Water filter questions, answered

How much does a whole-house water filter cost in Melbourne?

Installed prices published by Melbourne companies run $2,990 to $3,300, and Every Tap installs a three-stage whole-house system for $2,990 including GST, at the bottom of that range.

That figure includes the system, the stainless steel weatherproof cover, the pressure gauges and isolation valves, a full set of cartridges fitted, a licensed plumber and the plumbing compliance certificate. The one competitor publishing a fixed price adds a $250 booking fee on top of its advertised figure, which most published comparisons leave out.

Is Melbourne tap water safe to drink?

Yes. Melbourne's mains supply is safe and lightly treated, and filtration here is about chlorine taste and smell, sediment, and protecting appliances, not about safety.

Nobody needs to filter Melbourne mains water to make it safe. What is actually in Melbourne tap water.

What is included in the price?

The system, the stainless steel weatherproof cover, the pressure gauges and isolation valves, a full set of cartridges fitted, a licensed plumber and the compliance certificate for the work.

Two things can add to it, and both are published: a pressure reducing valve at $350 if your mains pressure tests over 500 kPa, and $150 per extra metre if the install position is more than 1.5 metres from the meter.

Do I need a plumber, and is one included?

Yes to both. Connecting to mains water is plumbing work in Victoria, and a licensed plumber is included in the price and issues the compliance certificate.

You never need to source or book your own plumber, and the plumber who installs your system is engaged by Every Tap as a subcontractor.

How long does the install take?

Two to three hours for Fresh Tap, three to four for a system with a drinking water filter or a UV steriliser.

Your water is off for part of that time. Your plumber tests pressure, fits the system, commissions it, flushes it and shows you how to change a cartridge before leaving.

What is the deposit, and is it refundable?

A 50% supply deposit, $1,495 on Fresh Tap, refundable in full if we cancel or cannot install.

It is a supply deposit rather than a booking fee: it orders your system specifically for your house. If you cancel after your system has been ordered, we keep only our actual out-of-pocket cost and refund the rest.

Can the price change on the day?

Only in one disclosed case. Pressure cannot be photographed, so if your mains pressure tests over 500 kPa a pressure reducing valve is required at $350, named in your quote before you pay anything.

Nothing else is added on site. The person installing your system has no authority to quote, vary, discount or negotiate price.

What brand is the system?

We do not advertise brand names. Ask and we will tell you and send the spec sheet.

Naming a brand turns a finished, installed, warranted job into a parts comparison, which is not what you are buying.

How often do the filters need changing?

Every twelve months. Your system is fitted with a full set at install, good for twelve months, and Water Care is how they get changed after that, either posted to you or fitted on an annual plumber visit.

What warranty comes with it?

The manufacturer's warranty on your system, passed through in full and stated on your quote, plus the compliance certificate's cover for the plumbing work and the consumer guarantees under Australian Consumer Law.

No warranty term is stated as a number on this site until the supplier confirms what your specced unit carries, so nothing is promised that cannot be honoured. What the warranty covers.

Does it remove fluoride?

No. A main line filter does not remove fluoride. A reverse osmosis system at the sink reduces it substantially.

If that is the reason you are filtering, say so on the form and we will tell you plainly what each system does.

Do you install in my suburb?

Metro Melbourne at the published price, regional Victoria by enquiry.

There is no travel charge and no zone loading anywhere in metro Melbourne. Every suburb we install in.

Can I buy the system and use my own plumber?

No. Every Tap sells the system installed, with one company holding the price, the warranty and the certificate.

That is the product: one price, one company, one person to call if anything is wrong.

What if I sell the house?

The system stays with the house. Water Care is in your name, and tell us and we will move it or cancel it.