Shopping for a whole house water filter that treats well water?
You’ve come to the right place.
Well water contamination is an issue that all well owners are aware of and struggle with.
People getting their water supply from wells usually find traces of multiple harmful contaminants and even critical amounts of at least one toxic substance in their well water.
Because of this water contamination, whole-house filters for well water are almost a necessity if your house is supplied with well water to ensure that you are consuming safe and pure water.
What kind of water filter is best for treating well water?
Water from different wells has different compositions, and the kinds of contaminants present in it depend on various factors like the age and the location of the well.
Because of these different variations in the number and level of contaminants present in well water, there are different kinds of water filters commercially available to efficiently filter the water based on the specific contaminants polluting it.
There are primarily 2 types of water filters for treating well water: standard and heavy-duty.
The standard filter is connected to the waterline and has various types that can remove multiple contaminants.
For example, a carbon filter can take care of city water and extract contaminants like chloramines, chlorine, volatile compounds, and odors. There are also specific options that treat substances like fluoride, iron, bacteria or sediment.
Heavy-duty filters are high-quality filters with filtration media in a tank to keep it safe from being polluted. A standard-capacity cartridge located in a filter housing purifies water before it enters your house.
This also has more specialized filters like:
- Activated carbon filters that get rid of large particles like sediment
- Reverse osmosis filters that are more sophisticated and can remove an array of contaminants like metal ions and aqueous salts
- Water ionizers that perform electrolysis and reduce the acidity of water
- UV filters that target bacteria
- Infrared filters that work as water softeners.
What's In This Buying Guide
Table of Contents
In this buying guide, we talk about whole-house water filters for treating well water. We review some of the top options available and list their pros and cons.
We list the features you need to look for and if it is economically feasible for you to buy a whole-house water filter for well water.
We further discuss how to install and maintain whole-house water filters and answer some common questions related to them.
Also, make sure you check out our review of Home Master filters for further options.
Best Whole House Filters for Well Water
- 1. Best Overall: Express Water Whole House Water Filter
- 2. High-Capacity Filter: SpringWell Whole House Well Water Filter System
- 3. Best for Removing Sediment: iSpring WGB32B
- 4. Best UV Filter: Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST
Express Water Whole House Water Filter
Filter Capacity
100,000 gallonsFiltration Stages
OneThird-Party Tested
YesAward
Best Overall
SpringWell Whole House Well Water Filter System
Filter Capacity
1,000,000 gallonsFiltration Stages
FourThird-Party Tested
YesAward
High-Capacity Filter
iSpring WGB32B
Filter Capacity
100,000 GallonsFiltration Stages
ThreeThird-Party Tested
YesAward
Best for Removing Sediment
Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST
Filter Capacity
500,000 GallonsFiltration Stages
FourThird-Party Tested
YesAward
Best UV Filter
The Express Water Whole House Water Filter is an efficient filtration system. Its 3-stage filtration can filter out sediments, iron, chlorine, pathogens, and other heavy metals found in well water.
Its easy installation, a high-speed flow rate of 0.25 gallons per second, efficient filter design for easy replacement and a distinct pressure gauge for system monitoring make this one of the best whole-house filters for well water.
PROS
- 3-stage thorough filtration process
- Has a robust constriction
- Easy maintenance and installation
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
- Filters are easy to change
CONS
- Cannot reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
- Some may experience reduced water pressure
Our Review
The Express Water Whole House Water Filter has 3 water filtration stages: Sediment Filtration, KDF, and Activated Carbon Block.
The first stage detects and filters coarse damaging particles like sand, dust and rust. It has 4 distinct layers made up of precision-packed food-grade polypropylene microfiber.
The outer layers collect larger particles, and the inner layers cater to finer particles up to 5 microns.
The second KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) stage removes heavy metals like chloramine, fungi, mercury, iron, viruses, lead, arsenic, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur, algae, hydrogen sulfide, chlorine, and aluminum. It also restricts the growth of microorganisms.
The KDF filter is made up of catalytic carbon, zinc granules, and high-purity ionically charged copper.
This, along with its thermal bonded cap and industrial sealed silicon ring, allows maximum chemical absorption and keeps the filter durable.
