Article reviewed by: Diana Lee, Master’s Degree in Nutrition
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Express Water RO filtration systems are one of the best ways to ensure high-quality water. These systems are known as reverse osmosis systems.
Today, we are reviewing products that offer both high-quality and affordable solutions. Reverse Osmosis systems are one of the most popular filtration units. If you are looking for a good quality-price ratio, the Express Water RO Alkaline and the RO5DX are great choices.
When choosing between reverse osmosis systems, there are a few factors you need to consider. Here, we have compiled a buyer’s guide that will help you make a wise decision.
1. Amount of Water (Capacity)
Generally, larger systems can filter a higher amount of water at once. Most standard systems can filter from 50 to 100 gallons a day. If you have a smaller household, these systems should be able to suit your needs. However, if you use large amounts of water every day, you should aim for a larger system.
2. Ease of Installation
When you buy an RO system, you probably don’t want to spend too long figuring out how to set it up. That is why it is important to find out whether the system you are buying is easy to install or not. Luckily, the two systems we’ll review today give you peace of mind in terms of installing. Although it may take some time, by following the instructions, you will get it done easily.
3. Amount Of Wastewater
The biggest downside of RO systems is that most of them create a high amount of water waste. If this is a concern for you, then it is important to check the wastewater to pure water ratio. Most reverse osmosis systems only recover about 10% of the water they filter. Fortunately, this isn’t the case with the Express filters as they are more efficient.
4. Lifespan
If you are willing to spend time and money on a RO system, you want to make sure you can count on it. Therefore, you will want to know the average lifespan of the filter you are buying. Lifespan depends on factors like maintenance, which is why most systems come with warranties, and sometimes even lifetime warranties.
Read Our Comparison Table!
Alkaline Filter vs. RO5DX
The RO5DX and the Alkaline filter are pretty similar. Both are very efficient and easy to maintain and install. The RO5DX model can be installed in only two hours, while the Alkaline filter may take longer. Another point of comparison is that the RO membrane on the RO5DX is not as long-lasting. But with the Alkaline filter, you get a longer life span. Plus, it adds essential minerals to the water, which significantly enhances quality.
Express 10 Stage RO and RO5DX RO System
1. Express Water 10 Stage
| Specification: | |
| Filter Type: | Reverse Osmosis Alkaline Water |
| Ideal for: | Sink Water |
| Dimensions: | 17x15x5 inches, Tank dimensions: 15x12x12 inches |
| Certification: | NSF certified |
| Other Features: | Chlorine Reduction, Leak Detection |
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The Express Alkaline RO system is probably one of the best choices you can find online. It offers many useful features that not only save you time and money but energy, too. Plus, it has an alkaline filter that adds essential minerals.
Contaminants Filtered
This RO system can filter both well and city water. With the ten stages of filtration, it can remove 99.99% of the contaminants including:
- Chlorine
- Sediment
- Fluoride
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Sulfates
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Chromium
- Pesticides
- Industrial chemicals
You can easily identify harmful pollutants using a water test kit. If you are using city water, ask the local treatment authority for the quality report.
Capacity
There are two aspects in terms of the capacity of an Express Water RO system: how many gallons of clean filtered water it can produce in one day, and how many gallons can it produce before having to replace cartridges. The Express Water Alkaline RO system can produce up to 50 gallons in a day, which is an ample amount of water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. In addition, filter replacements only need to be changed twice a year. However, that can depend on the number of pollutants present in the water.
Micron Rating
Prefilters on this reverse osmosis system remove toxins down to about 5 microns. This reduces the number of particles that reach the membrane for efficient filtration. Then, the RO membrane removes the remaining toxins down to 1/10000th of a micron.
System Design
In terms of design, this unit is simple and designed using only BPA-Free materials. Therefore, it’s completely safe to use. What’s more, this filter features a lead-free certified dispensing faucet.
Flow Rate
The flow rate refers to how fast the water flows through the RO system. The higher the flow rate, the better the RO system. This particular system offers a rate of about 0.8 gallons per minute.
Alkaline Water
The alkaline filter on this RO system adds minerals to your water and boosts oxygen levels.
Installation Process for Express 10 Stage RO System
Installation should be very easy since everything is clearly labeled. However, you will probably need some time to put all the pieces together. Like most systems, putting each filter in its proper place is the most difficult step. But with an integrated color-coding system, assembly and installation have never been easier.
