How Much Does a Complete Home Filtration System Cost in Western Australia?

If you live in Perth, you know the routine: the "swimming pool" smell when you turn on the morning shower, the white crust forming on your kettle, and the constant battle to keep your shower screens clear of cloudy residue. While Western Australia’s water supply is rigorously tested and safe to drink, the aesthetic reality—driven by hard groundwater and heavy chlorination—leaves many homeowners searching for a better solution.

But when you start Googling "whole house water filter Perth," the price variance is staggering. You might see a DIY kit for $500 online and then receive a quote for $6,000 from a door-to-door salesperson.

So, what is the real cost of a complete home filtration system in WA? This guide breaks down the hardware, installation, and hidden costs to help you budget for the right setup in 2025.

What to Expect

For a fully installed whole-house system in the Perth metropolitan area, you should budget within these three brackets:

• Entry-Level (Taste & Odour Only): $900 – $1,500.

  • Best for: Removing chlorine taste and smell.

• Mid-Range (Scale Reduction & Chemicals): $1,600 – $2,800.

  • Best for: Better tasting water and moderate protection for appliances.

• Premium (Hybrid Softener Systems): $3,500 – $5,500+.

  • Best for: Total removal of limescale, luxury soft water feel, and complete chemical filtration.

Tier 1: The "Taste & Odour" Setup (Twin Systems)

Estimated Cost: $900 – $1,500 (Installed)

This is the most common entry point for Perth families. These systems typically utilize two "Big Blue" (20-inch x 4.5-inch) housings mounted on a bracket.

• Stage 1 (Sediment): Captures rust, sand, and dirt from the aging pipe network.  

• Stage 2 (Carbon Block): Removes chlorine, bad tastes, and odours.  

The Hardware Cost: You can purchase reputable twin-housing kits (e.g., Puretec or generic assembled kits) for approximately $500 to $900 depending on the quality of the bracket (stainless steel vs. powder-coated) and the cartridges included.  

The Installation Cost: In Western Australia, plumbing is a licensed trade. Expect to pay a licensed plumber between $400 and $600 for a standard installation near the water meter, provided there is easy access to copper pipes.  

Verdict: This setup is excellent for fixing the taste of Perth water. However, it will not stop limescale. The dissolved calcium minerals pass right through carbon filters, meaning your shower screens will still get cloudy.  

Tier 2: Mid-Range & "Salt-Free" Systems

Estimated Cost: $1,600 – $2,800 (Installed)

To address Perth's hard water without the maintenance of salt, many homeowners step up to triple-stage systems or units containing "scale inhibition" media (often called TAC or nucleation).

• Configuration: Usually a triple housing setup (Sediment + Carbon + Aragon/Scale Media).

• The Promise: These systems claim to crystallize calcium so it doesn't stick to pipes, theoretically protecting your hot water system without removing the healthy minerals.  

The Reality Check: While these systems are popular, reviews indicate they are "conditioners" rather than true softeners. They reduce scale buildup inside pipes, but if water evaporates on a surface (like your glass shower screen), it will still leave a white residue.

Cost Breakdown:

• Hardware: $1,000 – $1,600.

• Installation: $500 – $800. These units are larger and may require more complex pipework.

Tier 3: The Premium "Perth Hybrid" (Filter + Softener)

Estimated Cost: $3,500 – $5,500+ (Installed)

If you live in northern suburbs like Yanchep, Alkimos, or Joondalup where water hardness can exceed 180 mg/L, a salt-free filter often isn't enough. The premium solution is a "Hybrid" architecture: a carbon filtration tank for chemicals, followed by a dedicated Ion Exchange Water Softener for minerals.  

Why the price jump? You are essentially buying two separate machines.

1. The Filter: Removes the chlorine that damages your skin.

2. The Softener: Physically removes calcium using resin beads and salt.  

Proprietary vs. Assembled:

• Assembled Systems: You can buy a separate softener and carbon filter for around $3,000 – $3,800 installed. This often looks a bit "industrial" with exposed tanks and pipes.  

• All-in-One Units: Brands like Complete Home Filtration offer sleek, enclosed units that protect the tanks from the harsh WA sun. These systems look better on the side of a modern home but come with a premium price tag, often quoted between $4,000 and $6,000 depending on the specific model and sales package.

Verdict: This is the only guaranteed way to get "hotel quality" soft water that lathers instantly and eliminates scrubbing shower screens.

Whole House Water Filtration System Cost in Western Australia

Note: Installation costs vary based on site access, pipe material (copper vs. PEX), and the need for power outlets (for softeners).

Economic Analysis: Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Investing in whole-house filtration is a capital improvement to the property. The economic analysis must weigh the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operational Expenditure (OPEX) against the "Cost of Inaction" (damage to infrastructure).

Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Estimates (2025 Market Rates)

Table 1: Installed Cost Scenarios for Perth Residential Market

System Tier	Configuration	Hardware Cost (AUD)	Install Cost (AUD)	Total CAPEX (AUD)
Basic	Twin 20" Housing (Sediment + Carbon)	$500 - $900	$400 - $600	$900 - $1,500
Mid-Range	Triple 20" Housing (Sediment + Carbon + Aragon/Scale)	$1,000 - $1,600	$500 - $800	$1,500 - $2,400
Premium Hybrid	Carbon Tank + Dedicated Softener (Separate Units)	$2,500 - $3,500	$800 - $1,200	$3,300 - $4,700
All-in-One	Proprietary Enclosed System (e.g., Complete Home Filtration)	$3,500 - $5,000	Included/Fixed	$3,500 - $5,000

The Hidden Costs of Installation in WA

When budgeting, do not look at the sticker price of the filter alone. Western Australia has some of the strictest plumbing regulations in the country, and "DIY" is largely illegal for mains water connections.

1. The "Licensed Plumber" Requirement

Under the Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards Regulations 2000, it is an offence for an unlicensed person to carry out water supply plumbing work. This includes cutting into your main water line to install a filter.

• Hourly Rates: Perth plumbers typically charge between $80 and $140 per hour.

• Penalty: The fine for illegal DIY plumbing can be up to $5,000.

2. Site Challenges (The "Old House" Tax)

If you live in an older suburb (e.g., Freo, Vic Park) with galvanized iron pipes, a plumber cannot simply cut and join the filter. They may need to replace a section of the old piping with copper or PEX to ensure a seal. This can add $200 - $500 to the install cost.

3. Concrete & Pavers

Most filters are installed near the water meter. If your meter is surrounded by a concrete driveway or paved path, the plumber will need to cut concrete or lift and relay pavers to run the pipes to the filter location.

• Estimated Cost: Additional $150 - $300 for labour and materials.

4. Outdoor Protection

Perth’s UV index destroys plastic. If you buy a standard "blue sump" filter and install it in direct sunlight, it will become brittle and eventually burst, potentially flooding your property.

• The Fix: You must install a metal cover or housing.

• Cost: A stainless steel or aluminium cover typically costs $150 - $350.

Running Costs: The OPEX

Buying the system is just the beginning. You must factor in the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

1. Filter Cartridges (Annual) For a standard family of four, sediment and carbon cartridges need replacing every 6 to 12 months.

• Standard Twin/Triple: $150 – $250 per year.

• Proprietary Systems: Some "all-in-one" brands use custom cartridge sizes that you cannot buy at Bunnings. These can cost $300+ per year and lock you into a single supplier.

2. Salt (For Softeners Only) If you opt for the Premium Ion Exchange system, you will need to top up the brine tank with salt bags.

• Cost: Approximately $15 – $20 per 25kg bag.

• Usage: 6–10 bags per year (~$150/year).  

3. Water Waste Backwashing carbon tanks and regenerating water softeners use water. In a drying climate, this is a consideration. A softener may use 100L–150L per regeneration cycle (roughly once a week).

Renters: What Are Your Options?

If you are renting in Perth, you generally cannot install a whole-house system because it requires altering the property's plumbing. However, you are not stuck with bad water.

1. Benchtop Filters: These connect to your kitchen tap aerator and sit on the counter. They are excellent for drinking water and cost $150 - $300.  

2. Shower Filters: These screw between the shower arm and the showerhead. They use KDF media to reduce chlorine and help with eczema/skin irritation.

   • Cost: $50 - $100.  

   • Installation: DIY-friendly and legal (no plumbing required).

Is It Worth It?

A whole-house filtration system is a significant investment, ranging from $1,500 for a basic setup to over $5,000 for a premium softener package.

If your primary concern is health (removing chlorine) and taste, a Twin Big Blue system (~$1,200 installed) offers the best ROI. However, if you are battling the financial drain of scaling appliances and want to protect a new home build from Perth's hard water, a Hybrid Softener system (~$4,000 installed) is an infrastructure investment that pays you back by extending the life of your hot water system, dishwasher, and washing machine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I install a whole house water filter myself in Perth? 

No, it is illegal to perform water supply plumbing work in Western Australia without a licence. While you can change filter cartridges yourself, the initial installation involves cutting into the mains water supply. Unlicensed work can attract fines of up to $5,000 and may void your home insurance if a leak causes damage.

2. Does a water filter remove fluoride from the whole house? 

Generally, no. Standard carbon and sediment whole-house filters do not effectively remove fluoride. To remove fluoride, you typically need Reverse Osmosis (RO) or activated alumina. Whole-house RO systems are incredibly expensive and wasteful (wastewater), so most people install a specific RO unit under the kitchen sink for drinking water only.

3. What is the difference between a water softener and a water filter? 

A water filter (carbon/sediment) removes physical dirt and chemical contaminants like chlorine and VOCs, improving taste and safety. A water softener (ion exchange) removes dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium to prevent limescale. Standard filters do not soften water, and softeners do not filter out chemicals. For Perth water, a hybrid system doing both is ideal.  

4. Are there any government rebates for water filters in WA? 

Currently, there are no Water Corporation or WA Government rebates available for the purchase of water filtration systems. The "Waterwise" rebates generally apply to irrigation controllers, rainwater tanks, and water-efficient appliances like washing machines or dual-flush toilets, not filtration units.

5. How often do I need to change the filters? 

For a standard 20-inch whole-house system used by a family of four, the sediment pre-filter usually needs changing every 6–9 months, and the carbon block filters every 12 months. If you notice a drop in water pressure or the return of chlorine taste, it is time to change them sooner.