How Much Does It Cost to Filter Your Own Water?

Clean water is a universal need. The surest way to access high-quality drinking water in your home is by filtering your tap water. Filtering tap water protects you from physical and chemical impurities. But like all things, filtering water at home comes at a cost.
This article will take you through the different types of water filters you can use in your home and how much they cost. We’ll also show you how much you could be saving by filtering your water instead of buying bottled water!

Different Types of Water Filters to Consider + Their Costs

Water filters are either point-of-entry filters or point-of-use systems. There are many options to consider when it comes to water filters.
The type of water filter you want to use will determine the amount you spend. As a rule, more complex water filters are more expensive than the less complicated filters. The filling capacity of a filter, its size, and the filtration technology it uses also determine how much you’ll have to spend. Also, the more popular water filter brands usually charge more for their products.
With that said, we’ll be giving you a cost estimate of the different types of water filters.

POE Water Filter Systems

If you want all your incoming water filtered, consider getting a whole house water filter. They are point-of-entry water filtering systems that are installed at the main water pipeline, and they filter all water flowing into your home.
With a whole house filter, you’ll get filtered water at your kitchen sink, and you’ll also have access to filtered water in your bathrooms, toilet, garden, and laundry room.
In addition, whole house water filters spare your entire plumbing and water-using appliances from damages that may be caused by sediments and other harsh impurities present in the unfiltered water.
Costs
Expect to pay about $100-3000 for a whole house water filter. The simpler whole house filters, consisting of only one filter tank, costs about $100, while the more complex ones, with two tank setups, can cost up to $3000.
Installation goes up to about $1000 or more depending on the plumbing setup.

Under Sink Water Filters

Under sink water filters are point of use water filters. A point of use water filter provides filtered water only at a particular faucet or shower.
Under sink water filters are installed below the sink to filter the water flowing through the sink’s faucet. Compared to whole house water filters, under sink filters are small and take less space. Since they occupy only little space, you can easily install them under the kitchen or bathroom sink. You can consider under sink water filters over whole house water filters if space is an issue in your home.

Costs

Under sink water filters cost about $50-500. The simpler filters with a single-stage setup cost about $50, while the more complex ones with a multistage structure can cost up to $500.
Installation prices are less extravagant; they go up to about $300 if you’re using a plumbing service. If not, you can easily install it yourself.

Countertop Water Filters

Like the under sink water filter, a countertop filter only provides filtered water at one faucet.
Countertop water filters are typically used in RV homes and tiny homes. They are small-sized water filters placed on the kitchen counter to provide clean drinking water on demand. Most countertop water filters use activated carbon or ceramic filtering media to remove color, odor, and contaminants from water.
There are two types of countertop filters you may find in your supply stores; the regular countertop water filters and the inline countertop filters. The regular standalone countertop filter doesn’t need any installation. Just place it on the counter, manually fill it with water, and use. However, an inline countertop water filter needs to be installed. It is temporarily connected to the kitchen faucet, and provides filtered water anytime you open the tap.

Costs

On average, expect to pay about $50-150. The simple single-stage filters cost as little as $50, while the more complex filters cost about $150. As for the installation, standalone countertop filters do not need to be installed. But if you buy an inline model, you can easily connect it to your faucet yourself.

Pitchers

A filter pitcher is a small water filter that can hold about 10 to 18 cups of water, depending on the size or brand.
A filter pitcher is one of the simplest water filters because of its jug-like design. It’s small, portable, and convenient. It’s also pretty affordable and ideal for a small house with a small family.

Costs

Pitchers are as cheap as $15, but more complex and effective pitchers go up to $70. So expect to spend about $15-70.

Bottled Water vs. Water Filters – Which is Cheaper?

Apart from filtering your own drinking water, you can enjoy safe water in your home by drinking bottled water. After all, bottled water is filtered tap water sold in a bottle. But how much are you willing to spend on buying bottled water?
According to statistics, an average US individual drinks about 217 bottles of water annually. So if a single water bottle sells for $1.50, a family of four will be paying more than $1300 annually. But, of course, the price index of water will keep increasing as inflation across the US goes up.
Imagine how much money you’ll be saving if you filter your tap water. If you buy a water filter (even a relatively expensive water filter like an under sink water filter), filtering your tap water for drinking will only cost you about $500.
Granted, you’ll need to change filters and maintain your water filter at some point, but maintaining an under sink filter won’t cost more than about a hundred dollars. So you see, it’s more cost-effective to filter your water than to buy bottled water. You can save money by filtering your water and using the extra money elsewhere.

Conclusion

Water filters are a valuable home appliance, and you don’t even have to spend more than a hundred dollars on them. Some high-quality water filters are available at very affordable prices. As long as you choose the best type of water filter for your home and maintain it carefully, you’ll never go a day with water troubles again.