Water filters for Sydney homes: which one do you need?
Sydney's tap water is treated to meet the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, but plenty of people don't like the taste or smell of chlorine, or want to reduce sediment and other particles from older pipes. The right filter depends on what you want to remove and where you want filtered water. This guide covers the main types and what to expect. It's written by the local plumbers who install water filters every week across Matraville, Maroubra, Malabar, Botany and the southern Eastern Suburbs.
Why people filter their water
- A chlorine taste or smell, especially in tea, coffee and drinking water
- Sediment, rust or discolouration from older galvanised or copper pipes
- Wanting cleaner water for cooking, drinking and ice
- Cutting out bottled water
The main types of filter
Under-sink filter
Fitted under the kitchen sink, with its own filtered water tap or feeding your main tap. Carbon cartridges reduce chlorine taste and smell and trap sediment. The most popular choice for drinking and cooking.
Whole-house filter
Fitted where the water comes into the house, so every tap, shower and appliance gets filtered water. Good for sediment and chlorine throughout the home. Needs space near the water meter or main line.
Reverse osmosis
A multi-stage under-sink system that removes far more, including fluoride and dissolved minerals. Slower to produce water, uses more water, and needs more space under the sink.
Fridge filter
Connects to the fridge's water and ice dispenser. Often added at the same time as an under-sink filter.
What each one removes
- Chlorine taste and smell: carbon under-sink, whole-house and reverse osmosis filters all reduce it.
- Sediment and rust: sediment cartridges in under-sink and whole-house systems trap it.
- Fluoride: standard carbon filters don't remove it; reverse osmosis does.
- Bacteria: Sydney's water is already disinfected. Some systems add a UV stage if you want extra protection.
Looking after your filter
- Change cartridges as the manufacturer recommends, usually every 6 to 12 months. An old cartridge stops working and can harbour bacteria.
- If flow from the filter tap slows right down, the cartridge is probably blocked.
- Put a reminder in your phone, or ask us to remind you when it's due.
Why a licensed plumber?
Connecting a filter to your water supply is plumbing work. A licensed plumber makes sure it's fitted with the right valves, doesn't leak under the sink and doesn't affect your water pressure.
Older southern Eastern Suburbs homes
Many homes in Matraville, Maroubra, Malabar and Botany still have some galvanised pipe, which rusts inside and can discolour the water. A sediment filter helps, but if the water is rusty it's worth checking the pipes too. See our water pressure guide.
Why locals call us for water filters
- Based in Matraville, close to every southern Eastern Suburbs home
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- We install all the main types and help you pick the right one
- A fixed price before any work starts
- Lifetime labour warranty on our workmanship
Common questions
Do I need a water filter in Sydney?
Sydney's water is treated to meet national drinking water guidelines, so a filter isn't essential. Most people fit one for better taste, less chlorine smell and to trap sediment from older pipes.
Does a water filter remove fluoride?
Standard carbon filters don't. A reverse osmosis system does.
How often should I change my water filter?
Usually every 6 to 12 months, depending on the filter and how much water you use. Follow the manufacturer's guide.
Under-sink or whole-house filter?
Under-sink is best if you mainly want better drinking and cooking water. Whole-house suits you if you want filtered water at every tap and shower.
Thinking about a filter? See our water filter and tap and toilet services, or your local page: Matraville, Maroubra, Malabar, Pagewood, Eastgardens, Botany and Little Bay. More plumbing guides.