Are Whole House Water Filters Worth It? Find Out Here!
Have you ever poured yourself a glass of tap water, only to hesitate as a nagging doubt creeps in about its purity? This scenario might remind some of their childhood visits to a grandparent's house, where the water tasted slightly off due to the old neighborhood's pipes. Such concerns often start as family jokes but can quickly become serious worries when potential contaminants are discovered in your water supply.
Water is a fundamental part of daily life. Whether you're making a beloved family recipe, washing away the day's adventures, or simply quenching your thirst, the quality of water impacts everything. That’s why water filtration and water purification systems, like whole house water filters, are becoming essential for homeowners seeking clean, safe water.
At Burgeson's, providing clean water through whole house water filters isn't just a business — it's a legacy. As a third-generation family-owned and operated company, we understand the nuances and needs of family life. We believe a home without water purification is like a garden without sunshine.
Join us in exploring the world of whole house water filters in this educational blog. Discover their benefits, costs, and how to find the perfect water filtration system for your home.
With Burgeson's, families can confidently enjoy every sip of water, knowing it's safe and pure through advanced water filtration.
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What is a Whole House Water Filtration System?
Water filtration is the process of removing impurities, contaminants, and unwanted particles from your water supply to make it cleaner, safer, and better tasting. A whole house water filtration system does this at the point where water enters your home, so every faucet, shower, and appliance benefits from filtered water—not just your kitchen sink.
These systems go beyond improving taste. They help protect your family’s health, extend the lifespan of plumbing and appliances, and give you peace of mind that the water you use every day—whether drinking, cooking, bathing, or washing—is as pure as possible. Imagine brewing your morning coffee with water that tastes fresh and crisp, just like it came from a high-end café. That’s the everyday difference a whole house water filtration system can provide.
How Do Whole House Water Filters Work?
Whole house water filters connect directly to your main water line, ensuring water filtration occurs before water reaches any faucet in your home.This process delivers clean, safe water for all your needs through comprehensive water purification, helping to eliminate the following:
- Chlorine & Chloramine: Remember those old science experiments where we learned about chlorination? Turns out, we don't need that in our drinking water.
- Sediments: Like sand and rust—let’s keep those in the sandbox, not in our water.
- Heavy Metals: We’re talking about lead and mercury, which we certainly don’t want in our bodies.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Chemical compounds that can affect our health.
- Microorganisms: Including bacteria and viruses—because nobody wants an unwanted science project growing in their pipes.
Here’s a deeper look at how these systems operate:
Pre-Filtration vs. Post-Filtration:
- Pre-Filtration: This initial stage removes larger particles like sediment, sand, or rust before the water enters the main water filtration system. It protects downstream filters from clogging and extends their lifespan.
- Post-Filtration: After primary water filtration, post-filtration polishes the water to enhance taste, remove odors, and catch any remaining small particles, ensuring high-quality output.
Flow Rate Considerations (GPM):
Flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM), determines how much water whole house water filters can process without reducing pressure. Ensuring the correct service flow rate is essential so water filtration occurs efficiently before water reaches any faucet in your home.
To answer “are whole house water filters worth it” for your family, ensure the system’s service flow rate matches peak demand.
Typical sizing guidance:
- 1–2 bathrooms: 7–10 GPM
- 3–4 bathrooms: 12–15 GPM
- 5+ bathrooms / large homes: 15–20+ GPM
For an average household of 4–6 people, a system with 10–15 GPM is typically sufficient. Larger homes with high water usage, such as frequent showers and laundry running simultaneously, may require 20+ GPM systems to maintain adequate pressure.
It is also important to check pressure drop (ΔPSI) at the rated flow. Undersized filters can cause noticeable pressure loss during showers or while multiple fixtures run.
Lifespan and Replacement Costs:
Filters in whole house water filters typically last 6–12 months, depending on water quality and usage. Replacement costs range from $20–$100 per filter, with some systems requiring multiple filter types (e.g., sediment, carbon). Regular maintenance ensures optimal water filtration and prevents contaminant breakthrough.
Typical replacement ranges include:
- Sediment cartridges: ~3–6 months (low cost)
- Carbon media tanks: 5–10 years (periodic service)
- Carbon block cartridges: 6–12 months
- UV lamps/sleeves: lamp annually; sleeve as needed
Staying on schedule helps whole house water filtration systems perform as designed and keeps long-term ownership costs predictable.
Benefits of Water Filtration
So, what is water filtration? It’s a process that removes harmful particles, bacteria, and contaminants from water, making it safe and drinkable. Whole house water filters provide significant benefits for your health and home.
Some of these benefits are listed below:
- Healthier Water: Provides peace of mind knowing your family is drinking safe water while also reducing plumbing issues over time.
- Better Skin & Hair: One customer recently credited her newly installed whole house water purification system for improving her daughter’s skin condition.
- Appliance Longevity: Protects your coffee machine and dishwasher from mineral buildup.
