If you need a whole house water filtration system, the array of choices before you can seem a bit daunting. This article examines the filtration systems available from Lowe's, both in-store and online. We will compare features, functionality, and prices to help you decide which Lowe’s water filter product will best meet your household's needs.
What is a Whole House Water Filter?
A whole house water filter is a system that provides clean water to all the faucets in your house. It usually consists of tanks that are set up in the garage, basement, or a special closet. All of the water in the house passes through these tanks before going into your faucets, showers, and toilets. This is different than a localized filter that may be installed under a sink or on a particular faucet to provide filtered water just in that location.
The purpose of this system is to remove common water contaminants that can be found in municipal and well water alike. Some of these contaminants include:
- Toxic metals like mercury, lead, arsenic, barium, and chromium.
- Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs) such as degreasers, solvents, and gasoline additives.
- Disease producing parasites, viruses, and bacteria.
- Trihalomethanes, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides.
If you know you need to remove a specific contaminant, such as lead, you can install filters that are designed just for that problem. This is generally known as a heavy-duty filtration system and provides specific contaminant protection for 5 to 10 years. There are also general filters that remove a broad spectrum of contaminants. These are standard capacity water cartridges and need to be replaced every 6 months to 1 year.
How Does a Whole House Water Filter Work?
When water enters your home, it is typically pre-filtered first. This process removes large particles that can clog the filtering system. The water then passes through a filtering process that removes the chemicals, metals, and microbes that can make you sick. This stage of the process may use a carbon filtering system, an activated charcoal filtering system, or other methods as well. Finally, the waste products are flushed away and the clean water is sent throughout your house.
Lowe's carries a complete spectrum of whole house water filters that range in price from $53.00 to $2,347.00. Why such a disparity in price? The filters at the lowest price point don't do what the filters at the highest price point can do. We'll take a look at the specific types of filters and what you get for your money below.
Types of Whole House Water Filters at Lowe's
The first type of filter we will compare is a single-stage filter that only reduces sediment. These filters do not remove chemicals, metals, or micro-organisms. Therefore, if you have seriously compromised water, these will not solve your problem. However, if your water simply tastes odd or is a little cloudy from sediment, these filters will improve your water quality.
- Ease of Use – 5 out of 5 stars. The electronic controller is easily programmed and allows you to set a clean rinse cycle if you desire. The unit will automatically perform a clean rinse cycle every 14 days, so if that is often enough for you, you don't need to do anything. The unit is virtually maintenance free and has no filters to replace.
- Assembly Time – 3 out of 5 stars. If you are handy with plumbing, installing this unit will only take you a couple of hours. If this is your first project of this type, you should probably set aside the entire afternoon.
- Build Quality – 3 out of 5 stars. There is no need to replace filters, which is a bonus. However, many consumers report the until failing completely in less than 2 years.
- Warranty – 4 out of 5 stars. Whirlpool provides a 1-year free from defects warranty, a 10-year limited warranty on the fiberglass filtration media tank, and a 3-year limited warranty on the electronic control board.
- Ease of Use – 4 out of 5 stars. This unit has a filter that needs to be replaced periodically. It's not tough to replace, but it does require some work such as cleaning the O-Ring groove and lubricating the new O-Ring.
- Assembly Time – 4 out of 5 stars. This unit is fairly easy to install. A do-it-yourselfer should be able to get it done with basic tools in under 2 hours.
- Build Quality – 4 out of 5 stars. This unit has a good reputation for longevity. There are filters to replace every 6 to 9 months, but the casing is solid and will last for years.
- Warranty – 5 out of 5 stars. Pelican offers a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturer's defects.
- Price - $79.00
- Ease of Use – 4 out of 5 stars. This unit was designed for a quick and easy filter change that doesn't require shutting off the water supply. Filter changes take about 5 minutes, which is a real boost over the traditional 30 minutes for other filters.
- Assembly Time – 5 out of 5 stars. This is one of the quickest and easiest whole house filtration systems to install. Not everything you need to install is included, so be sure to read the instructions carefully and make sure you have all your tools on hand.
- Build Quality – 1 out of 5 stars. The universal complaint about this unit is the quality of the filters. Whirlpool advertises that the filters last 6 months, but consumers find that on average they are getting 6 to 8 weeks from each filter. At a cost of $50 per replacement filter, this makes this a very expensive water filter system.
