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Clean water anytime, anywhere! If you own a private well but have never been entirely sure if you can use it, now is the time to start. Over 13 million Americans prefer to use their own private well because it makes it easier for them to manage the water quality.
You too can have complete control over the quality of your water all the time if you choose the right water filter. For that purpose, I’ve compiled a list of the best whole house well water filters available on the market so you can have all the information before you take this step. Let’s learn more.
Getting started
What is a whole house water filter?
Since you’ve already decided to look for a whole house water filter, it’s good to know what that means. As the name itself suggests, this filter is capable of cleaning all the water that enters your home. These water filter systems are installed to have control over both the cold and warm water, which means every time you use a faucet anywhere in your house, clean and filtered water will come out of it.
Why do you need a whole house water filter?
As I said, even if you are connected to a municipal water source, you can’t be entirely sure the water is safe. Municipal water providers tend to use a lot of chlorine in the water, so we are used to the taste, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for drinking. Apart from drinking, chlorine is not good for the hair or skin and it tends to leave small white stains on dishes and utensils. The residue can also destroy your home appliances over time.
Well water, on the other hand, doesn’t have chlorine but it’s full of other harmful contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, organic chemicals, heavy metals, etc. It’s very harmful to your health if used as it is. A whole house well water filter will solve this issue in no time. And you will know the exact quality of your water without having to rely on municipal water providers. It’s a dream come true, isn’t it?
What is a water well?
If you don’t own a well but are thinking of constructing one, it’s good to have all the information beforehand. A water well is a structure created in the ground by digging or drilling. The point is to dig deep enough to reach the underground water.
In the past, water from wells was extracted by hand. Too much work, right? You’re in luck! Nowadays, wells use pumps to get the water to the surface. As mentioned above, this alternative is great but without a water filter, well water is practically useless. Groundwater is full of microorganisms that are not safe, so it needs to be cleaned thoroughly before using it.
Best Whole House Water Filter For Well Water Review
Now that we’ve covered the key parameters for buying a whole house water filter, let’s look at some of the filters that are available on the market. I’ve reviewed the ten best products for your household.
While researching the internet, this whole house water filter stood out the most. It’s an absolute hit among consumers so I decided to give it the number one spot in this review. The Springwell is specifically designed for well water. It has multiple filtration stages which ensure the water that comes out is clean and healthy. It is salt-free and uses a UV filtration system that frees your water from contaminants.
Another good thing about this water filter is that it doesn’t need regular maintenance. It has a dual tank system which enables it to keep the water a little longer in the contaminant removal resins. This means it has more time and space to clean the water before it comes out so clogging from contaminants is very rare. However, even when the time comes to change the filters, don’t worry, they are very easy to replace.
While we’re talking about filters, it’s good to know what types of filters this whole house system uses. First, the water goes through the sediment-pre filter, after which comes the salt-free softener, the mineral stone, activated carbon filter, sub-micron post-filter, and at last, the UV filter.
As you can see, the water will be thoroughly cleaned before it reaches your faucets so you can be sure it is safe to use. If all of this didn’t convince you, here comes the best part – a lifetime warranty! Yes, you’re reading it right. Springwell is sure that after you buy their product you will not need to change it ever again. It’s good to have that type of guarantee, isn’t it?
Pros:
- Filters up to 1,000,000 gallons without any loss in water pressure.
- Made in America
- 6-month money-back guarantee.
- Removes 99.9% of contaminants
Cons:
- You will probably need to seek professional help for the installation
- Not very suitable for apartments
- Expensive
SoftPro Carbon Filter
Features: Removes 99.9% of all contaminants, carbon filter, installment payments.
Price: $$$
This water filter is one of the most innovative on the market. As the name suggests, the SoftPro uses a carbon filter to remove chloramine, which causes the foul odor and taste of your water, while keeping all the healthy minerals. The manufacturers promise that it can remove 99.9% of the contaminants.
It comes in four different sizes, from 1 to 2.5 cubic feet, which means it’s suitable for different types of homes, which isn’t the case with most of the water filters on the market. Another great thing is the lifetime warranty. Again, you have a full guarantee that the product is durable, but if anything happens, it can be exchanged or serviced. SoftPro also gives you the possibility to pay in installments, which is great if you are on a tight budget but still want to invest in a quality water filter for your household.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Chemical-free purification
Cons
- Not easy to install
- No water hardness settings
Aquasana Well Water Whole House Filter
Features: UV sterilizer, huge capacity, long duration.
Price: $$$
This premium whole house filter is capable of removing even the most stubborn contaminants. It features a salt-free water softener and a UV sterilizer, so it removes the viruses and the hard water minerals responsible for pipe clogging and stained clothes and dishes.
