Waiora Essence Plus II Whole House Mains Filter - 2 Stage, 20 Inch Jumbo, High Flow Chlorine Removal NZ

Busy households put real pressure on a filtration system. Multiple showers, the laundry running, the kitchen tap going — a standard system can struggle to keep up. The Waiora Essence Plus II is built for exactly that.

This is a 2-stage whole house system designed for larger New Zealand homes on town water. It uses 20 inch jumbo housings — double the filter surface of a standard 10 inch system — so flow stays strong even when several outlets are running at once. Stage one catches sediment. Stage two uses a carbon block to remove chlorine taste and odour. Better-tasting water from every tap, without the pressure drop.

The twin housings arrive pre-mounted on a powder-coated bracket, ready to go on the wall. Connection is standard 25mm BSP. Filter changes are DIY-friendly with the included housing spanner.

Key specs at a glance

• 2-stage filtration
• Stage 1: 1 micron polyspun sediment filter
• Stage 2: 5 micron carbon block filter
• Housing: 20 inch x 4.5 inch jumbo
• Connection: 25mm BSP
• Cartridge life: 6–12 months
• Bracket: Powder-coated steel
• Warranty: 3 years

Why Kiwi homeowners choose the Essence Plus II

• High-flow design handles multiple outlets running at once without pressure drop
• Removes chlorine taste and chemical odour at every tap
• Catches rust and grit before they reach your dishwasher, washing machine, and hot water cylinder
• Larger filter surface means longer cartridge life between changes
• Simple DIY filter changes — no special tools needed beyond the included spanner
• Pre-mounted and ready to install

How it works

Stage 1 — Sediment

The 1 micron polyspun filter traps fine particles, rust flakes, and grit from your mains supply line. The larger 20 inch format means more filter media, which extends service life and protects Stage 2 from loading up prematurely.

Stage 2 — Carbon Block

The 5 micron carbon block reduces chlorine, chemical tastes, and odours. The high-flow housing keeps pressure strong while the filter does its work.

Technical specifications

What's in the box

• Twin 20 inch jumbo housings (pre-mounted)
• 1 micron polyspun sediment filter
• 5 micron carbon block filter
• Housing spanner
• Mounting hardware

Frequently asked questions

Is the Essence Plus II right for my home?

It's designed for larger New Zealand homes on town (mains) water where flow rate matters — multiple bathrooms, busy laundry, or multi-storey homes. If you have a smaller home or lighter usage, the Essence II (10 inch) may be a better fit. Get in touch if you're not sure.

How is the Essence Plus II different from the Essence II?

Both are 2-stage mains filtration systems covering sediment and chlorine. The difference is the housing size. The Essence Plus II uses 20 inch jumbo housings, which means more filter media, higher flow capacity, and longer cartridge life between changes. It's the better choice for larger households with higher water demand.

Do I need a plumber to install it?

For most customers, yes — a licensed plumber is the safest path and protects your warranty on the plumbing side. That said, the Essence Plus II arrives fully assembled, uses standard 25mm BSP fittings, and mounts with the included hardware. If you're confident with household plumbing, the installation itself is straightforward. If you're not sure, get in touch and we'll help you decide.

How often do I replace the cartridges?

Every 6–12 months, depending on your water quality and usage. The larger 20 inch format typically extends cartridge life compared to a 10 inch system under the same conditions.

Do I need bypass valves?

They're not included, but they're worth adding. Bypass valves let you isolate the filter during cartridge changes without shutting off water to the rest of the house. Ask us about adding a set when you order.

Will it affect my water pressure?

The 20 inch jumbo housings are specifically designed for high-flow applications. Keep cartridges replaced on schedule — a clogged cartridge is the most common cause of pressure drop.

What warranty does it come with?

3 years.