Waterdrop Whole House Water Filter System, Reduce Iron & Manganese, with Carbon and Sediment Filters, 5-Stage Filtration, Reduce Iron, Lead, Chlorine, Odor, 2-Stage WD-WHF21-FG, 1" Inlet/Outlet

We DIY’d the replacement install of this upgraded whole house water filtration system. No fitting/adapters are included, normal practice, as everyone’s situation is unique. The instructions did not specify a preferential material type of fitting adapter/s. Just that the system was a 1” female and in our case we needed to adapt to 3/4” home pex plumbing. The first 2 times attempting install, we used metal adapter/fittings, both times the system leaked. The metal also caused the female threaded area in the unit, to shed a small amount of plastic with each install. First install attempt we used plumber’s tape wrapped around male threads 10 times, as the instructions recommended. For the second install attempt, we used plumber’s putty, it still leaked. Determined to stop the leaking, I searched on you tube for install video’s. One video showed this exact system and they used polypropylene adapter fitting. So here on Amazon, I found a heavy duty polypropylene hose fitting that adapted from the 1” to 3/4” (Banjo HB100-075 Polypropylene adapter). They worked great with both the system and our Pex plumbing. Used a heat gun to soften the Pex, then pushed the Pex into the barbed 3/4” end. Allowed it to cool down. On the adapter’s male threaded end, we applied plumber’s putty to the threads, added 4-5 turns of plumber’s tape and ended with a thin layer of more plumber’s putty, (over top of the tape). The putty helped the plumber’s tape to adhere much better than usual. We then ended with a small amount of plumber’s putty over top of the tape. In the system housing on the 1” female thread area, we applied a small amount of plumber’s putty. After hand installing the fitting adapter into the unit, we used a metal adjustable wrench to tighten it down. It took “3rd times a charm” but we are now very happy with this system. We have a high iron content (16ppm) and so far, the system seems to be working out great!! It is much better than the single unit we replaced. If I can figure it out, I will update this review on how long these filters last. If they don’t last long enough, I will upgrade to the better filters available. This will help extend time between filter replacements. Just a side note: I also learned from the YouTube video, to use a “food grade” lubricant/grease on the large O-rings. It will allow less friction on the ring, therefore allowing the ring to last longer. There are two O-rings on each filter casing. The top one comes off easy, so the whole ring could be coated. The bottom ring is tight, so I did not remove it. I applied the lubricant just on the exposed part of this O-ring. Hope this information makes everyone’s install experience so much easier. Use polypropylene fittings/adapters ONLY, NOT METAL!! Also use both the combination of plumber’s putty and tape!!

Final update after 10 months: this filter deserves a 5-star rating. Waterdrop’s customer service was prompt and helpful when I had concerns about a possible leak—they sent me a brand new unit quickly. Since then, I haven’t had any issues or leaks. The filter performs exactly as you’d expect a whole-house water filter to perform: my water comes out clean, odor-free, and tastes great. It may be time for me to order my annual replacement filters now. The instructions could be improved—particularly regarding which materials to use for seals—to ease the concerns of some Amazon users. Overall, though, this filter does the job reliably. I’d also like to note that this is for my vacation home in a mobile home community, where water issues are common (pump shutdowns, system flushes, high sediment). Even in that environment, this filter works great and handles everything without issue. Highly recommended. I was hesitant at first because several reviews mentioned leaks, but my plumber strongly recommended the Waterdrop whole house filter—so I took the leap. It’s been a few months now, and I’m happy to report zero issues. No leaks at all. The water smells clean, and everything functions just as expected. I don’t drink tap water, so I can’t speak to the taste, but for everything else—showers, laundry, dishes—it’s exactly what I needed. Definitely glad I listened to my plumber.

I live in Wilmington NC, and the water is toxic. This does a great job! Removed ammonia, and Chlorine and lots I did not test for. That being said. The threads leak. Lots of ways to fix it but I should not have too.

Had iron in my well water. Turned my water a yellowish color. This system was affordable and easy to install. Water is clear as it should be now!

Unit is great - installed easily and works perfectly. On initial installation, there was a very small leak (1 drop per hour) coming from one of the red pressure relief buttons. I contacted customer service and they gave some tips and immediately offered to replace it if needed. I excercised the button a few times and rotated it and he leaking completely stopped. It is working great and dry for a couple weeks now. Customer service was great!

It’s true it will leak that’s why they say use lots of Teflon tape. Just wrap the 1” fittings with a few wraps of tape and also use a pipe dope safe for drinking water. Now let’s see how well it works on iron from our well water.

This filter claimed to remove rust. It does no such thing kind of hard to return something after you even installed it waste of money.

Works well. Make SURE you wrap the threads VERY well. I also covered the teflon tape with pipe dope. No leaks.

Good quality and seems be working as advertised. I used pipe thread tape and compound as well the first time plumbing in the fittings. So far no issues with leakage. Haven’t had my water tested since being installed but has noticed our hard water/iron smell has gotten better since instalment. Only has been a few days but hoping it’ll only improve with time. Happy with the purchase thus far.

Nice product easy to install

Make sure to wrap at least 15 wraps of tape....there is a defect in the bronze connector on the inlet and outlet that won't seal unless you use lots of teflon tape. Other than that, they are a great cheaper filter option

We had our water tested for heavy metals before installing the kit. The manganese level was above the recommended concentration level. We have young kids, including an infant, and I am currently pregnant. I was worried about the manganese level concentration as it can be dangerous for the neurological development of babies and for pregnant women when it exceeds the recommended level. We installed this water filtration system and retested our water for heavy metals a few weeks after the installation, to give the filtration system time to do its job. The results from the water test came back last Friday and the manganese level is almost at the same level as it was before the test. I’m disappointed because the water filtration system was specifically supposed to reduce the manganese concentration by a lot and it didn’t work. And now the return window for the product is closed. It was a waste of money for the product and for the water test and a waste of time to do the installation. I am worried about my babies’ health.

excellent system but hard to get the fittings to seal