An alkaline filter to replenish lost minerals, and a good size storage tank all for under $250. Too good to be true? We review the iSpring RCC7AK and find out.
iSpring RCC7AK
Effectiveness
Maintenance/Installation
Features
Value
Amazing value
The iSpring RCC7AK water filter offers great value for a 6-stage RO system. When compared to brands such as APEC it represents a significant long-term saving. For the environmentally conscious it offers a relatively low water to waste ratio too. iSpring’s commitment to improve their systems and listen to their customer’s needs is a great reason to invest with them.
iSpring RCC7AK
Cost: $$
Filtration Stages: 6
Warranty: 1 Year + 30-day money back guarantee
Dimensions: RO unit: 15 x 8 x 18 inches, storage tank: Diameter 10 ¾ inches, height 14 ¼ inches
Filter Lifespan: Stages 1-3 = 6 months, Stage 4 (membrane) = 2-3 years, Stage 5 = 1 year, Stage 6 = 1 year
Filter Cost: Cheaper than rival systems
Water Production: 75 gallons per day (at optimal settings)
Introduction
The market is saturated with many products that claim to do an incredible job but end up disappointing customers. So how do you know if a product will do what it’s supposed to before you’ve tried it? That’s one of the reasons that we wrote this review. We wanted to scrutinize a home water filter to determine if it is the most obvious choice on the market. So, we chose the iSpring RC7AK and put it in the spotlight. The iSpring RCC7AK is a six stage reverse osmosis home water filter. Its two main selling features are its cost and alkaline filter. The RCC7AK is really well priced, and represents amazing value for a 6-stage reverse osmosis system.
It features an alkaline filter, and a water production rate of 75 gallons per day. These are top features that usually cost a whole lot more. iSpring also offer lifetime customer support from a team of certified professionals. Installing one of these systems can seem like a difficult proposition, but help is never far away if you choose iSpring.
The iSpring RCCAK7 is enhanced with alkaline to restore minerals that are lost during the reverse osmosis process. Magnesium and calcium are added back into the water after being stripped away. However, there is no pH monitor or way of measuring just how much mineral is added back. These alkaline filters are rarely completely efficient so I’d be very surprised if the water was as alkaline rich as it was originally. Anyway, iSpring advertise “great-tasting water” and suggest that using their system equates to water costing just 2 cents per bottle.
The system offers a rejection rate of contaminants of up to 99% . This figure is commonly brought up among competitors, but the effectiveness depends on the source water quality, pressure, and temperature. Reverse osmosis is probably the most effective form of water filtration available in the home. It removes all common contaminants to a high degree, and even protects against things like pesticides and pharmaceuticals. This kind of protection can only really be improved by adding a UV filter to the system. This can be added at extra cost, and would eliminate any harmful bacteria from the water.
Perhaps the most attractive thing about this RO water filter is that its design and function were reviewed and upgraded in 2014. After listening to customer feedback, iSpring improved the storage tank and shut-off valves, and upgraded the 5th stage carbon filter. That shows a commitment to quality which impresses me.
The iSpring RCC7AK also includes upgrades such as ceramic valves, designer faucets, and brushed nickels (these are added at an extra cost).
We also favorably reviewed the RCC7AK’s cheaper, 5-stage, younger sister, the iSpring RCC7 recently.
Performance
The iSpring RCC7AK system will produce around 75 gallons of water each day. This is at a rate of around 2-3 gallons per hour. This number depends on the input water pressure, temperature, and water chemistry. It features a 3.2 gallon tank which has an automatic shut-off for when the tank is full.
This system uses 6-stages in its water treatment process. Each stage performs a special job to purify the water.
Stage1: A high-capacity polypropylene sediment filter which removes sediment, rust, sand, dust, and particles.
Stage 2: A granular activated carbon filter which removes unpleasant tastes, odors, colors, cloudiness, and chlorine.
