Faucet water filters are a great addition to any kitchen and are an affordable alternative to traditional water filtration units. With the help of these filters, you can easily enjoy clean water straight from the tap. In fact, there are a variety of different faucet water filters on the market to choose from, and finding the best one may be a difficult choice. To narrow your search, we recommend the PUR 3 Stage Horizontal Faucet Mount White FM-9600. Here, we have provided a buying guide to help you make the best choice for your faucet.
Special Features
| Product Features | Details |
| Weight | 1.2 pounds |
| Dimensions | 8.2 x 7.3 x 3.1 inches |
| Capacity | 100 gallons of filtered water per cartridge |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 1 year |
Pur 3 FM-9600 – Pros
1. Cost Savings
One Pur water filter cartridge can purify up to 100 gallons of water. This is an estimated filter life of 2 to 3 months. That’s almost 400 liters of bottled water you wouldn’t have to spend money on.
2. Clean and Fresh Drinking Water
| Pur Water Filtration | Removed? Yes or No |
| Mercury: | Yes |
| Lead: | Yes |
| Pharmaceuticals: | Yes |
| Asbestos: | Yes |
| Microbial cysts: | Yes |
| Turbidity: | Yes |
| Natural Minerals: | No |
The carbon filters use patented MineralClear technology. The system removes:
- 96% of mercury
- 99% of lead,
- And 99% of trace levels of pharmaceuticals.
At the same time, it retains natural minerals. This water filter also cleanses tap water from asbestos, microbial cysts, and turbidity.
3. Easy Installation
Pur 3-stage water filter model provides easy 1-click installation. You don’t need any special tools. Your buy comes with an adapter and washer that lets you mount the product on any faucet. With bare hands, simply remove the original aerator and its washer. Substitute it with the new adapter and washer then tighten the fitting. Twist off the cover, pop the water filter in and place the cover back on. Hear the click sound and you’re ready to have your first cup of clean and good tasting water.
4. Availability of Water Filter Replacements
You can buy water filter replacements in single or multi-packs for more savings. Availability is not a problem because Pur water filter replacements are compatible with all other faucet mounts.
5. Automated Monitoring
The Pur 3 stage water filter also comes with a built-in filter life indicator. This electronic gauge signals you whenever the filter needs changing. This feature won’t leave you guessing or unprepared for a filter replacement.
6. Convenient Dismount or Bypass
The 1-click installation feature makes it easy to remove and replace the unit. You can free your sink for more space or fuss-free cleaning. You can also use the bypass feature. It lets you access unfiltered water for dishwashing purposes. Simply twist to tilt back the faucet mount for easy switching to regular tap water use.
7. 360-Degree Swivel
The Pur 3-stage has a streamlined horizontal design. It also has a 360-degree swivel feature that gives flexibility in use and access. It can fit both large and small-sized sinks and you can access the spout without restrictions.
Things to Consider
Just like most products, there may be a few things you will want to consider before buying. In the case of the Pur 3 Stage Water Filter, most of these things can be avoided with good maintenance and proper research:
1. Possible Leaks
Faulty or inferior design with older units has caused water leakage. Models that used plastic connectors or rotating collars also had water leakage. The company now redesigned the build. It now uses metal rotating collars and faucet connectors for Pur 3 stage water filters. Check whether you’ve selected a newer model that uses metal connectors before you make a buy.
2. Compatibility Issues
Pur 3-stage also requires faucets to have threading. Nowadays, most faucets will have threading. Still, check whether your faucet has threads before buying this FM-9600 model. Some international buyers say that fittings are not compatible with their local faucets. Others say that some IKEA faucets run smaller in head size. This will make it impossible for your Pur water filter to attach in any way.
3. Loose Fitting
Some units seem to have a loose fit where the attachments do not securely snap into place. The problem may lie with the attachments. This may also be a wear and tear issue. Repetitive unit mounting and dismounting can cause the attachments and threading to loosen.
4. Diverter Valve Malfunction
This can be a problem for homes that have hard water. The diverter valve sends water to the filter. Unfortunately, the units may develop calcium scale build-up over time. That may affect or damage the spring and other interior parts. Using a descaler should help. If the problem continues, parts would need replacing. Contact customer support as soon as you notice a decrease in water flow or shaking of the pipes upon use. Prolonging the problem may likely wreck the diverter valve. Worse, it may also damage your water pipes. Also, consider if there’s a more suitable option other than the Pur 3 stage water filter faucet mount unit.
5. A Decrease in Water Flow
Water filtration using the Pur 3 stage water filter decreases the water output. You may notice a weaker flow while operating the unit. Hence, filling up a jug of water may take longer than what you’re used to.
The Pur 3-stage has a streamlined horizontal design. It also has a 360-degree swivel feature that gives flexibility in use and access. It can fit both large and small-sized sinks and you can access the spout without restrictions.
6. Non-Replaceable Battery
The electronic filter change light uses a non-replaceable internal battery. It’s expected to last 2 to 3 years. When the battery dies, you’d have to buy a new unit. Long-time users of home water filters can easily tell when it’s time for a filter change. They notice that the water flow grows weaker. But if you want a more accurate assessment, you’d be better off buying a new unit.
Pur 3 Stage Horizontal Faucet Mount White FM-9600: Conclusion
This Pur 3 stage water filter is space-saving which is easy to install and convenient to operate. It’s capable of filtering out 99% of contaminants. It leaves you with natural and fresh tasting water on demand. Avoid older models and units that use plastic connectors and adapters. This way, you can avoid potential leaking problems.
Make sure your faucet water filter system has threads. This particular model requires threading on faucets for proper fitting. Lastly, consider your choices carefully especially if there’s hard water in your area. If the electronic filter change light is an essential feature for you, be ready to buy a new unit after 2 or 3 years.