Home water filters are available in all sizes and shapes.
The choice ranges from a small and affordable pitcher, supplying drinking water for one individual only to a more expensive whole house system that treats all of the water entering your residence.
So, the question really is, what sort of water filter do you want or need?
Because not every system effectively removes all the possible contaminants that may be lurking on your water source.
While basic activated carbon monoxide reduces chlorine content, such as lead, chromium-6, and chloramines will need a more sophisticated system.
Thus, you should consider conducting a water quality evaluation. Several test kits can be found online and in your local home improvement store.
Although these are the various filter types you can pick from:
- Whole house water filters are point-of-entry (POE) devices. This means that they connect to the main water line, so it is possible to use filtered water from the shower and the rest of your bathroom(s), kitchen, and even for your own laundry. Standard models are great for enhancing water aesthetics and increasing the longevity of your plumbing system and appliances. But naturally, there are more specialized components, too -- think iron contamination in private wells.
- Reverse osmosis systems offer a comprehensive treatment procedure for filtered drinking water that is almost pure H2O. They can easily remove up to 99 percent of heaps of contaminants and sit on your countertop or install under your kitchen sink to get point-of-use (POU) applications. The whole house reverses osmosis systems that could get really expensive since they're more complicated and generally require a large storage tank + shipping pump.
- Regular under sink systems filters water on-demand before it comes out of your kitchen tap or wherever you install one. Typically, they provide water, which not only tastes good but is also safe for drinking.
- Both countertop and faucet-mounted filters can be attached to a kitchen faucet in minutes without making any permanent changes. Both types feature a more basic filtration procedure and usually enable you to switch between filtered and unfiltered water. The primary goal here is to improve water odor & taste and remove some harmful pollutants like lead.
- Water filter pitchers are most likely the most popular type since they are affordable to get and so simple to use. The drawback is that the filtration rate is slow, and cartridges may be more prone to clogging.
How Much Does a Water Filtration System Cost?
| Type | Price Range | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reverse Osmosis | $150 – $500 | Give healthy drinking water safe for consumption; provide relatively large volumes | strip away minerals; Produce wastewater; may require installation by a professional |
| Whole House | Usually between $300 to $1,000 and more | Provide filtered water everywhere in your home; increase lifespan of plumbing system and appliances | More likely to need installation by a specialist; most won’t have any effect on smaller impurities |
| Countertop | $50 – $120 | Easy to use and portable; clean; no permanent installation needed (great for renters); setup within a couple of seconds | Not continuously the most systematic filtration; occupy space on your counter; do not match non-standard faucet types such as sprayers. |
| Under Sink | $50 – $400 | Cost effective; most give water safe for drinking | Might need installation by an expert |
| Pitcher | $20 – $70 | No installation needed (great for renters); can be stored in fridge for cooling; simple to use and portable; clean | Filters need frequent replacements; low flow rate; limited storage volume |
| Faucet Mounted | $20 – $50 | Simple to use and portable; clean; no permanent installation needed (great for renters); attach within a couple of seconds | Take up space above/in your kitchen sink; not the most thorough filtration; might not be compatible with your faucet; flow rate can be slow |
Installation + Maintenance Cost
Let’s say you’ve just bought a new water filter.
Now, unless you purchased a pitcher or a unit that simply connects to a kitchen faucet, the next step is to get the system installed in your dwelling.
How much does that cost?
Again, there’s absolutely no definite answer because it depends on how complex the system is.
The greater the complexity, the more expensive the setup is most likely going to be. Incidentally, you could be able to perform the installation yourself.
Standard labor includes mounting the device, installing a shut-off valve, making the plumbing connections, and verifying that everything works as planned and without leaks.
Extra tasks are installation site preparation and cleanup.
To get the total cost, we have to add the price of materials and supplies such as connectors, tubing, and fittings not included with the filter itself.
If changes are required in your home’s existing plumbing, the total cost increases by another $1,000 to $2,000.
Most plumbers also offer to eliminate and dispose of old units and installation debris if want be. This is optional and costs between $50 and $120.
On a side note: In our view, if you’re handy with tools feel free to hook up your new whole house water filter or reverse osmosis yourself. For undersink components, installation typically requires cutting into the drain and drilling a hole in your countertop for the next faucet.
Whole house systems need plumbing installed at the primary water line.
Reverse Osmosis System Cost
Most people prefer faucet-based reverse osmosis systems that cost between $150 and $250 on the low end and over $1,000 on the high end.
Reverse osmosis systems need expert installation and maintenance in addition to regular filter changes to operating efficiently, adding to the expense of such a system over time.
Popular brands include Aquasana, GrowoniX, and OmniFilter.
Reverse osmosis is one of the most frequent water filtering procedures and is offered in the individual countertop units and faucet-based systems.
Reverse osmosis filtration systems may be complicated or simple, with the most extensive choices sending water through a five-step purification procedure ending with ultraviolet light.
However, all reverse osmosis systems operate by sending water through at least two unique fluids separated by a porous film that only allows the water to pass on a molecular level.
After the water finishes moving through a RO system, it leaves all impurities keeps essential elements like oxygen and minerals.
Water Distiller Costs
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Whole House Systems |
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| Distiller |
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| Reverse Osmosis |
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