If you live in an older home, then you know how important it is to protect yourself from exposure to lead. Excess consumption of or exposure to lead can cause a litany of health issues, especially in younger children and older folks. Thankfully, if you get the best water filter for lead removal, then you can rest easy that you are well protected against lead contamination in your drinking water.
Through our careful research, we have found the top five water filters for lead removal on the market today. While all of the products we have reviewed for this article are wonderful filters, the best has to be the Filtrete 3US-MAX-S01. This filter is exceedingly easy to install, yet is 99% effective at removing any traces of lead from water.
In order to put our comprehensive list together for this article, we spent tens of hours reading through hundreds of user reviews. During this research, we first looked at the different types of filters, since every home is different. Next, we looked at the capacity and dimensions of each filter so that you could find the model to best suit your needs. The research allowed us to not only find the best filters for lead removal available but also allowed us to put together in-depth reviews for each model. Of course, if you are not quite ready to make your final purchase, be sure to read through our buying guide, which will provide all of the details you need to find the right model for your needs.
Extra features: installs in less than 30 minutes
If you are in the market for the most effective water filter for lead removal, then this is a great model to check out. For starters, this system is incredibly easy to install. Even though it gets hooked into your water line, this doesn’t take very much time. In fact, even if you don’t have a background in plumbing, this system is so easy to install that you shouldn’t need to spend more than half an hour hooking it up.
The instructions are extremely clear, which makes the process that much easier. This system also comes with everything you need to get the job done correctly right away, which is a great time saver.
Once you have this system installed, you will be able to utilize a highly effective system. In fact, this filter is 99% effective at removing lead and other contaminants from water. This makes it one of the most effective models on the market. Thanks to this effective design, this system has received two different certifications, which illustrates just how well it works to remove lead and other contaminants.
Something else that helps to set this filter apart from its competitors is that while it is relatively small, it still has a high capacity. With each new filter, this model will last about 1,500 gallons, which is impressive given the overall size of the entire system.
The only thing that you need to watch out for with this filter is that it can negatively affect your water pressure. This will especially be the case if you already have low pressure in your home. To combat this, you might need to get a different water hose to hook into the filter that will allow more water to flow through at a time.
Extra features: accepts all standard 10-inch replacement filter elements
Even though inline water filtration systems are pretty easy to install, they can still be a bit daunting to anyone that doesn’t have a background in plumbing. If that is an accurate description of your situation, then it might be a good idea to get a filter like this model. The installation process is extremely simple. In fact, all you need to do is twist off the cap on your faucet and screw in the filter in its place. From there, all you have to turn on the knob whenever you want to filter your water.
Another big positive for this filter is that you don’t need to use it every time you run your water. That helps to extend the life of this filter by quite a lot since you won’t use it whenever you use your sink, which is a big plus since this model doesn’t have the highest capacity on the market.
This compact filter is also one of the easiest models to find filters for. This is because the company has designed it to utilize any standard 10-inch filters. This makes it very easy to find replacement filters. No matter what store you prefer to do your shopping in, you should be able to find a new filter with ease.
Of course, since this model is designed to use lots of different filters, it shouldn’t come as a big surprise that the filters are difficult to replace. Thankfully, though this process is not very easy, it doesn’t need to be done too often.
Extra features: comes with a metal bracket and 2 hose connectors
If you are someone that doesn’t want to be bothered with having to change filters all that often, then this is going to be your best bet. This model has an extremely high capacity. In fact, with this filtration system, you will be able to filter out lead and other contaminants all the way through 100,000 gallons of water before you need to change the filter. This extremely long life helps to make this filter one of the best values on the market.
Of course, as you might have guessed by the capacity of this model, it is quite large. While this might not be terribly surprising, it could be a bit of a problem if you don’t have the right amount of space to accommodate such a large filtration system, so keep that in mind before you make your final decision.
This system has received dual certifications, which is proof of its effectiveness. Not only that, but this system is very easy to install. Even if you don’t understand a lot about water filtration systems and how to install them, you should be able to get this one hooked up without too much of an issue.
A big reason for this easy install is that all of the materials that come with this system are made extremely well. The instructions are also very clear and easy to understand. It even comes with helpful and easy to understand diagrams, which make the entire installation that much easier.
