Guide to Home Water Filtration Systems

Guide to Home Water Filtration Systems

How Do Water Filters Work?

Different types of water filters can remove different impurities from the water using various methods. It is essential to know what is in your water before choosing a home water filtration system to ensure the filter effectively removes the contaminants present.

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What Kind of Water Filter is Best?

The best home water filtration systems for your household will depend on the water flowing in. Simple water testing kits can help identify the chemicals present in the water that need to be filtered out.

Even if you don’t know exactly what contaminates your tap water, using different types of water filtration will help you find the filters that result in the purest, best-tasting water. To choose the right home water filtration systems, understand what types of home water filters exist and what would work best with your household’s daily water use habits.

There are five common methods of filtering water. Once you know these methods, you can build a DIY home water filtration system by mixing and matching the filter types that work best for your household. Let's explore the best water filtration methods available.

Activated Carbon Filters

Also called charcoal filters or pre-filters, activated carbon filters collect larger particles and contaminants as water passes through. Charcoal acts as a magnet for many particles that cloud the water. Activated carbon is aerated charcoal, expanding the carbon particles to create "pores" that provide extra surface area for impurities to collect, removing them from the water.

Activated carbon filters enhance the taste of the water by removing chlorine and scrubbing out odors. There are two basic types of activated carbon filters:

Granulated activated carbon consists of very fine pieces of carbon loosely piled into the filter. These offer a smaller surface area as the activated carbon scrubs contaminants from the water that passes between the individual grains.

Carbon block filters are very dense, hard-packed blocks formed to fit inside the filter container. Water moves through and around the block, maximizing contact and collecting impurities. Less sediment can pass through because the carbon remains stable, not allowing larger particles to sneak through.

The Ultimate Guide to Whole House Water Filtration Systems

Whole house water filtration systems are an excellent option for anyone interested in filtering all the water entering their home or business.

These systems can remove a wide range of contaminants at high flow rates, including sediment, chlorine, disinfection by-products, and volatile organic compounds.

They offer an affordable, reliable way to supply safe, clean, and delicious water to all the water outlets and appliances in your property.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of whole house water filtration to help you make an informed purchase decision. If you are already aware of the benefits of whole house filtration and how they work, jump straight to the section on how to choose a whole house water filter or our whole house filter system comparison charts. If you have any questions, contact us at 02 6646 8565 or sales@clarencewaterfilters.com.au.

What Kinds Of Contaminants Can Be Found In Australian Water?

Although Australia generally provides high-quality water, it can still contain various man-made and naturally introduced contaminants. Some of these can impact the flavor or odor of your water, while others can pose potential health threats.

For example, chlorine and hydrogen sulfide can make water less palatable and affect the smell of your clothes. On the other hand, heavy metals, sulfates, and trihalomethanes (toxic disinfection by-products) can be harmful to your health.

Water is an effective solvent that can absorb, transport, and break down many compounds. Throughout its journey from dams, water tanks, treatment facilities, and pipelines, water can pick up the following contaminants:

• Sediment: Particulate matter such as sand, silt, algae, rust, dirt, mud, and metal particles.
• Chlorine and Chloramines: Chemicals added to water to kill pathogens, but they also change water's flavor/odor.
• Disinfection By-products: Formed when disinfectants like chlorine interact with organic matter.
• Heavy Metals: Toxic metals such as arsenic, lead, mercury, and chromium can have severe impacts on human health.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Chemicals that can make their way into water and harm health.
• Chemical Insecticides, Herbicides, and Fertilizers: Persistent chemicals that can enter home water supplies.
• Hardness: High levels of dissolved minerals causing scale build-up.
• Parasitic Cysts: Contaminants like cryptosporidium and giardia in unchlorinated water.
• Bacteria, Viruses, and Protozoa: Pathogens present in untreated water from tanks, streams, or dams.

Whole house water filters can effectively reduce or eliminate most of these common contaminants.

What Are Whole House Water Filtration Systems?

