Buying Guide
Whole-Home vs Under-Sink Filter
Filter all water entering the house or just drinking water? Different solutions.
Quick Verdict
Whole-home filter: $1,500-$3,000 installed. Filters all water — drinking, shower, laundry. Extends appliance life. Our Rheem and Halo installs. Under-sink filter: $300-$800 installed. Only filters drinking water tap. Cheaper, simpler. Call (813) 343-2212.
Whole-Home vs Under-Sink
| Factor | Whole-Home | Under-Sink |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | All water in home | One tap only |
| Install cost Tampa | $1,500-$3,000 | $300-$800 |
| Filter replacement | $100-$300/year | $40-$100/year |
| Protects appliances | Yes (dishwasher, washer, water heater) | No |
| Softens water | Some models (Rheem, Halo) | No (separate softener) |
| Removes chlorine | Yes | Yes |
| Shower benefit | Yes | No |
| Best for | Entire home quality | Just drinking water priority |
What We Recommend
Pick whole-home filter if: want clean water for drinking, showering, laundry; protect appliances; handle Tampa chlorine + minerals.
Pick under-sink filter if: only concerned about drinking water; budget-constrained; rental property.
For Tampa, we typically recommend Rheem or Halo whole-home systems — they include softener + filter combo, ~$2,000-$4,500 installed.
FAQ
Both?
Common setup: whole-home softener/filter + reverse osmosis at kitchen sink for purest drinking water.
Whole-home worth it?
In Tampa with 7-10 grains/gal hardness + chlorine + minerals: absolutely. Pays back in appliance lifespan.