Best Whole House Water Filters Australia

As opposed to an under sink water filter whole house water filter is installed at the point where the main water line enters your home. So, they are called point-of-entry (POE) filters and are different from point-of-use filters like the one below your kitchen sink.

These filters come in various forms and vary in terms of design. You can choose from a combination of sediment filters, water softeners, and carbon filters. This allows you to receive clean water from every water outlet in your home.

That brings us to the question- what are some of the best whole house water filters for Australian residents?

The Short Answer:

The Express Water Whole House Water Filter

The Express Water filter is one of the best point-of-entry systems for removing contaminants and improving water taste. The combination of a sediment filter and dual-stage carbon filters removes more than 50 types of impurities.

Despite being a large unit, the installation is simple. The superior quality and a durable stainless steel structure ensures years of service. Since Express Water is a reliable brand, this is a high-end product that you can depend on.

The Best Whole House Water Filters

Chances are your primary water source, be it a well, a municipal source, or a rainwater harvesting system, will not deliver the quality standards that you seek. Moreover, all municipalities add chlorine to the water for anti-bacterial treatment. While the amount of chlorine added is regulated it may go beyond the “safe” limits. 

The big advantage of a whole house filter is it comes in various forms and can remove a wide range of impurities. That allows you to pick a design based on your specific requirements. It is true that whole house water filters require a considerable initial investment. But once you consider the advantages, the installation is worth it.

Express Water Whole House Water Filter (highlighted above)

What makes it special:

• Three-stage filtration removes over 52 different contaminants
• High-quality materials used
• A stainless steel frame
• Triple pressure gauges for monitoring

If you are looking for a well-built system that is easy to install and monitor, the standard whole house filter from Express Water is a good choice.

This is a three-stage water filter that includes a sediment filter, granular activated carbon, and an activated carbon block. The sediment filter removes the large particles that can cause clogging of the pipes. The water then passes through the activated carbon granules which trap chlorine, VOCs, and pesticides.

With an ABS and PCE food-grade plastic housing, this filter unit is built to last. There are also mounted pressure gauges that allow you to monitor the system. To maximize the filter efficiency, the flow rate has been kept at 0.25 gallons of water every second. This means the filter will not affect the water pressure either.

Note, this is a heavy unit that will need some space for installation. One of its best features is the freestanding stainless steel frame. That gives you the option of keeping it on the ground or mounting it. 

Admittedly, the high price tag is one factor that can prevent you from picking this filter. The other drawback is that it will not remove heavy metals from water. However, the overall performance is top-notch and it will provide you with years of service

Note that Express Water has three different whole house filtration units. You can pick the systems designed for heavy metal filtration or hard water treatment too.

APEC Water Systems 3-Stage Whole House

Lead is a toxin that you can neither smell nor taste in your drinking water. But in case it has been detected in your supply water, the APEC 3-Stage whole house water filtration system is one of the best solutions.

APEC uses a three-stage filtration process that will remove all forms of impurities and chemicals from the water. And it can purify 100,000 gallons of water before you need to change the filter. Since the unit is designed for high flow rates, it can also be used in light commercial or industrial environments.

In the first stage, there is the sediment filter that removes larger particles, like sand, rust, and first. Next, there is the KDF85 filter which removes heavy metals like lead. It also removes iron and hydrogen sulphide. Lastly, there is a carbon filter that removes chlorine and other chemicals from the water.

With a robust casing made from reinforced polypropylene, this filter can withstand chemicals as well as high water pressure. Besides, the entire unit comes pre-attached which makes the installation hassle-free.

APEC has been manufacturing high-quality water filters for over 20 years and earned a reputation across the globe. Overall, this is a complete package for Australian homes with heavy metals or a sulphur smell in the water.

iSpring WGB32B 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System 

iSpring Water Systems is an American company that has developed a reputation with its residential and commercial water purifying systems. The WGB32B 3-stage water filter is a great solution for cleaning smelly and bad-tasting water. 

iSpring has used a 5-micron polypropylene sediment filter at the first stage. This removes large particles including sand, rust, and other sediments. iSpring mentions that it can filter out upto 95% of the sediments

The remaining two stages come with 5-micron coconut shell carbon block filters. Apart from removing odors and foul tastes, this carbon block clears out 99% of chlorine from water. It also removes VOCs, pesticides, and other industrial chemicals.

