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The Bottom Line
A whole-house water filter is a central filtration system installed at your home’s main water entry point. Unlike a single-tap filter, it treats every drop of water used for drinking, bathing, and laundry. By addressing contaminants such as chlorine, sediment, heavy metals, and scale-forming minerals at the source, these systems protect your household from the drying effects of treated water on skin and hair, while simultaneously preventing silt and scale from damaging your plumbing and high-end fixtures.How do whole house water filters work
These systems are installed on the main water line before it branches off to your taps and appliances. Water passes through a series of high-capacity cartridges. In a 4-stage system, the water first moves through a sediment layer to trap physical particles, then through carbon and ion-exchange media to reduce chemicals and heavy metals, and finally through a conditioning stage to manage scale.What do whole house water filters remove
Standard systems typically target chlorine, bad tastes, odours, and sediment (like rust and silt). However, more advanced systems, such as our 4-stage unit, are engineered to also reduce dissolved heavy metals (like lead) and help manage the mineral buildup that causes white spotting on tapware.How do I choose a whole house water filter
When choosing a system, you should look for three things:- WaterMark Certification: This is a legal requirement for installation in Australia.
- Micron Rating: A lower micron rating (e.g., 0.5 or 1 micron) provides finer filtration.
- Flow Rate: Ensure the system uses 20-inch “High Flow” cartridges so your water pressure remains consistent.
Should I get a whole house water filter
If you are concerned about the smell of chlorine in your shower, notice sediment in your kettle, or want to protect your skin and hair from harsh additives, a whole-house system is a proactive solution. It ensures that the water you bathe in is the same quality as the water you drink.Are whole house water filters worth it
For many Australian families, the value lies in “passive protection”. By filtering water at the entry point, you potentially extend the life of your hot water service, dishwasher, and washing machine, while eliminating the need for separate filters on every tap or showerhead.What are the disadvantages of a whole house water filter
The primary considerations are the initial investment and the requirement for periodic maintenance (changing cartridges). Additionally, because they treat all water, including water used for toilets, you are “consuming” filter capacity on non-drinking water, though the benefit of protecting all plumbing usually outweighs this. It is also worth noting that for renters, installation is more complex as it requires a licensed plumber to modify the main line, meaning written approval from the property owner is essential.Do whole house water filters remove fluoride
Most standard whole-house systems do not effectively remove fluoride. Fluoride removal requires very specific media and a very slow flow rate, which is difficult to achieve for an entire house. If fluoride removal is a priority, we recommend an under-sink Reverse Osmosis system for your drinking water.Do whole house water filters remove PFAS
PFAS removal is complex and requires high-grade carbon or specialised resins. While some reduction may occur through high-quality carbon stages, we recommend looking for specific laboratory testing results if PFAS is your primary concern. We are currently developing a specialised PFAS Water Filter specifically designed to tackle these forever chemicals. You can learn more about our progress and sign up here to be the first to know when this system becomes available.Do whole house water filters remove lead
Yes, if the system includes specialised media. Our 3rd stage incorporates ATS ion-exchange media, which is specifically designed to target and reduce dissolved heavy-metal ions, including lead, which can sometimes leach from older copper pipes or brass fittings.Do whole house water filters remove microplastics
By utilising 0.5 to 1-micron filtration, our system is physically capable of trapping microplastics that larger, standard 5-micron filters may miss.Does whole house water filter help with hard water
It helps by “conditioning” the water. Rather than removing the minerals entirely (which requires a salt-based softener), our system uses a scale-control stage that changes how minerals behave. This prevents them from forming hard, crusty scale on your shower screens and inside your pipes.Do whole house water filters remove calcium
They do not remove calcium, as calcium is a mineral that contributes to water hardness. Instead, our system focuses on preventing that calcium from crystallising into hard scale on your surfaces.Do whole house water filters reduce water pressure
If a system is undersized, yes. However, by using high-capacity 20-inch x 4.5-inch cartridges, we ensure a high flow rate, meaning the drop in pressure should be negligible during normal household use.What size whole house water filter do I need
For a standard Australian home with 2–4 people, 20-inch x 4.5-inch size is the industry standard. Smaller 10-inch filters are generally only suitable for small units or single-tap applications. GET FREE ASSESSMENT & ADVICEWhat is the best whole house water filter
The “best” system is one that is WaterMark certified and tailored to Australian conditions. A 4-stage system that addresses sediment, chlorine, heavy metals, and scale provides the most comprehensive protection for both your health and your home’s infrastructure.Where do you install a whole house water filter
The system is typically installed outside, near the water meter where the main copper line enters the property. This ensures all water entering the home is treated before it reaches any taps.How to install whole house water filter
In Australia, any system connected to the mains water supply must be installed by a licensed plumber. This ensures the installation is safe, pressure-tested, and compliant with the Plumbing Code of Australia.How long do whole house water filters last
The stainless steel frames and housings are designed to last for years. However, the internal cartridges are consumables and typically need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months, depending on your local water quality.How do you change a whole house water filter
The process is straightforward: turn off the main water, release the system pressure, unscrewing the housing canisters with the provided wrench, and replace the old cartridges with fresh ones.How to clean a whole house water filter
Cartridges cannot be cleaned; they must be replaced. However, we recommend wiping the inside of the canisters with a clean cloth and a mild sanitising solution during each cartridge change to keep the system hygienic.PureFlow 4-Stage System: Quick Feature Checklist
Before you decide on a system, here is a snapshot of how our 4-stage whole-home unit compares to standard market filters:- WaterMark Certified: fully compliant with the Plumbing Code of Australia.
- 0.5–1 Micron Filtration: we use finer filtration than the industry-standard 5-micron filters to better target microplastics and fine sediment.
- ATS Heavy Metal Media: specialised stage designed specifically to reduce dissolved lead and other heavy-metal ions.
- High-Flow 20″ Cartridges: specifically sized to maintain strong water pressure, even when multiple showers are running.
- Coconut-Based Carbon: we use high-grade coconut shell carbon for superior adsorption of chlorine and VOCs compared to cheaper coal-based alternatives.
- Active Scale Management: built-in conditioning to protect your tapware and hot water systems from hard water damage.
- Durable Housing: built for Australian conditions with premium, high-capacity canisters that require fewer changes.
