Ok, so at this point, you’ve concluded that you need a water filtration system, and you needed it like yesterday.
Your inlaws were over for the weekend, and all they did was talk about their whole-house water filter and how much better their drinking water supply is. Next door, your neighbor waters his tulips with water he has pumped through a fancy reverse osmosis (RO) system. Even the splash park down the street announced they are switching to filtered water for the kids to play in.
The point is, you’ve been left in the dust while the rest of the community is living a life free of drinking harmful contaminants, and now you’re sitting in your basement having a cup of water that’s littered with trace amounts of heavy metals.
Look, I get it. Researching the difference between filtered and unfiltered water is hard. You have a busy life, and that’s why you have me!
In this article, I’ll lead you through the different water filter systems available to you and how much you should expect to invest in purchasing and installing each water filter system.
Let’s quench your thirst for knowledge and soak up all this information on home water filtration systems (See what I did there?).
Whole-house water filters
With the number of harmful contaminants that show up in our water supply every year, there’s no doubt that every home should have a basic whole-house water filtration system.
These filter types are often known as point-of-entry filters and have one to six stages of filtration, depending on which system you choose.
It’s placed between the main water pipe and the other pipes supplying water to the home. They are usually quite big and handle the removal of sediments like dirt, sand, and clay.
The filter cartridges are designed to knock out contaminants like chlorine, sulfur, iron, and arsenic.
Can you believe you’re drinking that, Barb? Blink twice if you can hear me.
Whole-house water filter systems are there for a reason! They keep you from drinking all the larger particulates and contaminants that can ruin your home’s water supply.
If you can’t see a filter housing unit between your main water supply and the pipes heading to your kitchens and washrooms, you’ve been drinking and showering in water that has only passed through your local municipal water filtration system.
Although it’s better than drinking pond water, city-supplied water services just cover the basics of filtering your drinking water.
Get the whole-house water filter system and add water softeners, Barb.
Haven’t you had enough of hard water already?
Whole-house water filtration systems can also have different filter types, such as ultraviolet and reverse osmosis.
The cost of a basic whole-house system can differ depending on how many stages are added and if you choose to go with a whole-house reverse osmosis filtration system instead.
Let’s break it down:
Single-stage filter cost:
A single-stage whole-house filter system, like the AQUASURE Fortitude V Series, is currently priced at $98 and ranked very highly among homeowners looking to improve the quality of their H2O. Look for most single-cartridge whole-house systems to fall within the $100 to $200 range.
Two-stage filter cost:
Two-stage whole-house filters can set you back anywhere from $200 to $350, and right now, this Whole House 2-Stage Water Filtration System from APEC Water Systems is available for $268.56
Three-stage filter cost:
Three-stage whole-house water filter systems are the best way to effectively filter your home’s water supply. Priced anywhere from $400 to $550, these filtration systems are well worth the price tag, like this 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System from Express Water.
Installation cost:
If you’re like me, you hate spending money on things. Especially when you look at your tools and think, “I can do this.”
No. You can’t.
Unless you’re a DIY superstar, it’s best to leave whole-house water filtration installations to the professionals. Messing with your drinking water supply is never wise.
Installation costs for a whole-house system can range from $1000 to $4250 depending on where you live and the condition and location of your water pipes. If you aren’t dealing with any significant issues or restrictions, you should expect to be ballparking such a system somewhere in the $1000 to $2000 range for professional installation.
Gravity pitchers
Without a doubt, the easiest and most cost-practical choice of them all is the mighty gravity pitcher.
Gravity pitchers contain two chambers with an activated carbon filter sitting between them. As you fill the first chamber up, the water is filtered through the carbon filter, where it collects in the second chamber, waiting to be enjoyed.
If you’re looking for filtered drinking water but don’t want to go through the trouble of installing a water filtration system to achieve it, you’ve found your filter, my lazy friend.
Gravity pitchers are low maintenance and can be a great way to filter harmful contaminants from your drinking water without really having to do anything other than pour the tap water into them.
Systems cost:
The most affordable filtration system available, gravity pitchers can range anywhere from $30 for a basic unit to $180 for the purchase of a top-shelf filtration system.
I recommend the 10-cup Epic Nano Gravity Pitcher. At $130, it’s on the higher end, but you get what you pay for with this house water filtration system. The filter will last longer and remove more contaminants than the leading water filter pitcher. Replacement filters will set you back $99, so don’t forget to factor that into your purchase, since you’ll need them every three months.
It also comes with a 100% lifetime satisfaction guarantee.
I plan on living forever.
Installation cost:
The gravity pitcher is the easiest on the wallet when it comes to water filtration system installation costs. You just have to put the filter into the correct spot and fill it with water.
Bam. You’re done.
Faucet-mounted filters
Faucet filters have come pretty far from their humble beginnings as a water treatment system.
From the poorly designed units of the 1980s to the innovative features of current models, these point-of-use filters are a great way to achieve bottled water quality without the leftover harmful plastic bottles.
These units attach directly to your sink systems and provide a point-of-use water filtration for your family.
With no cumbersome pitchers to take up space in your fridge, faucet filters are often a go-to house filter system for those who lack the space to install a whole-house filtration system.
Systems cost:
The price is right when it comes to purchasing a faucet filter because most products fall into the $40–$100 range.
Because of its low cost and ability to remove contaminants successfully, faucet filters are often the most popular choice for renters.
If you’re in the market for a faucet-mounted water filter that won’t break the bank, I recommend the IVO Water Filtration System for Standard Faucets. This water purification system offers four-stage filtration that removes chlorine, rust, sediments, and microscopic impurities like microplastics.
Installation cost:
Faucet filters are also super cost-effective to install in your home. In fact, you’ll more than likely be able to install it yourself.
If you’re looking at your tools and thinking, “Not today Bob Villa,” you can expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $300 on an installation.
If you’re looking at your tools and saying “I got this,” you can plan to spend a few hours working on this project.
If undecided, flip a coin and live life on the edge.
Countertop filters
Did you know that when it comes to water consumption, health experts commonly recommend eight 8-ounce glasses, which equals about two liters or half a gallon a day.
That’s a lot of water.
If you prefer a larger supply of filtered water to meet your daily water requirements, a countertop filter is the water purification system for you. Many countertop filters have water tanks that can store up to one gallon of tap water.
You could chug half of it and hit that daily water goal in one deft swoop. Your stomach wouldn’t feel too good, though. You should probably just take your time drinking from it, champ.
Countertop units use basic carbon filters to process unfiltered water and turn it into liquid gold.
Recent models offer a reverse osmosis system, as well, making countertop filtration systems a desirable choice.
Systems cost:
Countertop filtration units can range from $100 to $500, but you can count on most higher-end options being equipped with reverse osmosis systems, which will take your water treatment efforts to the next level.
This AquaTru – Countertop Water Filtration Purification System costs $426 to purchase on Amazon and is definitely worth your investment. Tested to remove 83 different contaminants and boasting a four-stage reverse osmosis system, it doesn’t get much cleaner than this.
Consider this the (insert whatever luxury car you love here) of water purification systems and buy one now!
Installation cost:
The beauty of this filter system is that there is no cost for installation other than following the instructions. These units are simple to set up and start using immediately.
Unless you skip steps—don’t skip steps, Barb. That’s how accidents happen.
Ceramic water filters
As one of the oldest filter systems, ceramic house water filters are a low-cost way to clean water. They are also great for the environment, and filters have a very long lifespan if you don’t break them.
I’m looking at you, Barb.
Using the porous nature of ceramic, water is gravity-fed through a series of filters that catch sediment and heavy metals while sending the clean water downward to the next filter.
If you’re looking for filtered water and you’re concerned about your carbon footprint, as well, it would be best to end your search right here. You did it! You erased your carbon footprint.
Well done!
Systems cost:
Without a doubt, the conversation starter at your next dinner party will be the British Berkefeld 2.24 Gallon Gravity-Fed Water Filter System. At $289.99, this sediment filter by Doulton is effortless to clean and maintain, making it a tough ceramic filter to beat.
What’s that? You don’t do dinner parties? How about sitting in front of your house with this filter until someone asks you what you’re doing with it?
Boom. Conversation started.
Installation cost:
No professional installation is needed here, mate. Just follow the instructions to put it together.
If you get stuck, go for a walk. That might help.
Under-sink water filters
Our next house water filtration system is the under-sink filter. This filter is usually hidden away from prying eyes because it’s too shy to perform in front of crowds.
An absolute legend when it comes to sink systems, this house water filter taps into your main water supply, sending clean, bottled water-quality H2O out its special little faucet.
This water treatment system can offer up to six stages of water filtration with a series of sediment filters and activated carbon. Multiple filters are the key to delivering clean water straight to your kitchen sink.
You can even find units that offer reverse osmosis filtration as well.
Systems cost:
From a single-activated carbon filter system to six stages of RO, there are multiple under-sink options to choose from, so you’ll have to decide which choice is right for your household.
