Thinking about installing a whole-house water filter? Understanding the different types available will help you choose the right system for your home.
Whole-house water filters treat every drop of water that flows through your pipes—whether it’s for cooking, showering, or doing laundry. The result is cleaner, healthier water that tastes and smells better. A good system can provide many benefits, from removing harmful contaminants to leaving your hair softer and your skin clearer.
That said, not all systems work the same way. Most whole-house filters combine several stages of filtration, each designed to tackle specific contaminants. Knowing which ones you actually need will help you choose the right system while avoiding unnecessary costs.
Before diving in, take a look at your local water quality report to find out what’s in your water supply. Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can match the right types of filters to your needs.
Types of Whole House Water Filters
Each filter type addresses different water quality concerns. Many whole-house systems combine two or more of these to provide comprehensive protection.
1. Sediment Filters
Sediment filters are usually the first line of defence, capturing larger particles like dirt, rust, sand, and silt before they reach other filtration stages. By doing this, they prevent clogging, improve system performance, and extend the life of your filter setup.
There are two main styles:
- Cartridge (spun) filters – trap particles in layers of material.
- Spin-down filters – flush debris out through a valve, meaning fewer replacements.
Pros
- Removes large particles
- Protects and extends system life
- Affordable and easy to install
Cons
- Needs frequent replacement (if cartridge type)
- Doesn’t remove chemicals, bacteria, or viruses
2. Activated Carbon Filters
Perhaps the most common filter type, activated carbon is made from natural materials like wood or coconut shells. It’s excellent at removing chlorine and other chemicals that cause bad taste or odours.
Most whole-house systems use granular activated carbon (GAC), which works better with higher water pressure than block filters.
Pros
- Improves taste and smell
- Removes chlorine and other chemicals
- Affordable
Cons
- Doesn’t remove large particles or metals
3. Catalytic Carbon Filters
Catalytic carbon is a specialised version of activated carbon, treated at high temperatures to boost performance. It’s particularly effective at removing chloramines, a disinfectant stronger (and harder to remove) than chlorine.
Pros
- Targets chloramines
Cons
- Less effective against chlorine and heavy metals
- Usually more expensive
4. KDF (Copper-Zinc) Filters
KDF filters use a copper-zinc alloy to reduce microorganisms like algae and bacteria. They’re often paired with other filters to support overall system performance.
Pros
- Reduces bacteria and algae growth
- Improves taste and smell
- Extends system lifespan
Cons
- Doesn’t eliminate biomaterials
5. UV Filters
UV (ultraviolet) filters don’t physically remove contaminants; instead, they disinfect water by using light to neutralise bacteria, viruses, and parasites like E. coli and Giardia.
They’re especially useful for homes with private wells, but are best used alongside other filters.
Pros
- Kills up to 99.99% of microorganisms
- Chemical-free disinfection
- Easy yearly maintenance
Cons
- Needs a continuous power supply
- Doesn’t remove particles or chemicals
6. Water Softeners & Conditioners
While not technically filters, softeners and conditioners treat hard water caused by calcium and magnesium. Hard water isn’t dangerous, but it can damage pipes, appliances, and even laundry.
- Softeners use ion exchange to remove hardness minerals, but require salt and electricity.
- Salt-free conditioners neutralise minerals without removing them, preventing scale buildup in an eco-friendlier way.
Pros
- Prevents scale buildup
- Protects pipes and appliances
- Softer laundry and spotless dishes
Cons
- Doesn’t filter contaminants
- Can be expensive
7. Calcite Filters
Also called acid neutralisers, these filters correct water that’s too acidic by running it through natural minerals like calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide. This improves taste and reduces pipe corrosion.
Pros
- Uses natural minerals
- Balances pH for better taste
Cons
- Doesn’t filter out contaminants, only adjusts water composition
8. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filters
RO systems are considered the most thorough filtration method. They push water through a semi-permeable membrane, leaving contaminants behind and delivering exceptionally pure water.
However, they can also remove beneficial minerals, so many systems include a remineralizer. Because of the cost and complexity, many households install RO systems only under sinks for drinking and cooking water, rather than for the whole house.
Pros
- Most effective filtration available
- Produces very clean drinking water
Cons
- Expensive and may waste water
- Removes healthy minerals, affecting taste
- Not always practical for whole-house use
Choosing the Right Whole House Filter
Selecting the right system depends on your local water quality and your household’s specific needs. Start with a water quality report, identify which contaminants matter most, and then choose a system with the right mix of filters.
For a well-rounded option, consider multi-stage systems with optional add-ons like UV or softeners. This way, you’ll get cleaner, safer water throughout your home—without paying for features you don’t need.