How Much Do Home Water Filtration Systems Cost?

Whole-House vs. Under-Sink Filtration System Costs

Generally, a whole-house filtration system is more costly than an under-sink filtration system. Expect to spend as little as $150 for a single under-sink system versus at least $1,000 for a whole-house system.

Whole-House

Awhole-house filtration system (or point-of-entry tap) filters the water in your entire home. Installed where your main water line enters your house, it will remove contaminants like chlorine, sulfur, and iron. The average cost range is $1,000 to $4,200 or more. 

Under-Sink

To filter the water from individual sinks instead, install an under-sink filtration system. Expect to pay between $150 and $1,200, with some options costing $100 or less at home improvement stores and plumbing centers.

Water Filtration System Costs by Type

Here’s a rundown of the average prices for the several types of water filtration systems.

Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis systems cost $250 to $4,000. Most homeowners choose under-sink, faucet-based products, which run from $250 to $1,300. Whole-house types generally cost $1,000 to $4,000. These systems require regular filter changes, adding to their cost over time.

Well-Water Filter

These whole-house systems cost $1,000 to $4,000 or more. The type you choose should address issues specific to your well, like too much sediment, bacteria, or heavy metals.

Carbon Filter

These systems cost $50 to $500 and remove chlorine, helping to improve water taste and smell. Lower-end versions tend to contain carbon gravel, while higher-end options are in block form.

Ionization

These systems ionize water using a low-frequency electromagnetic pulse. Ionization systems cost $1,000 to $2,000, and they reverse the charges of minerals. 

Ultraviolet

UV light water treatment systems cost $500 to $1,500 or more. Pair your unit with other treatment system installations since they only neutralize living organisms (like bacteria). 

Chemical Injector

These systems use small amounts of chemicals, often chlorine and hydrogen peroxide, to purify well water or rainwater. They cost $300 to $1,000 for the unit plus $300 to $500 for labor.

Water Distiller

These systems boil the water entering your home, leaving only the pollutants behind. In the process, they collect and cool the water vapor until it turns into clean water. Expect to spend $50 to $4,000 for the unit plus $300 to $500 for labor.

Rainwater Filtration System Cost

Complete rainwater post-collection filtration systems cost $200 to $10,000 or more, depending on the size of the system and the components you need. A typical system involves these elements or stages:

• Rain collection: Gutters and downspouts cost $500–$1,500 or more. Gutters and pipes collect runoff from roofs.

• Pre-filters: $150–$500. Choose from pre-flush, downspout diverters, in-ground, or in-tank pre-filters to remove debris like sand, leaves, and gravel.

• Storage: $500–$20,000. Purchase a rooftop, aboveground, in-home, or underground reservoir to allow for a consistent water supply. 

• Filtration: $1,000–$4,000. This usually involves a reverse osmosis system, sometimes with a chemical or dye injector.

Benefits of a Water Filtration System

To determine whether your home would benefit from a water filtration system, test your water. If the results show that your water is hard (high in calcium or magnesium) or contains toxins, consider putting in a system. You could reap these benefits:

• Safer Drinking Water: Remove toxins present in your drinking water. You’re more at risk if your home was built before 1986 (meaning it could have lead pipes) or if you have well water. Nitrates, pesticides, and heavy metals can contaminate the water in private wells.

• Tastier Drinking Water: Filtering water can remove minerals and chlorine, making tap water taste better and look clearer.

• Whiter Clothes: Hard water can make clothing look dull and gray. If it’s high in iron, it can even impart a rusty hue to lighter items.

• Cleaner Pipes and Longer Lasting Appliances: Hard water accumulates in pipes and can even damage appliances over time.

• Shinier Fixtures, Plates, and Hair: Hard water makes it difficult to rinse soap off fixtures, plates, and even your body and hair. When soap scum builds up, surfaces can start to look dull rather than clean and glossy.

DIY Water Filter Installation vs. Hire a Pro

If you’re installing an under-sink water filtration system, you might be able to DIY. In most cases, you’ll simply screw a couple of connections onto your sink’s pipes. However, if you’re putting in a whole-house system, you’ll probably need to hire a local water filtration pro.  

FAQs

How do I pick a water purification system?

Choose the water purification system that addresses the specific problems present in your tap water, such as high mineral content or too much sediment. You can buy an analysis kit for $30 to $100 or hire a pro to test your water. 

“Check with your local water provider (if you aren't on well water) and see if they do free water testing,” says Jeff Botelho, Expert Review Board member and plumber. “Many municipal water companies will provide this service free of charge for their customers.”

Are whole-house water filtration systems worth it?

Considering that most people spend $400 to $1,000 per year on bottled water, this investment makes sense financially. Plus, you’ll get peace of mind knowing that your water is free of harmful contaminants.

How much does it cost to maintain a whole-house water filter?

Maintaining a whole house water filtration system can cost $50 to $300 per year, depending on the complexity of your system, the types of filters, and whether you DIY or hire a pro.

“Always replace your filters and filter media on time, as dirty filters or media left in the filter housing for too long can have a negative impact on the equipment,” says Botelho. “Filters can be expensive but having to replace an entire system due to neglect is typically a lot more expensive.”