Bought this as a backup knowing that I would eventually need to replace an older model of a different maker. This units seems well made and of good quality materials. The only gripe I have is the inlet and outlet threads on the housing are plastic. I am not a plumber, but found out the hard way that to keep this whole house filter from leaking was to wrap the brass fittings 10-12 times with Teflon tape plus use a pipe dope as an extra precaution. After 2 tries this was the only way to stop the leaks. Third time a charm. Next time I will probable purchase a model having metal or brass threads instead of plastic. This is the second whole house filter I've installed here and the previous filter did have metal threads. And that filter didn't require as much tape and no pipe dope on install. Plus got it installed on the first try. Lesson well learned.

I bought this because I believe there is a break in my water line and sediment is getting into they system. Since it's winter, it could be awhile before I can dig up the line to find the problem, so this is a temporary solution. I looked into reverse osmosis, UV purifiers, and various other filters. The best systems are reverse osmosis systems that filter up to 1/1000 of a micron, which would get rid of virtually anything that would make you sick -- sediment, protozoa cysts, and bacteria. However, those systems are either point of use (on top or under the sink) which won't protect my equipment from sediment and I would have to purchase multiple systems -- one for every sink that kids might want to drink out of -- or they are MASSIVELY expensive. UV systems only kill the bacteria and don't get out whatever nasty stuff might be getting into system and jamming up my appliances and/or my kidneys (yes, kidney stones can be caused by crud in your water).

This is just a sediment filter. The positives are that it's very cheap, the built in valve means you don't have to turn off the water to change the filter, and because it takes a standardized filter size, you have a choice in filters. This means you can get a filter for it that filters down to 5 microns, which is sufficient to take both the sediment and the protozoa cysts (Giardia) out of your water. However, it still won't take out bacteria. If you are worried about bacteria, that means you either still have to buy a UV purifier, or in lieu of that, still boil your water if you have a bacteria problem. If you don't have a bacteria problem, you're golden and this filter is all you need.

Cons: Doesn't filter out bacteria. Also, you really really have to screw the body on tight tight tight with the included "wrench." The most minuscule gap will make it leak. They probably could have designed that part a bit better with a nice big rubber gasket, but they didn't. So put some muscle into it. Also, because the lid is plastic, it took a LOT of pipe joint tape and sealant to keep it from leaking. This takes a 3/4 inch threaded pipe on both ends. You have to buy your own adapters with a male end and a quick connect end if you don't want threaded pipe.

no mounting bracket included

So just like a lot of people said, this thing leaked a bit at first on the water output. BUT!!! I gave it a few extra wraps (8 - 10) of plumbers tape and no leak. Holding solid and I have my water pressure back most importantly.

I'd say for the price it is worth it. We will see. The flow rate is only 5gph and i like strong showers.... so I may add another one of these to the mix or upgrade. But if you don't mind the average shower, nice pressure for water and overall a great setup, this is the way to go. I'll be adding a pressure gauge to the output at some point to monitor it. Will buy again however!

As one reviewer stated , if you know what you are doing , on installing , I have 2 of these on my home , Put 1 in my mom's house and 2 in other friends house . NEVER a problem. they work great with charcoal filter. I like that I can see the filter . and turn off on top to change filter. My friends come over to my house after only drinking natural water their hold lives , and never know I have public water.