Aquasana Under Sink Water Filter System - Reduces PFAS, Lead, & Chlorine in Drinking Water - Under Counter Claryum Filtration for Kitchen - 2-Stage - Brushed Nickel Faucet - AQ-5200.55

(Note: See August and January 2025 updates on filter replacement at the end of this review.) My kitchen sink cabinet, now nearly 20 years old, remains pristine, like new .... and I would like to keep it that way. Water is our beloved friend, a huge part of our bodies, but, as homeowners, water is also our dreaded enemy. Did I really want to add another possible source of a water leak under the kitchen sink? Surveying the product reviews for the Aquasana introduced all sorts of potential leaky nightmares: faulty O-rings, shredded threads, pressure-cracked plastic housings ... Yiiii! But I really really wanted to cut the cord from the spring water company, save some money, and liberate the hall closet from the water cooler and 5 gallon bottles. So, I took the plunge (so to speak) into home-filtered water. So far, cautiously optimistic. Reading the product reviews in more detail, it seems like the bulk of the leak problems may be due to faulty installation. It seems important to hand-tighten only when installing new filter replacements, to be very careful to have the threads engaged properly when putting in the new filters, and - strange to say - to actually read and follow the product literature. Probably the most serious potential problem with the Aquasana units themselves is the tendency for the plastic housing containing the filter units to crack after some years of use. This was noted by several reviews, and is now tacitly acknowledged as an issue by Aquasana, which notes in the product literature you receive with the unit that the housing should be replaced every five years! I may have inadvertently given myself some added protection from these pressure-induced fractures: for reasons not related to the water filter, I recently had to have the water pressure coming into the house (measured originally at about 90 psi) reduced to about 65 psi. That may buy me some extra time against unit aging, although I think it would be foolish and a false economy to not do a replacement as recommended by Aquasana. It should be noted that the Aquasana product literature (but not the web description of the products!) includes these cautions: (1) "Do not install this system where the line pressure may exceed 80 psi." (2) "The filter housing must be replaced every five years. Failure to do so could result in potential leaks ...". A phone number is provided to order the replacement; but the price of the replacement and cost of shipping are not mentioned. Some extra precautions I've taken to protect my under-sink cabinetry (see photo): 1. I had a shut-off valve installed in the shunt (C) going to the Aquasana unit (A) from the main cold water line to the main faucet (B). Now, if there ever is a leak, I can isolate the Aquasana and still have use of the main faucet. The other advantage is when it comes time to change the filters, I can use this added valve to isolate the Aquasana, open the tap on the countertop Aquasana faucet, and thus relieve the internal pressure, which should make it easier to safely remove the old filters. 2. I added a silicone mat with a raised edge under the sink (D), so that if there is a leak it will first collect into this silicone basin; I've also added a wireless water detector (E) inside the mat area which will alarm and also email me if a leak is detected. The YoLink unit I used can detect not only water pooling underneath it, but also water dripping on top of it, which is why it is positioned directly under the Aquasana system. Of course the mat and water detector will guard against any leaks, including from the disposal or the main kitchen sink, so are definitely worth doing anyway. Note that the mat I purchased skirts the main water lines and drainpipe at the back (if you order a mat that includes this area, you not only have to carefully cut holes in the mat, but also - by doing so - you compromise the mat's ability to contain leaks). One note about the taste of the filtered water. I followed instructions and ran the filter unit for 10 minutes before trying to drink the water. The first taste at that point was extremely disappointing. There was a distinct sulfur-like taste to the water that is not present in my unfiltered tap water! I ran another gallon or so of water through the system and the taste was still there, but perhaps somewhat less noticeable. I probably ran another couple of gallons through and the taste was barely detectable, and after another gallon or so I can no longer detect the sulfur taste. So clearly it is a matter of properly and completely flushing the system (and new filter units in the future), and the Aquasana recommendation of 10 minutes is just not enough to do the job. First Filter Replacement, January 13, 2025. The Aquasana performed admirably since the installation described above, and at six months I ordered the authentic Aquasana replacement, AQ-5200R, from Amazon, with a standing order for a new filter every six months. I should note that on removal of the old filters they were gray, compared with the white new ones, suggesting that in fact they are removing something from my city water! The replacement filters arrive with a succinct, but adequate, description of how to swap out the old and replace with the new, and a new button battery to drive the replacement time indicator. The replacement went smoothly, although several of the steps required more strength and effort than I expected. That said, I was finally able to get it done. My wrists are beginning to show a little arthritis, which may have contributed to my struggles. The first challenge was in separating the top and bottom halves of the outer unit that contains the filter; finally I went to one of those thin rubber, cloth-like "grippers", which gave me a grip on the top half, and allowed me to twist and separate. The second challenge was to pull the filter out of the separated top. I'm wondering whether part of my problem was the factory source of the unit ... the fact that the filters had never been replaced before and may have been especially firmly attached. I'll be eager to see whether the next filter change goes any better. I noted in my original review above that I needed to run water through the Aquasana longer than suggested before the water lost a sulfurous aftertaste clearly due to the filter unit. This turned out to be true for the newly installed filters as well. I believe the longer time may be due to the fact that - as described above - my house water pressure was previously adjusted down significantly from the 90 psi that comes in from the city system. Likely this slows the flow rate of the water through the filter system so that more time is required to deliver the necessary volume of water. This time I carefully did some measurements: First, I found that the flow through my Aquasana, at the current, reduced, water pressure of my house, is about 1.5 quarts per minute. Second, I found that I needed to run about 6 gallons of water through the system before I lost the aftertaste. (At the 10 minutes suggested by Aquasana, I had run 15 quarts, or just short of 4 gallons, through the system.) Overall, I remain very positive about the Aquasana. Stay tuned for another update after the next filter change. Second Filter Replacement, Aug. 7, 2025. I continue to be quite happy with this water filtration system. Everything is going well. Once again both removed filters were dark gray indicating removal of something. As I hoped after the first filter change in January, the second filter change - involving replacing filters I myself installed in January - went a lot better, in that it was much easier to unscrew the components to free up the filter units for replacement. This time I didn't need any help from a gripper, nor was there any straining involved. Very smooth; replacement was a breeze. Air bubbles. It is worth pointing out two types of air bubbles that can appear in the filtered water that some might be concerned about. These may not be noticeable unless you collect filtered water in a clear pitcher for use around the kitchen. The first issue is the appearance of cloudiness in the filtered water that transiently appears after about the first gallon or two of water has been run through newly installed filters. The cloudiness is due to very small gas bubbles. Apparently this is gas that is slowly driven out of the dry filters as you run water through them after installation. After a few more gallons there are no micro-bubbles and the filtered water runs clear. The second is the appearance of larger gas bubbles that tend to adhere to the side of the pitcher you collect the water in. The source of these bubbles is the temperature difference between the cold underground water pipes leading to your home and the room temperature the newly filtered water reaches on standing. This is just "out-gassing" due to the solubility difference of gasses like oxygen and nitrogen in cold water ( higher solubility) versus warm water (lower solubility). You will observe this only in a cold climate. I see it here in Pittsburgh in the winter, and not in the summer. Totally normal. Interestingly, public water systems have to install special features in the water delivery systems to avoid problems arising from this out-gassing on a large scale. I don't see any reason to continue to post these biannual updates, so long as things continue to go smoothly with my Aquasana system. Of course if that changes I will update. I may also update when the time comes for the recommended five year swap-out of the basic unit, four years from now.

