Installing a Home Water Filter

Find out the benefits of using a home water filtration system. Learn more about the top home water filters in 2021.

A home water filtration system removes contaminants from your water. A home filter system refers to any type of system that effects your water line and all the water sources in your home, as opposed to only applying to one source. Home systems are more expensive than individual filters, but work much better and require minimal maintenance after installation. The cost varies depending on which filtration system you purchase as well as whether you install it on your own. On average, you can expect to pay around $1000 to $2500 for a home water filtration system in 2021.

There are many benefits to having a water filtration system. For most homeowners, health is the main benefit, since the filter removes dangerous chemicals or contaminants. This also gives water a better, more pure taste. Cleaner water also cuts down on plumbing bills, since chemicals and other minerals cause damage to your pipes and any water appliances. Water filtration systems are also good for the environment, since it eliminates the need to buy water in plastic bottles.

General Maintenance Tips

Water filtration systems require minimal upkeep after installation. Your main responsibility is ensuring the filters are replaced on time. How often you change the filters varies depending on the unit and how much water you use. For a three- or four-person household, the majority of filters last between one and two years. Each filtration system uses a different method to let you know when the filters must be replaced. These monitoring systems are typically directly on the water filter itself.

Home Master Whole House 3-Stage Water Filter

Home Master offers a wide range of water filters. The 3-stage filter is primarily intended for houses that use well water. While there are many advantages to using a well as a water source, there is a greater risk of the water containing unwanted minerals. Iron is especially common with well water. Too much iron causes your water to change colors, often coming out as a light brown or red. Iron in your water is also bad for your pipes.

Home Master’s filter is designed specifically for well water. It uses a three-stage system to purify your water. The first stage is running the water through a multi gradient density filter. This removes nearly all the minerals from your water, as well as sediment and other unwanted chemicals. The second stage runs the water through an additional filter, designed to catch any chemical runoff from the previous stage. The last stage runs the water through a coconut shell carbon filter, getting rid of any lingering taste from contaminants.

One of the best features of Home Master’s filtration system compared to other models is it preserves your water pressure. Each filter cartridge has a 100,000-gallon capacity, designed to last a family for an average of one year. It is also one of the easier systems to install as well. Even if you do not install it yourself, you can expect to pay less in installation fees.

Springwell CF1

The Springwell CF1 is most known for removing chlorine from water, but the filters work on other harmful contaminants. The system uses four different filtration materials to purify water. What sets the Springwell CF1 apart from other filtration systems is the added flex bed. The flex bed maximizes how long the water spends in each of the filters. You want the water to go through your filters slowly, since this makes it easier to remove harmful chemical and minerals from the water.

The filter has an additional canister set up to remove sediment filter. This includes common small debris in water normal filters struggle to catch, such as tiny bits of clay, soil or sand. The Springwell system also has multiple sizes available, so it is easier to customize for larger homes. Springwell offers a free video to help guide users through the installation process. One downside of the CF1 is you must replace the sediment filter every six to nine months, which is more than most other filtration systems require.

Aquasana Eq-1000 Whole-House Water Filter and Softener

Aquasana’s EQ-1000 is an effective system, but it is one of the pricier water filtration options. While it initially costs more, it uses some of the largest filters possible, storing up to one million gallons with each filter. An average household can use a single EQ-1000 filter for 10 years without replacement. It also uses a salt-free softener, which is considered the healthiest method for water softening. The filtration system utilizes a UV light purifier, which destroys even the toughest water containments, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium, which other filters may struggle with. It is also designed for both well and tap water. Because it is one of the more complex filtration systems, it is recommended to hire a professional plumber to install the EQ-1000.

Aqua-Pure AP903

Aqua-Pure’s AP903 is an excellent water filtration system if you are on a budget. Unlike other filtration units, all of the filters are built into a single cartridge. This makes the AP903 one of the smallest units, and also simplifies the installation process. Despite the smaller size, each filter is designed to hold 100,000 gallons of water. If your water contains higher than average amounts of sediment, you may need to install a pre-filter. This is most common with older pipes or homes using well water. The pre-filter only costs a little extra, and greatly improves the effectiveness of the system. It also increases the longevity of the system.