Melbourne’s drinking water comes from protected catchments and undergoes filtration and chlorination before entering the supply network. Chlorine keeps the water safe during distribution through kilometres of pipes. Some households notice a chemical taste or odour because of this treatment process.
Older pipe infrastructure in certain Melbourne suburbs can also release small sediment particles into household plumbing lines. While the water remains safe, these factors often lead homeowners to install filtration systems for taste and clarity.
Common reasons households install filtration systems include:
A filtration system connects directly to the plumbing network so water passes through filters before reaching taps or appliances. The installation process involves assessing water conditions, selecting the correct system and integrating the equipment safely into existing pipework. Licensed plumbers carry out this work to maintain pressure stability and plumbing compliance.
Every home has slightly different water characteristics and usage patterns. Factors such as pipe age, household size and water consumption influence which filtration system is appropriate.
Important considerations include:
Whole-home filtration treats water entering the entire property, while under sink systems filter drinking water at a single tap. The best option depends on how much water you want filtered and where you use it most.
Most installations take between one and three hours. The time required depends on the system type and the accessibility of the plumbing connections.
Sediment and carbon filters usually require replacement every six to twelve months. Reverse osmosis membranes typically last two to three years depending on water usage.
Activated carbon filters absorb chlorine compounds that create chemical taste and odour in tap water. This often improves the flavour of drinking water.
Licensed plumbers can install customer-supplied filtration systems if they are compatible with the plumbing layout and meet Australian installation standards.
Clean drinking water begins with correct installation. A licensed plumber connects filtration systems safely to existing pipework and confirms the system operates correctly.
Prime Plumbing installs water filtration systems across Melbourne homes, apartments and commercial properties. If you are considering filtration for your property, our team can assess your plumbing layout and recommend the most suitable system for your needs.
Yes for any under-sink filter, whole-of-house filter, or any filter that taps into the cold-water main. Bench-top filters that connect via the existing tap aren't licensed work because they don't alter the plumbing. We quote both options at scoping.
We install under-sink carbon filters, sediment + carbon two-stage units, reverse osmosis (RO) systems, and whole-of-house filters at the main inlet. The right choice depends on what you're filtering for — taste, sediment, hardness, or specific contaminants. We usually recommend a water test before quoting an RO system because RO is overkill for most Melbourne mains supply.
Most carbon and sediment cartridges last 6–12 months depending on water quality and household usage. RO membranes typically last 2–3 years. We can leave you the manufacturer's schedule and supply replacement cartridges, or you can buy direct — there's no lock-in either way.
Yes — any work that alters the cold-water supply ends with a BPC Compliance Certificate. The certificate documents the connection point, isolation valves and the date the filter was installed for warranty purposes.