WaterFilterComparisons’ Review

The iSpring 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System (RCC7AK) is a powerful reverse osmosis system capable of delivering filtered water from your faucet. With this filter installed, you can enjoy high-quality water with the proper natural alkalinity and mineral balance for everything from drinking to cooking.

In this iSpring RCC7AK review, we’ll dive into the specifics of the iSpring 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System’s performance, highlighting where it excels and identifying areas where it falls short so you can make an informed purchase decision for your home.

Product Specs

• Size: 15.5 x 16 x 18 inches, 20 pounds
• Capacity: 75 gallons
• Filtration Technology: 6-stage alkaline reverse osmosis technology with a PP sediment filter, granular activated carbon, carbon block, 0.0001 micron RO membrane, post-carbon filter, and alkaline filter
• Water Type Filtered: Public tap and private well water. Well water should be tested to ensure all contaminants of concern are addressed by the system.
• Contaminants Addressed: 99% of over 1,000 contaminants, including arsenic, asbestos, calcium, chlorine, fluoride, lead (removes up to 98%), mercury, and sodium
• Certifications: NSF 58/ANSI for TDS reduction
• Flow Rate: 0.05 gallons per minute
• Installation: Designed for DIY installations
• Warranty: 1-year limited manufacturer warranty

Performance

The iSpring 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System (RCC7AK) RCC7AK is a 6-stage reverse osmosis system that can efficiently reduce up to 99% of more than 1,000 harmful contaminants, including:

• Arsenic
• Asbestos
• Calcium
• Chlorine
• Fluoride
• Sodium

The combination of filters allows the system to tackle a wide range of contaminants, and the unique sixth-stage Alkaline Remineralization filter helps restore the healthy minerals that are sometimes lost during reverse osmosis filtration. This leads to water with a more balanced alkalinity and natural taste.

Certifications

NSF and The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have created a set of standards that lay out the minimum safety requirements for residential water treatment filters, purifiers, and reverse osmosis systems for drinking water. The iSpring 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System meets:

• NSF/ANSI 58: Filters that meet the NSF/ANSI 58 standard use reverse pressure to push water through a semipermeable membrane, reducing the amount of TDS and other contaminants found in water.

Flow Rate

The iSpring 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System can filter 0.05 gallons per minute, or 75 gallons of filtered water a day.

Limitations

The iSpring RCC7AK isn’t suitable for larger households of more than four people, and it won’t reduce the amount of bacteria in water. If you rely on well water or are concerned about bacteria, you may need to look for a more robust system.

Installation and Maintenance

After you purchase the iSpring 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System (RCC7AK), installation is relatively simple. The brand offers a video installation guide and lifetime access to technical support, though you can also follow an abridged version of the steps below in combination with the system’s manual:

• Install the filters: Carefully remove the protective wrap, and install the three pre-filters and housing vertically into the main unit while making sure the o-ring is seated at the top of the housing. After installing, tighten the housing for each filter using the supplied wrench.
• Install the reverse osmosis membrane: Remove the membrane from the protective wrap, and the black caps from both ends of the membrane. Next, install the membrane into the housing, with the end with the two black o-rings going in first. Press firmly to ensure the membrane is secure, then install the cap and tubing, and quick connect fittings.
• Shut off cold water supply: Shut off the cold water supply valve to the sink, then turn the cold water faucet to get rid of any lingering water in the system.
• Install the reverse osmosis faucet: If your sink doesn’t already have a ½” faucet hole, drill one. Then, insert the front plate on the faucet system and the rubber washer. Beneath the sink, you can slip on the back rubber washer and tighten the nut. Next, insert the blue tubing with fittings into the faucet and tighten the nut.
• Install the tank shut-off valve: Next, wrap six rounds of Teflon tape around the top of the tank in a clockwise direction. Screw the tank shut-off valve in a clockwise direction to turn it on, and tighten it by hand. Then, connect the yellow tubing to the tank shut-off valve.
• Install the drain saddle: Identify a section of your drain pipe (likely a horizontal area to minimize dripping), and drill a ¼” hole. Then, paste the black sticky pad around the recently drilled hole, and cut the black tubing end at a 45° angle. Next, insert the tubing into the ¼” drain pipe hole, install the back plate, tighten the screws, and insert the lock clip to secure everything.
• Hook up tubing: Connect the blue tubing to the pH balance filter port. Insert the yellow tubing into the post-carbon filter port. Install the black tubing into the auto-flush valve. Install the red tubing into the sediment filter. Install locking clips for all tubes.
• Start the system: Check that none of your tubes are kinked, then turn off the tank valve and turn on the reverse osmosis faucet. Allow the system to fill for two hours, and open the reverse osmosis faucet until the tank is completely drained. Close the faucet and allow the tank to refill. At this point, the system is ready for use.

