What's In This Article
Water filters are essential for keeping our water clean and safe from harmful bacteria and viruses.
They remove impurities such as chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, and other contaminants from tap water.
Inline water filters are designed to fit directly into the faucet, eliminating the need for additional equipment or plumbing.
As a concept, inline water filters are growing in popularity. Plumbing an inline water filter means you can do away with Brita Water Filters and have clean drinking water straight from your faucet.
As they’re relatively new, some inline water filter’s claim to be able to do some interesting things, teeth whitening being one of them.
We’ve designed this best of guide to cut through all the nonsense and focus on legitimate inline water filters.
There are two main types of inline water filters: gravity-fed and pressure-driven. Gravity-fed filters rely on the force of gravity to move water through the filter media.
Pressure-driven filters require a pump to push water through the filter media at high speeds.
Both types of filters are effective at removing contaminants from water, but they each have their advantages and disadvantages.
We’ve included an in depth discussion of gravity-fed and pressure-driven water filters further down this guide.
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the best inline water filters on the market. We’ll also be discussing the different compositions of water filters, so you can make the best choice for the water in your area.
So if you’ve looking to invest in an inline water filter, read on and see which ones we’d recommend!
Omnipure K2533-JJ Inline Water Filter
First in our list we have the Omnipure Inline Water Filter. The biggest selling point we found with this filter is the price point,
being one of the best value options on the market. This makes it a steal for those of us on a tighter budget.
Installing the Omnipure was an absolute breeze, and it can even be completed without the need for any tools!
When it’s installed, it does exactly as you’d expect, filtering impurities and even chlorine out of your water, which translates to safer and better tasting water.
Once you turn the faucet on, it takes less than a minute to flow crystal clear.
No matter what we threw at this inline water filter, it never sprung a leak, which we feel is pretty impressive considering its price.
The main drawback of the Omnipure is its capacity. If you’re a single occupant or have a very small family,
this filter might be OK, but as it only has a 1,500 gallon (approx) capacity, regular or heavy use will mean you’ll need to replace it more often.
If you’re fortunate enough to be able to spend a bit more on an inline water filter, we’ve included some in this guide which are slightly more expensive but have a greater capacity.
Pros
- Very reasonably priced
- Leak-proof
- Easy installation
Cons
- Not suitable for large families or heavy use due to small capacity
Watts Inline Water Filter (43099140)
Considered by many to be one of the best inline water filters on the market right now, Watts inline water filter does live up to the hype.
The first thing to mention concerning the Watts filter is its incredible capacity. At just over 20,000 gallons of water,
it’ll be some time before you’ll need to replace this filter. This makes it very suitable for larger households or heavy use.
Following closely from its eye watering capacity is this filter’s versatility. You can literally plumb it in anywhere you need it, kitchen, bathroom, RV, fridge, you name it.
As long as your pipes are the standard 1/4 inch, you’re free to put this anywhere.
Much like the Omnipure, Watts Inline Water Filter is incredibly easy to install. Even if you have minimal knowledge of plumbing,
you should be able to install this filter without the need for professional help, as the included instruction manual is simple and easy to follow.
The Watts Inline Water Filter’s purification ability is also second to none. We couldn’t get over how much this filter improved the water quality, from removing impurities to eliminating foul odors, it does it all.
The only drawback with the Watts Inline Water Filter is that it is only really compatible with 1/4 inch pipes.
There are third party diameter conversion kits which could make this fit 3/8 inch pipes, but that is a lot of hassle and could cause leaking.
Pros
- Incredible capacity
- Simple installation
- Impressive changes in water quality
Cons
- Only suitable for 1/4 inch pipes
Camco TastePURE 40045 Inline RV Filter
Camco’s TastePure 40045 Inline RV filter is another great choice for those looking for an inline water filter for their RV.
This filter comes complete with everything you need to start drinking safe, clean water straight out of your tap.
