Waiora Essence Plus III Whole House Mains Filter - 3 Stage, 20 Inch Jumbo, Heavy Metal & Chlorine Removal NZ

Large homes need a filtration system that can keep up. Multiple bathrooms, a busy laundry, the kitchen running — and you still want clean, great-tasting water from every tap. The Waiora Essence Plus III is built for that.

This is a 3-stage whole house system designed for larger New Zealand homes on town water. It uses 20 inch jumbo housings for high flow capacity, and covers sediment, heavy metals, and chlorine across three dedicated filter stages. The result is thorough filtration without pressure drop — even when the whole house is running at once.

The triple 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

• 3-stage filtration
• Stage 1: 1 micron polyspun sediment filter
• Stage 2: KDF/GAC heavy metal and chlorine filter
• Stage 3: 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 III

• High-flow 20 inch design handles multiple outlets running at once without pressure drop
• Reduces heavy metals that older mains pipes can introduce into your water
• 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 20 inch format provides more filter media, extending service life and protecting the stages downstream.

Stage 2 — KDF/GAC Heavy Metal and Chlorine

The KDF/GAC filter reduces heavy metals and chlorine as water passes through. KDF media works through a chemical exchange process, while the granular activated carbon handles taste and odour compounds.

Stage 3 — Carbon Block

The 5 micron carbon block gives your water a final clean pass — removing any remaining chlorine taste, chemical odours, and fine impurities before it reaches your taps.

Technical specifications

What's in the box

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

Frequently asked questions

Is the Essence Plus III right for my home?

It's designed for larger New Zealand homes on town (mains) water where both flow rate and thorough filtration matter. If you have a smaller home or lighter usage, the Essence III (10 inch) covers the same three stages in a more compact format. Get in touch if you're not sure which suits you best.

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

Both are 3-stage systems covering sediment, heavy metals, and chlorine. The Essence Plus III uses 20 inch jumbo housings, which means higher flow capacity and longer cartridge life between changes. It's the better choice for larger households with higher water demand.

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

Both use 20 inch jumbo housings. The Essence Plus III adds a KDF/GAC stage between the sediment and carbon block filters, targeting heavy metals and providing an extra layer of chlorine reduction. If heavy metal reduction is a priority, the Essence Plus III is the stronger choice.

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 III 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.

What does the KDF/GAC stage do?

KDF media works through a chemical exchange process that helps reduce heavy metals. The granular activated carbon component handles chlorine and chemical taste and odour. Together they form the core of what sets the Essence Plus III apart from a standard twin system.

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.