What whole home filters do not always do

A standard whole home filter does not automatically remove everything.

Depending on the cartridges and media, a whole home filter may not fully remove:

• Dissolved hardness minerals

• All chemicals

• Fluoride

• PFAS

• Bacteria or viruses

• Salts

• Heavy metals

• Iron or manganese

• Bore-specific contaminants

If you need hardness treatment, UV, reverse osmosis or a specialist contaminant filter, choose a system designed for that purpose.

Under-sink water filters

An under-sink water filter is installed below the kitchen sink and filters drinking or cooking water at one tap.

Under-sink filters may suit homes that want:

• Better-tasting drinking water

• Reduced chlorine taste and smell

• Cleaner water for coffee and tea

• Filtered water for cooking

• A compact kitchen solution

• Lower-cost targeted filtration

• Less reliance on bottled water

Under-sink systems are a good option when your main concern is drinking water rather than showers, laundry or whole home water quality.

Reverse osmosis water filter systems

Reverse osmosis, often called RO, is a more advanced drinking water filtration option.

RO systems use a fine membrane to reduce a wide range of dissolved solids and selected contaminants, depending on the system design and cartridges used.

Reverse osmosis may suit homes that want:

• Fine drinking water filtration

• Better-tasting kitchen water

• Reduced dissolved solids

• A dedicated drinking water tap

• Filtration for specific tested contaminants

• A higher-filtration kitchen system

RO is usually a point-of-use drinking water solution, not a whole home filtration system.

Things to know before choosing reverse osmosis

Reverse osmosis can be very effective for drinking water, but it is not the right answer for every home.

Before choosing RO, consider:

• Cartridge replacement costs

• Membrane maintenance

• Water pressure requirements

• Wastewater ratio

• Storage tank space if included

• Mineral taste preference

• Pre-filtration needs

• Whether your water quality supports RO

• Whether testing shows RO is needed

If your main issue is chlorine taste, a carbon filter may be enough. If your issue is broader whole home water quality, RO at the kitchen tap will not treat the shower, laundry or appliances.

Activated carbon water filters

Activated carbon filters are commonly used to improve taste and reduce chlorine taste and odour.

They may help with:

• Chlorine taste

• Chlorine smell

• Organic taste issues

• Some chemical taste concerns

• Better coffee and tea flavour

• General drinking water improvement

Activated carbon is commonly used in under-sink filters, whole home filters, fridge filters, benchtop filters and cartridge systems.

When activated carbon is a good starting point

An activated carbon filter may be a good starting point if:

• Your water tastes like chlorine

• Your water smells treated

• You mainly want better drinking water

• You are on treated town water

• You want a practical kitchen filter

• You do not have major sediment, hardness or microbiological concerns

Carbon filters need regular cartridge replacement to keep performing properly.

Sediment filters

Sediment filters are designed to reduce particles in water.

They may help with:

• Dirt

• Sand

• Rust particles

• Fine sediment

• Tank water debris

• Mains water particles after pipe works

• Pre-filtration before carbon, UV or RO

Sediment filters are often used as the first stage in a filtration system because they protect later cartridges from clogging too quickly.

UV water purifiers

UV water treatment uses ultraviolet light to help treat microbiological risk in suitable water setups.

UV may be relevant for:

• Rainwater tank homes

• Bore water systems

• Untreated water supplies

• Homes where testing shows microbiological risk

• Properties wanting an extra treatment step after sediment filtration

UV does not remove sediment, chlorine, chemicals, hardness, metals or dissolved solids. It works best when water is already clear and properly pre-filtered.

Shower water filters

A shower filter treats water at the shower head or shower line.

Shower filters may suit people concerned about:

• Chlorine smell in the shower

• Dry-feeling skin

• Hair feeling dull

• Sediment in shower water

• A simple shower-only upgrade

A shower filter does not treat the whole home. It also does not automatically solve true hard water, scale or all skin concerns. If the issue affects every tap and appliance, a whole home filter or hardness-specific system may be more suitable.

Water softeners and hard water systems

Hard water is caused mainly by calcium and magnesium minerals. It can leave scale on taps, shower screens, kettles and appliances.

A standard carbon filter may improve taste, but it does not usually soften hard water.

For hard water, compare:

• Water softeners

• Scale-control systems

• Water conditioners

• Hardness-specific treatment

• Whole home systems designed for scale reduction

Hardness treatment should be chosen based on water testing and the severity of scale.

Water filter systems for hot water protection

Water quality can affect hot water systems over time.

Sediment, scale, hardness, chlorine and poor water quality can contribute to:

• Scale build-up

• Valve wear

• Reduced flow

• Appliance stress

• Sediment inside tanks

• Reduced efficiency

• More frequent maintenance

• Shorter component life

A water filter may help reduce certain water quality issues before they reach the hot water system, but the filter must match the actual problem.

If your hot water system is already old, leaking, undersized or unreliable, filtration may not reverse existing damage. You may need to compare replacement hot water systems as well.