The TastePure 40045 Inline RV filter includes a pre-filter, carbon block, activated carbon pad, two replacement cartridges, and a stainless steel strainer basket.
As well as being perfect for RVs, this filter is ideal for camping too. Its compact size means you won’t
need to worry about taking it along when you go away – simply hook it up to your existing faucet, and you’re ready to drink.
Unlike the other filters listed in this guide, the Camco 40045 technically speaking isn’t classed as an inline water filter.
A more accurate term for describing this water filter would be end-of-the-line water filters.
Owing to the fact that these filters screw into the open end of your faucet and filter the water as it comes through.
As we’ve mentioned, the Camco 40045 is very compact, which makes it portable and suitable for use on public faucets at places like camping grounds or beaches.
The only downside we felt worth mentioning regarding this filter is how little it does to change the taste of the water passing through it.
Whilst it has excellent capacity and portability, we felt that the water’s quality wasn’t changed much by the Camco 40045.
It’s also nowhere near powerful enough to handle large amounts of sediment or hard water.
Pros
- Two for the price of one
- Very portable
Cons
- Doesn’t really affect water taste
- Can’t handle sediment
- Will only work on fully functioning water systems
3M Aqua-Pure Inline Water Filter System
If you’re looking for a high performance inline water filter, then the 3M Aqua-Pure system might just be what you’re after.
This is because it offers incredible filtration power, while still being extremely easy to install.
The 3M Aqua-Pure inline water filter features a replaceable cartridge that can last for years, thanks to its advanced technology.
It uses a special resin that removes chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and even pharmaceuticals from your water.
The 3M Aqua-Pure also boasts some impressive benefits over other inline water filters such as the ease of installation and maintenance.
As well as being incredibly simple to set up, the 3M Aqua-pure can be easily removed and replaced without any tools required.
The 3M Aqua Pure inline water filter is also designed to make sure that all harmful contaminants are filtered out before they reach your tap.
To do this, it employs a microfiltration membrane that prevents particles larger than 0.1 microns from getting past it.
This ensures that your drinking water is free of bacteria, viruses, lead, mercury, arsenic, nitrates, radon, and many other harmful substances.
Because of this, the 3M Aqua Pure inline filter is recommended for people who live in areas where there is a risk of contamination.
This filter is great for campers, but it’s not particularly suited to RVs. It’s best used in small homes or apartments.
The reason for this is that it’s quite bulky and will take up a lot of space. If you have a RV, then we recommend using something else instead.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Easy to maintain
- Removes 99% of harmful contaminants
- Filters out most contaminants
Cons
- Bulky
- Not ideal for RVs
- Only works with fully functional water systems
Woder WD-10K JG High Capacity Inline Water Filter
We were impressed by the Woder WD-10k JG inline water filter when we first tested it, mainly due to its ability to remove almost all the harmful contaminants found in our test water.
We were also surprised by how quickly it did so, which was an added bonus.
The Woder WD-10 KJG inline water filter is made from durable materials, making it very long-lasting.
It uses a combination of activated carbon and ion exchange resins to ensure that harmful contaminant are removed from your home or office water supply.
It comes with everything you need to get started, including a full instructions manual, replacement cartridges, and a storage bag.
That means that you’ll never have to worry about running out of supplies again.
The Woder WD 10 KJG inline water filters has a capacity of 10,000 gallons, meaning that it should be able to provide enough clean drinking water for a family of four.
However, if you have a large household, then you may want to consider purchasing two or more units to avoid having to buy too much at once.
If you’re looking for a high quality inline water filter, then the Woder WD 10 K JG inline water filter is one of the best options available today.
It’s easy to use, highly effective, and comes with everything that you need to get started.
Pros
- Highly effective
- Easy to use
- Long lasting
- Includes everything you need
Cons
- Bulky
- Not suitable for RVs
Filtrete Advanced Inline Water Filter System
Filtrete advanced inline water filtration system is a top-rated product on Amazon.
