Water filtration systems San Diego homeowners choose usually come down to two main options: a whole house water filtration system or a reverse osmosis (RO) drinking water system. Both improve your water quality—but they solve different problems and work in different parts of your home.
At LGE Prime Plumbing, we install and service both types of water filtration systems San Diego families rely on every day. This guide breaks down how each system works, what it actually fixes, and how to decide which setup makes the most sense for your home and budget.

Why Water Filtration Systems San Diego Homes Need
San Diego tap water is technically “safe,” but that doesn’t mean it tastes great—or that it’s ideal for your plumbing. High hardness, chlorine, and other dissolved solids can cause issues such as:
- White scale on faucets, shower doors, and dishes
- Dry skin, itchy scalp, and dull hair
- Shorter lifespan for water heaters, dishwashers, and laundry machines
- Off-tasting or chemical-smelling tap water
That’s why so many homeowners look into water filtration systems San Diego wide—to protect both their health and their plumbing system.
For an overview of whole home options, you can see our water filtration system installation services. For ultra-purified drinking water, check out our reverse osmosis system installation.
What a Whole House Water Filtration System Does
A whole house filtration system treats the water as it enters your home, so every tap, shower, and appliance benefits. These water filtration systems San Diego homeowners install are usually placed near the main shutoff valve or water meter.
Depending on the system, a whole house filter can:
- Remove chlorine and chloramines that cause bad taste and odor
- Reduce sediment, rust, and visible particles
- Condition or soften water to help reduce hard scale
- Protect fixtures, glass, and appliances from buildup
If you want better showers, less scale, and longer-lasting plumbing equipment, a whole house filter is often the right foundation.
What a Reverse Osmosis System Does
A reverse osmosis system is a point-of-use filter, typically installed under your kitchen sink. Instead of treating every drop in the house, it focuses on providing ultra-clean drinking and cooking water at a dedicated faucet (and sometimes your fridge).
With RO, water filtration systems San Diego homeowners use can remove:
- Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and chromium
- Fluoride and nitrates
- Many dissolved solids that normal filters don’t catch
- Microplastics and a wide range of tiny contaminants
Reverse osmosis is ideal if you’re concerned about what’s actually in the water you drink and cook with every day.
Water Filtration Systems San Diego: Whole House vs RO at a Glance
- Whole house filtration: Best for protecting pipes, fixtures, and appliances, and improving the feel of water throughout the home.
- Reverse osmosis: Best for high-quality drinking and cooking water at a single location.
- Both together: Many San Diego homeowners pair a whole house filter with a dedicated RO system at the kitchen sink for the best overall setup.
If you’re unsure which combination of water filtration systems San Diego homes need, our team can test your water and make a tailored recommendation.
Choosing Between Water Filtration Systems San Diego Homes Use Most
When we help customers choose between whole house filtration and RO, we usually start with a few simple questions:
- Are you most worried about taste, or your plumbing system? If taste and drinking water are the main issues, start with RO. If scale, stains, and appliance damage are the big problems, start with a whole house system.
- Do you want every tap improved, or just one? Whole house filters treat all fixtures; RO focuses on one or two locations.
- What’s your long-term plan for the home? If you’re planning to stay for years, investing in both types of water filtration systems San Diego homes use can pay off in comfort and resale value.
For many families, the ideal setup is a high-quality whole house filter paired with a compact RO system at the kitchen sink. That way, your plumbing is protected, and your drinking water is as clean as possible.
How LGE Prime Plumbing Designs Water Filtration Systems San Diego Families Love
Every home is different—some have older galvanized pipes, some rely on tankless water heaters, and others have growing families that go through a lot of drinking water. We take the time to:
- Test your current water quality and hardness
- Look at your plumbing layout and main line access
- Discuss your priorities: health, taste, appliance protection, or all three
- Recommend the right combination of water filtration systems San Diego homes can rely on for the long term
You’ll get clear options—not a sales pitch—and we’ll walk you through whole house filtration, softening, and reverse osmosis so you can decide what feels right.
FAQs About Water Filtration Systems San Diego
Next Steps: Get Help Choosing Water Filtration Systems San Diego Trusts
If you’re debating whole house filtration, reverse osmosis, or both, you don’t have to guess. Our team at LGE Prime Plumbing has installed water filtration systems San Diego wide—from compact under-sink RO units to full Halo 5 whole house systems.
Learn more about whole house water filtration installation here, or explore our reverse osmosis system installation services here.
Want to understand what’s currently in your tap water? You can also review independent water quality data using resources like the EWG Tap Water Database or the City of San Diego water quality reports.
Ready for better water? Call LGE Prime Plumbing at (858) 366-8735 or request an estimate online today.