In the last stage, the Activated Carbon Block collects chlorine, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, Total Organic Carbon (TOC), and chemicals that give your water a nasty odor and taste.
The ACB is composed of tightly wound and laboratory vacuum-heated carbon, allowing a high-capacity filtration process.
Like the KDF filter, the carbon block is finished with a thermal-bonded cap and an industrial sealed silicon ring that increases its lifespan.
Collectively, the three stages extract over 80 impurities and contaminants from your main water supply so that you enjoy clean and healthy water from every faucet.
Installing the Express Water filter is super easy. It features one-inch standard connections for adaptability and high flow.
It has a freestanding frame that eliminates almost all the work from the mounting process.
Another great feature of the Express Water Filter is that the first filter is in a clear housing so that you know when it is time for a filter change without dismantling the whole system.
The system is also equipped with pressure gauges, making the maintenance of the filter relatively easier.
The filter replacement process is also a breeze. Lastly, the Express Water Filter comes with a one-year warranty.
Issues & Limitations
The only major problem with the Express Whole-House Water Filter is that it cannot reduce or eliminate Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) from your water supply.
To remove TDS, you should invest in a whole-house reverse osmosis water filter.
BOTTOM LINE
The Express Whole-House 3-stage Water Filter system is equipped with top-quality filters that remove a number of contaminants, including sediment, heavy metals like aluminum and lead, microorganisms and pharmaceuticals without causing a pressure drop.
The provided brackets and free-standing frame make the system easy to install.
The SpringWell Whole-House Well Water Filter is a good option for those who have high levels of iron, manganese, and sulfur in their water supply.
It has a 4-stage filtration process that consists of Empress Vortech Tank and an oxidizing material in different stages.
It is also low-maintenance, economical, and environmentally friendly.
PROS
- Delivers high pressure and clean water
- Environmentally friendly
- You can control its settings right from your phone via Bluetooth with just a few touches
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty and 6-month money-back guarantee
- Doesn’t require any maintenance
CONS
- The installation process isn’t the easiest
- Cannot soften hard water
Our Review
The SpringWell whole-house water filter has 4 filtration stages.
First, the water goes through an air pocket on the top of the tank that oxidizes iron, manganese and sulfur.
This oxidized material is collected in the green sand fusion bed.
Next, the system backwashes the pollutants and contaminants into a drain and resets the fresh air pocket. This is where the Empress Vortech Tank comes into play and rapidly and effectively cleans up the bed.
Lastly, water without traces of iron, manganese and hydrogen sulfide is disseminated throughout your home.
This SpringWell filtration unit makes use of a single tank for oxidation. Everything is pre-installed in the system, and you only have to connect it with the main water supply.
Equipped with a Bluetooth control head, you can set up your own schedule for air draw and backwashing. Just link it with your phone and get to control everything remotely.
Along with the main tank and the control head, the manufacturer also provides an installation kit that includes all the parts and components that you will require to set up and install your unit.
As far as the performance of the SpringWell unit is concerned, it is unparalleled, especially when it comes to eliminating iron, magnesium, and sulfur.
The SpringWell unit can easily remove 7 ppm of iron, 8 ppm of hydrogen sulfide, and 1 ppm of manganese.
Issues & Limitations
Even though this comes with an installation kit, you might still need to purchase adapters or extra fittings or connections. However, this depends on the measurements of the water pipes in your home.
You might also need to call a plumber for installation. This is not just a hassle but also an added expense that can cost you extra hundreds of dollars.
BOTTOM LINE
The SpringWell Whole House Well Water Filter is ideal for water contaminated with iron, manganese or hydrogen sulfide. You can control the filter via Bluetooth, too.
If you are looking for a whole-house filter that doesn’t affect water pressure, then the iSpring WGB32B is perfect.
The 3-stage filter consists of a sediment filter and 2 CTO Carbon Block filters that remove 95% of sediment, chlorine, chloramine and other substances.
It is also easy to install and maintain and NSF/ANSI certified.
PROS
- Delivers good water pressure
- Meets NSF/ANSI standards
- Doesn’t require extensive maintenance
- Doesn’t constantly run into clogging issues
- Filters have an impressive life
CONS
- Cannot reduce TDS
Our Review
The iSpring WGB32B removes 95% of the sediments found in your water supply. It removes up to 99% of chlorine and gets rid of rust, herbicides, industrial solvents, pesticides, VOCs, and various other contaminants.