This product is extremely popular because it offers excellent performance, exceptional value, and outstanding customer service.
The Filtrete advanced inline water filter is designed to remove chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, and even some pesticides and herbicides.
It does this through the use of granular activated charcoal, which removes these contaminants from your water.
In addition to removing chlorine, fluoride, heavy metal, and pesticide contaminants, the Filtrete advanced inline filter can also remove some organic compounds such as ethyl benzene, xylene, and toluene.
These chemicals are often present in gasoline and diesel fuel. They can also be found in paint thinner, nail polish remover, and other common cleaning products.
This particular model of the Filtrete advanced line filter is capable of filtering out over 100 different types of contaminants.
You don’t have to worry about buying any additional equipment or accessories.
The Filtrete advanced inline filtration system includes everything that you need to start using it right away.
This product is backed by a 2-year warranty and free lifetime technical support.
If you ever experience problems with the Filtrete advanced water filtration system, simply contact their customer care team who will be happy to assist you.
We recommend the Filtrete advanced online water filtration system because it provides great value for money,
while still offering incredible performance. It’s an affordable option that won’t disappoint.
Pros
- Highly effective
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting cartridges
- Includes everything you need
Cons
- Not suitable for RV’s
Culligan RV-800 Inline Filter
If you’re looking to buy a water filter for your RV, then we highly recommend the Culligan RV-800. We feel that this is the best inline water filter available for RV owners.
Why?
Well, firstly, it’s made specifically for use in an RV.
Secondly, it comes with everything you need to get started straight away.
Thirdly, it’s very affordable.
And finally, it provides exceptional filtering power.
The Culligan RV-800 inline water filter is perfect for those who want to enjoy clean, healthy water in their RV.
You’ll find that it removes almost every type of contaminant, including: chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides, radon, and more.
It’s important to note that this isn’t a replacement for your home water filter. Instead, it should be used alongside it.
This way, you can ensure that your RV gets the highest quality water possible.
The Culligan RV 800 inline water filter has been specially designed to work in conjunction with your existing water system.
So, if you already have one, you won’t need to purchase anything extra.
As well as being incredibly easy to use, the Culligan RV 800 inline filter is also extremely reliable.
Thanks to its powerful filtration process, it lasts for years on end. This means that you don’t have to worry about replacing it often.
Another advantage of the Culligan RV 800 is that it’s compatible with both hard and soft water.So, whether you’re living in a city or a rural area, you shouldn’t have any problems finding a suitable place to put it.
Pros
- Able to reduce hardness of water
- Very portable
- Can increase water pressure
Cons
- Can be susceptible to leaks
EZ-FLO 60461-N Inline Water Filter
The EZ-FLO water filter is available in two designs, “Taste and Odor” which removes pollutants which makes the water smell and taste bad,
or “Taste, Odor, and Scale” which as you might expect also removes sediment to improve water hardness.
This is probably one of the cheapest inline water filters on the market, even if you spend a little extra on the “Taste, Odor, and Scale” version.
Whilst there are some good selling points to the EZ-FLO, like its longevity, there are some reasons why the price point on it is so low.
The main gripe we have with it is that more often than not, the water filter ships without some critical components.
This basically means that you might end up spending extra on these important fixtures.
Another thing that lets the EZ-FLO down is that whilst it is good at removing odors and bad tastes, it actually added a sulfur tinge to the water we tested with it.
Pros
- Great lifespan
- Cheap
- Decent filtration for most contaminants
Cons
- Ships with critical fixtures missing
- Adds sulfurous taste
Aqua Crest RV Inline Water Filtration Kit
Aqua Crest offers an excellent range of RV inline water filters. They offer three different types of inline water filter systems.
The first is called the RV-300, which is a basic model. It will remove all contaminants from your RV water except for iron.
The second is the RV-400, which is slightly better than the RV-300. It will remove all but iron and manganese.
