ISpring RCC7AK Reverse Osmosis Review

SUMMARY

The iSpring RCC7AK/UV doesn’t received as much great reviews as the RCC7. Most of the customer aren’t satisfied with the alkaline remineralization filter which doesn’t really increase the pH of the water to alkaline state. However, the core filtration functionality still perform great as expected. With just less than $30 dollars differences on RCC7AK as compared to RCC7, you can get a better pH on your drinking water. It is definitely worth inves

OUR RATING

4.4/5

COST

$$

iSpring reverse osmosis system is well known for its reliability, quality, and value for money. There are several models in the company which obtained the WQA Gold Seal Award. The iSpring RCC7AK & RCC7AK-UV are one of them.

In this iSpring RCC7AK review, we will look into the key features, pros & cons, and technical specifications of this filter.

iSpring RCC7AK Series Review

Slightly Increase in pH

iSpring RCC7AK water filter consists of 6 filtration stages. It is similar to the iSpring RCC7 with an additional alkaline remineralization filter to increase the pH slightly.

Low pH Increase: However, the remineralization filter doesn’t turn it into alkaline water. The remineralization filter just adds about 0.5-0.8 to the overall pH which comes up to be 6.5-7.2. This range is considered mild acidic to neutral.

UV Light Sterilizer: iSpring RCC7AK-UV is having the same features as RCC7AK, with an additional ultraviolet sterilizer that kills all viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms. It is best to use a well water filtration system that has more living organisms.

Over 90% TDS Rejection Ratio

5% Lower Rejection Ratio but: The iSpring RCC7AK & RCC7AK-UV is advertised to achieve 90%+ Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) rejection ratio, a drop of 5% as compared to RCC7.

This is due to the remineralization process that adds in beneficial minerals which increases the TDS.

TDS shouldn’t be the sole factor in choosing a reverse osmosis water filter.

What are the similarity of both RCC7 and RCC7AK? 

Most features of the iSpring RCC7AK/UV are similar to RCC7 :
1.  It is able to remove 98% of the chemicals, heavy materials, and sediments.
2.  Daily production rate is 75GPD
3.  Wastewater is 3:1. Every gallon of pure water, 3 gallons of wastewater.
4.  Low lifespan of filter, including alkaline remineralization filter.

Technical Specification

Below is the technical specification that you should know before buying the iSpring RCC7AK & RCC7AK-UV.

  • Water Pressure: 45-70 psi
    Choose iSpring RCC7P-AK if pressure is lower than 45 psi. A pressure regulator is needed if water pressure exceeded 70 psi to avoid leakage due to high pressure.
  • Water Temperature: 40-100 F (4-38C)
  • Capacity: 75 gallons per day based on 60 psi and 77 deg F conditions.
  • Storage Tank Capacity: 3.2 gallons
  • System Dimensions: 14.5w x 6d x 18h (Fits most under-sink cabinets)

Multi Stage Filtration System

The iSpring reverse osmosis system RCC7AK is a 6 stages filtration system:
Stage 1: High Capacity 5 micron sediment filter – It is capable of removing dust, rust, sand, and other contamination which is able to be seen from the naked eye.

Stage 2, 3: 5-micron Activation Carbon Filter, Carbon Block  – Removing residual chlorine taste, odor, and cloudiness from the source water.

Stage 4: 0.0001-micron Reverse Osmosis Membrane – It traps up to 95% of the total dissolved solids in the water leaving behind pure water. The water is channeled to the storage tank after stage 4.

Stage 5: Post Carbon Filter – It removes taste and odor after the water left the storage tank.

Stage 6: Alkaline Remineralization Filter – Reintroduce healthy minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium which will increase the pH of water at about 0.5 to 0.8.

Stage 7: UV Sterilizer (Only for RCC7AK-UV) – Kills all the living microorganisms, viruses, bacteria by interfering with their DNA.

iSpring Rcc7ak water filter

Installation

For all iSpring reverse osmosis water filters, the installation manual is simple and straightforward. It also comes with an online video to help to visualize the installation process.

Tools that are required :

  • Variable speed drill with two bits: ¼” (for drilling a hole on PVC drain pipe), ½” hollow diamond (for drilling a hole on countertop for drinking faucet)
  • 5/8”, 9/16” open­end wrench, or adjustable wrench, pliers
  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Scissors or utility knife

The diagram below visually describes how the final installation happened under your kitchen sink. The drainage of iSpring reverse osmosis water filter is about 3:1. It is advisable to channel the wastewater to other use such as gardening.

Frequent Filter Replacement

For all iSpring water filters, the replacement happens quite frequently. Depending on the capacity of the water usage and the contamination level of the source water, the replacement schedule varies. Below is the suggested replacement timeline for all filters.

  • Stage 1 – 3 Sediment and Carbon Block Filters: 3 to 6 Months
  • Stage 4 Reverse Osmosis Membrane Filter: 2 – 3 Years 
  • Stage 5 Post Carbon Filter: 1 Year 
  • Stage 6 Alkaline Remineralization Filter: 3-6 Months
  • Stage 7 UV Light Bulb (RCC7AK-UV only): Whenever light bulbs go out, about 1 Year.

On a period of 5 years, the average cost per year on a replacement filter is about $82 for RCC7AK and $100 for RCC7AK-UV.

The Voice From Existing Owners

iSpring RCC7 did receive excellent reviews from thousands of customers. How about the iSpring RCC7AK and RCC7AK-UV? Let’s take a look at some of the reviews.

PROS
+ The product itself was fairly easy to install.
+ This seem like a good quality filter. Easy assembly, and the water taste great.
+ My particle of 012 are now at 022. Which is still good. Our area tap water is 145ppm.
+ My unfiltered tap water is around 400 ppm! The filtered water is around 43 ppm.
+ You get 95% of everything you need to install aside from a couple tools and possible one additional part
CONS
The alkaline levels are still horrible. The pH balance is almost nonexistent.
I have tested the drinking water with two diffrent sets of tests (drops and test strips) and both came out as ph nuetral.
You pour one glass of water and you waste five down the drain.
The water is great, but don’t expect it to come out fast. I had to wait 4 minutes to fill a water glass.

Our Verdict : Recommended! 

iSpring RCC7AK series is considered a great reverse osmosis filtration system. However, it is not as great as some of the remineralization systems.

Below are two benefits of the iSpring RCC7AK.

  • WQA Gold Seal Award: One of the most prestigious awards for water filter which certified the quality and functionality of the system.
  • Affordability: Priced just over $200, you can get a reverse osmosis system with a remineralization filter. It is one of the cheapest of all.

We hope that this iSpring RCC7AK review helped you to clear your doubts about this system. Otherwise, you can check out our latest guide on the best reverse osmosis system review.

Find Out More

iSpring RCC7AK RO System

Share The Love

If you find this useful, please let others know by sharing it. 

Share on facebook
Share It
Share on twitter
Tweet Us
Share on pinterest
Pin This