Extra features: built-in timer/indicator
If you are in the market for the easiest filtration system on the market, then this is the model for you. Unlike all the other systems on our list, this system doesn’t need to be hooked up to your waterline. All you have to do is place the filter in the pitcher and fill it with water. From there, the water will go through the filter and sit in the pitcher until you want to drink some of it.
While this is extremely convenient, it does limit the capacity of the filtration system. These filters will only last for about 40 gallons of water or about 30 days. Thankfully, this model has a new filter indicator that lets you know exactly when you need to switch your filter. This indicator will help to keep you from overusing your filter, which will help to keep it working correctly.
Something else that helps to make this a great option is that its filters are very cheap. Since these filters are very small and don’t have a very high capacity, they don’t cost much at all. This makes this a filtration system a great option if you are looking to clean your water on a budget.
This model is also extremely compact. Since it is designed to fit right into your fridge, it won’t take up a lot of space on your counter. This will also save space under your sink, which is ideal if you have a smaller kitchen or home.
Extra features: 3-stage filtration; 1-year limited warranty
Most filtration systems on the market today utilize activated carbon to filter out contaminants from water. While these filters are relatively effective at removing lead, they don’t always remove every type of contaminant that could be in your water. If you want to get as much out of your water as possible, then this is a good filter to try out. This model uses reverse osmosis, which is a pressurized filtration method that removes pretty much anything and everything that shouldn’t be in your water, including lead. This makes it a great option for anyone with worries about heavily contaminated water.
As you would expect from a dual certified filter, this model comes with a long warranty. You can try this model out for up to a year and still have it replaced if anything should malfunction, which is one of the better warranties on the market today.
This model is also very easy to install. It attaches to your water line in much the same way as a standard under-sink filtration system. You just have to simply disconnect your water line, hook it up to this filter and then reconnect it, and you will be up and running in no time.
The only real issue with this system is that, due to the amount of pressure it creates and how effective it is, the filters do not last long. Using this system, you will only be able to filter about 150 gallons of water before the filters need to be replaced, which is not very long when compared to other filtration systems.
In this section, we will go through everything you need to know to find the right filter to protect your home against the dangers of lead contamination. We have also taken the time to answer several frequently asked questions, so be sure to read through those as well if you need any further clarification.
Not too long ago, every water pipe was made with lead. This was mostly because it is a relatively cheap material and is very easy to shape. Unfortunately, this was also because people didn’t understand how dangerous lead can be. As such, many water lines can easily be contaminated by lead, which can have some extremely negative effects. In fact, even if you are only exposed to a small amount of lead, you will be affected.
Lead is especially dangerous for young children, the elderly, and anyone that is pregnant. For developing babies and young children with developing minds, exposure to lead can lead to neurological issues that might affect a child’s normal development. Even if you are not in the above groups, exposure to lead can lead to stomach or heart issues.
Thankfully, these simple filters can remove most, if not all, lead from a water line to help prevent these issues from cropping up at all.
As you can imagine, there is a lot to take into account before you buy a new water filtration system for your home. In this section, we will go through everything you need to know so that you can find the best water filter for lead removal for your home.
TypeThe first thing that you need to think of when you are looking for a new water filter to remove lead is the type. There are several different types that you can select, with each going using a slightly different process to remove the lead from your water. These include:
After you decide on the type of water filtration system you are going to use, the next thing you need to consider is how big of a capacity you need your filter to have. Obviously, the higher the capacity of the filter, the more expensive it is going to be. However, you need to make sure that you get the right capacity filter for water usage. If you get a filter that doesn’t have the right capacity, you are going to need to replace it too quickly, which will end up costing you extra anyways.
If you want the longest-lasting option, then the iSpring WGB22B-PB is a great choice. This has a capacity of over 100,000 gallons, which should last for a good long while. Of course, if you don’t need a lot of capacity, you can always go for something like the LEVOIT LV110WP, which has a much lower capacity and is much less expensive.