Water filters and electric hot water systems

Electric storage hot water systems can be affected by sediment and hard water scale.

A suitable filtration or scale-control setup may help reduce certain issues before water enters the tank, depending on water quality.

If you are replacing an old electric unit, compare electric hot water systems and ask your licensed installer whether water quality needs to be considered.

Water filters and instant gas hot water systems

Instant gas hot water systems heat water through a heat exchanger. Poor water quality, sediment and scale can affect performance over time.

For homes with hard water, tank water or sediment concerns, a suitable pre-filter or scale-management system may be worth discussing with your licensed installer.

Compare gas replacement options in the instant gas hot water systems collection.

Water filters and heat pump hot water systems

Heat pump hot water systems still store heated water in a tank, so water quality matters.

Sediment, scale and water chemistry can affect valves, tank condition and long-term performance.

If you are upgrading to a heat pump hot water system, consider whether your water source needs filtration, especially if you are on tank water, bore water or a hard water supply.

How to choose the right water filter system

Choosing a water filter system is easier when you answer these questions first.

1. What is your water source?

Is the water town water, tank water, bore water or a mixed supply?

2. What problem are you trying to fix?

Taste, smell, sediment, chlorine, scale, hardness, bacteria risk and appliance protection all need different solutions.

3. Do you want drinking water only or whole home filtration?

Under-sink filters treat one tap. Whole home filters treat water entering the property.

4. Have you tested the water?

Testing helps confirm what is actually in the water before you buy a system.

5. What flow rate do you need?

Whole home systems need to support household flow without reducing pressure too much.

6. What maintenance are you comfortable with?

All filters need maintenance. Some need cartridge changes, membrane replacement, UV lamp replacement or media servicing.

7. Where will it be installed?

Check space, access, weather exposure, drainage, pressure and installer requirements.

Water test first, filter second

A water test is the best way to avoid buying the wrong system.

Testing can identify:

• Hardness

• pH

• Sediment

• Iron

• Manganese

• Metals

• Salts

• Chlorine

• Microbiological risk

• Tank water quality

• Bore water issues

• Other local concerns

For town water taste and chlorine, a simple filter may be enough. For tank or bore water, testing is much more important.

Water filter maintenance

A water filter system only works properly when maintained.

Maintenance may include:

• Sediment cartridge replacement

• Carbon cartridge replacement

• RO membrane replacement

• UV lamp replacement

• Filter housing checks

• O-ring checks

• Leak checks

• Pressure checks

• Softener salt or media maintenance

• Scheduled servicing

Filter replacement frequency depends on water quality, usage, system size and cartridge type.

Do not wait until water flow drops heavily or taste returns. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.

How often should water filter cartridges be replaced?

Cartridge timing depends on the system and water quality.

Common replacement factors include:

• Water usage

• Sediment load

• Chlorine level

• Cartridge size

• Number of people in the home

• Town water vs tank water

• Filter stage

• Flow rate

• Manufacturer instructions

Some filters may need replacement every few months. Others may last longer. Always check the product requirements before ordering.

Can a water filter save money compared with bottled water?

A water filter system can reduce reliance on bottled water for many households.

Potential benefits include:

• Less bottled water purchasing

• Less plastic waste

• Better-tasting water at home

• Filtered water for cooking and drinks

• Convenience

• Lower storage and transport waste

• Better water access for families

The actual cost benefit depends on the system price, cartridge cost and how much bottled water your household currently buys.

Environmental benefits of home water filtration

A water filter system can help reduce single-use plastic bottles and bottled water transport.

Benefits may include:

• Less plastic bottle waste

• Less reliance on bottled water

• Lower household waste

• Less storage space needed

• More convenient filtered water at home

The best environmental result comes from choosing the right filter and maintaining it properly, rather than buying a system that does not suit your water source.

Water filter systems for families

Families often need a practical filter setup that is easy to use and maintain.

A family home may benefit from:

• Under-sink drinking water filtration

• Whole home chlorine and sediment reduction

• Cartridge systems with good flow

• Larger capacity filters

• Reliable replacement cartridge access

• Filtration for cooking and drink bottles

• Shower water improvement

• Appliance protection where suitable

For family homes, consider both drinking water and whole home usage.

Water filter systems for rental properties

Rental properties need simple, reliable water filter systems.

For rentals, consider:

• Easy maintenance

• Clear cartridge replacement schedule

• Simple tenant instructions

• Access for servicing

• Durable housings

• Whole home vs kitchen-only needs

• Property manager responsibilities

• Whether tenants are expected to replace cartridges

A poorly maintained filter can create problems, so choose a system that suits the property management arrangement.

Water filter systems for Airbnb and short-stay properties

For Airbnb and short-stay properties, filtered water can improve guest experience.

Short-stay properties may benefit from:

• Better-tasting kitchen water

• Less reliance on bottled water for guests

• Clear drinking water tap

• Whole home filtration for premium properties

• Shower water improvement

• Simple guest instructions

• Easy cartridge maintenance

For short-stay accommodation, reliability and simplicity matter. Avoid systems that require guests to understand complex controls or maintenance.