First, I've been through a lot of under sink water filters, from RO/DI to bulky 3 filter systems. NONE of them, including this one are easy to install IMO. The demos and instructions show how easy it really is, but they are done by pros with an empty cabinet to start with, all parts RTG, plus a hardware store is no doubt within a block away and opened 24/7. An RO/DI unit has a fatal flaw: It filters out everything including important minerals needed. Over the long haul this showed up in more dental work, and body damage. The added cartridges for replacement minerals aren't really compatable with the body either. The under sink three filter systems have one useless cartridge if you live in the city, that filters out silt, sand and debris. The Aquasana two filter system was a bit easier to install although it took about 3 hours, much easier than the clumsy space hogs of the above mentioned. As for installation, I had to adapt some of the fittings from the old system to the new one, since some of the fittings for Aquasana weren't compatable with the existing incoming lines. Might need to make a trip to your local hardware store before you begin and once you evaluate the needs. Once installed, NO LEAKS when it was tested, which for me is an achievement beyond measure. The taste was refreshing, not the thick tap water taste of the three filter system, or the sterile taste of RO/DI water. Hooked up my ice maker and I noticed the difference in good tasting ice cubes. Got rid of the plastic bottles. This 2 filter system seems to meet the needs across the board of taste, convenience and more room under the sink. The only con might be the life of the filters. We drink a LOT of water living in arid Arizona, and may be zipping through 500 gallons faster than 6 months. Perhaps the best part of this is I felt confident that I had purchased a system made in the USA with instructions that weren't laughable and parts that didn't break. Aquasana had good reviews across the board, and on Amazon as well. Will return to update once replacements are needed. Update: Something I missed which was the reason I bought the filters: Lab analysis of what is filtered. PEX tubing is know to leech specific chemicals such as Toluene and other dangerous VOC's. We had our whole house repiped with this tubing before I discovered this problem. The taste of our water was poor. Almost all the non RO DI units under the sink, that were best sellers couldn't back up what was being filtered. When inquiring about this, they either skirted the issue, gave a lame quasi technical response or just didn't respond to my inquiry. Aquasana has the analysis sheet of all the chemicals that are removed which IS extensive, on their website AND also send it with the instruction booklet. They talk the talk and seem to walk the walk.

