Express 3 Stage Review

Water filters have a reputation for being complicated, but the technology is simple. It’s the engineering that can be a problem. Less than user-friendly interfaces on some models don’t tell homeowners the status of their system, and knowing when to replace cartridges can be a guessing game.

How can you improve your water quality without that kind of frustration?

Let me introduce you to the Express Water 3-Stage Whole House Water Filter. It’s a first-of-its-kind design created to take the guesswork out of water filtration. It’s quick to install, a breeze to operate, and it’s triple-layer filtration is among the best in the industry. Intrigued? Let take a closer look at the stress-free filter that will make you love tap water.

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Express Water 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System

Like similar water filtration systems, this model by Express Water uses a series of inline cartridges to capture the contaminants that can make water smell and taste like it came from a chemical brewery. The first is a multi-layer polypropylene filter that removes coarse sediment down to five microns. The second filter is made of top-quality granular carbon that captures chemical contaminants, including chlorine, pesticides, industrial solvents and more. A final carbon block cartridge removes remaining traces of chemicals and makes your water taste as good as high-end bottled with minimal impact on water pressure.

Each cartridge has an independent pressure gauge for easy monitoring. Filter changes require no tools, and integrated pressure release valves make them a quick and mess-free process. With a 100,000-gallon capacity, a family of four can expect clean water from every tap for up to a year. And for peace of mind, this filter comes with a full one-year warranty and free lifetime support from Express Water’s knowledgeable experts.

Pros

• Filters are NSF/ANSI-certified for quality and performance
• Integrated pressure gauges indicate when cartridges need replacement
• Easy twist-off filter changes
• Plastic cartridge housings are food-grade, BPA-free and recyclable
• Lively 15 gallon per minute flow rate

Cons

• DIY installation can be challenging without plumbing experience

Top FAQs on Express Water 3-Stage Water Filtration System

Q: Will this system soften hard water?
A: No. It leaves in the healthy minerals that enhance the taste of water. It does not reduce hardness.

Q: How to pressure release buttons make filter changes easier?
A: When a filter is removed under pressure, water left in the pipes will drip or even spray out. Releasing it before unscrewing the cartridge housing prevents that and keeps the floor clean.

Q: Can I use this filter for well water?
A: Absolutely, but because it can’t remove disease-causing bacteria, it needs to be paired with a secondary system that can unless a test shows your well is pathogen-free. This filter is ideal for removing the taste impurities in chlorine-treated municipal water — see our best water filters for well water.

My Take on Express 3-stage:

The most common complaint about water filters is not knowing when cartridges should be changed. Timely filter replacements are critical for system efficiency. But the traditional method of changing them based on how long they’ve been in use or when there’s a drop in pressure at the tap is hardly scientific. Why throw money away by replacing cartridges too soon? Or suffer from sub-par water quality because incremental decreases in water pressure are hard to notice when you can have at-a-glance monitoring with individual pressure gauges?

There are only two minor drawbacks with this system. The initial price is marginally higher than it’s competitors, but replacing filters only when necessary offsets the cost in the long run. And like all inline filters, DIY installation can be challenging. But while similar models can take the same worries out of your water, few are both as capable and as user-friendly as this one. If you’re a reluctant buyer who could benefit from a home filtration system, I can’t recommend this filter enough.

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Performance Features

• Contaminants Filtered

Express Water’s 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System is ideal for the many impurities that affect water’s taste.

It reduces up to 95-percent of chlorine, plus:

1. Sand
2. Rust
3. Silt
4. Insecticides
5. Herbicides
6. Pharmaceutical residue
7. Industrial solvents
8. VOCs and more

It can’t make water potable, so if you have a well, have it tested before you buy. For a report of which contaminants are in city water, contact your local treatment authority.

• Flow Rate

Filtering water is a process — it takes time. To meet the needs of a busy family, a filter’s flow rate — measured in gallons per minute — needs to be vigorous enough to manage multiple applications simultaneously. Who wants to wait for the kids to finish showering in the morning before making coffee or flushing the toilet?

The average household uses a maximum of 12 gallons per minutes. For three to four people, the Express Water 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System’s 15 gallon per minute rate is plenty to keep everyone happy.

• Micron Rating

Pore size determines the largest particle a filter will capture. Models with low micron ratings remove more contaminants including pathogens, but their flow rates are slow. Large-micron filters don’t eliminate microorganisms, but water flows through them faster, so they’re better suited for whole-home use.

The Express Water 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System has a micron rating of five. That’s not enough to make dirty water biologically safe. But it’s perfect for making chemically treated city water or clean well water taste better without reducing water pressure to a trickle.

• Service Life

Unlike models that use non-replaceable filters, the Express Water 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System will keep on working for you as long as the cartridges are changed as recommended. The system has a total capacity of 100-00 gallons depending in part on your water quality. On average, sediment filters need to replacement every six months. The carbon filters last up to a year.

Since replacement filters add to the long-term cost of ownership, it pays to evaluate their price and how often they need changing before committing. With a reasonable initial investment and competitively priced replacement filters, this system is exceptionally economical to maintain.

• Design and Installation

The Express Water 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System features a rugged steel frame with three study plastic housings for each individual filter. At 23.5 x 8.5 x 29.5 inches, it’s larger than similar models, yet small enough to fit in tight quarters.

It’s an inline system that connects to your main water supply line, so installing it requires cutting pipe. DIY installation is straightforward with the necessary plumbing know-how. Professional installation may be a better option for homeowners who are uncomfortable with plumbing.

• Help & Support

Express Water offers a one-year warranty on this system, but more importantly, it comes with free lifetime technical support. Whether you need help with installation, can’t troubleshoot a minor issue or just want to make sure you’re ordering the right replacement filters, head to their website for informative guides and instructional videos, or pick up the phone — their expert customer care team is ready to help.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to water, no family should have to choose between quality and convenience when Express Water’s 3-Stage Whole House Filtration System offers both. Install it today — love your water tomorrow.

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