It has a 500,000-gallon capacity, which means it can filter water for a family of four people for 5 years. It has a number of different filters, each of them responsible for a specific contaminant. It really is an all-in-one product, softening the water and filtering it all at the same time.
The maintenance is a little costly. The pre-filter and post-filter need to be changed every two months, but it’s still a good option to have in mind. Aquasana comes to your house with all the worms and viruses in it. A filter can remove some of the organisms, but the added UV light is the real game-changer. That is why Aquasana is worth considering.
Pros
- Removes chlorine and chemicals
- Kills microorganisms
- Minimizes scale build-up
- Long filter life
- Cost-effective in the long run
Cons
- Not certified
- Costs more upfront
- Help from a professional for installation
Home Master Whole House 3-Stage Water Filter
Features: 3 stage water filtration system, durable, long-lasting.
Price: $$$
The Home Master has 3 stages for cleaning the water. Passing through each stage, the sediments, microorganisms, and heavy metals are filtered from the water. The important thing to know about this filter is that it needs specific water conditions to work effectively. Before buying this, talk to a professional and compare your water tests with the product requirements. A downside to this system is that it doesn’t have a UV filter, so if you want extra security, you need to add one yourself and that costs extra.
Pros:
- Filters fine sediments
- Reduces iron
- Improves water taste
- Maintains constant pressure
- Long filter life
- NSF certified
Cons:
- Doesn’t include a UV light purifier
- Not easy to install
iSpring WGB32B 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System
Features: 3 stage filtration, high quality, durable.
Price: $$$
The iSpring offers a 3-stage filtration system that provides you with clean water and also protects your appliances. Because it is a whole house filter, it needs to be installed in the exact place where the water enters your household so you can get filtered water from every faucet.
When the water enters the filtration system, it goes through a polypropylene sediment filter first. This removes dust, rust, and large sediments. The second stage is the carbon filter that removes heavy metals, pesticides, and other pollutants. The third stage is where the iron and lead are removed, and also all other remaining metals.
Pros:
- NSF-certified filters
- 15 GPM flow rate preserves water pressure
- Removes 99.9% of contaminants
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not very easy to install
Pelican Iron & Manganese Water Filter
Features: Iron removal filter, 4 stage filtration, 3 warranties.
Price: $$$
Pelican is a perfect solution for high iron concentration in the water. It has a 10PPM iron removal filter, which excels among the other filters available on the market. This system uses 4 stages to remove the unwanted chemicals from your water.
- Stage 1 uses a sediment filter to remove dust, dirt, and sand from your water, which directly extends the life of your plumbing fixtures and appliances. It also helps keep a steady flow rate.
- Stage 2 is the chlorination system which doesn’t run on electricity. It directly depends on the water pressure which drives the whole system.
- Stage 3 uses a greensand-plus filter which doesn’t let the iron pass. When this filter gathers all the iron, it is then flushed through the backwash system.
- Stage 4 is the carbon filtration which removes the chlorine added in stage 2, along with all the remaining harmful contaminants.
This filter has a capacity of up to 1 million gallons of water, so it can be used for a maximum of 5 years. After this period has passed, some parts will need to be exchanged.
With the Pelican, you get three warranties:
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee
- 7-year warranty on the head unit
- Lifetime warranty on tanks
Pros:
- Lifetime warranty
- Can be installed outside and inside
- High capacity
Cons:
- It doesn’t filter all the contaminants
- The instruction manual is not very good
iFilters Whole House 2 Stage Water Filtration System
Features: Compact, easy to use, easy to install, easy to maintain.
Price: 
$
This whole house water filtration system from iFilters is not as professional as the above mentioned, but it’s still a decent option for your home. It can remove 95% of contaminants from the well water, including pesticides, chemicals, etc.
The iFilters works in two stages:
- The first stage uses a polypropylene filter that removes the sediments
- The second stage treats the water with activated carbon to remove taste and odor
Maintaining this system is very simple. It has a built-in pressure relief button to remove the filters easily. It’s also easy to install on your own. Filters can last up to 6 months, but it all depends on the type of water that your home has. The warranty is 1 year for the parts and 30-days for refunds. This filter is also NSF-approved.
Express Water Heavy Metal Whole House Water Filter
Features: 3 stage filtering system, easy installation, durable.
Price: $$
The Express Water Whole House Filter has a three-stage filtering system. Similar to the other systems on the list, the stages are:
- First stage – sediment filter that removes sand, dust, and dirt.
- Second stage – kinetic degradation filter
- The third stage – activated carbon filter
In the second and third stages, all the remaining chemicals are removed. The Express Water needs approximately 30 minutes to clean the water for the whole house. The filters can last up to a year, after which you will need to exchange them.
Pros:
- 3-stage filter
- Easy to install
- Durable
Cons:
- Water pressure is not stable
Filtersmart Whole House Water Filter FS1000
Features: Effective, durable, long lasting, multiple filters.