Whole house water filtration systems treat water at the point of entry (POE) where the main water line enters your property. When installed here, the system filters all the water entering your property, providing clean water for drinking, showering, and laundry.

These systems can also remove sediment particles and reduce scale build-up, making them useful for protecting appliances from damage.

How Do Whole House Water Filters Work?

Whole house water filtration systems can employ several approaches to remove contaminants, including:

Mechanical Filtration

This is the simplest form of filtration. As water passes through, particulate matter becomes trapped by the filter material, like how a coffee filter works.

Poly-Spun Polypropylene Filters

These filters are made from woven food-grade polypropylene. Water flows through the filter walls, trapping particulates like sand, silt, and rust. Poly-spun filters are cost-effective for sediment removal.

Pleated Washable Filters

These filters have thin polypropylene pleats to trap fine particulate matter. They are ideal for high-sediment water and can be rinsed off multiple times to extend lifespan.

Bag Filters

Bag filters capture large particulates at very high flow rates. They are effective as the first stage of defense on dirty water from tanks, dams, or rivers.

Screen Filters

These filters use a fine plastic or metal mesh to capture large sediment particles. They are reusable and offer great value.

Adsorption Filtration

This method involves the capability of a material to attract and hold onto molecules. Activated carbon is a common media used, effectively removing chemicals like chlorine and improving water taste.

Sequestration Filtration

This approach involves chemically isolating substances, often using polyphosphate to prevent scale formation by sequestering calcium and magnesium ions.

Oxidation/Reduction (Redox)

Redox reactions cause molecules to lose or gain electrons. KDF, a blend of copper and zinc, is commonly used to handle contaminants through redox reactions.

Ion Exchange

This method involves exchanging ions in water with inert molecules like hydrogen or sodium. It is effective at removing dissolved solids, including carbonates and bicarbonates.

Ultraviolet Sterilization

UV sterilisers use powerful UV light to kill pathogens in untreated water sources. Pre-filtration is essential to remove particulate matter before UV treatment.

Types Of Whole House Filter Systems

There are several types of whole house filtration systems, each with different approaches. Common types include:

Canister/Cartridge Whole House Filter Systems (Big Blue)

In these systems, water filter cartridges are placed inside canisters. Different configurations are used to achieve varying filtration goals.

Quick Change Whole House Filtration Systems

These systems use fully enclosed filter cartridges screwed directly into the filter head. Changing filters is straightforward, making it convenient and cost-effective in the long run.

Filtration Systems With Integrated UV Steriliser

These combine filter housings with a UV steriliser, targeting contaminants from untreated water sources.

Media Vessels

Large containers filled with different types of media, used for high flow rates in large homes, offices, or buildings.

Bag Filter Housings

Specialized housings for bag filters, which trap sediment particles as water flows through.

Pros and Cons Of Whole House Water Filters

Whole house water filtration systems come with a unique set of advantages and disadvantages:

Pros

Convenient

Once installed, they provide clean water from every outlet with minimal maintenance required.

Filters 100% of Your Water

All water entering your home is filtered, benefiting drinking, showering, and laundering from a single unit.

Chemical Reduction

Filtration media like carbon and KDF can significantly reduce chemical content in water, making it safer to consume.

Improved Food Taste

Removing chemicals and bad odors enhances the true flavor of your food.

Protects Appliances

Reduces sediment and scale build-up, extending the lifespan and reliability of appliances.

Cleaner Clothes

Reduces sediment and chemicals, resulting in cleaner, fresher-smelling clothes.

Improves Your Appearance

Removing chlorine from water can alleviate dry skin and hair issues.

Better Showering Experience

Showering in chemical-free water feels softer and more refreshing.

Better Water for Pets

Cleaner water benefits the health and well-being of pets.

Easy Maintenance

Maintaining a whole house system is simpler than managing individual filters throughout the home.

Cons

Not Suitable For Renters or Apartment Dwellers

These systems require modifications to the water mains, making them unsuitable for renters or apartments.

