How Much to Install a Water Filtration System
Written by: Tim Stanley // Last Updated:
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How much does a home water filtration system cost? There's more than one answer to this question which we'll cover in great detail on this page. So without further ado…
Contents
- What type of water filtration system are you looking for?
- How much does a water filtration system cost? – Price estimates
- Water filter installation + maintenance cost
- Average cost (first year)
- Where to buy a water filter for your home
What Type of Water Filtration System Are You Looking For?
Water filters for home use come in all shapes and sizes. The selection ranges from a small and inexpensive pitcher providing drinking water for a single person only to a more pricey whole house water filtration system that treats all the water entering your home. So the question really is what type of water filter do you want or need?
Because not every product will remove contaminants that might be lurking in your water supply likewise. While a basic activated carbon filter reduces chlorine content for example, lead, chromium-6 and chloramines require a more sophisticated approach.
Thus, you should think about conducting a water quality test. You can find basic test kits at your local home improvement store. For a more thorough water analysis you should consult a professional laboratory.
That said, these are the different filter types you can choose from:
Whole House Water Filters
Whole house filters are point-of-entry (POE) systems. This means they connect to the main water line so you can use filtered water in the shower and the rest of your bathroom(s), your kitchen, and even for your laundry. The standard system uses a small sediment filter followed by a large carbon filter predestined for improving water aesthetics, removing a bunch of harmful contaminants, and increasing the longevity of your plumbing system and appliances.
Need a whole house system? Check out the BOS whole house water filter guide!
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Whole House Water Filtration Systems for Well Water
A whole house well water filter is like a regular whole house filter only that it's specifically designed for private well water treatment – think iron contamination etc. (For hard water, a water softener is usually the way to go.)
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Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis systems provide a very thorough treatment process – they combine one or more sediment/carbon filters, an RO membrane, and possibly UV light – for filtered drinking water that's almost pure H2O. They can easily remove up to 99% of dozens of contaminants and either sit on your countertop or install under your kitchen sink for point-of-use (POU) applications. There also are point-of-entry reverse osmosis systems which can get really expensive as they're more complex and usually require a large storage tank + delivery pump.
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- → Read Full AquaTru Drinking Water Filter Review
Under Sink Water Filter Systems
Regular under sink systems filter water on demand right before it comes out of your kitchen faucet or wherever you install one. In most cases, they provide water at the point of use that not only tastes great but is also safe for drinking.
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Countertop and Faucet Water Filtration Systems
Both countertop and faucet mounted water filters can be attached to your kitchen faucet in minutes and without the need to make any permanent changes. Both types feature a more basic point-of-use water treatment process and usually allow you to switch between filtered and unfiltered water. The main goal here is to improve water taste & odor and eliminate some of the more harmful pollutants such as lead.
Water Filter Pitchers
Water filter pitchers are probably the most popular type as they are affordable to buy and so easy to use. The downside is that filtration speed is slow and cartridges may be prone to clogging.
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Refrigerator and Shower Filters
Refrigerator and shower filters are somewhat special and probably not what you are looking for right now. Still, we wanted to add them to our list for sake of completeness.
How Much Does a Water Filtration System Cost? – Price Estimates
A home water purification system costs anywhere between $20 and $1,000+.
(Mobile Hint: Swipe to Scroll)
| Type | Price Range | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole House Water Filter System | Usually systems cost between $300 to $1,000 and more | Filtered water everywhere in your home; increase lifespan of appliances and plumbing system | More likely to require installation by a professional plumber; most won't have any effect on smaller impurities |
| Reverse Osmosis | $150 – $500 | Provide highest water quality 100% safe for consumption; produce relatively large volumes; some models even use UV light for disinfection | Produce wastewater; strip away minerals; may require installation by a professional |
| Under Sink | $50 – $400 | Cost effective; most provide water safe for drinking | Might require installation by a professional plumber |
| Countertop | $50 – $120 | Simple to use and clean; portable; no permanent installation required (great for renters); attach within a couple of seconds | Not always the most thorough filtration; take up space on your counter; don't fit non-standard faucet types like sprayers; flow rate can be slow |
| Faucet Mounted | $20 – $50 | Simple to use and clean; portable; no permanent installation required (great for renters); attach within a couple of seconds | Take up space above/in your kitchen sink; might not be compatible with your faucet; not the most thorough filtration; flow rate can be slow |
| Pitcher | $20 – $70 | No installation required (great for renters); can be stored in refrigerator for cooling; simple to use and clean; portable | Filters need frequent replacements; low flow rate; limited storage volume |
Too costly? Want to learn how to build your own home water filtration system?
