One of the most common questions we hear is whether a whole-house system or an under-sink filter is the better choice. The honest answer is that most homes benefit from both, because they solve different problems. Here is how they compare.
A whole-house system (also called point-of-entry) treats all the water entering your home at the main supply line. Every faucet, shower, appliance, and hose bib receives treated water.
An under-sink system (point-of-use) treats water at a single location, typically the kitchen sink. The most common under-sink system is a reverse osmosis unit with a dedicated faucet.
In South Florida, the ideal setup includes both types of systems working together. Here is why:
Hard water affects every pipe, fixture, and appliance in your home. A softener and carbon filter at the point of entry solve these home-wide issues that a single under-sink unit cannot address.
Without a softener, scale builds up in your water heater (reducing efficiency by up to 48%), dishwasher, washing machine, and pipes. Without a carbon filter, you shower in chlorinated water that dries your skin and hair.
While a softener and carbon filter make your water better, they do not remove dissolved contaminants like lead, arsenic, chromium, or microplastics. A reverse osmosis system at the kitchen sink provides the final level of purification for the water you and your family actually drink.
If you rent your home, have a very tight budget, or are primarily concerned about drinking water contaminants, a standalone RO system is a great starting point. It provides the highest quality drinking water without modifying your home's plumbing.
If you are on well water with severe iron or sulfur issues, addressing those whole-house problems takes priority. You can always add an RO system later.
For South Florida homeowners, we recommend the combination approach: a whole-house softener and carbon filter paired with an under-sink reverse osmosis system. This provides complete protection for your home, your appliances, and your family's health.
Not sure what your home needs? Schedule a free water test and we will analyze your water and recommend the right setup for your specific situation.
Schedule a free water test and get personalized recommendations for your home.
Continue learning about water quality and treatment
Understand the key differences between well water and city water, the unique challenges each presents, and the best filtration solutions for South Florida homes.
A deep dive into the contaminants commonly found in South Florida tap water and why legal limits may not mean your water is safe.
A step-by-step guide to selecting the best water filtration system based on your water quality, household size, budget, and specific concerns.
