If you rely on city water, you probably assume it’s safe—and generally, it is. But “safe” doesn’t always mean ideal. Chlorine smell, odd tastes, and scale buildup are common complaints.
A whole-house water filtration system ensures clean, great-tasting water from every tap in your home. Benefits include:
-
Improved health by reducing bacteria and impurities
-
Protection for appliances from scale and sediment
-
Filtered water throughout the entire house, including bathrooms and showers
Even with municipal treatment, water may contain chlorine byproducts, lead from pipes, or sediment. Installing a filter ensures every drop is cleaner and safer while saving money compared to bottled water.
What Is a Whole House Water Filter System?
A whole-house system, also called a point-of-entry (POE) system, treats all the water entering your home. Unlike point-of-use filters (like pitchers or under-sink units), a whole-house filter provides protection for drinking, cooking, bathing, and laundry.
These systems use advanced technology to remove contaminants, giving you safe, clean water for every household use.
Types of Contaminants in City Water
City water may look clear, but often contains:
-
Heavy metals (lead, mercury)
-
Industrial chemicals and solvents
-
Chlorine and chloramine
-
Sediment, dirt, and debris
These contaminants can affect taste, smell, and safety. Over time, sediment also shortens the lifespan of appliances. Whole-house filters reduce these risks and ensure better water at every tap.
DIY Installation: Step-by-Step
-
Turn off the main water supply and relieve pressure.
-
Pick a location where city water enters the home.
-
Cut the pipe and clean the edges.
-
Mount the brackets and housing.
-
Connect fittings securely.
-
Check flow direction (inlet/outlet).
-
Turn the water back on slowly and check for leaks.
Want more detail? Visit Clean Water Store for full installation guides.
Top 3 Systems for City Water
-
Whole-House Carbon Filtration
-
Removes 95%+ of chlorine and chloramine
-
Improves taste and odor
-
Protects appliances and plumbing
-
No electricity required
-
Water Softener + Reverse Osmosis Combo
-
Softens hard water by removing calcium and magnesium
-
Prevents spotting on dishes and fixtures
-
Reverse osmosis delivers purified drinking water
-
Salt-Free Water Conditioners (TAC)
-
No salt or backwashing required
-
Reduces scale buildup in pipes and appliances
-
Environmentally friendly
Understanding Flow Rate
Flow rate measures how much water the system can handle at once. Choosing the right flow rate ensures steady pressure even when multiple appliances run at the same time. This is especially important for large households.
Maintenance Checklist
-
Carbon filters: Replace every 5–10 years
-
TAC media: Replace every 4–5 years
-
Sediment pre-filters: Change every 6–12 months
Water Testing: Know What’s in Your Water
Testing identifies what contaminants are in your water before choosing a system. Options include:
-
SimpleLab Tap Score Kit
-
Easy home water test kits
-
Clean Water Store test kits
Why Go DIY?
-
Save 50–70% compared to professional installation
-
Installation takes about 2–4 hours
-
Clear instructions and expert support included
Summary
A whole-house filtration system improves water taste, protects appliances, and gives you peace of mind. Choose the right system (carbon, softener + RO, or TAC), test your water, and enjoy cleaner water from every tap.