Finally, the RV-500 is the top of the line model. It will remove everything but lead.
This kit comes with everything you need to get started straight away. You’ll find the filter itself, instructions, and all the fittings. There’s no need to buy additional parts.
Whilst the Aqua Crest RV Water Filter is designed to be used externally, in gardens, RV’s, boats, and camping, it works just as well under your kitchen sink at home.
The main selling point we loved about this inline filter system is Aqua Crest’s patented multi step filtration system.
The first step in the filtration process uses kinetic filtration which removes heavy contaminants.
The second involves using active carbon which kills bacteria and removes small particles.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Multi-stage filtration system
- Produces good tasting water
Cons
- Known to leak after a few months
Culligan IC Inline Icemaker And Refrigerator Filtration System
If you’re looking for an inline ice maker and refrigerator filtration system, then you should look no further than the Culligan IC Inline ice maker and refrigerator filtration system.
Whilst this strictly isn’t an inline water filter in the same sense as the other entries on this list, we felt that it deserved a place on our list.
It’s designed to be installed inline just before your ice maker or refrigerator in order to give you fresh filtered water for these appliances.
In terms of capacity, the Culligan IC Water Filter can handle around 3,000 gallons in its lifecycle.
However, the cartridge inside the unit will need to be replaced every 500 gallons. We feel that both of these figures are quite impressive considering the water filter’s application.
As we mentioned, the cartridge will need to be replaced. This is easily done thanks to the EZ-Change mechanism. This mechanism is a twist on/twist off design.
Pros
- Capable of different levels of filtration which means it’ll be suitable for a variety of needs.
- Filter system is NSF/ANSI Standard
Cons
- Lifespan could be considered short
- Cartridges need to be replaced often
Different Types Of Water Filters
Now that we’ve covered our top picks for the best inline water filters, we’ll move on to the different types of water filters and water filter compositions.
We’ve also included a handy buyer’s guide if you’re struggling to work out what kind of filtering system you need for your home.
Gravity-Fed Filters
The most common type of inline water filter is the gravity-fed filter. These filters use a filter cartridge that sits in an open container called a reservoir.
The reservoir holds enough water to fill the filter cartridge. As water flows through the filter cartridge, it removes impurities from the water.
When the filter cartridge becomes full, you simply replace it with a new one.
Now, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this type of filter.
Advantages Of Gravity-Fed Filters
Easy To Install — Most gravity-fed filters can be installed by anyone who has basic plumbing skills.
Low Maintenance — You don’t need to worry about replacing the filter cartridge every month. Instead, just refill the reservoir when necessary.
Simple Design — A gravity-fed filter doesn’t require any electricity or moving parts. It’s also easy to clean.
Disadvantages Of Gravity-Fed Filtration
Not Suitable For All Applications — If your home uses hard water (water containing minerals like calcium and magnesium), then a gravity-fed filter may not provide sufficient filtration.
Not Recommended For Large Households — Because these filters only hold a small amount of water, they won’t be able to handle large volumes of water. For example, if you live in a house with three people, you’ll need to buy three separate filters instead of one.
Pressure-Driven Filters
Pressure-driven filters are more powerful than gravity-fed filters because they use a pump to pressurize the water. This allows them to remove larger amounts of contaminants from the water.
So, let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of pressure-driven filters.
Advantages Of Pressure-Driven Filters
High Performance — With a pressure-driven filter, you get better results than with a gravity-fed filter.
Easy To Maintain — Unlike gravity-fed filters, pressure-driven filters do not require regular replacement of the filter cartridges. All you need to do is refill the reservoir when necessary, which makes them easier to keep up to date.
High Quality — Some manufacturers offer lifetime warranties on their products.
Disadvantages Of Pressure-Driven Filtering
Expensive — Compared to gravity-fed filters, price is often the deciding factor when choosing between the two options.
