Whole House Water Filters: Common Questions Answered

Whole house water filters generate a lot of questions. Here are the most common ones we get, answered plainly.

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

What does a whole house water filter actually do?

It installs at the mains water entry point to your home and filters every tap — showers, kitchen, laundry, and bathrooms. Most whole house systems use a sediment stage (removes particles) and a carbon stage (removes chlorine and improves taste). Some add a KDF stage for heavy metal reduction.

Does a whole house filter replace a drinking water filter?

Not necessarily. Most whole house filters are designed to remove sediment and chlorine — they don’t achieve the same level of contaminant removal as a dedicated drinking water filter or reverse osmosis system. Many households use both: a whole house filter for general water quality, and a dedicated drinking water filter or RO system for the kitchen tap.

Do I need a plumber to install one?

Yes — in most Australian states, any work involving cutting into a pressurised mains water line must be done by a licensed plumber. This is a one-off installation cost. See: DIY vs Professional Water Filter Installation.

How often do I replace the cartridges?

Sediment cartridges: every 3–6 months. Carbon cartridges: every 6–12 months. In hard water areas (Perth, Adelaide), replace at the shorter end of the range. Browse our replacement cartridge range.

How much does a whole house filter cost in Australia?

System cost varies by configuration. Ongoing cartridge replacement is the main running cost — typically $50–$200/year depending on the system and your water quality. Call us on 1800 789 781 for a quote on the right system for your home.

Is a whole house filter worth it?

For households on bore or tank water, or in areas with high sediment or chlorine levels — yes, clearly. For households on good-quality town water who mainly want better drinking water — a benchtop filter or water cooler is more cost-effective. See our Benchtop Water Filters Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions