Whole Home Filtration System
A whole house water filter treats water at the main line, so every tap, shower and appliance gets filtered water, not just the kitchen sink. The ECHO Whole Home Water Filter is a whole house water filtration system with four filtration levels, from chlorine only up to a level that also targets chloramine, PFAS, lead, fluoride and arsenic, plus optional softening and UV.
How to choose a whole house water filtration system
Start with what is actually in your water, then pick the lowest level that covers it. If you're on city water, your utility publishes an annual water quality report (a Consumer Confidence Report), and Echo's free water quality analysis looks up the contaminants reported for your local supply by ZIP code.
- Chlorine taste and odor: Essential is designed to reduce chlorine.
- Your utility uses chloramine: Plus is designed to reduce chlorine and chloramine.
- PFAS or lead in your report: Premium adds PFAS and lead reduction.
- Fluoride or arsenic: Elite adds fluoride and arsenic reduction.
- Hard water and scale: add salt-based softening or salt-free treatment to Essential, Plus or Premium.
Before you order, know where the system will go. Echo's consultation form asks about the install location (basement, garage or outside), drain access and 110V power, so have those answers ready.
Compare Echo whole house filtration levels
| Filtration level | Designed to reduce (per Echo) | Salt or salt-free treatment | UV purification option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | Chlorine | Available | Available |
| Plus | Chlorine, chloramine | Available | Available |
| Premium | Chlorine, chloramine, PFAS, lead | Available | Available |
| Elite | Chlorine, chloramine, PFAS, lead, fluoride, arsenic | Not offered | Available |
Configure any level on the ECHO Whole Home Water Filter page. Want reverse osmosis for the whole house instead? The Echo Whole Home RO System is engineered for city water; compare it in our reverse osmosis systems.
What's included and filter maintenance
Each filter system includes the filter, filter housing and a complete installation kit, and Echo publishes an installation and operation manual. If you add the water softener, you also get the softener tank, control head, installation kit and brine tank.
Replacement intervals from Echo's Whole Home Replacement Filters page, which vary with water quality and usage:
- Double pleated (50/20 micron) and chlorine (20 micron) filters: every 1–3 years
- Chloramine (3 micron) filter: about once a year (treats 50,000+ gallons)
- PFAS/lead (0.5 micron) and fluoride filters: about once a year (each treats 150,000+ gallons)
- Scale Stop cartridge: every 5 years
A replacement UV lamp is sold on the same page. Replacement filters are made in the USA using NSF/ANSI Standard 61 certified materials and are California Proposition 65 compliant.
Still comparing? Read our guide to choosing the best whole house water filter, and if you're on a private well, what to test before buying a water filter for well water.
Whole house water filter FAQ
Whole house filter or under-sink filter?
A whole house system treats all the water coming into your home, including showers and laundry. An under-sink system treats water for one drinking tap. Many homes use both; see under sink and kitchen water systems.
Do I need a water softener as well?
They do different jobs. The filtration level targets contaminants such as chlorine or PFAS. Salt-based softening or salt-free treatment is for hardness and scale, so add it only if hardness is a problem in your home.
What does the NSF 61 reference mean?
Echo's product data refers to NSF 61 certified coconut shell carbon. NSF/ANSI 61 is a standard for materials that come into contact with drinking water. It is not a contaminant-reduction performance standard.
What if I'm on a private well?
Echo's free water analysis covers municipal (city) water. If you're on a well, call Echo at +1 855 737-1121 to order a comprehensive test before choosing a system.