Very happy with this water filter purchase. Water tastes noticeably better. Very easy to install. Done in minutes.

The filtering properties are great, and our well water tastes like spring water now. I like the faucet, but it would be nice if it was a little taller, like the Zuvo filter system this replaced. However, I wish Aquasana used a 5/8" nut to mount the faucet under the sink. A 5/8" nut is more standard, and would have worked fine with my sink installer tool. Unfortunately, Aquasana chose to use a 9/16" nut to hold the faucet. I wonder if they care that most of us are mounting these systems on existing installed sinks. It's a pain to swing a 9/16" wrench in this really tight space. The other issue is the plastic parts everywhere. In the faucet mounting I just mentioned, another concern is the hard plastic washer that's used underneath the hole in the sink. Make sure not to overtighten the 9/16" nut or you'll crack this plastic piece. This part should be metal, or the nut needs to be similar to what is used on faucets which has a broad base and works with sink installer tools. Also, the housing that the filters mount to and the flange that holds the housing to the inside of the cabinet is cheap plastic. Don't overtighten the mounting screws or you'll crack the mounting flange. The housing and mounting flange are all one piece. Crack the flange and this thing is toast. This needs to be designed as a mounting plate and a separate filter housing (what Aquasana calls the "manifold"), to prevent a mounting problem or filter replacement issue from causing total failure of the filter system if it cracks. The other thing I'm really wary of is all the reviews mentioning that the filters leak, the filter housings crack and explode, and then the kitchen floods. Note that in the installation manual Aquasana stipulates that the filter housings must be replaced every five years. I guess that's an acknowledgement that the plastic housings do indeed crack and fail. I have also decided to only use genuine Aquasana replacement filters. I read reviews of some of the knockoff filters and owners mentioned that the knockoffs are slightly shorter than the OEM parts, and that causes a flow (or even no flow) issue because the nozzles on the knockoff filters don't push far enough into the spring-loaded valve in the filter manifold. So far, so good, but it's only been installed for one day. I'm hoping I don't have to come back here in six months and update this to one star due to a failed filter and a flooded kitchen.

Edit: Buyer Beware!!! I've had this filter system for quite a while now and there is a big flaw! The top part of the canister that houses the filter has a tendency to fail. I discovered a flood under my kitchen sink to find that the canister seals had failed. I contacted aquasana and was told I needed to purchase a new housing lid. I did so thinking this was a one-off flaw. Now I've had the second flood under my kitchen sink and the cabinet is destroyed. If you decide to use this filtration system, I highly recommend you place them inside a bucket or containment system and set up a water alarm. Even the folks at aquasana told me these canister lids were a problem. I'm a huge fan of the filter system but not so much of the faucet that came with it. First, the product arrived sooner than expected which was great. I unboxed it and looked through the installation instructions which were pretty simple and standard for an under the sink faucet connected to the cold water line of the kitchen sink. What they don't mention, at least that I was able to find, is that the faucet that comes with the product is pretty low budget and small both in stature and the supply pipe/fitting. If you have a kitchen sink with and additional predrilled hole for this faucet please check the size of the faucet against the predrilled hole before beginning installation. After installing the faucet I noticed that the coverplate that it came with just barely covered the standard sized predrilled hole in my counter. As a result, when I started to tighten the faucet from below the sink the flimsy coverplate just started to buckle and would have completely pulled through the opening had I not stopped. The good news is that there is a fix for this problem. I went to my local Home Depot and just picked up a washer that was large enough to cover the opening and yet small enough to just fit under the cover plate. This gave the added stability necessary to completely tighten the faucet. As for the filter, both my wife and I are very happy with it. It gives us the piece of mind that we wanted in regards to the cleanliness of our drinking water and removes even the dangerous chemicals that were brought to light during the Teflon years that seem to be spreading everywhere. The taste of our water is great and we have since disconnected the water supply to our refrigerator and make our ice using a countertop ice maker and our new filtered water. I really should have just invested in a whole house water filtration system using filters from this company. UPDATE: Here we are less than 1 year after initial purchase and install and I'm having the same leaking issues that many other people are reporting. I got under my sink this morning to find it completely flooded. After checking all fittings I realized the leak was coming from the first stage cartridge seal. No matter how many times I tried to re-seal the cartridge it still leaks right at the blue mark in the photo. It's only been 9 months so I'm NOT happy and will do what I can to return this item to Aquasana for a refund.

