APEC Water Systems FILTER-SET-CTOP APEC Water Countertop Reverse Osmosis Replacement Filter Set

Before I purchase these replacement filters. My waste water drain is not a flow smoothly anymore, and the filtered water flows slower that when I first purchased it. The installation process is super easy, I was able to complete it within 10 min, then you need to let it run for 15 mins. Afterward, the improvement is very noticeable, the waste water now flow very smoothly, and the filtered water come out much faster. You definitely need to replace your filter every 6 month. Go my fellow hydrohomies!

I have owned two APEC countertop systems replacing the filters on several occasions. The quality of the water is very good and changing the filters is pretty simple (instructions included). A few previous buyers wrote reviews recommending running water thru the #1 & #2 (carbon) filters before hooking them up to the final filters, #3 & #4. I tried this today with the replacement filters I just received and believe this is a great idea that probably will increase the efficiency and longevity of the system. It took a few minutes and flushed out a surprising amount of black sediment. After it ran clear I hooked it up and was good to go. Our household water is potable but when it comes to water for drinking, coffee, and ice this system provides a crystal clear product. We fill two 1 gallon containers as needed. It takes about 20 minutes to make a gallon.

I've been ordering these for years without problems but I am downvoting to warn of a new problem: The plastic output line tube included with my latest order (October 2024) came with a disgusting, acidic, acrid plastic smell to it resembling that of a Sharpie marker. It infused the smell into the output water itself. It did not smell safe to drink. I realized that it was the output tube, not the filters, when I sniffed the outside of the tube and noticed the tube itself smelled the same. My old output line has always smelled perfectly fine, so I swapped back to it. So, SAVE YOUR OLD OUTPUT TUBE. I am calling APEC to warn them that something may have gone wrong with their manufacturing.

I really like this water filtration system. Water tastes so much better after filtration and it brings the particular matter to almost zero.

What you are not told is how to make sure you rinse the new filters before installing. If you do not, you will push all the charcoal dust into the system, making the filter less efficient, and greatly slowing the flow of water through the system. When you get the new charcoal filter, disconnect the line in from the first line of defense, the sediment filter. Look at the new filter, and find the arrow that shows direction of water. Connect the line in from the faucet to the inlet side of the new charcoal filter. Point the outlet for that filter into the sink, and run the water for at least one minute. You will see why as soon as you turn on the water, as what comes out will be black. Run until the water is clear, probably at least one gallon. Then connect everything and you are ready to go.

I live in rural parts of fresno and this helps clean the water so that it is drinkable.

Good product as described.

Update 2/22/2018 After several messages back and forth, the company decided to send me a membrane filter to replace my existing one ruin by the carbon from Stage 2 filter. I think this deserve upgrade from 2 stars to 4 stars because they are taking care of customer's problem caused by the new filters installed. I didn't give 5 star because they should have put warning label on the stage 2 filter. It seems that new filter will always eject some carbon initially. So before connecting stage 2 carbon filter to stage 3 membrane filter, water need to turn on to eject out free flowing carbon until water turn clear. Once water is clear, it is safe to connect stage 2 filter to stage 3 filter. If I was warn about it, I would not have the problem. Original review 2/21/2018 I purchase this set of filters to replace the stage 1 & 2 on my RO system. My system is currently about 2 year old and function perfectly. Prior to the filter change, I test it with TDS tester and the filtered water show 14ppm with the tap water showing 285ppm. Based on the test result, I don't really need to change the filter. However, I figure change stage 1 & 2 filter may help stage 3 &4 last longer. so I went ahead with the stage 1 & 2 filter change. After replace stage 1 & 2 filter, I notice my RO system no longer produce waste water and the filtered water drip very slowly. When I tested the filtered water, it show quality of 80-140 ppm. Prior to the filter change was only 14ppm. this mean my water is 5 to 10 time worse than before the filter change. I message the Apec about the situation and I was asked to test the water flow on filter stage 1 & 2. I pull the tube connect stage 2 to stage 3 and turn on the water to see if water pressure is good and it show strong flow. I also notice that water came out of stage 2 was gray for about 2 seconds then it turn clear. I got curious and decide to open up stage 3 housing to see why it is not producing clean water. The moment I open up the housing, I notice the interior surface was complete cover in a layer of carbon throughout. The stage 3 membrane was basically clog with carbon from stage 2. That explains why it no longer produce waste water and product clean water at such slow and dirty matter. Based on the condition, I believer I received a defective stage 2 and it ruin my stage 3 membrane filter. I message APEC about the situation and I was told my system is old and need filter change. If I didn't test the water quality before I replace the stage 1 and 2, I might actually think that is the case. But number doesn't lie and seeing it with my own eye, I don't believe that is the case and they should own up to it. Defect happen from time to time, but how you handle it with customer when it happen is more important. The way then handle it leave me to say -----Buy at your own risk