Whole House vs Under-Sink Water Filters: Which Is Better?

Whole house filters clean all water entering your home, while under sink filters treat water at just one faucet. Whole house systems offer broader protection for bathing, laundry, and appliances, while under sink filters are best for localized drinking water needs.

Considering upgrading your water quality? You’re not alone. Homeowners frequently wonder whether a whole house water filter or an under-sink system is best. Inconsistent water quality from different taps can lead to confusion, frustration, and unnecessary expenses. Let's break down the differences and help you decide which system fits your needs.

What Is a Whole House Water Filter?

Whole-house water filters are point-of-entry systems, meaning they treat the water right as it enters your home. This ensures every faucet, from your kitchen sink to your shower and washing machine, receives consistently clean, filtered water.

Whole-house filters are ideal if your concerns include chlorine, sediment, hard-water scale, and protecting appliances from damage. They deliver comprehensive home protection, significantly improving water quality for drinking, bathing, cooking, cleaning, and laundry.

What Is an Under-Sink Water Filter?

Under-sink filters and pitcher filters are point-of-use systems that target a specific faucet or container only. They primarily address taste and odor concerns in drinking water.

These solutions are convenient for renters, apartment dwellers, or households focused primarily on improving drinking water quality at a single tap without addressing issues at other faucets.

LifeSource systems eliminate cartridge changes, salt refills, and frequent maintenance, providing the lowest lifetime cost and maximum convenience.

Which Water Filter Is Right for Your Home?

When to Choose a Whole-House System

A whole-house system makes the most sense for:

- Families seeking consistent water quality throughout the home

- Homes in hard-water regions need appliance and plumbing protection

- Households looking for low-maintenance, comprehensive filtration solutions

Learn more in our Whole-House Filtration Guide or schedule a free home water consultation.

When an Under-Sink Filter Might Suffice

An under-sink filter is sufficient if:

- You're renting or unable to modify the plumbing extensively

- Your primary concern is improved drinking water at one point of use

FAQs

Do I need both a whole-house and under-sink filter?

Generally, no. A whole-house system typically addresses all your filtration needs throughout your home. However, pairing it with an under-sink reverse osmosis unit can add extra purification for drinking water if desired.

Consult the EPA home water treatment chart for further insights.

Which is better, whole house or under-sink water filters?

Whole house filters provide full-home protection by treating all incoming water, while under-sink filters only treat water at a single faucet.

Are under-sink water filters worth it?

They improve drinking water taste and odor but do not protect plumbing or appliances like our whole home filtration system.

Is a whole house filter expensive to maintain?

Most systems have low maintenance with long filter life.