Whole House Water Filter Questions: More Answers for Australian Homeowners

More questions we regularly get about whole house water filters — answered plainly for Australian homeowners.

See our full Whole House Water Filters Guide or call us on 1800 789 781.

Can a whole house filter be used with bore or tank water?

Yes — and for bore or tank water, a whole house filter is particularly important. Bore water can contain bacteria, iron, manganese, and high sediment loads. Tank water can contain sediment, organic matter, and bacteria. You’ll need a system matched to your specific water quality — call us on 1800 789 781 and we’ll help you choose the right configuration.

Does a whole house filter remove beneficial minerals?

Standard sediment and carbon whole house filters do not remove dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium — they remove particles, chlorine, and some heavy metals. Reverse osmosis systems do remove minerals, which is why some RO systems include a remineralisation stage. See our Reverse Osmosis Guide.

Should I install a bypass valve?

Yes — always. A bypass valve lets you isolate the filter for cartridge replacement without shutting off the whole house water supply. If your system didn’t come with one, ask your plumber to install one at the same time as the filter. It’s a small addition that makes ongoing maintenance much easier.

Should I install a pressure gauge?

A pressure gauge on the inlet and outlet of your filter housing lets you monitor the pressure differential across the cartridge. When the differential increases noticeably, the sediment cartridge is clogging and needs replacing. It’s a useful addition for high-sediment areas or bore water properties.

How do I know if my whole house filter is actually working?

The most reliable indicators are: consistent water pressure throughout the house (a pressure drop means the sediment cartridge is clogged), no chlorine smell from taps (carbon cartridge working), and clear water with no visible sediment. Replace cartridges on schedule and the system will perform as designed.

When should I upgrade my whole house filter system?

Consider upgrading if: your water quality has changed (new bore, changed mains supply), your household size has increased and the current system can’t keep up with demand, or your system is more than 10 years old and housings are showing wear. Call us on 1800 789 781 for advice.

Frequently Asked Questions