Requires Electricity — To operate, pressure-driven filters require electricity.
Requires Installation Expertise — Some homeowners find installing a pressure-driven filter difficult.
Filter Cartridges
A filter cartridge is what actually does the filtering work inside a water filter. They come in different shapes and sizes depending on how much filtering power you want.
Carbon Filters
These are the most popular type of filter cartridge. Carbon filters contain carbon granules that trap particles suspended in the water.
Advantage Of Carbon Filters
Easy To Install — Many carbon filters can be installed without using tools.
Simple Design — Carbon filters are made from inexpensive materials, so they’re easy to replace.
Disadvantage Of Carbon Filters
Low Capacity — Although carbon filters have high levels of efficiency, they aren’t as effective at removing heavy metals and other contaminants as some other types of filters
Chlorine Resistant Filters
Some chlorine resistant filters contain activated charcoal, which absorbs harmful chemicals such as chloramine.
Advantage Of Chlorine Resistant Filtering
Removes Chlorine — Chlorine resistant filters will help prevent the buildup of unpleasant tastes and odors caused by excessive exposure to chlorine.
Disadvantage Of Chlorine Resistant Filtration
Limited Capacity — Chlorine resistant filtering systems usually have lower capacities than carbon filters.
Hardness Resistant Filters
Many hardness resistant filters contain zeolite, which binds to dissolved solids like calcium and magnesium.
Advantage Of Hardness Resistant Filtering
Zeolite removes dissolved minerals from drinking water.
Disadvantages Of Hardness Resistant Filters
May Cause Health Problems — Zeolite has been linked to health issues including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headaches, skin rashes, and breathing difficulties.
Granular Activated Charcoal Filters
Activated charcoal is used in these filters to absorb contaminants like lead, mercury, pesticides, herbicides, and industrial pollutants.
Advantages Of Granular Activated Charcoal
Absorbs Contaminants — Activated charcoal can remove many common household toxins, including lead, arsenic, cadmium, and pesticides.
Disadvantages Of Granular Activated Charcoal
Not Recommended For Use With Hard Water — The effectiveness of this type of filter decreases if your water contains too much hardness.
Porous Media Filters
These filters contain small pieces of porous material that allow water to pass through while trapping debris and contaminants.
Advantages Of Porous Media Filters
High Capacity — These filters have higher capacities than most other types of filters. This means they’ll remove more impurities from your water.
Disadvantage Of Porous Media Filters
Expensive — Most porous media filters cost significantly more than other types of filters. You may need to purchase several of them over time to cover all your needs.
What’s The Best Type Of Filter?
The best type of filter depends on what you want to do with it. If you want to keep your water safe and clean, then a carbon filter is probably the best choice for you.
Carbon filtration works well because it removes chlorine and other contaminants before they get into your home.
It also helps reduce the amount of sediment that builds up in your pipes. However, carbon filters don’t remove heavy metals or other contaminants very effectively.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to improve the quality of your water, then a granular activated charcoal filter might be right for you.
They are easy to install and remove unwanted contaminants from your water.
But if you live in an area where there’s lots of pollution in your tap water, then a porous media filter might be better suited to your needs.
These filters work by allowing water to flow through them but trapping particles and contaminants along the way.
Read More: Well Water Smells Like Sulfur Or Eggs
How Do I Know Which One Is Right For Me?
Most people who buy a new water filter will start out using one of the cheaper options. But as their water quality improves, they’ll eventually upgrade to a more expensive model.
You should always check the manufacturer’s instructions when installing any kind of filter.
Follow the directions carefully, so you know how long each filter lasts and whether you need to replace it regularly.
Buyer’s Guide To Water Filtering Options
We’ve gone into great detail regarding the types of water filters and water filter composition, but you might still be wondering which type of water filter is the best option for your needs?
The truth is that Inline Water Filters are just one of a number of solutions. Whilst they’re gaining the most attention from homeowners, they might not be the best option for you.