With a flow rate of 15 gallons per minute the system also offers better filtration efficiency. The feed water pressure limit of the unit is 95 psi which is at the higher end. The filter life is on the higher side and the unit can filter 100,000 gallons of water. 

In reality, this filter is not for cleaning heavy metals from water. Beyond that, users with limited experience may face some issues during the installation process. But from all other aspects, this is an excellent filter for use.

Geekpure 2 Stage Whole House Water Filter System

Geekpure has been around in the water filtration field since 1999. This is an affordable two-stage water filter that has a simple but efficient design. The two filter elements are a polypropylene sediment filter and a carbon block filter.

The 5-micron sediment filter removes undissolved solids and the carbon filter eliminates chlorine and other superfine impurities. The taste and odor of the water are also improved. The overall durability is good and the filter feels rugged. The maximum pressure limit of 90psi makes it good enough for high flow applications too.

The filter life is 100,000 gallons and the condition of the PP filter is tracked by its colour. When it turns dark yellow or brown, it is time for a replacement. However, the casing is not transparent. That would have made it easier to track the filter life.

Despite a simple design, the Geekpure filter is not as easy to install as some of the other products on this list. Some users needed to use Teflon tapes and thread sealant to prevent any leakage after installation. However, the Geekpure customer service is great and you can expect full support from them.

SimPure Spin Down Sediment Filter

SimPure manufactures water filters that have a minimalist design and are easy to install. For starters, this simple but effective whole house filter from SimPure comes with a 40-micron sediment filter. This makes it a good choice for removing sand, dirt, and debris from the water.

The overall quality of the product is impressive. Not many filters at this price point come with a valve head made from high-quality brass that SimPure has used. In addition, the filter mesh is made from high-quality grade stainless steel. 

Plus, the filter bowl can withstand a high pressure of up to 5 Mpa. The transparent casing also makes it easy to monitor the system. Backwashing the unit for cleaning is also simple.

SimPure mentions that the material has excellent anti-freezing and water hammer resisting capabilities. Depending on the quality of water in your home and the operating temperatures, you will need to change the filter over a period of 6 months to one year.

Overall this is a low-maintenance sediment filter that is easy to install. That said, it does not come with advanced filtration capabilities. Even so, if you are looking for a low-cost sediment filter that offers reliable performance, this is a great pick.

GE GXWH04F Standard Flow Whole House Filtration System

If you are looking for a budget-friendly solution for the entire house, the GE GXWH04F whole house filter is an excellent option. This whole house filter is the perfect example of a well-designed product that can be easily installed in tight spaces.

The heavy-duty filtration system not only removes sediments, dirt, and scales but also reduces the chlorine taste and odor of the water. Note, this is a single-stage filter. Even so, the overall quality and the performance are excellent. Once the unit is installed, there is a definite improvement in water quality and taste.

The filter comes with plumbing connections, a pressure relief valve, and a mounting bracket. This makes installation a breeze. On top of that, the quality of the included hardware is top-grade. 

GE also offers a limited one-year warranty with the product. As an additional feature, there is the remote filter reminder light. It reminds you when you need to change the filter element. If you need multistage filters, this is not for you. But as a simple whole house filter unit at a pocket-friendly price, this product offers superb value.

Most Important Factors To Look for In Your Whole House Water Filters 

The process of choosing a whole house water filter is more complex than choosing a smaller, point-of-use filter. Since these are connected to the main supply line, the technical parameters are to be determined more precisely.

So, how to make the right choice from the best whole house water filters in Australia?

Here, we outline some points you need to keep in mind.

Choose the Right Whole House Water Filter

The type of water filter you need will depend on the contaminants in your water. Sediment, hardening minerals, chlorine, and organic residues are common contaminants in municipal and well water across Australia. So the best filter is the one that will fit your filtration needs.

