The Home Master TMAFC-ERP is the best reverse osmosis for most homes.
The TMAFC-ERP features a multi-stage filtration that includes high quality coconut shell catalytic carbon, a high rejection-rate RO membrane and two full contact remineralization stages.
Thanks to its integrated permeate pump, the TMAFC-ERP also produces less water waste and more purified water per hour than most home RO systems.
It also comes with a fast flow kit that ensures you don’t experience the frustratingly low flow associated with most RO filters.
The TMAFC-ERP is easy to maintain, too, thanks to its modular design and long filter life.
Keep reading for our full review of the Home Master TMAFC-ERP RO system.
If you are looking for a less expensive alternative, Home Master also sells a standard model without the permeate pump (Home Master TMAFC).
They also have a more feature-loaded package that adds a luxury brushed nickel faucet and a fridge connection kit in addition to a permeate pump (TMAFC-ERP-L).
For a list of other top-rated RO systems, read our recently-updated reverse osmosis water filter buying guide.
Pros
Cons
Product Specifications
Best Features
1. Modular Filters
What Filters Need to be Changed on the TMAFC-ERP?
The Home Master RO water filter differs from other RO systems in one important area: filter design.
Most RO systems consist of filter cartridges that you insert into filter housings. You replace the filter cartridges every 6-12 months and the housings every 5 years.
The problem with this design is that not many people remember to replace the filter housings. So they keep on deteriorating, which increases the risk of a major leak that could flood your kitchen.
Additionally, the filter cartridges are messy and tedious to replace.
The Home Master system uses a modular design where the filter housing and cartridge are a single assembly. When it’s time to replace the filters, you remove the entire filter assembly and put in a new one.
This has several advantages including:
2. High-Performance Multi-stage Filtration
Which Impurities Does the Home Master TMAFC-ERP Remove?
The water passes through several stages to remove different types of contaminants and enhance its taste.
Pre-filters
These consist of a sediment filter to remove large particles like sand and rust and two catalytic carbon filters to remove chlorine, chloramine and a wide range of organic chemicals. These filters have a 1-year lifespan, twice that of pre-filters in most RO systems.
RO membrane
This is where the toughest contaminants are removed including dissolved minerals and salts, heavy metals, any remnant chemicals and biologicals (bacteria, viruses, cysts and protozoa).
The RO membrane has a lifespan of 3-5 years depending on your water quality and daily consumption. Lifespan will be on the lower side if you receive well water in your home.
Two Full Contact Remineralization Stages
Other RO systems feature just one pH/remineralization filter if any. The Home Master TMAFC-ERP has two.
The first adds healthy minerals back into the water and balances the waters pH as it travels to the tank.
The second further adds calcium and magnesium minerals as the water travels from the tank to the faucet.
Using dual pH filters offers two main advantages:
3. High Water Efficiency
The Home Master TMAFC-ERP is one of the most efficient reverse osmosis systems you can buy.
Thanks to the integrated permeate pump that increases the pressure of water passing through the filters, the system wastes significantly less water compared to competitors.
While other systems waste up to 4 gallons of water for every gallon of pure water, the Home Master has a waste water to pure water ratio of 1:1.
This means that only 1 gallon of water is flushed down the drain for every 1 gallon of purified water.
4. High Water Flow
RO filters are the best water treatment solution for drinking water. But they can be frustrating to use.
Most produce purified water in a weak stream that takes forever to fill up a water bottle or pitcher.
The Home Master TMAFC-ERP doesn’t have this problem for two reasons.
- The permeate pump. This increases water pressure, leading to a stronger stream out of the faucet.
- Home Master’s Fast Flow RO Kit. The Fast Flow RO kit uses wider fittings than in most systems, thus increasing water flow through the system and out of the faucet.
Installation & Maintenance
How Much are Replacement Filters for the TMAFC-ERP?
Home Master sells a set of replacement filters for around $77. They include a carbon filter, an artesian/remineralization filter and a sediment filter.
As for the RO membrane, you can get it from Home Master’s official website for around $100.
You don’t need to hire a pro to install the Home Master RO system. You can do it yourself with basic tools.
The only issue is that it takes time, mostly because you need to drill into your drain line for wastewater drainage as well as your sink for the faucet.
But it’s not that hard. Just make sure you block plenty of time from your schedule – around 2-3 hours.
The good thing about this RO system is that it comes with all the fittings you’ll need for installation.
You only need to have your own tools including a variable speed drill, a Philips screwdriver, an adjustable wrench and a pair of scissors.
The system goes under your sink with the filters mounted vertically on the wall and the storage tank sitting on the floor.
Tubes to different parts of the system are color coded to make installation easier.
The manual has very clear and detailed setup instructions, including photos and illustrations.
You can’t go wrong. But if you need a bit more help, Home Master has several installation videos on their website.
Maintenance
After installation, regularly check connectors and fittings for leaks.
If you notice a leak, shutoff the water and re-connect that part using Teflon tape.
As the one-year mark draws near, buy the filter replacement kit well ahead of time. If you are late replacing the pre-filters, unfiltered sediment and chlorine can damage the expensive RO membrane.
Thanks to the system’s modular design, replacing the filters is a piece of cake. It takes just a few minutes and you don’t have to get your hands messy with a wet cartridge.
Remember to sanitize the system when you replace the filters.
The RO membrane lasts 3-5 years. It’s also easy to replace.
What We Like The Most About the Home Master TMAFC-ERP RO System
1. High Flow Rate
It makes a whole lot of difference when filling up water bottles.
2. Less Water Waste
Saves water and saves you money.
3. Great Tasting Water
Tastes like spring bottled water thanks to the two remineralization stages.
4. Excellent Build Quality
The modular design increases durability. The tank and fittings are also guaranteed to last for years. Home Master backs their system with a 5-year warranty.
5. Long Lasting Filters
Saves you money since you don’t need to replace the filters as often.
What We Don’t Like
1. Installation Takes Time
While the Home Master TMAFC-ERP is designed for easy DIY installation, it is far from a plug and play system.
Expect to spend at least 2 hours (3, if this is your first DIY plumbing project) installing the water filter under your sink.
2. Takes up Space
With three filter housings plus the reserve tank, the system takes up quite a bit of space under your sink.
This is a problem for homes with a small under-sink space.
Luckily, Home Master says you can also install it in your basement as long as it is within 10 feet of the faucet and it is not exposed to freezing temperatures.
The Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artesian RO System Is Perfect For You If...
Avoid Buying This One If…
Our Bottom Line
Most families will find the Home Master TMAFC-ERP perfect for their purified water needs.
Whether you are using well water or city water, this Home Master RO system will make sure your water is safe to drink and tastes great.
