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Whole-house vs under-sink filtration: which one solves your problem?
Buying guides

Whole-house vs under-sink filtration: which one solves your problem?

1 August 2026Updated 5 November 20261 min read

Most people comparing water filters start with the same question: do you want to filter all the water coming into your home, or just the water you drink?

Where each system works

Home Guard sits on your incoming water line, so every tap, shower and appliance gets filtered water. Crystal sits under your kitchen sink and feeds its own filtered tap.

What each one does

Home Guard has three full-size stages: 5-micron poly-spun sediment, GAC with KDF 55 & 85, and a CTO carbon block. Together they reduce chlorine taste and smell, sediment and rust through the whole house.

Crystal pushes water through a reverse-osmosis membrane that filters far finer than a jug or tap filter, and a final mineral stage balances the taste. It's the one for tea, coffee and clear ice.

Which one do you need?

  • Smell chlorine in the shower or see sediment in the kettle? Start with Home Guard.
  • Want the best water to drink? Start with Crystal.
  • Want both? The Complete Home Package gives you Home Guard for the whole house and Crystal at the sink, with one visit and one install.

The easy way to decide

Book a free water check. We test your water at the tap, check your plumbing and recommend only what makes a real difference for your home.

Written by Austra Team, Geelong.

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