It is also a good idea to make sure that you get a filter that is not only long-lasting but also efficient. This efficiency is usually related to a percentage. The higher the percentage, the more effective the filter. Something else that you need to pay attention to is how well this efficiency holds up over time. Higher-capacity models will have better efficiency for their entire lifetime, while lower-capacity models’ efficiency will go down very quickly as the filter ages.
If you are in the market for the most effective filter for lead removal, then the Filtrete 3US-MAX-S01 is going to be your best bet. These filters will remove up to 99.9% of any contaminants, including lead, for the entirety of the lifespan of the filter. This helps to make them the most effective filters available today for removing lead from water.
One of the best ways to tell if any type of filter is held to the highest standards is to look for one that has at least one type of certification from an official source. That way, you can rest assured that the filter you have chosen has been rigorously tested and proven to be as effective as the company claims it to be. While there are some filters on the market that have not been certified that are still effective, it might be worth taking the time to find one that is certified for peace of mind.
If you do want to find a filter that is certified to work effectively, the Watts Premier UF-3 is a great choice. This filter has two different certifications to prove that it is just as good as the company claims it to be. Another option for this would be, unsurprisingly, the Filtrete 3US-MAX-S01.
Something else that you need to keep in mind when you are looking for anew filter is the dimensions. While this might not seem like the biggest deal, you need to make sure that you have room either on your countertop or under your sink. The last thing that you want is to get a new filter and try to install it, only to find that it doesn’t fit.
You should also check into whether or not the model you are thinking about buying works on only one water line or both the hot and cold water at the same time. If the filter is attached to both water lines, then it will be on the bigger side, like the iSpring WGB22B-PB. If you have a smaller kitchen without a lot of room under your sink or on your counter, then something like the LEVOIT LV110WP is going to be your best bet.
No matter what you are buying, whether it be a new water filter, washer, or microwave, it is always good to look for a model that comes with a great warranty. That way, should anything malfunction or stop working through normal use, you will be able to get a replacement without having to spend any more money.
The only thing that you need to be careful of when it comes to warranties is that some companies tend to claim they cover everything, while only actually covering a small portion of the or a limited number of parts. Make sure that you take the time to read through the warranty information as carefully as possible before you make your final decision. That way, you will have a clearer understanding of what is and what isn’t covered under warranty. This will help to prevent you from having to pay out any unexpected repair costs.
While these filtration systems are relatively straightforward, there are still some different features that you might want to keep in the back of your mind. For instance, if you are going to be installing an in-line filter, it is a good idea to look for one that comes with all of the necessary piping and hose connectors that you will need to properly install the new system. While you can always buy these things on your own, it is much easier if you just get a system that comes with everything you need right off the bat.
Another feature that is very helpful to have is a filter changing indicator. While all of us have the best intentions of keeping after our filters and replacing them in a timely fashion, it is also just human nature to forget about it. Having a system in place that will tell you exactly when to change your filter will help to ensure that you actually change it on time every time.
One last feature that, while not an essential, is still a good thing to look for is multiple stages of filtration. If you get a filter that uses different levels of protection, you have a much better chance at not only removing lead from your water but also getting rid of other harmful chemicals as well.
If you want to make sure that you are removing as much lead as possible, for as long as possible, then it is a good idea to go with a system you hook up to your water source, as they have a much longer lifespan than smaller systems.
Another good thing about this system is that, once it has been installed, the filters are very easy to remove and replace. You do not need to take the entire system off of your water line to change the filters, which is a big time saver.
If you are in the market for the best water filter for lead removal overall, then you have got to check out the Filtrete 3US-MAX-S01. This filter is incredibly easy to install, comes with everything you need to install it correctly, and is highly effective. This model is also nice and compact, which makes it a great option for those who have a smaller sized sink they want to filter the water through. We highly recommend that you give this model a try.
The APEX MR-1030 is a great value filter that easily attaches to your faucet and sets on your counter. This model has some of the longest-lasting filters around, thanks to its unique design that allows you to choose when you use the filter on your faucet.
If you are someone that uses a lot of water, then the best water filter for lead removal is going to be the iSpring WGB22B-PB. This larger than average lead filter has a capacity of 100,000 gallons. Not only will these filters last a good long time, but they will also save you money in the long run, since they don’t need to be replaced very often.