Requires Plumber for Installation

Installation involves cutting into the water main line, usually requiring a qualified plumber.

Placement Issues

Systems need to be installed in locations out of direct sunlight and weather exposure.

Initial Installation Costs

Whole house systems can range from $300 to over $1,000, plus installation costs.

Ongoing Costs

Running and maintenance costs, including replacement filters and media, must be considered.

Choosing The Right Whole House Water Filtration System

The ideal system will be effective, reasonably priced, easy to maintain, and within your budget:

Are You Using Town, Tank, or Bore Water?

Town Water

Town water is generally clean in terms of sediment but may have high chemical levels. A Twin Big Blue system with 5-micron sediment and carbon filters is usually sufficient.

Untreated Tank Water

Tank water may contain higher sediment levels. Sediment filters with a higher micron rating and possibly a UV steriliser for pathogen protection are recommended.

Are There Any Unusual Issues Affecting Your Water?

Unusual water issues such as low pH, heavy metals, or high dissolved solids may require additional filtration methods.

How Big/Busy Is Your Property?

The water flow rate and size of your property will determine the type of filter system required.

Whole House Water Filter Systems Comparison Australia

Here is a comparison of popular whole house water filtration systems in Australia:

• 20” Big Blue Systems: Flexible configurations with various filters available.
• 3M™ Aqua-Pure™ AP900 Series: Quick change systems with different configurations.
• High Performance Filtration Systems: Options for sediment, chemical, and scale reduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does Complete Home Water Filtration Cost?

The cost varies based on system type and installation complexity. Single systems start at around $200, while twin systems start around $550. Installation costs will be additional.

What Is The Best Whole House Water Filter Systems in Australia?

The best system depends on various factors like water quality, type of water, property size, and specific contaminants. Most people will find a Twin Big Blue system with a sediment and carbon filter sufficient for soft town water.

Who Can Install a Whole House Water Filter?

Most installations require a plumber. Handy individuals can install systems themselves if they are comfortable cutting into the water mains.

How Much Does It Cost To Install A Whole House Water Filter?

Installation costs vary based on system type, water line location, and any impediments. Most average homes require 1-2 hours of installation time by a plumber.

How Hard Is Whole House Water Filter Replacement?

Replacing filters is straightforward and takes about 10 minutes. Following proper steps ensures efficiency and longevity.

Do I Need A Whole House System That Reduces Scale?

If you notice limescale build-up, adding polyphosphate or using scale reduction systems is beneficial.

How Long Does A Whole House Water Filter Last?

Filter lifespan depends on water quality and usage. Most filters last between 6 to 12 months.

Do I Need A Whole House Sediment Filter?

Even if water seems clean, installing a sediment filter as a precaution protects other filters and maintains efficiency.

Do whole-house water filters remove lead?

Specialty carbon filters can remove lead and other heavy metals, often requiring a secondary filtration system for drinking water.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Water Purification?

• Room for installation may be limited
• Costs for running and maintenance
• Installation can be costly
• Not ideal for rentals and apartments

Is It Worth Getting a Whole House Water Filtration System?

The necessity depends on location, water quality, and concerns about contaminants. Most users find noticeable improvements in water quality, taste, and safety after installation.

Products Featured In This Guide

• Twin Big Blue Filtration System For Town Water (Disposable filters)
• Twin Big Blue Filtration System For Town Water – Chloramines (Reusable filters)
• Twin Big Blue Filtration System For Tank Water
• 3M™ Aqua-Pure™ AP902 Whole of House Sediment Reduction System
• 3M™ Aqua-Pure™ AP903 Whole of House Sediment and Chemical Reduction System
• 3M™ Aqua-Pure™ AP904 Whole of House Sediment, Chemical and Scale Reduction System
• Complete Filtration Systems – HPF-2 Twin Filtration System
• Complete Filtration Systems – HPF-3 Triple Filtration System
• Complete Filtration Systems – HPF-UV Triple Filtration System with UV

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