- Consistent Quality: Enjoy the same refreshing water from every faucet in your home.
What is Water Purification? Breakdown of Key Methods
Water purification isn't just about making water taste good; it’s about ensuring safety. Have you ever thought about how pure your water really is? Many of our customer’s journey into water purification begins with a simple question: "What exactly are we drinking every day?"
Key Methods of Purification
- Filtration: A physical barrier removes particles and impurities.
- Disinfection: Using chemicals or UV light to eliminate harmful microorganisms
- Distillation: Boiling water and then condensing it to remove impurities
- Reverse Osmosis: Forcing water through a membrane to remove larger particles and ions
Why It Matters
- Safety: Helps ensure your water is free from pathogens and pollutants
- Taste & Smell: Turns water from something you tolerate into something you enjoy
- Protects Appliances: Prevents buildup in pipes and appliances, reducing repair needs
Types of Whole House Water Filter Systems
Educating oneself in water filtration systems can sometimes feel overwhelming given the many choices. Many places in the US including California have contaminated water. However, here is detailed information to help discover the right system for you and your family. It should feel less like deciphering a foreign language and more like picking the right tool for the job.
How They Work: Carbon is used to absorb contaminants like chlorine and VOCs.
Pros: Cost-effective and excellent for improving taste and odor.
Cons: Limited against heavy metals and microorganisms.
How They Work: A semipermeable membrane is used to filter out contaminants.
Pros: Extremely effective at removing impurities, including heavy metals and salts.
Cons: More expensive and can waste water during the process.
How They Work: Uses UV light to kill bacteria and viruses.
Pros: Chemical-free disinfection.
Cons: Does not remove chemicals or sediments.
How They Work: Specialized filters remove large particles like sand and rust.
Pros: Protects other filters and appliances.
Cons: Not effective against smaller contaminants, chemicals, or microorganisms.
How They Work: Resin beads are used to exchange ions in the water, softening hard water by removing calcium and magnesium.
Pros: Effective at softening water and improving appliance efficiency.
Cons: Requires regular maintenance and salt replacement, and they are bad for the environment.
What is Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration?
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a highly effective water filtration process that utilizes a semi-permeable membrane to eliminate ions, molecules, and larger particles from drinking water. It is renowned for being one of the most thorough methods available, capable of removing up to 99% of contaminants, ensuring that the water you consume is as pure as possible.
How Reverse Osmosis Works
- Pre-Filtration: Water first passes through a sediment filter to remove large particles like dirt and rust, setting the stage for deeper purification.
- Carbon Filtration: Next, chlorine and other chemicals that could harm the RO membrane are removed, ensuring the process can proceed effectively.
- RO Membrane: The heart of the system, where water is forced through the membrane, leaving behind impurities and contaminants.
- Post-Filtration: Additional filters refine the water further, enhancing taste and eliminating any remaining odors.
Benefits of Reverse Osmosis
- High Purity Water: RO effectively removes a broad range of contaminants, including heavy metals and nitrates, providing peace of mind with every sip.
- Improved Taste: Enjoy clean, fresh-tasting water that enhances the flavor of food and beverages.
- Versatility: Ideal for drinking, cooking, and other household uses, making it a versatile addition to any home.
Considerations
- Water Waste: While some water is wasted during the process, modern systems have been designed to minimize this efficiently.
- Space Requirements: Installation typically requires space under sinks or in utility areas, so plan accordingly.
- Maintenance: To maintain optimal performance, regular filter and membrane replacements are necessary.
Pros & Cons of Water Filtration Systems
Why Should You Consider a Water Filtration System?
Americans are increasingly turning to bottled water for their drinking needs. In fact, the average person in the U.S. consumes about 45 gallons of bottled water per year. This reliance on bottled water can come at a high cost, financially, environmentally, and even to one's health. On average, households spend around $100 to $200 annually on bottled water alone, and that's not accounting for the environmental impact of plastic waste. Furthermore, researchers have found that bottled water can include thousands of microplastics.
A water filtration system offers a more sustainable and cost-effective solution. By investing in whole house water filters, you can have access to clean, purified water straight from your tap, reducing the dependence on bottled water and saving money in the long run.
Things to Keep in Mind
Before deciding to install a water filtration system, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. While the benefits of having clean, filtered water at your fingertips are clear, it's essential to be aware of the potential challenges that come with it. Understanding these factors beforehand will help you make an informed decision and ensure that your system operates efficiently for years to come.
Here are some key points to consider before taking the plunge:
- Initial Investment: It requires an upfront cost, but think of it as an investment in your family’s health.
- Maintenance: Just like your car, regular check-ups keep it running smoothly.
- Possible Water Pressure Reduction: Although uncommon in most cases, some systems might lower water pressure if not installed correctly.
(If you’re still weighing “are whole house water filters worth it,” balance these factors against your water quality goals and long-term costs.)
