Plumbing Phase|Step 22 of 33

Add Water Filtration

Stop buying bottled water. A good filtration system delivers clean, great-tasting water right from your tap.

Time Required

1-3 hours

Cost

$50-$500

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Filtration System Types

$20-$50

Attaches directly to faucet. Easy install. Switch between filtered and unfiltered. Visible. Limited capacity.

$100-$300

Hidden under sink. Dedicated faucet or connects to main. Higher capacity. Best balance of cost and quality.

$200-$500

Most thorough filtration. Removes 95%+ contaminants. Requires storage tank. Wastes some water. Slow flow.

$300-$1,500+

Filters all water entering home. Great for well water or serious contamination concerns. Professional install recommended.

Carbon filters: Chlorine, bad taste, odors, some chemicals. Most common type.
Sediment filters: Sand, rust, dirt particles. Often used as pre-filter.
Reverse osmosis: Heavy metals, fluoride, arsenic, nitrates. Most thorough.
UV filters: Bacteria, viruses, microorganisms. Good for well water.
Ion exchange: Hard water minerals. Softens water.

Tip: Get your water tested first to know what you need to filter.

Single-stage carbon: Simple, affordable. Good for municipal water with chlorine taste.
Multi-stage (2-3 stages): Sediment + carbon + polishing. Better contaminant removal.
Reverse osmosis (4-5 stages): Maximum filtration. Removes almost everything.
Popular brands: APEC, iSpring, Waterdrop, 3M Filtrete, Aquasana.

Dedicated faucet: Most under-sink systems need a separate faucet. Drill hole in sink or countertop.
Space under sink: RO systems need room for tank. Measure before buying.
Water pressure: RO needs 40+ PSI. May need booster pump in older homes.
Drain connection: RO systems need drain for waste water.
Ice maker line: Can connect RO to refrigerator for filtered ice.

•Factor in filter replacement cost: Some systems have expensive filters. Calculate yearly cost.
•NSF certification matters: Look for NSF 42 (taste), NSF 53 (contaminants), NSF 58 (RO).
•Set a filter change reminder: Most need changing every 6-12 months. Mark your calendar.
•Consider a fridge filter faucet: Some faucets have built-in filter—two birds, one stone.