Reverse osmosis (RO) filters are simple solutions for most home water quality problems, but wells pose a unique challenge — iron. Just a small amount can spoil an RO membrane and ruin a filtration system for good. The good news is that if you have an iron problem, you’re not doomed to drinking bad water or paying for an additional iron filter. In most cases, the Home Master TMULTRA-ERP Ultra — our best under sink filter for well water — can do it all for you.
Let’s take a closer look at why it’s a top rated under sink filter and which features make it perfect for wells.
Home Master TMULTRA-ERP Ultra – Best Under Sink Filter for Well Water
Home Master makes several top-quality reverse osmosis systems, but for a well, you need a filter that can tackle common well contaminants and remove the iron that can permanently damage the delicate RO membrane. This version of Home Master’s RO system features a permeate pump for maximum efficiency, and it removes sediment, chemicals, heavy metals and more. For well owners, it also features an integrated UV light to neutralize 99.9-percent of dangerous microorganisms plus an integrated iron filter that protects the RO membrane. Long-lasting filters are easy to change — once annually or every 3000 gallons. Kits are all-inclusive and engineered for DIY installation.
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FAQs
Q: Why does this system lack the remineralization technology found in other Home Master systems?
A: To make this version well-friendly, the Full Contact remineralization system was replaced with an iron pre-filter.
Q: How often should the RO membrane, pre-filter and UV light bulb be replaced?
A: The bulb and pre-filter should be changed once per year. The RO membrane last three to five years based on water quality.
Q: Are pre-filters easy to change?
A: Home Master’s unique modular design requires only the filter cartridges be changed, not the housings they connect to. This makes replacing the pre-filters a clean, tool-free process.
My Take
Well water can be contaminated with almost anything, but the biggest threat to human health is pathogens like E. Coli, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium. Nothing short of chemical disinfection can remove every possible microorganism, but Home Master’s TMULTRA-ERP Ultra comes close between the RO membrane’s 0.001-micron rating and the additional UV light. That alone makes it the best water filter for well water — the protective iron filter, the quick-change filters, the warranty and Home Master’s legendary customer care are icing on the cake.
Under Sink Water Filter Buying Guide
Reverse osmosis systems offer superior filtration for well water, but not every top rated under sink filter removes every contaminant? Which model is best for your home? Let’s look at the filtration capability well owners need and which features are the important have.
Contaminants Filtered
Municipal water is chemically treated and filtered at the source. Unless you have a rare chlorinated well, you’re not that lucky. Well water has its own unique issues, and the ideal filter should reduce the contaminants that are most likely to affect you including:
- Sediment
- Microscopic pathogens
- Heavy metals including lead, arsenic and cadmium
- Industrial solvents, VOCs and chromium-6
- Pesticides, herbicides and nitrates from fertilizer
The Home Master TMAFC-ERP Ultra removes up to 99-percent of these and more, including 99.99 percent of pathogens.
Performance Features
Reverse osmosis systems provide near perfect filtration for wells, but they do require a bit more maintenance than garden-variety water filters, and models with the right blend of features for your lifestyle will make you happier in the long run. Here are the most important things to look for:
• Construction and Materials
Reverse osmosis systems require a separate dispensing faucet. It usually comes with the kit and it should be lead-free. The tanks for most systems are similar, but the quality of parts like cartridge housings can make or break filter changes.
• Size
RO systems use storage tanks to improve water flow at the tap, but they take space. Homeowners with disposals under the sink need to measure carefully before buying to make sure everything fits.
• Capacity
Filtering water through an RO membranes is efficient, but slow. Only so many gallons can be produced in a day — this is known as capacity. Consider how much water your family uses and select a filtration system that can keep up with demand. The TMAFC-ERP Ultra’s membrane filters at least 50 gallons per day — that’s about double what most families need.
• Filter Life
Pre-filters that can process more water before they need to be replaced are convenient and cost-effective. The TMAFC-ERP Ultra’s high-capacity pre-filters are changed annually, depending on water quality. Gallon for gallon, they’re the least costly in their class.
• Micron Rating
Water filters remove contaminants by straining them through pores. Each pore is measured in microns — millionths of a meter — and the smaller they are, the more contaminants they exclude.
The TMAFC-ERP Ultra’s micron rating is 0.001. That’s small enough to eliminate most contaminants including harmful microorganisms, but because the tiniest pathogens can sometimes hide in sediment, the UV light adds an extra layer of protection.
Installation and Maintenance
Home Master designed the TMAFC-ERP Ultra for homeowner installation. Pre-filter changes are the easiest in the industry and require no tools. Replace the UV bulb annually for optimal performance.
• Help & Support
Home Master is dedicated to producing the finest water improvement products. The TMAFC-ERP Ultra comes with a comprehensive five-year warranty and superior customer support.
Final Thoughts
Clean, crisp, safe water is something everyone deserves, and if you have a well, having it is as easy as installing Home Master’s TMAFC-ERP Ultra — our pick for best under sink water filter for well water.
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