For the best clean drinking water, a good water filter is where it all begins.
In this article, the product in question is the Express Water RO5DX 5 Stage Reverse Osmosis System. Everyone wants an efficient water filter to protect their family from all sorts of diseases and dirt. That’s why we have researched for you so you can find the best water filter.
(4.6 / 5)Now let’s get on with the actual review.
Installation process
Express water isn’t as well-known as APEC and Ispring. However, that doesn’t change the fact that they’ve been around for over 25 years. Their specialty is reverse osmosis filtration systems, we’ll tell you why.
The company claims that this filter is easy to install. The whole process becomes easier by a color-coding system. Even after their claim, we don’t find that to be completely true.
On the one hand, we have a very comprehensive instruction manual that comes with the whole kit. It includes colored illustrations and diagrams for some visual help. The whole kit is color-coded, and so is the instructional manual.
This makes the connecting much easier since you can tell which hose goes where just by looking. Additionally, all the connections on the system are labeled as well.
On the contrary, customers say that their experience with the installation wasn’t as smooth as the company claims. They said that the manual was confusing and unclear as it had too many separate components. For someone with no plumbing experience, it can take up to 2 to three hours.
However, for someone who’s more experienced, an hour would be sufficient.
If you take it from us, you can probably set it up yourself if you have enough patience and want to avoid calling a plumber. One good thing is that they provide all the adapters so you won’t have to run to the hardware store.
First off, install the faucet and leave the tubing at full length. Next, install the line for the cold water pipe. The water tank goes next to it.
Lastly, the drain tube goes next, and then all are left are the connections.
Filters
Now let’s get on with the filters, which are our main concern.
As mentioned in the name of the product, this system consists of five stages. The first filter is a polypropylene sediment filter that removes sand, rust, and sediments that you can see with the naked eye.
Activated carbon and carbon block make up the second and third stage filters. These generally remove any odor and unpleasant taste of chlorine as well as volatile organic compounds.
The stage 4 filter is a semipermeable membrane that separates all harmful contaminants – like lead, chromium, and fluoride.
The activated carbon post-filter is the last stage and it makes the water free from any sort of residual taste and odors.
These filters are surely high quality and efficient. They are capable of removing almost 99.99% of contaminants.
The filters are long-lasting and have a high capacity. They’re also up to standards of NSF (National
Replacement process
Since the filters and their housings are color-coded, the replacement process should be a breeze. All you are really required to do is remove the used filter, find the spare one with the same color, and twist it in. No additional tools are needed.
All in all, the filters are easy and quick to change. The only issue could be some splashing when you take out the housing since it has water in it already. The manufacturer highly recommends replacing the filter every six months.
The first three filters tend to clog up as their job is to stop the sediments from entering the next stages. There could also be a chance of bacterial growth; you definitely don’t want that!
The first three-stage filters need replacement every six months.
The best part?
You can find these filters at big retail stores. The reverse osmosis membrane, which is the fourth filter, needs replacement every 1 to 2 years. Lastly, the fifth stage filter needs to be changed every 12 months.
There are indicators that show when its time to change those gunky filters. If you see a decrease in the output of water, then it’s probably time for a change. The same goes with if you notice some sort of sediments or high levels of TDS.
The last sign is a funny taste. If you would like to go one step further, then you can purchase an inexpensive TDS meter.
Efficiency
All reverse osmosis filtration systems waste some amount of water. This water is usually used to create pressure and keep a consistent flow. Usually, it’s up to 24 gallons for every filter.
Crazy, right?!
The more efficient ones waste only 4 gallons, which is impressive. The filter produces only three gallons of wastewater; it’s more than effective!
You won’t have to waste so much water and pay an ever-increasing bill. The system can operate at the pressure of 40 to 80 psi. For optimum results, it’s safe to stay in this range.
Features
- One thing that you’ll like about the RO5DX is that it produces 50 gallons of pure water a day! This, along with the large storage tank, should be sufficient to provide clean drinking water at all times. The tank is made of a butyl rubber bladder, making the water your drink lead-free and BPA free.
- The water type doesn’t matter with this filter; it works well with all sorts of water types.
- Another lifesaving feature is that it has an emergency leak detector! This comes in handy because you won’t have to worry about ruining the whole system. It shuts off the whole system as soon as it detects some moisture.
- This system can remove up to an astounding thousand contaminants. That’s pretty impressive. The company has done several tests on the durability and resistance of the system.
- It also has a solution for leaking. That’s all you need to know about the quality of the product
- An extra set of replacement filters is provided for a whole year. Nothing better than saving money and convenience. The filter is under the sink kind.
- This might be the filter for you if you want to save up space on your counter. Another little pro is that their faucets are stylish and own throw off your whole kitchen or counter’s look off.
- The kit provides everything from the wrench that’s needed to Teflon tape, isn’t that great? No need to spend extra dollars at the hardware store.
- Affordable price
This has to be one of the cheapest systems in the market.
That’s probably because it’s made in Taiwan, unlike other brands which are mainly based in the US. Express water offers a warranty of one year, which seems to be a pretty generous one.
- It also provides the customer with a money-back guarantee. You also get a lifetime’s worth of expert support from certified water technicians.
Drawbacks
There are always two sides to the story, and it wouldn’t be fair to review something without discussing its drawbacks.
Many customers complained that the instructional manual is confusing. This may be a major con if you’re not very good with DIY stuff.
The filters, they can cost quite a bit. Obviously, we consider the extra set of filters they give in the kit. However, if that runs out, you’ll have to pay $70 for those filters every six months.
Like all reverse osmosis systems, this one also filters the water of its beneficial minerals. That can result in acidic water. Most people may not be concerned by this, but those who prefer alkaline water or those concerned with their health may want to look into other filters first.
Although Express Water does have another reverse osmosis system that adds the minerals back into the water, it just costs $20 more.
As mentioned before, the warranty is for a year, but it doesn’t actually include the consumable parts. These may include the filter, membranes, and the tank. What a bummer!
As of 2017, there was no real certification or a list of contaminants, leaving their claims sort of unreliable. Their NSF Standard is 58 certified.
In simple words, it barely passes the requirements for the point of use.
Some customers complained that the flow and the pressure aren’t as good as they advertised. Customers have also complained about missing parts, but the company was quick to respond and sent those bits in the next few days.
There should be some caution taken once the installation is done. That’s because there were a few cases of leaking valves. Other than that, membrane housing is difficult to open at times and can be quiet difficult to use.
Verdict
In conclusion, this system is good for customers who are purchasing a reverse osmosis filtration system for the first time.
It’s inexpensive and much cheaper than other filters in the market. It also seems to do the same thing as the other costlier filters. It may not be one of the best reverse osmosis filters, but it gives you your money’s worth.
Just be ready to call for extra help with some leakage! After a lot of research, this product is recommended, but it all boils down to what your needs are.