Therefore, you need to get the water analysed to find out the nature of the contaminants. In general, a combination of a sediment filter and granular carbon filter can remove sediments, metals, as well as chemical contaminants. If you want to remove the dissolved iron salts, pick a water softener or an oxidation-based iron removal system.

Not all whole house water filters are equipped to remove harmful bacteria or viruses from water. You can combine them with a suitable point-of-use filter for destroying the harmful pathogens from your drinking and cooking water.

Check the Flow Rate

Matching the flow rate of your showers and faucets with the filter is an important step. If the flow rate of an outlet is lower than the filter it might result in a leakage. In case the filter has a lower flow rate, the water pressure will come down,

Besides, large variations in flow rate can also damage the filter elements. In most cases, the flow rates will be printed on the appliances. It can be mentioned in liters per minute or gallons per minute. 

To calculate, check the total flow rate that will be required during peak use. Consider the number of bathrooms in your home, the demands of the hot water system, and also the number of people. The flow rate from the filter outlet should be 15 to 20 percent higher than this number to ensure an uninterrupted water flow.

Filter Size

If you have a water tank on your property, a small to medium-sized filter should be sufficient. But in case you rely on the direct supply, pick a filter based on your daily water usage. The larger the filter, the higher will be the flow rate and water pressure. However, larger units will also cost more.

A filter with a 1″ port size should be sufficient for most homes. Even if your home has ¾” piping, it can be mated with the 1” filter outlet without any issues. For larger homes needing a higher capacity filter, a  1 1/2″ port should be good enough.

Filter Life

It is also very important to consider the life of a filter to determine how frequently it will need replacing. Generally, filter life can vary between 100,000 to 150,000 gallons or anywhere between 6 to 12 months.

The exact time period will vary depending on the amount of contaminants in the water and the rate of use. Generally, sediment filters can be rewashed and used. Carbon filters come with a longer life and are often equipped with a backwashing system for cleaning.

Affordability

While whole house filters are not the most affordable ones, some of the best whole house water filters in Australia offer excellent value. In this sense, choosing an expensive device that offers more features than you need is not the best financial decision.

Beyond that, you need to consider the installation costs and maintenance costs. Pick filters that are easy to install as professional installation can cost you a few hundred dollars

FAQs

What are the benefits of a whole home water filtration system?

Whole house water filters can remove contaminants, chemicals and heavy metals from your water. In fact, this is an insurance policy to protect your family’s health. Knowing that every drop of water in your home is pure will give you additional peace of mind. It also helps to prevent damage to your home’s plumbing system.

How much does it cost to have a whole house water filter installed?

This depends on the size and the type of the filter you have chosen. Some devices are easy to install and you can set them up on your own. Using a professional for installing dual and triple stage filter systems can cost between $250 to $400. Installing more complex systems with UV  or reverse osmosis filtration technology can cost more than $1500.

How do I choose a whole house water filter?

Firstly, you need to determine the type of filter you need based on the contaminants that you want to remove from the water. The next step is selecting the right size and capacity of the filter depending on the water requirement in your home. Then pick a filter that has a higher flow rate than the flow rate in your house during peak use.

Are whole house water filters good for drinking water?

Even though they will remove chemicals and improve the taste, not all whole house water filters will remove harmful microbes from the water. To get pure drinking water, you need to use a filter that uses reverse osmosis or a UV device to clean the pathogens.

How many microns should my whole house filter be?

The lower the micron rating the better the filter is in terms of removing sediments. It is best to start with a 5 or 10-micron filter and check the performance. If the filter gets clogged too soon or the water pressure drops, you may move to a higher micron rating. 

Bottom Line

So these are some of the best whole house water filters in Australia. Ultimately, it all comes down to choosing the right type of filter you need depending on the contaminants in the water.

For removing the sediments and chlorine from the water, we recommend the Express Water whole house water filter. With a three-stage filtration process and a heavy-duty design, it is a dependable product that will deliver years of service.

All in all, if you are looking for a clean and trustworthy water supply, you can not go wrong with the Express Water whole house water filter.