Product : iSpring RCC7AK & RCC7AK-UV
Type : Reverse Osmosis Water Filter
Filtration Stage : 6 (RCC7AK) & 7 (RCC7AK-UV)
Product Warranty : 1 Year
Recommended For: City and Well Water Source, Large Household
-
Reviews by Existing Customers
-
Filtration Effectiveness on Rejection Ratio
-
Quality of the Product
-
Maintenance and Replacement
-
Installation Easiness
-
Cost Effective (Price/Value)
Summary
The iSpring RCC7AK/UV doesn’t received as much great reviews as the RCC7. Most of the customer aren’t satisfied with the alkaline remineralization filter which doesn’t really increase the pH of the water to alkaline state. However, the core filtration functionality still perform great as expected. With just less than $30 dollars differences on RCC7AK as compared to RCC7, you can get a better pH on your drinking water. It is definitely worth investing and RECOMMENDED.
Background
iSpring reverse osmosis system is well know for is reliability, quality and value for money. There are several models in the company which obtained the WQA Gold Seal Award. the iSpring RCC7AK & RCC7AK-UV are one of them.
iSpring RCC7AK Series Review
Slightly Increase in pH
iSpring RCC7AK water filter consists of 6 filtration stages. It is similar to the iSpring RCC7 with an additional alkaline remineralization filter to increase the pH slightly.
Low pH Increase: However, the remineralization filter doesn’t turned it to an alkaline water. The remineralization filter just add about 0.5-0.8 to the overall pH which comes up to be 6.5-7.2. This range is consider mild acidic to neutral.
UV Light Sterilizer: iSpring RCC7AK-UV is having the same features as RCC7AK, with an additional ultraviolet sterilizer that kills all virus, bacteria and microorganism. It is best use for well water filtration system which has more living organism.
Over 90% TDS Rejection Ratio
5% Lower Rejection Ratio but : The iSpring RCC7AK & RCC7AK-UV is advertised to achieve 90%+ Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) rejection ratio, a drop of 5% as compared to RCC7.
This is due to the remineralization process that adds in beneficial minerals which increases the TDS.
TDS shouldn’t be the sole factor of choosing a reverse osmosis water filter.
What are the similarity of both RCC7 and RCC7AK?
Most features of the iSpring RCC7AK/UV are similar to RCC7 :
1. It is able to remove 98% of the chemicals, heavy materials and sediments.
2. Daily production rate is 75GPD
3. Waste water is 3:1. Every gallon of pure water, 3 gallons of waste water.
4. Low lifespan of filter, including alkaline remineralization filter.
Technical Specification
Below are the summarize technical specification that you SHOULD KNOW before buying the iSpring RCC7AK & RCC7AK-UV.
- Water Pressure: 45-70 psi
Choose iSpring RCC1UP if pressure is lower than 45 psi. A pressure regulator is needed if water pressure exceeded 70 psi to avoid leakage due to high pressure. - Water Temperature: 40-100 F (4-38C)
- Capacity: 75 gallons per day based on 60 psi and 77 deg F conditions.
- Storage Tank Capacity: 3.2 gallons
- System Dimensions: 14.5w x 6d x 18h (Fits most under-sink cabinets)
Multi Stage Filtration System
The iSpring reverse osmosis system RCC7AK is a 6 stages filtration system:
Stage 1: High Capacity 5 micron sediment filter – It is capable of removing dust, rust, sand and other contamination which is able to be seen from naked eye.
Stage 2, 3: 5 micron Activation Carbon Filter, Carbon Block – Removing residual chlorine taste, odor and cloudiness from the source water.
Stage 4: 0.0001 micron Reverse Osmosis Membrane – It traps up to 95% of the total dissolved solid in the water leaving behind pure water. The water is channeled to the storage tank after stage 4.
Stage 5: Post Carbon Filter – It removes taste and odor after the water left the storage tank .
Stage 6: Alkaline Remineralization Filter – Reintroduce healthy minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium which will increase the pH of water at about 0.5 to 0.8.