Under-sink water filter
If you’re looking to save a few bucks but don’t want to buy a water filter out the back of a van at a highway rest stop, you can’t beat the Claryum® 2-Stage Under-Sink Filter. Without reducing any water pressure and neatly hidden away under the kitchen sink, at $249.99, this unit will give you years of fresh mountain fresh water at a lower water filtration systems cost.
Reverse osmosis under-sink water filter
With a systems cost of $239.99, I have yet to see a water treatment system better than this reverse osmosis system. The creatively named RCC7AK System from iSpring delivers six stages of water filtration, ensuring your water quality is always at its best. Complete with one of the longest-lasting filters in the industry, this under-sink filter significantly reduces organic materials and comes with unmatched customer service.
What you should purchase
The APEC Water Systems Ultimate RO water treatment system effectively removes up to 99% of contaminants such as toxic fluoride, arsenic, lead, nitrates, and heavy metals. At a systems cost of $299.95, it’s a hard one to beat. With lifetime system support and the best reverse osmosis membrane in the business, pick this unit up today.
Installation cost:
If you have a bit of DIY in your blood, know how to turn off a water supply, and can tell the difference between a pipe and wrench, you can probably follow the instructions and figure this out without professional installation.
If you are none of the things I mentioned above and your idea of DYI is making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, make an appointment for professional installation as soon as possible.
Under the sink, water filter installation can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,200 or a case of beer and a pizza if you have someone handy in the neighborhood.
UV water purifier
If you are a fan of combining a whole-house filtration system with freaky science, the power of UV light is going to absolutely dazzle you.
Put your Ray-Bans on.
A UV filter works by taking your whole-house water supply and storing it in pipes that contain ultraviolet lights. UV light is then used to scramble the DNA of all the living organisms hiding in your municipal water supply, stopping them dead in their tracks before they can multiply and wreak havoc on your household.
Having an ultraviolet water filter will make a massive difference in both the taste, odor, and overall quality of your drinking water.
Added bonus: the rest of the neighborhood might stop calling you guys The Smelly Water Family.
System cost:
There’s no doubt about it.
An ultraviolet water filtration system cost is at the higher end of the spectrum, with units falling anywhere in the $150 to $600 range. Keep in mind, you’re paying for a whole-house system here, so prices will be a tad bit higher.
I recommend the HQUA-TWS-12 ultraviolet water purifier. The design of this unit is much smaller than the average UV filter, and for such a small whole-house water filtration system, it packs a punch.
Installation cost:
Don’t even think about picking up those tools. You used duct tape to reattach the cold water tap in the bathroom. This may be a little past your skill level.
Look, UV water treatment systems are no joke. They filter the whole house and come equipped with UV light bulbs.
Running from $500 to $1500, this water filtration system cost is justified.
Reverse osmosis systems
Without a doubt, the most coveted whole-house filter system is the one that features a sediment filter, ionization systems, and a reverse osmosis membrane. RO systems are considered the top dog in the water filtration industry.
These point-of-entry filtration systems come at a higher cost, but remember, RO systems are pricey because they do so much work to deliver unbelievably clean water.
Featuring a sediment filter, carbon filters, and a RO stage, these water filtration systems almost guarantee a clean drinking water experience.
Stop drinking water like a pioneer, Barb. This isn’t Little House on the Prairie.
Systems cost:
When it comes down to water filtration system cost, a reverse osmosis system will cost the most. Because, after all, it does the most.
To add this whole-house filter to your home, plan on forking out anywhere from $1000 to upwards of $15,000.
Did your eyes just pop out cartoon style? Push them back in and listen.
This iSpring RCB3P Reverse Osmosis RO Water Filtration System is a beast and will only set you back $544.17! Its RO membranes combine to provide up to 300 gallons of purified water daily!
That’s a whole-house water filter you count on.
Installation cost:
If you’re buying your RO system from a dealer, expect to add $300 to $700 to your purchase price to have this whole-house water system installed.
If you aren’t buying it from a dealer, book an appointment to have it installed and expect them to run from $1000 to $1500.
Look, I know it’s a lot, but when you’re sitting in your backyard 20 years from now, watching the floating cars drive by and enjoying a clean glass of water, you’ll think to yourself, “I’m sure glad I paid to have that whole-house filter installed.”
Or you could be defending that water from desert surfer pirates in a reverse Waterworld scenario.
Who knows what the future holds?
Which of these house water filtration systems will you pick?
Water filtration systems costs can vary wildly depending on if you add reverse osmosis systems and whole-house water filtration.
From carbon filters to RO membranes, choosing such a system can be a chore. That’s why I went ahead and provided personal reviews for you.
Did you not remember that? Oh, you weren’t paying attention?
Scroll to the top of these pages, and let’s try this again.
