Comparison
| Whole-house | Under-sink | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Every outlet in the home | One outlet, usually the kitchen |
| Typical purpose | Sediment, chlorine taste and odour | Drinking and cooking water quality |
| Install location | At the incoming water main | Inside the sink cabinet |
| Space needed | External wall space and access | Cabinet space and isolation point |
| Servicing | Cartridge changes at the main | Cartridge changes under the sink |
| Suits apartments? | Rarely — shared main | Usually yes |
When whole-house filtration makes sense
- You want chlorine taste and odour reduced in showers as well as at the tap
- The property draws sediment from its supply
- You want a single service point rather than several
- There is suitable, accessible space near the incoming main
When under-sink is the better fit
- The concern is drinking water taste rather than whole-home water
- You live in an apartment or townhouse with a shared main
- You want finer filtration than is practical at whole-home flow rates
- Budget and installation simplicity matter
What to check before buying anything
Ask which contaminants the specific product is independently certified to reduce, and to which standard. Marketing claims and certified performance are not the same thing. Also ask what the cartridges cost and how often they need replacing, because that is the ongoing figure.
Water filtration is about taste, odour and sediment preferences for most Perth households on scheme water. Treat any health claim with caution unless it is backed by product certification.