These are the two systems we install, and they're often confused. They aren't competing versions of the same thing. They solve different problems in different parts of the house. Here's how to tell which one you need.
Whole house filtration in one paragraph
A whole house system is fitted on the water main, usually outside near the meter. Every drop that enters the house goes through it, so showers, baths, the laundry, the dishwasher, the hot water unit and every tap get the same water. A typical set-up has a fine sediment stage, scale control where it's needed, and a carbon plus KDF stage for chlorine, by-products and metals.
Reverse osmosis in one paragraph
An RO unit lives under the kitchen sink and feeds a dedicated tap. It pre-filters the water, forces it through a membrane fine enough to hold back dissolved salts, fluoride, nitrates, most PFAS and heavy metals, then remineralises it for taste. It makes excellent drinking and cooking water, but only at that one tap.
Side by side
- Where it works: whole house = every outlet; RO = kitchen tap only.
- Chlorine: both remove it, but only whole house does it for showers.
- Scale: whole house protects appliances and fixtures; RO doesn't.
- Fluoride and dissolved solids: RO substantially reduces them; whole house carbon largely doesn't.
- Space: whole house needs wall or slab space near the main; RO needs room in the sink cupboard.
- Renters: RO is easy to remove and take with you; whole house is a property upgrade.
Choose whole house if…
- The chlorine smell in the shower bothers you, or the family has dry or irritated skin.
- You're seeing scale on taps, glass, kettles or the hot water unit.
- You're on tank water and want sediment caught before it reaches anything.
- You own the home and want the benefit everywhere.
Choose reverse osmosis if…
- Drinking water is your main concern, especially fluoride, PFAS or dissolved salts.
- You rent, or live in an apartment without space near the main.
- You're replacing bottled water and want the best taste possible.
Why many homes end up with both
Run them together and each does what it's best at. The whole house system handles the bathroom, laundry and appliances, and the RO unit purifies the water you drink. As a bonus, pre-filtered water is easier on the RO membrane, so it tends to last longer.
Let the water decide
Your test results usually settle the question. Soft town water with a chlorine complaint points one way. Bore water with high dissolved solids points another. Book a free water test and we'll show you the numbers and recommend only what they call for.