Common Types of Whole-House Filtration for Homes

If you’ve ever purchased a home water filtration system or wondered how to improve water quality for the entire house, you’re likely considering whole-house filtration. These systems are installed at the point where water enters the home and are designed to treat all outgoing taps and appliances. Below are the most common types, what they remove, and typical use cases.

1) Sediment filtration

Sediment filters target solid particles such as sand, silt, rust, and other particulates. They are often the first line of defense in a whole-house setup, helping to protect plumbing and extend the life of other filters downstream. They are typically rated by micron size (for example, 5 micron or 1 micron) and require periodic replacement or cleaning.

2) Activated carbon filtration



Activated carbon filters are effective at reducing chlorine taste and odor, some volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and certain chemicals that impact taste. They improve overall water palatability and are commonly used as a primary purification stage in many homes. For more thorough removal of chemicals, some systems pair carbon with additional treatment stages.