Need a (salt-free) water softener? Get a cost overview here.
Water Filter Installation + Maintenance Cost
Let's say you've just purchased a new water treatment system. Now, unless you bought a pitcher or a unit that simply connects to your kitchen faucet, the next step would be to have it installed in your home.
How much does it cost to install a water purification system? Again, there is no definite answer because it depends on the complexity (check table below). Naturally, more work required means higher installation cost.
For example, a whole house water filter installation can easily cost $500. That said, you might be able to do everything yourself and save money.
Labor Cost When Hiring a Professional & Installation Supplies
Basic labor includes mounting the unit, installing a shut-off valve, making the plumbing connections, and verifying that everything works as intended and without leaks. Additional tasks are installation site preparation and cleanup.
To this we have to add the cost of materials and supplies such as tubing, connectors, and fittings if not included with the filter itself.
If modification of your home's existing plumbing is required the total cost will increase by another $1,000 to $2,000.
Most plumbers also offer to remove and dispose old appliances and installation debris if need be. This is optional and costs somewhere between $50 and $120.
On a side note: In our opinion, if you are handy with tools there's no reason not to try to install a whole house filter or your new reverse osmosis system DIY-style (unless self-installation voids the warranty). For under sinks units, setup typically requires cutting into the drain line and drilling a hole into your countertop for the second faucet. Whole house systems require proper plumbing at the main water line.
Bonus Tip
If you want to make sure that the plumber you hire will provide excellent service of the highest quality, check for licensing and insurance. A plumbing company recognized by the Better Business Bureau is always a great start.
In addition, use sites like Yelp and Angie's List to compare online reviews from past clients.
Lastly, insist on a price estimate in written form upfront to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Replacement Filter Prices
As for maintenance, almost all water filtration systems require filter (and/or membrane) replacements for optimum performance every once in a while. This adds to the total cost.
Systems with multiple filtration stages like RO units will turn out more expensive compared to simple single-stage devices – think faucet filters.
Average Cost (First Year)
(Mobile Hint: Swipe to Scroll)
| Type | Price Tag | Installation Cost Range | Labor | Annual Cost | Total Average Cost (First Year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole House Water Filter | $300 – $1,000+ | $100 to $500 and more | 2 – 4 hours | $100 – $300 | $1,200 |
| Reverse Osmosis | $150 – $500 | $100 – $300 | 1 – 3 hours | $60 – $200 | $620 |
| Under Sink | $50 – $400 | $100 – $300 | 1 – 3 hours | $20 – $150 | $550 |
| Countertop | $50 – $120 | – | – | $70 – $130 | $180 |
| Faucet Mounted | $20 – $50 | – | – | $20 – $40 | $60 |
| Pitcher | $20 – $70 | – | – | $60 – $150 | $150 |
Where to Buy a Water Filter for Your Home
Where to buy a water filter system for your home?
- Our favorite option is to buy online. On the one hand, there are the popular ecommerce stores with a large product range. On the other hand, there are smaller sites directly operated by the various manufacturers and brands. The latter allows you to benefit from factory pricing. Plus, customer support is so much better and will help you make the best buying decision based on your water supply conditions.
- Alternatively, you can buy from a local dealer specialized in water treatment (make sure to get quotes from more than one). Filter prices can be higher, but you can purchase the full package including installation and annual maintenance. Above that, local experts should know the water in your home well.
- Lastly, you can simply go to your local hardware store. They offer of-the-shelf home water filtration systems at competitive pricing.
If you have any questions about home or whole house water filtration system cost, please don't hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Tim Stanley
Tim Stanley is our content creator veteran. His daily tasks involve everything from research to editing. His expertise: Water Softeners. When he is not working, Tim spends most his free time cycling and shaping his body doing calisthenics. To calm down he also likes to watch Netflix (who doesn't?).
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How Much to Install a Water Filtration System
Source: https://www.best-osmosis-systems.com/water-filtration-system-cost/