With 7 stages of water filtration, the iSpring RCC7AK-UV is one of the highest performance under sink water filters.
It begins with a pre-filter stage, includes a high-performance RO filter at its heart and finishes of with UV sterilization and alkaline remineralization.
According to the manufacturer, it removes more than 1,000 contaminants ranging from heavy metals like lead and mercury to industrial chemicals like arsenic and benzene.
It also removes chlorine and chloramines, giving you fresher tasting water.
If you are looking for a high-capacity RO under sink water filter that can serve a large family, we highly recommend this one.
Despite its many features, it is surprisingly affordable compared to other RO systems.
Read on for our full review.
To compare it to other under sink filters, read our in-depth under-sink water filter buying guide.
Pros
Cons
Product Specifications
Specifications
Filtering Performance Of iSpring RCC7AK-UV
RO filters are the gold standard for water purification. They can filter out a wide range of contaminants from large suspended particles to microscopic bacteria and cysts.
An RO filter on its own does a pretty great job cleaning up water.
When you add five other filters, you get an even better system that can remove almost all contaminants from water.
The iSpring RCC7AK-UV has 7 stages.
Six of those are water purification stages (the other is for re-mineralizing the water).
Here’s a brief description of each.
1st stage: A 5-micron sediment filter traps suspended particles like dust, rust, and silt. This not only makes the water cleaner, it also prevents these particulates from clogging up the other filters and in particular the sensitive RO membrane.
2nd stage: A 5-micron granular activated carbon (GAC) filter reduces the unpleasant taste and smell of chlorine. It also reduces mineral oils, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (dangerous organic compounds) and phenol (another dangerous organic compound).
3rd stage: A carbon filter block removes any remaining chlorine as well as the more-stubborn chloramines. This filter improves the color, taste and odor of water.
4th stage: The RO membrane is at the heart of the system. With super tiny holes measuring 0.0001 microns, only water molecules and a few other substances can get through. Molecules of heavy metals, organic chemicals, sodium, and copper are trapped behind the membrane. Cysts and some bacteria also don’t go through.
5th stage: A fine post carbon filter removes any residual taste and odors.
6th stage: To give the filtered water a more natural taste, several healthy minerals including calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium and re-introduced into the water. The water’s pH is also increased slightly to eliminate acidity.
7th stage: A 11W UV lamp kills or neutralizes remaining bacteria and viruses. You can activate the lamp by a water flow sensor, that must be ensured to come only when there is some water flowing. This extends its lifespan.
By the time water comes out of the final stage and out of your faucet, it is as clean and safe as bottled water.
If you’ve been buying bottled water for drinking, this filter can replace it. You get to save money and conserve the environment.
Transparent 1st Stage Filter
The sediment pre-filter is contained in clear housing. This allows you to monitor what kind of particles are being trapped.
It also lets you know when it is time to replace the filter.
Triple Carbon Filtration
Activated carbon is common in water filters. It captures a wide range of contaminants including chlorine, some microorganisms, particulates, and chemicals.
Most filters use only one activated carbon filter. The iSpring under sink system has three of them for ultra-high performance filtration.
The three filters are not all the same.
To increase the efficiency , the system combines a granulated carbon filter and a carbon block filter.
The granulated or lose carbon captures larger particles while the denser carbon block traps finer molecules.
There’s also another granulated carbon filter after the RO membrane to provide a final polish.
High-Powered UV Lamp
While most UV sterilizers use a 6W UV lamp, the iSpring system uses a more powerful 11W lamp. The extra power increases its effectiveness at neutralizing harmful microorganisms.
As I mentioned, an integrated flow sensor triggers auto switch off/on of the lamp. The lamp doesn’t stay on all the time as it would be wasteful when there is no water flowing.
As soon as the sensor detects water flow, it switches on the lamp.
Because of this energy-saving feature, the lamp can easily last a full year before you need to replace it.
Ideal for Well Water
You can install this system whether you receive treated city water or contaminants-laden well water.
The seven filter stages can easily handle most of the impurities in well water.
The sediment pre-filter removes sand and silt, the carbon filters remove any chemicals that may have leaked into the water, the RO filter removes dissolved solids like iron and lead, and the UV lamp kills harmful bacteria and viruses.
Installation & Maintenance Of iSpring RCC7AK-UV
If you have an hour or two free, this is a simple DIY installation process.
Unlike most filter system where you have to buy most of the fittings on your own, the iSpring RCC7AK-UV comes with everything you need and even a few spare components for future use.
Here’s what you get in the package:
All you need to have is a variable speed drill, an adjustable wrench, a Philips head screwdriver and a pair of scissors.
The manual has clear installation instructions with lots of pictures to guide you every step of the way. If you need more help, check out some installation videos on YouTube or contact customer support.
Maintenance
Most of the maintenance work involves monitoring the filters and replacing them at the end of their life.
Here’s a list of the filters and their approximate replacement periods.
Sediment pre-filter: 6-12 months depending on water consumption. Check the state of the filter through the clear housing.
Granulated active carbon filter: 6-12 months
Carbon block filter: 6-12 months
RO membrane: 2-3 years
Post carbon GAC filter: 6-12 months
pH and remineralization filter: 6-12 months
Generally, you should replace the filters if you start to notice a decrease in water quality.
It’s around 6 months for most people though the filters can last for longer or less time depending on how much filtered water your family uses.
What We Like The Most About The iSpring RCC7AK-UV Under Sink RO Water Filter
Its excellent value.
Most RO systems cost well over $500 yet they don’t match the performance of the iSpring 7-filter system.
It is one of the most affordable RO under sink filters you can buy.
We also love that it can be used to purify both city and well water. Most water filters work only on city water.
The easy DIY installation is a big plus too. We love the fact that you don’t have to buy anything extra like fittings or valves. The company provides everything you’ll need.
Maintaining the system is just as easy. It takes a few minutes to replace the filters.
What We Don’t Like About This Water Filter
Installation is easy but it takes quite a bit of time; an hour if you have some experience with plumbing, two hours if this is your first DIY plumbing project.
But it’s still better than paying a pro hundreds of dollars to install it for you.
If you want something that is easier to set up, consider buying a faucet water filter.
The iSpring RCC7AK-UV Water Filter Is Perfect For You If...
Avoid Buying This One If You...
Our Bottom Line
An RO filter is your best bet if you want the best protection for your family.
The iSpring RCC7AK-UV gives you even more peace of mind by adding five more filters to make sure your water is completely safe.
Whether you use city water or well water and whether you are worried about pesticides or bacteria in your water, this is one of the best under sink water filters for your home.