The iSpring WGB32B is a 3-stage filter. In the first stage, the sediment filter collects sediment. This ensures fewer clogging issues and helps with the water pressure.
In the next 2 stages, the two filters consisting of coconut shell carbon that are wound together in a compact fabrication technology eliminate any chlorine, pesticides and other industrial chemicals present in the water. This takes away the foul taste and odors from the water.
The pore size of the iSpring WGB32B is also pretty ideal as it doesn’t clog easily.
Its polypropylene sediment filters are NSF-certified; hence you can rely on them to work as advertised.
Plus, the 1” NPT inlet/outlet and 20” x 4.5” filter cartridges don’t influence the water flow significantly or even noticeably so.
The iSpring WGB32B has a service life longer than many other filters in the same price range. It can filter up to 100,000 gallons of water before it needs replacement.
Installation and maintenance of this unit are also very easy. You can do it yourself.
Just consult the instruction manual and if you want additional guidance, take help from YouTube videos.
Issues & Limitations
Even though the installation of this system is not too tricky, if you have never handled a DIY project, you might struggle a bit. However, many can manage it without help.
The iSpring WGB32B also cannot reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).
BOTTOM LINE
The iSpring WGB32B 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System is an efficient and convenient filter.
With a capacity of 100,000 gallons, it can remove up to 95% of contaminants, including sediment, chlorine, and chloramines and requires no hefty maintenance.
The Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST 4-stage filter is made from HDTE and has a bacteriostatic media that inhibits the growth of algae or bacteria.
Its smart design allows for unique up-flow in a dual tank design that increases the contact time with the water and removes contaminants like chlorine and chloramine more efficiently.
PROS
- Smart design that improves the contact time between the water and contaminants removing media and preventing clogging
- Doesn’t need electricity, drain lines, or backflushing
- Filters are easy to replace
- Don’t cause a pressure drop
- Molded from HDTE (High Density, Tri-Extruded), food-grade material
- Third-party tested
CONS
- Installation requires some basic plumbing skills
Our Review
The Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST features a 4-stage filtration process. The unit includes a UV purifier and offers total protection by sterilizing 99.99% of viruses, chlorine-resistant cysts and bacteria (such as E.coli).
There are 4 filters in this unit: Carbon filter, KDF filter, a UV purifier and Scale Control Media (SCM). Together, they remove contaminants that leave unpleasant odors and taste in your water.
An optional feature of the Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST is its salt-free SCM technology.
It works along with the other filtration mechanisms in the unit and prevents scale build-up on dishes, faucets, shower walls, etc.
Issues & Limitations
The installation of the Aquasana E1-WELL-UV-PRO-AST can be a little tricky.
In addition to that, the manufacturer doesn’t provide written instructions that might be able to help. So, you might struggle with this part.
BOTTOM LINE
The EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST has a 4-stage filtration process with filters that are easy to change and don’t require any electricity, backflushing or drain lines.
Whole House Filters for Well Water Buying Guide
What Is a well water filter for the whole house - and how does it work?
A well water filter for the whole house, as the name suggests, is a filtration system that treats well water at the main water supply line so that the entire house gets access to safe, clean, and pure water.
Such units are meant to treat the hardness in the water and filter out a broad range of contaminants and pathogens present in well water.
Without this filtration system, the hard water can cause sink stains, cause skin, scalp, and hair problems, and damage plumbing fixtures.
Whole-house water filters usually work as point-of-entry filtration systems. They have various kinds of filters that work together to purify the water.
What to look for in a Whole House Filter for Well Water
A whole-house well water filtration system is usually a costly investment, so you should be sure that you spend your money in the right place.
Some important features you should consider when buying a water filter include:
Type of filtration system
Firstly, you need to decide the kind of water filtration system you need. This depends on the kind of pollutants present in your well water.
Activated carbon filters, KDF filters, reverse osmosis systems, water ionizers and UV filters are just some options you can choose from.
You could have a professional swing by and do a few tests for you. Once you know the pollutants dominant in your water supply, you can get a system that caters well to them.
Filter Life
One way to check the durability of your whole house filter is to see its filters’ lifespan.
