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Nowadays, even in developed countries, water from a kitchen faucet can get contaminated. It might not be noticeable, but contaminated water can cause severe health damage in the long term. Fortunately, you can prevent this issue with a 3M AP904 filtration system.
This device removes over 85% chlorine using Carbon Block and an advanced Appliance Protection technology. In this article, we will review the best of the 3M Aqua-Pure product line and provide all the information you should know before purchasing one of these units.
Comparisons – 3M AP902 vs. AP903 vs. AP904
Although these three systems might appear almost identical, there are some significant differences between them. Obviously, the AP904 model comes with the best features but is also the most expensive since it’s like an upgraded version of AP902 and AP903. Although we have already done the 3M AP904 review, let’s see what each of these models has to offer.
As you can see, there is a significant difference between AP904 and the other two models. However, it doesn’t mean that it’s always the best solution. In fact, you may check out the 3M AP903 as one of the best home water filter! What matters the most is what exactly do you need the filter to do.
Special Bundle
First, as a special bundle, let’s mention the best features of two of 3M Aqua-Pure popular products. It’s one of the best whole house water filtration systems and the Quick-Change replacement water filter.
3M Aqua-Pure 5621104
Before we talk about the filter, let’s mention a few things about the manufacturer. 3M is a globally popular company with over 100 years in business, and is well-known for the fantastic quality and service, and various technical
innovations.
| Maximum Flow Rate: | 20 Gallons Per Minute |
| Material: | Made from stainless steel and durable plastic |
| Warranty: | 25-year warranty on a stainless-steel head |
| Connections: | 1 NPT inlets and outlets |
| FDA compliant: | FDA CFR 21-compliant system materials |
| Operating pressure: | 125 PSI maximum operating pressure |
| Ideal for: | Good for well and city water |
| Certification: | NSF certified |
Main Features & Benefits
When it comes to the 3M Whole House system, there are a few important things to mention. Let’s start with the Safe Quick Change (SQC) design.
SQC Design
The best thing about this design is that everyone can easily change the cartridge without any DIY skills. You don’t even need a wrench – you can simply take out the cartridge by hand. Another nice thing is that you don’t need to replace the filter itself. By replacing the whole cartridge, you will prevent water spillage and improve hygiene in the kitchen during the replacement process.
Water Quality Improvement
This well water filter significantly improves water quality, and compared to other filter productions, 3M is fantastic. It has a heavy-duty activated carbon filter that removes particles of around 5 microns in size. On top of that, the system has a peak rate of 20 GPM, which the average is around 10 GPM.
Also, besides chlorine, this system removes various sediments, which directly affects the lifespan of many home appliances.
Cartridge and NSF Certification
As mentioned, the cartridge has an extended lifespan, compared to most filtration systems. It’s able to filter around 100,000 gallons of water and will serve you for over 12 months. Most systems come with cartridges that stop working properly after 3 months of normal use. Still, 3M cartridges are a bit pricey, but the investment pays off in the long term.
In the end, we should mention that the system is NSF certified. But is that really important? The fact is that anyone can make a filter and say that it helps purify the water. But the filter might not be just useless, it might even be harmful in the long term. When the filter is NSF certified, you don’t have to worry about anything. Passing the NSF/ANSI regulations is a difficult task, which makes certified filters stand out from the crowd.
Product Documentation
3M Aqua-Pure AP904 Filter
Installation
Each of the three systems includes the filter head, filter cartridge, mounting bracket, and a product manual. However, you might need additional tools and fittings to complete the installation.
If you use city water, you need to install the system after the water meter. For homeowners who use well water, the system should be installed after the pressure tank. To do this, you will need to first shut off the main water supply and completely depressurize and drain the pipes. You also need to shut off the fuel or electric power supply to the water heater.
Next, you need to measure and cut the pipe so that the filter head and recommended bypass can fit properly. You should use three ball valves and one filtration unit. Then, install valves, piping, and filter head into the water supply system, but use PTFE tape only. After that, you need to install the filter cartridge into the filter head. Rotate the cartridge clockwise to make sure that the internal keyring is in the correct position. When it makes a click sound, it’s positioned properly.
Turn on the main water supply and open valve 1 for a couple of seconds, but make sure that the water is running through the faucet. Close it, and slowly open valves 2 and 3. Allow the cartridge to full up and check for leaks. If everything is fine, flush the system with at least 10 gallons of water, and turn on the power supply to your water heater. That’s it! Installation is complete.
Maintenance and Warranty
A great thing about this filtration system is that it requires almost no maintenance. You only have to replace the cartridge approximately once a year, which will cost you between $130 and $170. The cost depends mainly on which cartridge you decide to buy, but each of them will last for at least twelve months.
When you buy a cartridge, the company will provide you with a 1-year warranty in addition to 3M providing a 25-year warranty on the stainless-steel filter head. That’s why it is worth comparing this filter with built-to-last Home Master whole house filters.
Replacement Cartridge
As we mentioned, you can choose between three different cartridges when the time for replacement comes, but let’s talk about the cartridge first.
Due to its simple design, you can install it without any special tools. Just put the cartridge in the proper position and rotate clockwise until it clicks. It’s made from strong and durable materials, so you don’t have to worry about any damage during the installation.
It’s a heavy-duty cartridge, able to achieve a 20 GPM flow rate (although, the flow rate of 10 GPM is recommended). You need to replace it approximately once a year since it can provide over 100,000 gallons of clean water. Choosing this cartridge is an excellent long-term investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it doesn’t. This system is mainly oriented towards removing larger particles and is not ideal for virus and coliform bacteria removal. In that case, you should look for a different filtration system.
It depends if the smell is caused by chlorine or small bacterial. For example, the system perfectly removes chlorine odor and taste. However, if the smell is caused by very small particles, it might not be properly removed. In this case, please check out DuPont Whole House Filters.
The system greatly helps with hard water. However, the exact reduction level is currently unknown. We also noticed that it prevents water from causing stains on the sink and clothing.
The system comes with the AP904 cartridge that we mentioned above. It’s good for both well and tap water and comes with fantastic filtration media.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a water filtration system that removes the tiniest particles, this unit might not be the best solution. However, if you are looking for mesmerizing quality when it comes to chlorine and large particle filtration, look no further!
The AP904 system comes at a reasonable price and provides 100,000 gallons of a lifetime. There is no maintenance, and the installation is effortless. It’s definitely an excellent investment!