Stage 7 : UV Sterilizer (Only for RCC7AK-UV) – Kills all the living microorganism, virus, bacteria by interfering their DNA
Installation
For all iSpring reverse osmosis water filter, the installation manual is simple and straight forward. It also comes with an online video to help to visualize the installation process.
Tools that are required :
- Variable speed drill with two bits: ¼” (for drilling a hole on PVC drain pipe), ½” hollow diamond (for drilling a hole on countertop for drinking faucet)
- 5/8”, 9/16” openend wrench, or adjustable wrench, pliers
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Scissors or utility knife
The diagram below visually describe how the final installation happened under your kitchen sink. Drainage of iSpring reverse osmosis water filter is about 3:1. It is advisable to channel the waste water to other use such as gardening.
Frequent Filter Replacement
For all iSpring water filter, the replacement happens quite frequent. Depending on the capacity of the water usage and the contamination level of the source water, the replacement schedule varies. Below are the suggested replacement timeline for all filters.
- Stage 1 – 3 Sediment and Carbon Block Filters: 3 to 6 Months
- Stage 4 Reverse Osmosis Membrane Filter: 2 – 3 Years
- Stage 5 Post Carbon Filter: 1 Year
- Stage 6 Alkaline Remineralization Filter: 3-6 Months
- Stage 7 UV Light Bulb (RCC7AK-UV only) : Whenever light bulbs goes out, about 1 Year.
On a period of 5 years, the average cost per year on replacement filter is about $82 for RCC7AK and $100 for RCC7AK-UV.
The Voice From Existing Owners
iSpring RCC7 did received excellent reviews by thousands of customers. How about the iSpring RCC7AK and RCC7AK-UV? Let’s take a look at some of the reviews.
+ This seem like a good quality filter. Easy assembly, and the water taste great.
+ My particle of 012 are now at 022. Which is still good. Our area tap water is 145ppm.
+ My unfiltered tap water is around 400 ppm! The filtered water is around 43 ppm.
+ You get 95% of everything you need to install aside from a couple tools and possible one additional part
– I have tested the drinking water with two diffrent sets of tests (drops and test strips) and both came out as ph nuetral.
– You pour one glass of water and you waste five down the drain.
– The water is great, but don’t expect it to come out fast. I had to wait 4 minutes to fill a water glass.
Verdict : Recommended!
Expert View
iSpring RCC7AK series is consider as an average reverse osmosis filtration system. It is not as great as some of the remineralization system.
Below are two benefits of the iSpring RCC7AK.
- WQA Gold Seal Award: One of the most prestigious award for water filter which certified the quality and functionality of the system.
- Affordability: Priced just above $200, you can get a reverse osmosis system with remineralization filter. It is one of the cheapest of all.
Otherwise, you can check out our Latest guide on the best reverse osmosis system.
Where Can I Buy It?
Find out the latest discount on my number one online trustworthy store, Amazon.
iSpring RCC7AK Reverse Osmosis Water Filter.
iSpring RCC7AK-UV Reverse Osmosis Water Filter
Click on the button to check on the latest discounted price and find out the reviews of the product by all happy customers.
I’ve never really given too much thought about the filtration process of my drinking water, but this article has certainly opened my eyes. The only issue I see for this particular unit is the length of time to get a glass of filtered water, are there other alternatives?
You can go for the APEC ROES-90 or the Home Master TMHP. These filters are great in their flow rates.
Great post Jay,
This is such an informative review and I like that you’ve included a video on how to install it. We’ve been looking into getting a water filter so this site has great info on that. 4 minutes to fill a glass of water is a concern.
Is there a water filter that you can recommend that is quicker to fill up as well as not having to replace the filter as often?
The Home Master TMHP is one of the best under sink water filter system that I’ve encounter. It can produce up to 75GPD of filtered water and a waste water reduction of 1:1.
The suggested replacement is approximately once a year.
It is an excellent product. You got my words 🙂