Stage 3: A carbon block that removes residual tastes, colors, and odors. Also, improves the pre-filter’s efficiency and extends the membranes life.
Stage 4: The reverse osmosis membrane. Will remove contaminants such as fluoride, radium, arsenic, lead, chromium , chlorine, and bacteria.
Stage 5: A carbon filter that removes any possible residual odors or tastes from the storage tank.
Stage 6: An alkaline PH filter that balances the PH of the water and adds healthy minerals back into your water supply.
More information on the operation of reverse osmosis water filters can be found in our RO guide.
The stage 1, 2, 3, and 6 filters are recommended to be replaced every 6 months. The stage 4 membrane every 2-3 years, and the stage 5 filter every 12 months. A pack of filters lasting 1 year retails on Amazon at a very reasonable price.
Installation Information
The iSpring RCC7AK is of dimensions 15 x 8 x 18 inches (RO unit) and the storage tank has a diameter of 10 ¾ inch and height 14 ¼ inch. It has a weight of 20 pounds. The parts are color coded and iSpring state that installation is “Easy”. There is a comprehensive installation video available on youtube if you are worried about this part.
The installation requires a basic tool list:
- Variable speed drill
- 1/8” ¼”, 7/16”, ½”, and 5/8” drill bits
- Pliers
- Philips screwdriver
- Utility Knife or scissors
The system comes with everything else needed for self installation:
- Storage tank
- Filters
- Color coded tubing
- Lead free faucet
- Tank valve
- Feed water adapter
- Drain Saddle
- Teflon tape
- Two wrenches
- 3 spare O-rings
- 2 spare elbow fittings
- User manuals
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cost, it’s relatively inexpensive. | Some DIY skills required for installation. |
| Larger RO membrane means faster water production. Ideal for larger households. | PH filter not 100% efficient. Doesn’t completely replenish all mineral loss. |
| Cheap filters. | |
| Low drinking water to waste water ratio. |
Reverse osmosis system are among the most effective forms of home water filtration. However, they aren’t perfect and will only filter water at one drinking point in the home (usually the kitchen faucet). If you require filtered water throughout the house (including the bathroom), then you need a whole house water filter system. Check out our guide to see how the best models on the market compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do iSpring filters last?
This depends on the source of water that you’re filtering out and several other factors such as flow rate, the age of your pipes, and much more. However, as a general rule of thumb, iSpring filters usually last around 12 months. If you live in a highly polluted area, you can change them every 10 or 11 months just to be safe (though it isn’t absolutely necessary).
Where are iSpring water filters made?
The iSpring headquarters and factory have been located in the Greater Metro Atlanta area for over 20 years, and that is also the place where their filters are produced. As you can tell, they use American standards of quality and they apply all regulations imposed by the FDA and several other authorities from our country. In conclusion, it’s unlikely you’ll get an iSpring filter that’s defective or that performs below what is written on the package. And in the unlikely event that you do encounter such a problem, you can contact their customer support for a replacement.
Is iSpring NSF certified?
Yes, all iSpring products are certified by the NSF for top quality performance. As such, any iSpring system you purchase is certified to remove any particles larger than 5 microns and is effective at removing chlorine, sediment, herbicides, pesticides, rust, and up to 95% of the contaminants in your water.
What is NSF 401 certified?
As stated from the official NSF guidelines: “Emerging Contaminants/Incidental Compounds is an American national standard that verifies the ability of a water treatment device to reduce up to 15 of the emerging contaminants shown below.”
With that said, NSF standard 401 comprises the regulations that water filter companies have to follow in order to create filters of the best possible standards.
Final Thoughts
We’ve mentioned how the product performs, as well as the benefits it holds to consumers. Our review covered just about everything that the iSpring RCC7AK offers. The aim of the review was to present as much information about this product so that you can make up your mind if you want to purchase it.
If you’ve used this product, we’d like to hear your experience and let us know if there are any questions that are on your mind.
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