How much does a home water filtration system cost?
How much does a home water filtration system cost?
$850 – $5,400 whole-house water filtration system cost
$170 – $580 under-sink water filtration system cost
$800 – $4,000 well water filtration system cost
Home water filtration system cost
Installing a whole-house water filtration system costs $850 to $5,400 on average. An under-sink water filter installation costs $170 to $580. A well-water filtration system costs $800 to $4,000 installed. Water filter prices are $20 to $100 depending on the system type and size.
| System type | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Whole house | $850 – $5,400 |
| Under sink | $170 – $580 |
| Well water | $800 – $4,000 |
| Portable / mobile | $50 – $430 (DIY Install) |
Whole-house water filtration system cost
A whole-home water filtration system costs $850 to $5,400 installed on average. Whole-house reverse osmosis costs $4,800 to $8,000 installed and removes 99% of contaminants. However, reverse osmosis produces the most wastewater.
| System types | Average cost installed* |
|---|---|
| Carbon, mineral, & sediment filters | $850 – $1,400 |
| Carbon, mineral, sediment, & UV-light filters | $1,850 – $2,900 |
| Carbon, mineral, sediment, UV-light, & water softener | $2,650 – $5,400 |
| Reverse osmosis | $4,800 – $8,000 |
*Prices include materials & labor.
Under-sink water filtration system cost
An under-sink water filter installation costs $170 to $580 for the unit and labor. These point-of-use filters only treat the drinking-water supply from one kitchen faucet. Under-counter water treatment kits come with 1 to 3 filters for pre-filtering and water conditioning.
Popular under-sink water filtration systems include:
Reverse osmosis
Carbon filtration
Alkaline filters to replenish healthy minerals
Water softeners
Sediment filters
Filtration of lead, iron, & other heavy metals
Well-water filtration system cost
A whole-house filtration system for well water costs $800 to $4,000 installed. The price varies according to the local water quality, which determines the number of filters. Well water filtration costs more because it typically needs more purification than city water.
Well-water filtration includes some or all the following:
UV-light filtration
Distillation
Reverse osmosis
Particle filters
Water softeners
Chemical injector with chlorine or hydrogen peroxide
Activated carbon filtration
Portable or mobile water-purification system cost
A mobile water-purification system costs $50 to $430 per unit, depending on the type and capabilities. Most portable water filters are for temporary use on camping or hiking trips, RVs, and for emergency water supplies. However, these purifiers don’t remove salt from water.
Common options include:
Gravity-powered water purifiers for removing pathogens cost $50 to $300 each.
Hand-pump purifiers cost $120 to $430 to remove pathogens, sediment, and chemicals in water.
Water filtration system cost by treatment method
The following table shows home water treatment costs by filter type:
| Treatment method | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Reverse osmosis |
|
| Ultraviolet (UV) |
|
| Ionizer |
|
| Carbon filter only |
|
| Water softener |
|
| Water distiller |
|
| Chemical injector |
|
Which water filtration to choose:
Carbon filters remove chemicals causing odors and bad flavors in water.
Mineral filters remove heavy metals like iron and lead.
Sediment filters remove particles of debris in old plumbing.
UV light kills bacteria and viruses in water.
Reverse osmosis eliminates most chemicals, metals, and pathogens.
Water softeners treat hard water but don’t filter it.
Reverse osmosis water purification
Installing a reverse osmosis system costs $300 to $950 for under-sink models. A whole-house reverse osmosis system installation costs $4,800 to $8,000 total. This system removes more than 90% of all contaminants with a permeable-membrane water filter.
UV-light water treatment systems cost
UV-light water treatment systems cost $350 to $1,500 installed, depending on whether they’re under-sink or whole-home systems. This add-on filter connects to an existing filtration system for well water to eliminate bacteria. UV light disinfects water rather than filtering it.
Water ionizer cost
A water ionizer costs $400 to $1,900 for a countertop unit and is a DIY-friendly install model. This system uses electrolysis to create alkaline water for drinking and acidic water for cleaning. Ionizers require an electrical outlet nearby.
