Quick answer
A correctly sized whole-house system should cause only a small pressure drop. Distillo, for example, quotes a pressure drop of under 7 kPa at 75 litres a minute. A noticeable drop usually means a cartridge is clogged and due for a change.
What the flow ratings mean
Ecopure is rated at 50–60 litres a minute and Distillo at about 57 litres a minute. A water-efficient shower uses around 9 litres a minute or less, so either system has room for several taps and appliances running at once.
Why pressure can drop
- A clogged sediment filter. The most common cause. It catches particles until water struggles to get through.
- Low incoming pressure. If your mains pressure is already low, any restriction is more noticeable.
- An undersized system. Small housings on a big household can restrict flow. Full-size 20-inch housings avoid this.
What to check
- When were the cartridges last changed?
- Is the drop at every tap, or just one? A single tap points to that tap or its aerator.
- If your system has gauges, compare the readings before and after the filters.
Common questions
Does a whole-house filter reduce water pressure?
Only slightly when it is correctly sized and the cartridges are changed on time.
Why has my water pressure dropped after installing a filter?
Most often a sediment cartridge is clogged. Check when it was last changed.
How much flow does a household need?
A water-efficient shower uses around 9 litres a minute or less. Systems rated at 50–60 litres a minute can run several outlets at once.
General information for homes on town water in Victoria. It isn’t a substitute for advice about your specific property or water supply.
