Filteredwaterguide.com is supported by readers. If you purchase through referral links on our site, we make a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Getting clean, filtered water throughout your entire home is a game-changer for your family’s health and comfort.
Having installed hundreds of water filtration systems over our decades of experience, we at the Filtered Water Guide team know exactly what it takes to set up a whole-house water filter correctly.
While installing a point-of-entry (POE) filtration system might seem straightforward, our extensive experience has shown that it requires specific knowledge and skills that many homeowners don’t possess.
Based on our hands-on expertise with advanced water treatment systems, we strongly recommend professional installation for most homeowners.
However, if you’re determined to tackle this DIY project, we’ll share our expert insights on the entire installation process.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through:
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of what it takes to install a whole house water filter system properly and safely.
Finding the perfect spot for your point-of-entry filter is crucial for optimal performance. Through our extensive installation experience, we’ve found that the best location is typically near where your main water line enters your home.
For homes with municipal water supply, you’ll want to position the system as close as possible to where the city water line enters your property.
If you’re on well water, we recommend installing the system directly after your well pump on the incoming water line.
Whether you need to place the whole house filter before or after a pressure tank
One crucial detail we’ve learned from years of installations: your filtration system must be installed before your water line branches off to different areas of your home.
Pro tip: We always recommend excluding outdoor spigot lines from the filtration system. This simple step significantly extends the life of your filter media.
Should you install your whole house filter before or after your water softener? Our testing and experience show that the answer depends on your specific situation.
First, it’s important to note that not every home needs a water softener. We always recommend testing your home’s water to determine if softening is necessary alongside your POE filtration system.
Many of the best whole house water filtration systems we’ve installed include water softening capabilities or offer it as an add-on option.
Based on our extensive field experience, here’s what we’ve found works best:
Through our extensive testing and installations, we’ve found the Aquasana Rhino 1,000,000-gallon whole-home system to be one of the most reliable and effective filtration systems available.
This versatile system can be configured with a basic 4-filter setup featuring high-quality carbon filtration, or expanded to include additional filtration stages and enhancements as shown in the diagram below.
For visual learners, we recommend watching this detailed installation video that walks through the entire process.
After countless installations, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need for a successful setup. Here’s what our team recommends:
Pro tip: If your incoming line is copper, we recommend transitioning to PVC for easier system component connections.
Drawing from our extensive experience installing whole house water filters, here’s our detailed process for a successful installation:
Based on our installation experience, here’s what you should consider:
When in doubt, we strongly recommend professional installation to ensure optimal system performance and prevent potential water damage.
Installing a whole house water filter represents a significant investment in your home’s water quality. Through our years of experience, we’ve found that proper installation is absolutely crucial for optimal performance and longevity.
While DIY installation can save money, we believe protecting your investment with professional installation is worth considering if you have any doubts about the process. The cost of professional installation is minimal compared to potential water damage or system inefficiency from improper setup.
Remember: The goal is providing your family with clean, filtered water throughout your home. Making sure your system is installed correctly is the first step toward achieving that goal.