[UPDATE 11/27/2017] After 4 years this item still works great. I change the filter every two months and everything works. There is only 1 small problem. The pin you pull to switch from the faucet to the filter no longer goes back after you turn off the water. I have to put the pen back in. Otherwise no problems or cracks. [Original Review] I bought this to stop lugging around huge gallon bottles from my local water store. For the most part it works and filters particles out of the water. I live in a city and tap water is considered safe to drink but it's good to be careful. I notice that the water becomes a bit tastier after filtering. I haven't tested tap water versus filtered water, but just by taste I think it works. INSTALLATION: It couldn't be easier. Assuming your faucet has a thread on the outside, you can just unscrew it. If you have a thread inside you will need to use the adapter that comes with the kit. Or, if you're like me and your faucet has no flows at all, this gives you an excuse to go out and buy a new faucet. USE: Again, this is quite simple, but many people ignore it. First, it is FOR COLD WATER ONLY. No hot water, not even warm. According to the manufacturer, warm or hot water can damage the filter and shorten its lifespan. I don't know how and why. Second, don't use high pressure. You see many 1 star reviews about this unit being cracked or broken. This is because the body of the device is made of plastic. I would recommend not using anything stronger than turning the knob 1/2. If it's taking too long for the water to fill your container, it should take that long too. If the water comes out as fast as it comes in, then it doesn't filter anything. Do you remember the "I love Lucy" chocolate scene? Well, the filter is Lucy and the water is chocolate. The faster he drives, the harder it is to do his job. Third, if the filter starts to slow down after a week or two, I have good news and bad news. Good news: your filter works! It removes bad substances from your water. The bad news: There are so many particles in your tap water that they clog the filter too quickly. FILTER CHANGE: A lot of people have problems with this as well, like me. After using the filter for 2 months or more, it becomes stuck and difficult to unscrew. Do not use tools such as pliers or wrenches to remove. This will only scratch and damage your filter. I have found that using a rubber grip like you would use on a can makes life a lot easier. All in all, this water filter will make your semi-pure water cleaner, but it won't work magic. Dirt cannot be turned into fresh drinking water. However, if you need a filter for calming down or want to improve the taste of your water and are patient enough to wait, then this filter is for you.