Costs of Whole House Water Filter Systems
Investing in whole house water filters can offer long-term benefits. However, it's important to understand the costs involved, which can vary based on the type of system, installation complexity, and maintenance needs.
What to Expect When Investing
- Initial Costs
- Activated Carbon Filters: Under-sink models range from $450 to $1,200, while whole home models range from $5,000 to $9,000.
- Reverse Osmosis Systems: Under-sink models cost between $450 and $1,850.
- UV Filters: Typically used in combination with other systems, costing between $750 and $1,700.
- Water Softeners/Ion Exchange Systems: Priced between $5,900 and $9,500, with additional costs for salt and maintenance.
- Maintenance Expenses
- Reverse Osmosis Filter Replacements: Typically range from $20 to $200 per year, depending on the RO system.
- Membrane Replacements: For RO systems, membranes may need replacing every 2–5 years, costing $20 to $200 each.
- Professional Maintenance: Annual service visits can range from $200 to $500, based on system complexity.
- Long-Term Savings
Investing in a whole-house water filtration system can lead to significant savings over time:
- Reduced Bottled Water Costs: Save money and help reduce plastic waste and health concerns related to ingesting microplastics by relying less on bottled water.
- Extended Appliance Lifespan: Protects appliances from mineral build-up, reducing repair and replacement costs.
- Health Benefits: May contribute to lower medical expenses by reducing exposure to waterborne illnesses.
How to Choose a Whole House Water Filter System
Selecting the perfect water filtration system begins with understanding your unique needs and concerns about water quality. When comparing whole house water filtration systems, consider the points below to decide if they fit your home and decide, for your situation, “are whole house water filters worth it?”
Evaluating Your Needs
- Water Quality Testing: Start by testing your water supply to identify any contaminants that might be present. This crucial step will guide you in selecting the right system.
- Prioritize Concerns: Determine which contaminants are most concerning for your family, whether it's chlorine, lead, or other impurities.
- Usage Considerations: Consider your family's and pet's daily water consumption and any specific needs, such as cooking, bathing, or drinking.
Factors to Consider
- Filter size & capacity: Larger media tanks and cartridges support higher GPM and longer service life.
- Media type: Activated/catalytic carbon, KDF, specialty resins, UV, sediment stages—match to contaminants.
- Flow rate (GPM) & pressure drop: Ensure the rated service flow meets peak demand without noticeable pressure loss.
- Maintenance: Cartridge frequency, media rebeds, UV lamp changes, ease of service.
- Warranty & certifications: Look for NSF/ANSI certifications and strong manufacturer warranties.
Side-by-Side Comparison (example)
| System Type |
Targets |
Typical Flow |
Mainte-nance |
Pros |
Cons |
Best For |
| Activated Carbon (whole-home) |
Chlorine,
Chloramine,
VOCs,
taste/order |
Medium–High |
Media rebed 5–10 yrs; pre/post filters 6–12 mo |
Great taste, low running cost |
Not for
dissolved
minerals/
metals alone |
City water with chlorine |
| Sediment (pre-filter) |
Sand, silt, rust |
High |
3–6 mo cartridges |
Protects other stages |
Doesn’t treat chemicals |
Any supply with particulates |
| UV (add-on) |
Bacteria, viruses |
High |
Lamp yearly |
Chemical-free disinfection |
No chemical removal |
Wells or bio-risk concerns |
| Ion Exchange (softener) |
Hardness (Ca/Mg) |
High |
Salt, periodic service |
Protects
plumbing/
appliances |
Salt use; not a purifier |
Very hard water areas |
| RO (typically point-of-use) |
Broad spectrum incl. metals, nitrates |
Low–Medium (POU) |
Filters 6–12 mo; membrane 2–5 yrs |
Highest purity drinking water |
Wastewater; space needs |
Drinking/
cooking
taps |
If you’ve wondered what a filtration system is, think of it as a combination of these stages sized to your home’s peak flow and water-quality goals.
How to size a whole house filter for your home
- Estimate peak demand:
- 1–2 baths: 7–10 GPM
- 3–4 baths: 12–15 GPM
- 5+ baths: 15–20+ GPM
- Match line size: 1" plumbing typically pairs well with systems rated ≥12 GPM; larger homes may need 1.25"–1.5".
- Check pressure specs: Keep pressure drop minimal at your target GPM.
Defining sizing up front helps determine whether whole house water filtration systems are the right fit and what is a filtration system configuration that meets your needs.
Expert Guidance
Experience the transformative difference of healthy water with Burgeson’s whole house water filtration system
For personalized advice, consulting with our professional plumbers at Burgeson's can be invaluable. Our experts can evaluate your water quality, recommend the most suitable system, and ensure proper installation and maintenance, providing peace of mind and exceptional service.
We are committed to outstanding service and providing the healthy water solutions your family deserves. Be sure to check out the amazing feedback on this service given by our long-term customers.
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