Your final bill depends on a few key factors: system type, water quality, and your home’s plumbing layout. A basic sediment and carbon filter system—the “starter pack”—runs around $1,200 to $2,500 installed. It tackles chlorine, dirt, and funky odors, making your water noticeably smoother.
For the heavy lifters, like reverse osmosis or salt-based softeners paired with filtration, expect $3,000 to $5,500. These handle hard water, heavy metals, and even PFAS (the “forever chemicals” everyone’s talking about). It’s the difference between a clean glass and a laboratory-grade sip.
Pro tip: Always get a water test first. Most companies offer a free in-home test, and it’ll save you from buying a system that’s overkill—or worse, underpowered. Think of it like a blood test for your taps.