Home carbon-filter system price
An under-sink activated carbon water-filter system costs $180 to $550 installed. These prices include standard systems of 2 to 3 filter cartridges that eliminate odors and bad tastes from highly chlorinated city water. Various carbon-filter types also remove pesticides and chemicals like sulfides.
Types of carbon filters include:
Granular activated carbon (GAC)
Carbon block filters
Coconut-fiber carbon media
Water softener cost
A water softener system costs $800 to $2,500 installed, depending on the size, type, and brand. Running a water softener costs $10 to $20 per month to refill with salt. A water softener removes mineral-scale buildup from hard water. Most water softeners last 10 to 15 years.
A water softener doesn’t filter water to remove chemicals, bacteria, or contaminants. Water softeners are only for treating extra-hard water as part of a bigger multi-stage filtration system.
Water distiller purification prices
A water distiller costs $1,300 to $3,600 installed for drinking water through multiple kitchen pipes. These systems purify 4 to 12 gallons of water per day. A water distiller boils and condenses water to eliminate bacteria, heavy metals, and most chemicals.
Alternatively, a countertop water distiller costs $100 to $350 on average or up to $750 for high-end models. Countertop models are DIY-friendly to install.
Chemical injector water treatment system cost
A chemical injector water treatment system costs $500 to $1,500 installed. This part of a whole-house filtration system typically uses chlorine or hydrogen peroxide to purify water. Chemical injection removes iron, bacteria, and hydrogen sulfide from well water and rainwater.
Water-filtration system installation cost
The labor cost to install a water-filter system is $120 to $600, depending on the system size, type, and complexity. This includes time spent mounting the unit, fixing all plumbing connections, and testing the system.
| Factor | Whole-house cost | Under-sink cost |
|---|---|---|
| Filtration system & materials | $650 – $4,800 | $50 – $250 |
| Labor cost to install | $200 – $600 | $120 – $330 |
| Annual replacement filters(DIY labor) | $150 – $250 | $20 – $100 |
| Total first-year cost | $1,000 – $5,650 | $190 – $680 |
Cost factors include:
Water testing – Water testing costs $100 to $300 to determine the best system to use.
System size & type – Bigger systems filtering a whole home’s water supply have higher costs for the unit, storage tanks, installation, and filter replacements than under-sink systems.
System brand & efficiency – High-end models cost more because they remove more contaminants, have extra features, and are more energy efficient.
Labor – Complex systems take longer to install. Labor rates change based on the geographical location and who installs them.
Drainage – A new drain connecting to the sewer line costs $300 to $800 extra. Whole-house filtration systems need a dedicated drain for their waste water.
Location – Installing systems in the attic or in small storage areas with difficult working conditions result in higher labor costs.
New outlet – Installing a new electrical outlet costs $150 to $350. Most whole-house filtrations systems require an outlet within 10 to 15 feet of the tank.
Pipe extensions –Pipe attachments cost $150 to $850 for connections 25+ feet in length.
Additional plumbing – Plumber rates are $45 to $150 per hour. Homes with old plumbing often need multiple pipe modifications to install a new system.
Countertop modifications – Cutting a counter costs $50 to $225 extra to install a new faucet or water dispenser for reverse osmosis and under-sink systems.
Replacements – Removal and disposal costs $40 to $300 to haul off old water-filtration systems, depending on their size.
Repairs – Water filtration system repair costs $100 to $500, depending on the system type, size, and issue.
System upgrades – Optional add-ons cost $140 to $200 extra for installing an extra control pad or alkaline filters to add healthy minerals in drinking water.
Number of filters – Heavily contaminated water with sediment requires a system with pre-filters for iron and heavy metals. Each filter increases system costs.
Permits – Plumbing permits cost $30 to $500 for altering water connections when installing a large water filtration system.
Patching drywall – Drywall repair costs $100 to $400 for repairing a sheetrock hole made for water filtration lines.
