Best Water Filter Systems for Home Use

In our opinion, the only drawback of this system is that it has a relatively big wastage ratio. Up to 4 gallons of fluid will be drained away per each gallon of purified water. Still, these calculations are only approximate and may vary depending on the incoming water pressure and its temperature. The higher the pressure is, the more effectively the filtering will be done. The same goes for the temperature. The warm liquid has low viscosity, so it flows better than the low-temp one.

In order to reduce water wastage, you can follow these simple tips. Make sure to regularly clean the incoming membrane as it serves as the main barrier between the pipe and system containers, and install a permeate pump. Adding the pump to the system will help effectively increase the overall RO efficiency by lowering the back pressure and allowing for a quicker filling-up of the storage tank. With the right permeate pump, the wastage can be reduced up to 1:1 ratio.

As we've already mentioned above, the key feature of this filter system for water is mineralization. This unit not only removes almost all possible contaminants, including chlorides and unpleasant odors but also adds such minerals as calcium and magnesium to water. Furthermore, there are 2 carbon filters in the system where each of the filters has 5-micron cells. Comparing to other water systems where 5-micron cells usually alternate with 5-micron ones, the Home MasterTMAFC will be much more effective. The other advantage of the system is that it employs special antimicrobial materials that prevent the dirt from clogging inside the cartridge's walls. 

For enhanced convenience of use and due maintenance of the filtration system, all tubes are marked and have a different coloring; this will come useful when the tubes are to be changed. 

This water filter system comes packed with all fittings that you'd need to install it under your sink. There's also a small faucet for the filtered water included in the package. Given that you decide to mount the system yourself, make sure that you've got a screwdriver set and/or cordless drill to be able to screw and tighten all the fixtures. 

Sometimes, clients ask us: what's the difference between a pitcher and a 3-stage purification system if either of them produces clean water. Obviously, the fact that the water looks visually transparent doesn't necessarily mean that it's clean. Just like with the air pollution, there are sometimes contaminants so small that a standard carbon filter simply cannot catch.

In the Aquasana, the first stage employs a 20-micron prefilter to catch rust, silt, sediment, and other large particles. At the second stage, an activate carbon removes all organic chemicals, chloramines, and farmaceuticals, as well as neutralizes all unpleasant odors. The third yellow cartridge works on a 0.5 sub-micron level. Basically, it reduces chlorine-resistant cysts and most of the heavy metals if they somehow bypassed the previous two stages.

Among the variety of under-the-sink systems that we've come across, the Aquasana AQ-5300.55 is probably the easiest one to install. It will require a bare number of tools and take about 20 minutes of your time.

First, attach a brass tee (T-shape fixture) to the cold water pipe under your counter. Then, find the place where the unit won't block the access to the drain and sink trap - just in case they'll get clogged in the future. Mount the unit on the wall with a couple of screws. Finally, connect all the flexible tubes from the brass tee to the inlet and the outlet to the supplied faucet that goes over the countertop. Then, enjoy the crystal-clear, healthy water.

The clean water is needed not only for drinking and preparing food. Sometimes, the tap fluid (for the lack of a better term) can be contaminated so much that it won't be fit even for washing. What you mightn't have known about is that the Aquasana company produces special shower filters too. Install one in your bathroom and rest assured that water from your tap is clean and safe.

As the numbers in the name indicate, the APEC ROES-50 can process around 50 gallons per day. This volume is more than enough to provide a family of 3 or 4 people with clean water for different needs: drinking, cooking, making cocktails and sparkling water, and so on. Furthermore, this system employs the industrial-grade cartridges capable of removing almost 100% of impurities and contaminants. According to the manufacturer, cartridge replacement doesn't need to be done more often than once a year, which is still pretty long if compared to many other filter systems. Although, the first cartridge usually tends to get clogged much quicker, so, it's possible that you may need to change it earlier.

Before buying this model, you should consider the fact that it's not too small. The cartridge unit is sufficiently compact. However, the reservoir is around 11" in diameter and 15" in height, so you will need quite a lot of space under your sink to set it up.

Nevertheless, the unit consists of several modular parts, connected together with the flexible supply tubes. This allows you to organize the space under the sink just the way you want it. For example, you can even place the canister behind or even next to the countertop if necessary.

The Amazon offers expert installation for more than $100. Still, the installation is pretty intuitive. On the picture below you'll find a simplified installation scheme that will show you how to connect all components. Thus, if you can handle the instruments like drills, wrenches, and screwdrivers, you will be able to put it all together by yourself and save a few dollars.

The filter cartridges have a proprietary, company-owned design. In a set, you will get two black and two white filters that work in pairs. Or you can use only a single black cartridge. The black cartridges are designed for picking up the impurities and other hard particles from the water. The white filters are chemical filters for removing arsenic and fluoride elements. Generally speaking, the black filters are enough to provide you with a clean, safe-to-drink water. However, the white ones will make it even safer and cleaner from the elements that are invisible to a human eye. Despite being a bit pricey, the black filter can process around 3000 gallons each before the change. The white cartridges are required to be switched after about 500 gallons each as well. That is still a far better result than most of the other under-sink filters.

Despite having a huge working capacity, the cartridge's inlets may get clogged even after processing about 1000-1500 gallons. Yet, you can easily clean it by using a clean scouring pad. Rub the sides of the cartridge first to remove a small layer of rust and then, rinse it under the tap water to dispose of the leftover particles. That's all. The cartridge can be reused. 

The cartridge can also be cleaned with a vegetable peeler, although this method is considered to be a bit rougher. Do it carefully and rinse under water.

All in all, these Berkey bowls can be used literally anywhere, as you don't need the tap pressure to push the liquid through the cartridges. Therefore, it's an ideal choice if you need to use a filter system in your country house or you'd like to carry one with you on travel trips, picnics, etc.

If you still want to see more filters that don't require drilling holes for installation, check out this review and find a wider selection of standalone models.

The design of the faucet that the iSpring comes with is worth mentioning as well. It's made in modern European style and has a smooth lever to open and close the tap. By contacting a seller or the iSpring company, you may also ask for one of the five available finish colors to get the fitting one to your sink fixtures. As for the materials, the body of the faucet is nickel-plated with a ceramic valve inside that ensures durability and a smooth movement of the lever.

The shipping box includes all the fixtures and fittings that are required for installation, so you'll only need a few tools like wrenches and screwdrivers to set the system up.

Along with the standard parts and details, the package also includes a battery-powered moisture detector (a small box with sensors) that will inform you of the leakage with an audible sound once any of the system components comes in contact with water. With that said, we doubt that you'll ever hear this warning sound as the whole system has been designed to last. 

Additionally, if your refrigerator has an icemaker, you can hook it to the iSpring with a special adaptor (not included) to get crystal-clear ice cubes for your drinks and cocktails.

We also liked that the first stage - the sediment filter - is made of clear plastic. Understandably, the first cartridge in a row serves as the main barrier between the grunge and other filters. Thus, being able to check its condition, without taking it out of the container, is very handy. As for the throughput, the system can process up to 75 GPD, which is a head above many other systems that employ a similar technology. Therefore, we believe that the iSpring RCC7 RO Filter System is an exemplary choice for an office or a big family mansion.