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Review on πŸŒͺ️ Advanced Filtration System: Whirlpool Below Drop Filter by David Fields

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Good article but get the GE version and READ THIS to install it!

This is a good article once you understand the limitations of what it is and how to install it. I am checking the GE version of this article which is the same 3rd party, believe it or not you will find that major department stores have the same item with a slightly different design but the filters are apparently interchangeable. . The HD guy said they are made by the same company but under different brand names (probably why competing stores can't compare prices. It's like General Mills makes cereal for Sam's/Wal under their name and also for Cxxxco under another name.) So I'm saying this hot tub is the same as the GE except the clamp is much better on the GE. So off the bat I would recommend GE, the mount is solid and should make it easy to install and change filters. I had no problems with the installation. FIRST, it purifies your water and makes it taste better, but depending on where you live, don't expect miracles. Just wait for the best. There are many places online where you can test your water; ZeroWater has a cool feature on their website where you enter your zip code and get a water rating. Anything at 400 or higher is really bad, my water is over 500 TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) so I knew I wouldn't be perfect unless I switched to a full reverse osmosis (RO) system. If you want to go all out, buy a digital water tester and you can evaluate your water. It is convenient to test tap water, then filtered water, then store-bought water, etc. In the end, you will get enough education like me. In any case, GE loses points here for taking so much but not including a filter, nor is there a guide. not great, they don't even include any fittings, at least not on mine. but on the other hand I think the mount is superior to Whirlpool (despite supposedly the same manufacturer). Also the case is really hard to unscrew and they could have mentioned it, I found lubricating the threads with canola oil really helped, more on that later. of your kit), get brass connectors from your local hardware store and I'll give you the name "3/8" OD x 3/8" MIP here. You'll need two of these in a tiny bag, then buy a metal braided sleeving to go with it to the under sink hoses. Depending on where you install it you may need another longer hose to replace the hose under the sink but I didn't have to do this as I routed it close enough to the plumbing. Brass fittings save you Headaches that are dangling from plastic under the sink causing flooding If you don't believe me, look at all the reviews of 3M's Filtrete and other under counter systems and you will see MANY dissatisfied customers who have experienced massive flooding ($$$) because those fittings were accidentally ripped off. They're under full pressure, so it's tantamount to a burst pipe. Why risk it when you can really reliable ones for $10. The hot tub model here comes with those plastic fittings and plastic tubing, the GE model doesn't, but forget it anyway and spend $5 on brass. Total cost should be well under $20 including your new umbilical. IMPORTANT NOTE: The compression fittings should not be overtightened, otherwise they may leak. You will also need to tape seal the brass fittings that go into the unit, but there is no tape on the outer end where the compression hoses connect. I've also seen some other reviews from competing models that said they had to tighten the filter with a wrench but my instructions said (GE) to use a wrench to change the filters or take it separately but if it was installed, it just said MANUALLY TIGHTEN. I think people can overlook this key point and pull out which can lead to leaks. Also, I have found that the filter housing bolts are much easier to screw in and out if you also lightly lubricate the threads, I used vegetable/canola oil. The O-ring must also be lubricated before installation. O-rings don't usually screw on very tightly, so I don't know why people overtighten these things and get leaks. Sometimes less is more. Anyway hope this helps someone, I'll post any updates if anything comes up.

Pros
  • Under Sink & Countertop Filtration
Cons
  • So Far So Good