Below you’ll find a breakdown of each filtration design to help you make the right choice.
Faucet Filter (RV Filter)
Our guide above features a number of RV filters. Whilst these are not technically inline filters, they do have some great advantages.
As you might have gathered, these filters screw directly onto the end of the faucet.
Pros
- Faucet Filters tend to be on the cheaper side
- They’re extremely portable
Cons
- Tend to wear out faster than traditional inline filters
- Usually aren’t as effective at filtering
Inline Water Filters
These have been the main focus of our guide. They’re called inline filters because they’re plumbed directly into your water system, usually just before the faucet.
They’re great if you’re not looking to move the filter around, as once they’re in they can’t easily be removed.
Pros
- Filters all water running through it at a faster rate
Cons
- Tend to be expensive
Countertop Filter System
Countertop filter systems are permanent fixtures installed directly onto your kitchen or bathroom counter. Instead of water coming out of the faucet, it comes out of the countertop filter system.
Pros
- Gives you drinking water without the need for plumbing work
Cons
- Very limited utility and can be expensive
Read More: Water Softener Troubleshooting
Pitcher Filters
The most popular brand of pitcher filters, Brita, are designed to give you a limited supply of fresh drinking water when you need it.
They have built-in filters which allow you to also store the water for later consumption.
Pros
- Very convenient
Cons
- Filter will need to be replaced regularly
House-Wide Filter System
A house-wide filter system is designed to provide filtered water throughout your entire home. This means that you don’t need to install individual filters in every room.
It also means that you don’t have to worry about replacing the filters yourself. The downside is that this does require an investment in time and money.
Pros
- Good choice for off-grid houses
Cons
- Can be very expensive
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Inline Water Filters Reduce Water Pressure?
No. Inline filters don’t reduce pressure. If anything, they increase it by allowing more water to flow through them at a quicker pace.
However, if you want to see a reduction in pressure, you’ll need to invest in a pressure reducing valve.
Will I Need To Clean My Inline Water Filter?
The short answer to this question is that rather than cleaning the inline water filter, it’s highly
recommended that you replace the filter after their capacity has been used up, or they’ve passed their expected lifetime.
What Do Inline Filters Struggle To Remove?
Most inline filters will be able to remove pollutants commonly found in drinking water. Some of the more up market filters can also remove larger sediments.
To class something as a sediment it needs to be over 0.5 microns (this is the smallest type of sediment particle).
There are two types of compounds commonly found in drinking water, this can vary depending on where you live, these are: Organic compounds and Inorganic compounds.
Organic compounds tend to be things like soil and waste products, whereas inorganic compounds are things like lead or mercury elements.
What Happens If I Forget To Change My Inline Water Filter?
The consequences of not changing your inline water filter aren’t as bad as you might think. In fact, it’s quite common for people to forget to change their inline water filter.
This is why most filters have a bypass valve, meaning that even if the filter becomes clogged, your water supply through the filter won’t be compromised.
That being said, older or damaged filters are prone to a build up of harmful bacteria or even parasites. That’s why it’s best to replace the inline filter when the capacity has been spent.
Conclusion
Whilst there’s no single perfect solution, we’d recommend an inline filter for most homes.
They’re semi permanent solutions to water purity problems, and each of the entries on the list above are pretty straightforward to install.
If you do decide to go with an inline filter, make sure that you get one that fits your specific needs.
You should consider what kind of contaminants you expect to find in your water, how much space you have available, and whether you plan to use gravity fed or pressure driven filters.
As we have covered in this guide, there are quite a few different types of inline water filter to choose from.
Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your own specific circumstances. However, in this guide, we have reviewed all the different types to make your job easier.
If you are thinking of getting an inline water filter in the future, why not pin this guide for future reference? That way, you can refer back to it as, and when, you need to.
We hope that this guide helps you choose the right inline water filter for your home – thanks for reading!
