DIY vs Professional Water Filter Installation: What You Need to Know

Most of our water filters are designed for DIY installation — but some systems genuinely need a plumber. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s DIY-friendly and what isn’t.

DIY-Friendly: No Plumber Required

• Benchtop and freestanding water coolers — plug in, fill the bottle, done. No plumbing at all. See our Water Coolers Guide.
• Shower filters — thread onto your existing shower arm or hose. 5 minutes, no tools. See: How to Install a Shower Filter.
• Benchtop water filters — sit on the bench, connect to your tap with a diverter valve. No permanent plumbing. See our Benchtop Water Filters Guide.

Plumber Recommended

• Under-sink water filters — require connecting to your cold water supply line under the sink. A competent DIYer can do this, but a plumber ensures it’s done correctly and maintains your warranty. See our Under Sink Water Filters Guide.
• Whole house filters — install at the mains water entry point. This requires cutting into your main water line — a licensed plumber is required in most Australian states. See our Whole House Water Filters Guide.
• Plumbed-in bottleless water coolers — require a mains water connection. One-off plumber visit for the initial connection. Browse our bottleless cooler range.
• Reverse osmosis systems — under-sink installation with a dedicated tap. Plumber recommended. See our Reverse Osmosis Guide.

Australian Plumbing Regulations

In most Australian states, any work that involves cutting into or connecting to a pressurised water supply line must be done by a licensed plumber. DIY plumbing on pressurised lines can void your home insurance and is illegal in some states. When in doubt, use a plumber.

Frequently Asked Questions