Water filter systems for coffee, tea and cooking

Filtered water can improve the taste of:

• Coffee

• Tea

• Ice

• Soups

• Rice

• Pasta

• Vegetables

• Baby formula preparation where appropriate advice is followed

• Drinking water

• Soda machines

If taste is the main issue, an activated carbon under-sink filter may be the most practical starting point.

Common mistake: choosing a filter without knowing the contaminant

A water filter should be chosen based on what is in the water.

Do not assume one filter removes:

• Chlorine

• Hardness

• PFAS

• Lead

• Bacteria

• Sediment

• Fluoride

• Iron

• Salts

• All chemicals

Different filter media are designed for different jobs. Check product specifications and test results before choosing.

Common mistake: assuming whole home filtration softens water

Whole home filtration and water softening are not always the same.

A whole home carbon and sediment filter may improve taste, odour and particles, but it may not remove dissolved hardness minerals.

If scale is the main problem, compare hardness-specific treatment.

Common mistake: using RO when carbon filtration would be enough

Reverse osmosis can be useful for specific drinking water goals, but it may be more system than some homes need.

If the main issue is chlorine taste, a quality carbon filter may be simpler, lower maintenance and more practical.

Common mistake: ignoring water pressure and flow rate

A filter that is too small can restrict water flow.

Before choosing a whole home system, check:

• Household size

• Number of bathrooms

• Peak water use

• Flow rate

• Pipe size

• Pressure

• Cartridge capacity

• Filter housing size

• Installer recommendations

A whole home filter must suit the way the home actually uses water.

Common mistake: forgetting replacement cartridges

The ongoing cost of a water filter is not just the system. Replacement cartridges matter.

Before buying, check:

• Cartridge cost

• Cartridge availability

• Replacement frequency

• Number of stages

• Whether specialist cartridges are needed

• Maintenance access

• Warranty requirements

A system is only useful if it is maintained.

Supply only vs supplied and installed

Installed Today offers supply-only water filter and hot water system ordering across major Australian metro areas for customers who already have their own licensed installer arranged. Supplied-and-installed options are available on selected products in eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas where shown.

Supply-only product pricing generally does not include installation, plumbing work, electrical work, drainage, cartridge setup, old system removal, disposal or compliance upgrades unless those items are clearly selected or included.

For water filters, confirm the system type, cartridge requirements, flow rate, pressure suitability and installation location with your licensed installer before ordering.

Final recommendation

A water filter system can be a simple upgrade for better-tasting drinking water or a more complete solution for whole home water quality. The right choice depends on your water source, water test results and what you want the filter to do.

For chlorine taste and smell, compare carbon filters. For particles, compare sediment filtration. For fine drinking water filtration, compare reverse osmosis. For tank water microbiological risk, UV may be needed with proper pre-filtration. For whole home water improvement, compare a whole home filter. For hard water scale, look at softening or scale-control options.

Do not choose based only on price or marketing claims. Choose based on your water.

To compare options, browse the Installed Today water filter systems range.

Long-tail FAQs

What is the best water filter system for a home?

The best water filter system depends on your water source and the problem you want to solve. Under-sink filters suit drinking water, whole home filters suit multiple taps and showers, reverse osmosis suits fine drinking water filtration, and UV may suit tank or bore water where microbiological risk is present.

Do I need a whole home water filter or under-sink filter?

Choose an under-sink filter if you mainly want better drinking water at the kitchen tap. Choose a whole home filter if the issue affects showers, appliances, laundry and every tap in the home.

What water filter removes chlorine taste?

Activated carbon filters are commonly used to reduce chlorine taste and smell. They are available in under-sink, whole home and other cartridge systems.

Does a water filter remove bacteria?

Some standard filters do not remove or treat bacteria. UV systems may be used for microbiological treatment where the water is properly pre-filtered and the setup is suitable. Tank and bore water should be tested before choosing treatment.

Does a water filter remove hard water?

Not all water filters remove hard water minerals. If calcium and magnesium hardness are the issue, compare a water softener, conditioner or hardness-specific scale-control system.

Is reverse osmosis better than a normal water filter?

Reverse osmosis offers finer drinking water filtration than many standard filters, but it is not always necessary. If your main issue is chlorine taste, a carbon filter may be enough.

How often do water filter cartridges need replacing?

Replacement timing depends on water quality, household usage, cartridge type and manufacturer instructions. Some cartridges may need replacing every few months, while others last longer.

Can filtered water replace bottled water?

For many homes, a properly selected water filter can reduce reliance on bottled water. This can save money, reduce plastic waste and make filtered water more convenient at home.

Are water filters good for coffee and tea?

Yes, filtered water can improve the taste of coffee, tea, ice and cooking water, especially when the issue is chlorine taste, odour or sediment.

What should I check before buying a water filter system?

Check your water source, test results, main water concern, required flow rate, pressure, installation space, cartridge replacement cost and whether you need drinking water only or whole home filtration.