Of all the different water filter types, whole house water filters are the best for well water. Why? Because they protect your entire plumbing supply from contaminants found explicitly in well water, like sediment and iron.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to install a whole house water filter on your private well.
📌 Key Takeaways:
- To install a whole house water filter on your well, shut off the water and open a faucet to relieve pressure, then cut away a section of your main water supply line and install the system.
- The best location for a whole house well water filtration system is as close as possible to your main water pipe’s entry into your home, downstream of the shut-off valve.
- Most whole house water filter systems are designed for DIY installation, but you might prefer to pay a plumber for a professional installation.
Table of Contents
📖 Installation Diagram
🔧 How to Install a Whole House Water Filter on a Well: Step-By-Step
Follow these steps to install a whole house filter system on your well.
Step 1: Choose The Install Location
Before you open your box and gather your tools, choose a spot to install your whole house water filter system.
We recommend installing the unit as close as possible to water’s point of entry into your home. Make sure the location is downstream of your water supply valve, which means you can switch off the water during the installation.
You might want to install the unit in your basement or garage, so it’s out the way. You could even install the system outside, as long as you have a suitable outdoor box to protect it from the elements.
Common Installation Questions
💡 Should you install your whole house water filter system before or after the well’s pressure tank? The pressure tank should come first. We only recommend installing dedicated sand or sediment filters upstream of this tank.
What about your hot water heater? If you want to enjoy hot and cold filtered water, install your whole house filter system upstream of the heater.
Already got a water softener? You can install your whole house filter system either before or after the softener. If your water contains a lot of sediment, install it upstream of the softener. If your main water quality issue is hard minerals, install the filter unit downstream of the softener.
Need a softener? Check the best water softeners for well water!
Step 2: Gather Your Tools & Accessories
Once you’ve decided on a location for your whole house water filter installation, gather everything you need for the job.
Check your user manual for the exact tools and accessories for your specific water system.
You will usually need these tools:
- Drill
- Drill bits
- Empty bucket
- Plumber’s/ Teflon tape
- Adjustable wrench
- Pipe wrench
- Screwdriver
- Pipe cutter/ hacksaw
You’ll need these parts and accessories:
- Whole house water filter system
- The included components
- Fittings and tubes
- Shut-off valves
- A mounting bracket
Some whole house water filters come with an installation kit (or you might have to upgrade and pay a bit extra to receive this kit), which contains all the bits you’ll need to install your water system, saving the extra trips to the hardware store.
Step 3: Shut Off Your Water
You’ll be cutting into your main water pipe during the installation process, so the first step is to switch off your main water supply.
Locate the valve and turn it until your water is fully shut off. Open a faucet to drain the water and relieve pressure in the pipes.
Step 4: Remove A Section of Pipe
Measure the section of pipe to be removed, then use a hacksaw or pipe cutter to cut the section away. Make sure you have a bucket underneath the pipe to catch any leaks from the cut section of pipe.
Step 5: Install Tees and Valves
Next, you’ll need to install the tees and valves for your whole house water filtration system.
- Install the tees. The tees connect the inlet and outlet ports of the filtration unit to the main water line.
- Next, install the shut-off valves. These valves are used to cut off the water supply to the filtration unit. Install a valve either side of the system: one at the inlet pipe and one at the outlet pipe.
- Finally, install a bypass valve (optional). This is used to divert water around the system when it’s not in use. We strongly recommend installing a bypass valve for your whole home water filter system so that you know you’ll still get access to water even if your system is being repaired or serviced.
Make sure to tighten all connections, using Teflon tape to make a seal.
Step 6: Install The Main Filter Unit
Your whole house water filter unit should be pre-assembled by the manufacturer. You might need to screw certain attachments onto the main unit and install the filter cartridges yourself, depending on the system type.
Connect the unit’s inlet valve, then the outlet valve, to the main water line.
Step 7: Switch On Water & Check For Leaks
Once installation is complete, switch on your water supply valve and slowly open a faucet. Wait until water flows through the system, then check the entire unit for leaks.
If you notice a leak, shut off the water and check that your connections are fully tightened and sealed.
If there are no leaks, you’re good to go. Just make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for flushing or priming the filter media before use.
📲 Video Instructions
📝 Tasks Involved In Whole House Well Filter Installation
Wondering what skills you might need for installing a whole house well filter? There are two tasks you might need to do: grounding and soldering.
Grounding
Thankfully, grounding doesn’t require much skill – just knowledge.
Grounding is when you connect parts of an electric system with the ground, which protects appliances from electrical surges.
Some local authorities may require you to fit a bonding wire when installing your whole house filter unit. You can ground your unit by installing some wire and a copper rod.
Speak to a local plumber if you’re unsure whether or not grounding is required in your area.
Soldering
Soldering uses a tin-based solder to attach two pieces of metal. If you don’t have push fittings and your home has copper pipes, you’ll need to attach two pipes by soldering, then connect the inlet and outlet ports to these pipes.
You’ll need a soldering iron for the job. You don’t have to be an expert to solder, but you’ll need patience, and it helps if you’ve soldered before. Otherwise, do a test run with spare materials or ask a competent family member or friend to help.
❔ How To Install A Whole Home Well Filter: FAQ
Can you install a well water filtration unit yourself?
Yes, you can install a well water filtration unit yourself. Many manufacturers are good at offering clear, simplified instructions that anyone can follow, but it helps if you have some DIY knowledge.
How long does it take to install a whole home filter on a well?
Installing a whole home filter on a well takes about 2-4 hours. The exact installation type depends on your plumbing setup, the system complexity, and your DIY competence. Remember, if you’re unsure, or the job sounds too much for you, you could always hire a plumber to install the system for you.
How much does it cost to install a whole home filter for well water?
The cost of installing a whole home filter for well water depends on the type of system you buy and whether or not you plan to install the unit yourself. A DIY installation should cost $20-$150 on top of the initial price of the unit, depending on how many extra supplies and tools you need to buy. Professional installation may cost up to $500 extra.
How do you maintain a well filter system?
To maintain a well filter system, you’ll need to replace the filters regularly according to the manufacturer’s guidance. You should also clean and sanitize the system at least once a year. Test your water regularly (your water quality may change throughout the year due to the changing environment) and make sure your filter system is still suitable for targeting the problem contaminants. Check your user manual to make sure you’re following all the manufacturer’s specific maintenance instructions.
How do I pick the right well filtration system for me?
When you shop for a whole house well filtration system, you need to consider a few important factors. Test your water to see what contaminants it contains, then make a note of the contaminants you most want to remove. Make sure you buy a filter with the right capacity and flow rate for your household size and water usage. Consider a filter system’s installation and maintenance requirements, and whether you’re happy to commit to them. Ensure the system comes with a sediment filter, or buy your own pre-filter if not.