- Warranty – 3 out of 5 stars. Limited two-year warranty for manufacturers defects.
- Ease of Use – 4 out of 5 stars. You can easily program the cleaning frequency or use the automatic self-cleaning feature.
- Assembly Time – 4 out of 5 stars. This is a fairly simple filter to install. It goes right on the water line into the house. A home handyperson should be able to install it in under 2 hours.
- Build Quality – 4 out of 5 stars. With no filters to replace, the most fragile part of a water filtration system is eliminated. It has good longevity ratings from customers as well.
- Warranty – 3 out of 5 stars. It comes with a one-year warranty.
Heavy-Duty Filtration Systems
The second type of whole house water filtration system removes more than just sediment. These filters are built to knock out the bad guys that can really make you and your family sick. Some filters are great for metals such as mercury, lead, and iron, while others may be built for chemicals or microbes. Make sure you study the filter's specifications before you buy to ensure it is appropriate for your household needs.
- Ease of use – 5 out of 5 stars. For such a powerful system, this Pelican unit is remarkably easy to use. The sediment pre-filter is changed every 6 to 9 months, and the tank media is changed only once every 5 years.
- Assembly Time – 4 out of 5 stars. Installation is pretty straightforward, especially if you have a little plumbing knowledge. Set aside enough time to read the instructions carefully and you should be fine.
- Build Quality – 4 out of 5 stars. This unit has good reviews for longevity. The components are well-built, and the filtering media lasts 5 years.
- Warranty – 5 out of 5 starts. Pelican offers a limited lifetime warranty.
- Ease of Use – 4 out of 5 stars. Because this is a hardcore filtration system that removes just about every contaminant under the sun, it has lots of filters that need changing. They aren't difficult to change, but it can be a little complicated making sure they are all taken care of.
- Assembly Time – 2 out of 5 stars. You're not supposed to install this one yourself. You are welcome to try; no one will stop you, but you will void the warranty if you do not hire a licensed plumber.
- Build Quality – 5 out of 5 stars. No complaints here. Customers report a great deal of satisfaction with the quality of the manufacture.
- Warranty – 4 out of 5 stars. Aquasana provides a 10-year limited warranty.
- Ease of Use – 3 out of 5 stars. This unit uses UV light to kill bacteria and other micro-organisms in your water. It's a little more complicated to initially set up and use than some of the other filtration systems, but once it's up and running it pretty much takes care of itself.
- Assembly Time – 4 out of 5 stars. This is a 2-hour job for most home handypersons.
- Build Quality – 4 out of 5 stars. The unit is sturdy and will last a long time, as there are no moving parts to wear out. The lamp does need to be changed periodically.
- Warranty – 4 out of 5 stars. PurTest offers a 10-year warranty on the UV chambers and a 2-year warranty on the electrical components. The UV lamp has a 90-day warranty.
- Ease of Use – 4 out of 5 stars. This unit requires regular cartridge and O-Ring replacement every 6 months. The cartridge for the water softener needs to be replaced every 5 years.
- Assembly Time – 4 out of 5 stars. This is a fairly easy installation. Most people should be able to do it in under 2 hours just fine.
- Build Quality – 4 out of 5 stars. The unit has a good longevity rating. The filters can sometimes need changing sooner than expected.
- Warranty – 5 out of 5 stars. Pelican offers a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturer's defects.
Pros and Cons of A Whole House Water Filtration System
- Filters out unsafe chlorine levels and contaminants for the entire home
- You've got clean water from every faucet, every fixture
- Much easier than remembering which sinks are okay for drinking
- Offers health benefits of filtered water and the long-term savings
- Many consumers report struggling with the installation
- It might just save you money in the long run
- It's easier to grab that water bottle from the fridge
Comparison Table
The Bottom Line
If your water is highly contaminated, then a water filtration system can improve your health and save you lots of money. It can also help your clothes washer clean your clothes better and your dishwasher turn out sparkling glasses. Before you buy, talk to experts and do your research. Not all water filtration systems are created equal.
For serious water problems where there are metals, chemicals, or micro-organisms present, we recommend the Pelican Water Premium Whole House Water Filter. It is a good sediment filter that does the job well for a good price. Whole house filters can be very expensive, but Pelican provides the water you need for less. It is easy to maintain, and has a good reputation for quality. Should it fail on you, it has one of the best warranties in the industry. We give it an overall 4 out of 5 stars.