Easy installation. Water taste great. I checked to see if chlorine and fluoride was removed by the filter and it was. Water pressure is fine with filter

We have hard, bitter water and this absolutely made a difference. My only complaint is the faucet is pretty slow and only so maneuverable. Other than that, when we first got it the manifold must have been cracked or something because it leaked water everywhere. I called their support team and they shipped out a new one free of charge, took about 10 days to get it, swapped it out easily and now it doesn't leak. I'd have to see where we are in 6 months to know how long the filter bottles last, that's my only concern, is if they don't last 6 months. But definitely a good buy. Those saying it's hard to install, I think that really depends on how much room you have underneath the sink. I had a hell of a time getting the faucet in place, but there's not much room under there. Otherwise it was an easy setup. I'd advise mounting the manifold so you can take it off when you need to change the bottles. It makes it so much easier.

Let me start by saying the Aquasana 2-Stage Under Sink Water Filter System has been an absolute game-changer in our home. From the ease of installation to the remarkable filtration performance, the entire experience has been nothing short of perfect. The installation process was surprisingly simple and hassle-free. Even for someone like me who isn't the handiest around the house, setting up this system was a breeze. The instructions provided were clear and straightforward, and all the necessary components were included, making the whole process smooth and efficient. Once installed, the difference in water quality was instantly noticeable. The Claryum filtration system worked wonders in improving the taste and quality of our tap water. It effectively filters out chlorine, leaving us with crisp, clean, and refreshing water that's perfect for drinking and cooking. The convenience of having filtered water right from the tap is a game-changer. No more relying on bottled water or bulky pitchers—the Aquasana system delivers clean, filtered water effortlessly, directly from our kitchen faucet. I also appreciate the sleek and elegant brushed nickel faucet that comes with the system. It blends seamlessly with our kitchen decor, adding a touch of style to our sink area without compromising on functionality. Moreover, the overall durability and build quality of the system inspire confidence. It feels solid and well-constructed, assuring us that it'll continue to deliver exceptional filtration performance for a long time. In conclusion, the Aquasana 2-Stage Under Sink Water Filter System has exceeded our expectations. Its ease of installation, remarkable filtration capabilities, and stylish design have made it an indispensable addition to our home. If you're looking for a hassle-free, high-quality water filtration system that delivers on both performance and ease of use, the Aquasana AQ-5200.55 is an excellent choice that won't disappoint.

We’ve had this faucet since September and so far it has been amazing! The water comes out quick for the 2 filter system we have and it tastes delicious. We had a zero water filter/pitcher before - but 8 haven’t used it since we got this sip faucet. The brushed nickel finish and the design of the product is very elegant. Even th plumber that installed it said it was very easy to install - unlike our previous moen water filter. All around an excellent purchase. We are very happy with it.

My water tastes so good now. I love this drinking water feature and get a lot of compliments about it too. But the more satisfying part is, one of the filter came broken and it was leaking water and I already paid the plumber to install it, when I called Amazon customer service, they just gave me a replacement right away and I didn’t even had to return the old product. So satisfied with how this works. The water pressure is okay, not so speed but we are only 2 people so it works out okay for us.

I wish we had installed these years ago. The water flow is great and the faucet is simple and well built. This was a little tricky to install due to the layout of our under sink area but I imagine it will be simpler for most. This definitely beats pitcher filters and on faucet filters. As it is hooked directly to the cold water line, hot water does not pass through the filter as well. I suggest ordering replacement filters from Aquasana as you get a discount when you sign up for the filter program which is non-binding. For some reason the unit itself with the spigot does not ship within Canada (read higher customs, etc) from Aquasana.

No pasaron mas de 3 meses cuando ya solicitaba un cambio de filtros, y es una pena que los filtros cuesten mas que el mismo filtro, no recomendabable la marca porque solo es de importacion y carisimo!!!!

Excelente calidad del agua, muy buen sabor. Fácil de instalar.