Whole House Water Filter Replacements

Whole-house water filters work by treating all the water entering your home at the main supply line, providing clean water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other household uses. The process typically begins with pre-filtration, where sediment filters remove dirt, sand, rust, and debris. Next, chemical filtration using activated or catalytic carbon filters removes chlorine, VOCs, pesticides, and odors. Some systems include specialized filtration for specific contaminants, such as KDF filters for heavy metals or Greensand for iron and manganese. Optional final treatments, like water softeners for reducing hardness or UV purification for killing bacteria, further enhance water quality, making it safe and clean for the entire household.

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PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) removal from water typically involves activated carbon filtration, ion exchange, or reverse osmosis. Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters effectively absorb PFAS compounds, while ion exchange resins use charged particles to capture and remove them. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems provide the most thorough filtration, forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane to eliminate even trace amounts of PFAS. These methods are widely used in home filtration systems and municipal water treatment to reduce PFAS contamination and provide safer drinking water. Read Reducing PFAS in Drinking Water to learn more about these filtration methods.

When choosing the best whole-house water filter for well water, it’s important to consider the specific contaminants in your well. The best system depends on factors like iron, manganese, sediment, bacteria, and hardness levels. 

Generally, it is recommended to avoid cellulose filters for well systems as they are not inherently resistant to bacterial growth. Instead use filters made from polypropylene for sediment filtration. 

If your water has high levels of iron or hardness, a whole house system may be more appropriate to tackle these issues. Visit our whole house system page or try our whole house system finder to check out our assortment. Give us a call at 1-800-277-3458 to speak to one of our support specialists.

Yes, some whole-house water filters can be cleaned, but the method depends on the filter type.

Sediment filters (pleated or string-wound) can be rinsed with water, soaked in a vinegar or bleach solution, and rinsed again, though they usually require periodic replacement.

Carbon filters, are not cleanable and must be replaced periodically.

Additionally, the whole-house filter housing should be cleaned with mild soap or diluted bleach to prevent bacterial growth. Regular maintenance ensures the system functions effectively.