Water filter cost to replace
The cost to maintain a whole-house water filter is $15 to $250 annually, depending on the filter type. This price doesn’t include labor. Maintenance fees also vary according to the total number of system filters, local water quality, and usage frequency.
| System type | Price per water filter* |
|---|---|
| Reverse osmosis point-of-use filter (50 – 1,000 gallons per day) | $20 – $100 |
| Reverse osmosis whole-house filter (500 – 1,000 gallons per day) | $150 – $250 |
| Carbon, sediment, or iron filter (1 – 3 filters for whole-house systems) | $15 – $65 |
| Alkaline filter (adds healthy minerals to filtered water) | $20 – $60 |
| UV lamp replacement | $20 – $100 |
*Material prices only. Technicians charge $65 to $180 extra for labor.
Rainwater filtration system installation cost
A rainwater filtration system costs $30 to $300 for pre-storage downspout filtration materials and $350 to $2,400 for post-storage UV filtration. These prices are for materials only with DIY installation. Total costs depend on whether the water is for drinking or for gardening only.
Common rainwater filters for drinking water:
UV-light treatment costs $350 to $1,500 with professional installation.
A distillation system costs $1,300 to $3,600, including labor.
A reverse osmosis system costs $300 to $950 installed for one tap.
Pros and cons of water filtration & purification systems
The following table shows the advantages and disadvantages of whole-house water filters and under-sink filtration systems.
| Filtration type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Whole-house |
|
|
| Under-sink |
|
|
Water filtration FAQs
Are whole-house water filters worth it?
A whole-house water filter is worth it when water has high iron content and other contaminants. This filtration system purifies water for drinking, cooking, laundry, bathing, and preventing scale buildup in pipes and appliances. Point-of-use systems are for filtering drinking water only.
Do I need a whole-house water filter?
You need a whole-house water filter if:
Your water has a higher level of contaminants than the EPA allows.
PFA chemicals are in the water supply.
Lead, iron, or heavy metals are present.
Very hard water causes excessive scale buildup in your pipes.
Test the original water source with a home-water test kit to see if a whole-house water filter is necessary. You can also check the official Consumer Confidence Report from the city water department that tests the public water supply annually.
Where should a whole-house water filter be installed? {where}
Install a whole-house water filter next to the main water shut-off valve on the same pipeline. The filter should connect before the water main to the home splits off into any branch pipes. Whole-home filters often work best in a basement, garage, or utility closet.
Who installs water filtration systems?
Professionals who install water filtration systems include:
Manufacturer-certified specialists in water filtration
Water-treatment installation companies
Contractors from local home improvement stores
Getting estimates and hiring a water filter installer
Before hiring a water treatment company near you, be sure to:
Get itemized quotes from 3 companies with 5+ years of experience.
Verify that companies have licenses, bonds, and insurance.
Ask if they have WQA or RO-specialist certifications.
Check if they install NSF-certified RO systems and water filters.
Read their reviews on Google and HomeGuide.
Request references or ask to see a portfolio.
Get copies of the estimate, contract, and warranty before work starts.
Beware of low quotes that may signal low-quality work.
Make your final payment only when the project is complete.
Questions to ask
How many home water filtration systems have you installed?
What exactly does each system remove from the water?
Which water filters and treatments are best for purifying my local water?
How much is the initial consultation, and does it include a water test?
What additional filters or treatments do I need for hard water?
Are discounts available for installing reverse osmosis on multiple taps?
What unexpected problems typically increase installation costs?
How long does the manufacturer’s warranty last?
Do you offer a labor warranty on your work?
How many filters will this system have?
Can you install a reverse osmosis system or filters that I already bought?
How much is a point-of-use system vs. a whole-house water filtration system?
Should I get a booster pump for my low water pressure?
How long will this installation take?
Will you add a new faucet to my countertop for drinking water?
How much will this system cost to maintain?
Do you offer ongoing maintenance plans?
How often should I change my filters and RO membrane?
Are you familiar with all local building code requirements for these systems?
Will you pull permits and manage city inspections if needed?
Does this bid include all labor, materials, cleanup, and plumbing modifications?