This means the more gallons of water it can filter before replacement, the longer the system will last! Since this is a hefty investment, you should ensure that you get something that lasts a long time.
Certifications
Look for third-party endorsements like NSF certifications. The iSpring filter on our list is one of those. Aquasana also conducts third-party tests to prove its reliability and performance.
For whole-house filters for well water, some certifications to look out for include:
- NSF/ANSI 55 for UV microbiological treatment systems
- NSF/ANSI 44 for water softeners and
- NSF/ANSI 42 for whole-house chlorine filters.
Dispenser Flow Rate
Another factor to consider is the flow rate of your appliances, such as dishwashers and showers and dispensers.
Then compare these with the specifications of the product you are looking to buy. This will give you a better idea of which one suits you better.
Installation of Whole House Filter for Well Water
Installation of a whole-house well water filtration unit is not too complicated. You should install it between the main water line and the distributary water outlets.
Even though the installation process is easy, it will require some basic plumbing expertise and knowledge. You can either get it done professionally or do it yourself.
Most manufactures give comprehensive instructions and steps along with tutorials to guide you throughout the process.
Pros and cons of using a Whole House Filter for Well Water
While whole-house filters have been a relief for families that use well water, these filters have their limitations, too.
Pros
Clean Water Throughout the House
Since these systems purify all water before it enters distribution lines, all the water running through your house is pure and free from contaminants.
This will significantly improve the health of you and your loved ones and preserve the integrity of appliances that run on water, whether used for cooking, laundry, washing, or any other purpose.
Technologically advanced and efficient
Many systems now have the latest designs and models integrated with innovative, technologically advanced features. These make these whole-house filters more efficient and convenient.
They feature multi-stage filtration processes that improve the water quality, color, smell, and taste. They can also treat large amounts of water.
Cons
Installation
Installing a whole-house water filter might be a bit of a hassle, as it requires you to install it in the house’s plumbing system.
If you do not have any experience with DIY plumbing projects, then we suggest getting a professional to install it for you to avoid any damage to the plumbing system or the filtration unit.
Cost
While it is true that these systems can be pricey, you can judge their cost-effectiveness by assessing your needs.
If you are going to install independent filters for your kitchen tap, bathroom, showers, and drinking water, then it is better and economical to get one whole-house water filtration system.
However, if you only want one in the kitchen or one bathroom, this might prove excessive and expensive.
Cleaning and Maintenance
If you don’t want your investment to go down the drain and want your whole-house well water filter to last you for a long time, then taking good care of it is crucial.
You should clean your filtration unit after a while. If you have reusable filters, get rid of large or visible debris or particles from your filter, then clean it with an adequate cleaning solution, and in the end, treat it with a disinfectant.
If you don’t have reusable filters, simply replace the old one with a new one.
Like most whole-house well water filtration systems, if your filter also uses carbon filters, then you don’t just have to clean the filter. You would also have to clean the head and sump with a detergent and bleach solution.
Also, make sure to clean the exterior to reduce the chances of contamination of your system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a whole house water filter be replaced?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as the quality of water in your area, your filters’ life or capacity, and how well you maintain the filters.
If they have a large capacity and you take good care of them and clean them regularly, you could use them for much longer. However, as a general rule, you should change them every three to six months.
How long does a whole house carbon water filter last?
Again, this doesn’t have a direct answer but depends on the product you buy and the filters it uses.
However, as a rough estimate, a pre-filter can last three to six months, a carbon filter can last for 12 months, whereas a post-filter can last for almost one year.
Do whole house water filters affect water pressure?
Yes. A whole-house water filter system needs to treat the water at the mainline. To do a thorough job, the water needs to be in contact with the filtering mechanism for some time.
This would slow down the water flow in your distribution lines, resulting in decreased pressure in your showers, kitchen sinks, faucets, and appliances.
However, some premium units can do away with such an issue.
Final Verdict: What is the best Whole House Water Filter for Well Water?
In our opinion, the Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST is the best whole-house water filter for well water.
It is easy to use and maintain and has a technologically advanced 4-stage filtration process that ensures clean and healthy water throughout the house! So, if you’re on the lookout for an efficient whole-house water filter for well water, we’d say the Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST is the one.