However, installing your reverse osmosis system is only the first step. You also need to ensure it is properly maintained throughout the life of the product. Luckily, maintenance is relatively easy. Not only is the housing transparent, meaning you can easily see when something needs replacing, but the pre-filters also have extra long lives.

Pros and Cons

The iSpring 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System (RCC7AK) has plenty to offer, but it also has a few drawbacks that you should be aware of.

Pros

• Long Filter Lifespans: Filter lifespans for the system range from 6-24 months, which means you can go a long time between replacements.
• Alkaline Remineralization Filter: Reverse osmosis often strips water of healthy minerals, but this system features an Alkaline Remineralization filter to restore these for improved health benefits such as reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.
• Superb Taste: User reports the filter provides great-tasting water that’s crystal clear. In addition to five stages of filtration that reduce contaminants that negatively impact taste, the Alkaline Remineralization filter restores minerals to balance alkalinity for improved taste.
• Easy Installation: The system features a DIY installation with a manual, instructional video, and lifetime access to technical support.

Cons

• No Bacteria Reduction: Unfortunately, the 6-stage reverse osmosis system won’t reduce the bacteria in your water.
  Several Filters to Replace: While the utilization of six stages offers great performance and the filters last a long time, having to replace so many different components can be costly and cumbersome when needed.
• Limited Output: The iSpring RCC7AK is only designed for use in households of three to four people, meaning it isn’t suitable for larger families or high-demand scenarios.
• Leakage: Several users have reported leaks from the unit, including leaks from the feed water adapter and the o-ring.

FAQs

What does the iSpring RCC7AK filter remove?

The iSpring RCC7AK filter can reduce over a thousand contaminants from your water, including arsenic, asbestos, calcium, chlorine, fluoride, lead, and sodium.

Is the iSpring RCC7AK filter NSF Certified?

Yes, the iSpring 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System is NSF-certified and meets NSF/ANSI 58 certification requirements.

How long does the iSpring RCC7AK filter last?

The iSpring RCC7AK has six stages, with filter lifespans that range from 6-24 months:

• Sediment Filter (93023): Every 6-12 months
• Carbon Block Filter (OCB934RO T33): Every 6-12 months
• Carbon Block Filter (OMB934-5M): Every 6-12 months
• RO Membrane TFC 75 GPD (555693-00): Every 24 months
• Inline Carbon Filter (K2533-JJ): Every 6-12 months
• Remineralization Filter (K2548-JJ): Every 6-12 months

Summary

The iSpring 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System (RCC7AK) is a reliable 6-stage reverse osmosis system capable of producing excellent-tasting water. It’s also relatively easy to set up and requires minimal maintenance, making it a great choice for many users.

Though iSpring reverse osmosis reviews are generally positive, we believe that the Aquasana SmartFlow® Reverse Osmosis system is a better alternative. It can remove up to 99.99% of 90 contaminants — and its SmartFlow® technology allows the system to produce more pure water while cutting back on water waste and increasing filter life.

Learn more about other drinking water filters on our reverse osmosis filter page, or read our blog on our top-rated reverse osmosis systems.