The 4 Types of Water Filter Systems and How They Work

Clean, safe drinking water is essential for everyday health, but choosing between the different types of water filter systems can be confusing. Australian homes vary widely in water quality, space and usage needs, which is why no single filtration system suits everyone.

Micron Water Filters provides a complete range of professional-grade solutions designed for Australian conditions. Understanding how the main types of water filter systems work makes it easier to select the right option for your home, lifestyle or installation requirements.

This guide explains the four most common types of water filter systems, how each one works, and when each system is best used.

Quick summary

The four main types of water filter systems used in Australian homes are undersink water filter systems, inline water filter systems, reverse osmosis systems and whole house water filters. Each type of water filter system works differently and is designed for specific water quality issues, installation locations and household needs.

The four main types of water filter systems 

1. Undersink water filter systems

Undersink water filters are one of the most popular types of water filter systems for kitchens. They’re installed discreetly beneath the sink and connect directly to the cold-water line, delivering filtered water straight to your tap.

Hidden neatly out of sight, these systems keep benchtops clear while providing consistent, reliable filtration. Many undersink options use multi-stage filtration to reduce sediment, chlorine, heavy metals and unpleasant tastes or odours.

Benefits

• Fresh, great-tasting water on demand – reduces chlorine, sediment and common contaminants

• Compact and discreet – ideal for apartments, small kitchens and minimalist spaces

• Low-maintenance – simple cartridge changes keep the system running smoothly

• Cost-effective – reduces reliance on bottled water and cuts down on plastic waste

Who is this system ideal for? 

Undersink systems suit households that want filtered drinking and cooking water without using bench space. They’re a great choice for apartments, family homes, renovations and new builds where convenience, performance and a tidy kitchen are priorities.

2. Inline water filter systems

Inline filter systems connect directly to the cold-water line and supply filtered water to a single outlet. Common applications include fridges, coffee machines, ice-makers or a dedicated tap.

Compact and unobtrusive, inline filters fit neatly into existing pipework and are a great option when a full under-sink system isn’t required.

Benefits

• Targeted filtration – supplies clean water directly to specific appliances or taps
  

• Easy installation – works with existing plumbing and suits tight spaces
  

• Simple maintenance – quick-change cartridges make replacements fast
  

• Discreet design – fits neatly behind appliances or inside cabinetry

Who is this system ideal for?

Inline filters are ideal for renters, smaller kitchens or homes needing filtration at a specific outlet. They’re also well suited to appliance protection, such as fridges, coffee machines and ice-makers, where clean water helps improve performance and longevity.

3. Reverse osmosis systems

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are advanced types of water filter systems that use multi-stage filtration to remove dissolved solids, chemicals and heavy metals. These systems are usually installed under the sink and include a dedicated tap for purified drinking water.

Benefits

• Ultra-pure water: Removes impurities that standard filters may miss.
  

• Better taste for drinking and cooking: Ideal for families who prioritise water quality.
  

• Optional remineralisation: Improves flavour while retaining essential minerals.
  

• Great for sensitive uses: Aquariums, coffee or households with infants.

Who is this system ideal for?

Reverse osmosis systems are best suited to households that prioritise the highest level of water purity. They’re ideal for families concerned about water quality, coffee enthusiasts, aquariums, or homes where ultra-clean drinking water is essential.

4. Whole house water filters

Whole house water filter systems treat all the water entering your home. Installed at the main water supply, they ensure cleaner water flows to every tap, shower and appliance.

Benefits

• Whole-home protection – reduces sediment, chlorine and common impurities throughout the house
  

• Protects plumbing and appliances – helps minimise scale, staining and buildup
  

• Convenient all-in-one solution – no need for separate filters at each outlet
  

• Long-lasting performance – high-capacity cartridges mean fewer replacements

Who is this system ideal for?

Whole house water filters are ideal for families, larger households or properties with higher water usage. They’re a great option for those wanting consistent water quality across every room, from bathrooms and laundries to kitchens and outdoor taps.

How to choose the right water filter system 

When comparing the different types of water filter systems, focus on three key factors:

• Your water needs – do you want filtered water at one tap, for specific appliances, or throughout your entire home?
  

• Water quality – testing your water helps identify chlorine, sediment, heavy metals or taste issues
  

• Installation requirements – consider space, plumbing access, and whether the system needs to be renter-friendly

Why choose Micron Water Filters?

Micron Water Filters is trusted by homeowners and plumbers across Australia for water filtration systems that deliver reliable, long-term performance.

• Designed for Australian conditions – built to handle everyday water supplies
  

• Comprehensive product range – inline, undersink, reverse osmosis and whole house systems
  

• Complete kits – everything needed for installation in one package
  

• Long-life filtration – high-capacity cartridges reduce maintenance
  

• Local support – backed by warranties, technical advice and ongoing assistance

Get started with Micron and find your local stockist

Choosing between the different types of water filter systems doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right advice and a trusted brand, clean, great-tasting water is easy to achieve.

Explore the Micron range and visit your local stockist to find the water filter system that best suits your home, water quality and lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions about water filter systems

Q. What are the main types of water filter systems?

- The four main types of water filter systems are undersink water filter systems, inline water filter systems, reverse osmosis systems and whole house water filters. Each type is designed for different filtration needs and installation points within the home.

Q. How do different types of water filter systems work?

- Different types of water filter systems work by filtering water at different points. Undersink systems filter water at a single tap, inline systems filter water to a specific appliance, reverse osmosis systems use a membrane to remove dissolved contaminants, and whole house systems filter water at the main supply before it enters the home.

Q. Which type of water filter system is best for drinking water?

- The best type of water filter system for drinking water depends on your water quality. Undersink systems suit everyday drinking and cooking, while reverse osmosis systems are ideal when ultra-pure drinking water is required.

Q. Are whole house water filters better than point-of-use systems?

- The best type of water filter system for drinking water depends on your water quality. Undersink systems suit everyday drinking and cooking, while reverse osmosis systems are ideal when ultra-pure drinking water is required.

Q. How do I choose between the different types of water filter systems?

- Choosing between the different types of water filter systems depends on your water quality, how much filtered water you need, where filtration is required, and how much installation space is available.