Price: $$$
Filtersmart is one of the most effective whole house water systems on the market. It has a 1 million gallons capacity. The Filtersmart features a sediment filter, and coconut activated carbon filter. These filters remove pretty much all the contaminants. However, they need to be changed every 8-10 months.
Pros:
- No need to maintain the system
- Will remove odors and smell from water
- Comes with a bypass valve for easier installation
- Long life and lifetime warranty
Cons:
- It doesn’t remove fluoride.
- The installation kit doesn’t include all the tools you will need
Culligan WH-HD200-C Whole House Heavy Duty Well Water Filter System
Features: Efficient, easy to install, two year warranty.
Price: 
$$
This NSF-certified water filter removes the toughest sediments, along with pesticides, bacteria, viruses, etc. It also helps eliminate odors and tastes. It’s extremely easy to install by yourself, and the filters have a two-year warranty. If you use carbon filters, they last up to 6 months. If you use sediment filters, that can increase your flow rate.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly price
- Flexible filter choice
- Heavy-duty construction
- Battery-operated filter-change timer
- Integrated bypass valve
Cons:
- Filter cartridges sold separately
What to Consider Before Buying
How to choose the right water filter for you?
Before investing in this, there are a few things you need to consider. We’ll go over the essentials.
-
Type of filter
It’s important to choose the right filter to fight the contaminants in your well water. To do that, you need to test the water first so you have the information on the exact things you need to remove. After getting test results, talk to a professional that can help you to choose the water filter for those specific microorganisms and metals you are removing from the water.
-
Flow rate
The amount of water that runs through your household – dishwasher, shower, water heaters, toilets is the flow rate. When you are planning to buy a filter, make sure that you know the flow rate. Again, this can be calculated with the help of a professional. Why is the flow rate important? If your whole house water filter has a lower flow rate than the one that is required, you will have problems in the future – low water pressure or interrupted water flow.
-
Size
Short and simple – a larger filter is always the better option. It means longer service and a better water supply.
-
Maintenance and warranty
Because this is a big investment, it’s essential to buy a quality product. Again, you need to know the quantity and quality of water that runs in your household so you can decide on the water filter. Always aim for a high-quality filter. Yes, they can be more expensive, but they come with a warranty that ensures any problem that can arise in the process will be resolved quickly and most likely free of charge.
FAQ
What filters do I need for well water?
To know which filters you specifically need for treating your well water, you need to get it tested first. Knowing the exact sediments that are present in the water helps you choose the right system to fight them. The ideal filtration system should be able to successfully remove the contaminants with a water softener and a carbon filter. It’s always a good idea to look for systems that have a UV light filter for extra clean water.
How much does it cost?
The price of these systems depends on several different factors. The first one is the brand. Leading brands will naturally have more expensive filtration systems, but also give you the best solutions for your money. The technology used is also a big contributor to the overall price. If a specific water filter uses a special technology that is not present in competitors, it will cost you more.
The design and durability also are very important. If the unit is made out of high-quality materials, it will greatly affect the price. Some units need extra installation kits which cost extra, so keep that in mind.
How to install and use it?
This question doesn’t have one answer. Every unit is built differently, so the installation can vary. They have in common that the filter must be placed between the water source and the water outlet. It is very simple to install these units most of the time because they come with detailed instruction manuals from manufacturers. If you are not that savvy with installations, you can always seek professional help to be sure that it is installed correctly.
How to care for and clean?
If you want to be able to use your whole house water filter for years, you need to properly care for it. To make your job easier, look for filter systems with a transparent housing. This helps you keep an eye on any residue or sediment buildup inside the unit.
Sooner or later, all units need to have their filters exchanged. There are reusable filters that you can wash and use again, but you need to check if they are compatible with your unit. If the system supports these kinds of filters, make sure to use a proper cleaning product and disinfectant. To clean carbon filters, you need to use disinfectant and bleach.
Where to buy it?
When it comes to buying, you have two choices. The first one is to go directly to a store where you can see the unit and talk with representatives before buying. This is the better choice of the two because you can inspect the product right there on the spot. The other choice is buying it online. It’s easier and less time-consuming, and you can do it from the comfort of your own home. However, keep in mind to look for sites with reputable reviews so you don’t get scammed.
Conclusion
Buying a whole house water filter is a big, long-term investment, so don’t take it lightly. Go over the key points and parameters before deciding. You are already on the right track if you are thinking of buying one. It says a lot about your concern for the well-being of your loved ones.
Owning a water filter provides you with safe drinking water, long-lasting appliances, clean dishes and clothes, and soft skin. It really is a no-brainer!
Austin is the lead water consultant and blogger for Water Filter Data. With 10 years of experience in the water quality industry, Austin can instantly pinpoint the cure and the cause for the water pollutant.