Before you move forward to the installation, here is a list of tools you will need:
- 1/4″ Drill Bit
- 1/2″ Drill Bit
- Wrench
- Box Cutter
- Phillips-Head Screwdriver
- Power Drill
If you have all the tools mentioned above, then you are ready to start. As we have mentioned above, the installation process is a little lengthy. So we decided to break it down into a couple of steps:
Installation – Step by Step
Step 1: Feed Water Adapter Valve
First, find the cold water valve beneath the sink and shut it off. Next, turn on the cold water to get rid of the pressure by expelling the existing liquid. Before you continue, make sure all water is released.
Step 2: Installing the RO Faucet
You can install the faucet on literally any flat surface. But remember, before you drill the hole, make sure there are no pipes beneath. In addition, make sure to leave enough space for the Faucet Stem.
Step 3: Drain Saddle
Your Drain Saddle should be installed on a straight section of the pipe above the P-Trap. After you have found the location, make sure to drill just one side of the pipe. The pipes should be stable during the drilling.
Step 4: Install the Elbow Fitting
Find the rightmost filter housing marked “IN and screw the male elbow fitting into it. Before moving on, push on the tubing very hard to be sure the Quick Connect is locked. Screw the second male elbow fitting into the leftmost housing.
Step 5: Water Storage Tank
After you open the storage tank, unscrew the stand from the threaded stem. Then, wrap the stem about ten times using Teflon Tape. Place the tank near the system in the desired location. Remember to keep the tank valve closed until you start the system.
Product Documentation
2. Express Water RO5DX 5 Stage
| Specification: | |
| Filter Type: | Reverse Osmosis Alkaline Water |
| Ideal for: | Under Sink |
| Dimensions: | 14 x 17 x 5 |
| Certification: | NSF certified |
| Other Features: | Leak Detection |
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Due to its many useful features, the RO5DX is one of the most popular choices from the company up to date. It is both simple to install and maintain. Furthermore, it’s very compact and can fit into a normal-sized cabinet. Let’s take a look at some of the features this model has to offer.
Efficiency
The RO5DX filtration system is highly efficient and has a ratio of 3:1. Aside from being efficient, it is also environmentally friendly. Other systems waste more than 20 gallons for every gallon filtered. In terms of efficiency, this system is considered above the average.
The Installation Process
Just like the previous system, this one is pretty simple to install. But, unlike the Alkaline system, you can finish the installation in under two hours. The installation instructions are very simple. The biggest upside to this system is that the filter portion is pre-assembled. This saves you about 50 minutes.
The 5-Stage Filtration System
This filter features five stages of filtration:
Stage 1: The Sediment Filter
In this stage, all the bigger particles including sand, rust, and other sediments are removed. Additionally, this filter clears up the water and prevents the membrane and carbon filters from clogging.
Stage 2: Granular Carbon Filters and Carbon Block
All chemicals such as fluoride, chlorine, and pesticides are filtered out in this stage. Plus, all the foul odors and tastes are removed, as well.
Stage 3: RO Membrane
The remaining contaminants are filtered, like arsenic, lead, TDS, and fluoride. Waterborne microbes are filtered in this part of the process. This is the most important part since viruses and bacteria are also filtered here.
Stage 4: Activated Post Carbon Filter
Finally, any remaining odors, tastes, and colors are removed.
Stage 5: Flow Rate and Capacity
This filter can produce about 50 gallons a day under optimal conditions, which should be enough for most families. Unlike most systems in its class, the RO5DX has a flow rate of 0.8 gallons per minute.
Product Documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
To preserve the lifespan of your Express Water RO system, you should change the filters every six months. Now, this can vary depending on the amount of water your system has to filter. If you wait too long to swap the filters, contaminants can get into your drinking water. Therefore, stick to the schedule.
The maximum PSI your system should have is 80 and the minimum is 40. If your PSI is below the minimum, you can buy a Booster Pump. On the other hand, if it is too high, get a Pressure Regulator to reduce the pressure.
Yes! This filter can remove all those contaminants. In addition, it removes other contaminants like cyanide, pesticides, and cadmium.
Wrap Up
If you are looking to improve the quality of your water these Express water RO systems are the right choice. They can both easily remove 99.99% of the contaminants commonly found in the city and well water. Plus, you will finally get rid of all the strange smells and tastes from your water.