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This product review features the Aquasana Rhino whole house water filter.
The Aquasana Rhino is among the most popular of all whole house water filtration systems. Available in three different models, the series allows users to customize a system with optional upgrades to match their unique household requirements.
The whole house water filter removes 97% of chlorine, the main culprit for weird-smelling and tasting water.
Want to know more? This is the only review you need to read before making the purchase.
Contents
Aquasana Rhino Review – Main Specs
Rhino EQ-1000 ★★★★☆ |
Rhino EQ-600 ★★★★☆ |
Rhino EQ-Well-UV ★★★ ☆ ☆ |
- Filtration capacity varies depending on which Rhino system you choose
- Aquasana Rhino EQ-1000: 1,000,000 gallons or ten years filter life (municipal water)
- Aquasana Rhino EQ-600: Lasts 600,000 gallons of water or six years (municipal water)
- Aquasana Rhino EQ-Well-UV: 500,000 gallons or five years filter capacity (well water)
- Water flow rate: 7 gallons per minute (1-3 bathrooms)
- NSF: 42 (EQ-1000 and EQ-600 only)
- System max operating pressure: 100 psi
Highlights
At the beginning of our Aquasana whole house water filter review, a few highlights:
How Does the Water Filtration System Work?
EQ-1000 and EQ-600
The Rhino EQ-1000 whole house water filter has the ability to remove chlorine for up a million gallons of filtered water. It’s specifically designed for chlorinated city water. Likewise, the Rhino EQ-600 treats and purifies the water around your house for as long as 600,000 gallons.
The first filter stage is a sediment filter which removes sand, rust, and debris down to 5 microns.
The second layer uses activated carbon filter media to reduce chemicals and harmful stuff like pesticides.
Lastly, KDF-55, a mixture of copper and zinc alloy, removes chlorine, lead, arsenic and other heavy metals. The media also stops microorganisms from fouling the entire system. Mineral stones balance the water’s pH level.
EQ-Well-UV
The Rhino EQ-Well-UV is designed for households that use public or private well water. Apart from removing nasty contaminants like pesticides, the whole house well water filter is equipped with a UV lamp that sterilizes your water, eliminating viruses and bacteria. The average lifespan of the system is 500,000 gallons.
The first stage is identical similar to the EQ-1000 and EQ-600.
The second layer features catalytic carbon filter media. It can effectively remove hydrogen sulfide gases commonly found in well water. It creates the characteristic rotten egg smell.
The third layer is KDF-85 medium. It also eliminates sulfur gases plus heavy metals from water.
Finally, a post filter stage removes all dangerous particles and impurities down to 0.35 microns.
Certified Chlorine Reduction
The Aquasana Rhino EQ-1000 and the EQ-600 are designed for municipal water. One of the most important factors here is effective chlorine reduction. Coincidentally, both systems have been tested and NSF-certified for exactly that. 96.9% reduction ensures almost chlorine-free water in your entire home. This will benefit your entire body including hair, skin and nails when showering.
Lifetime Warranty
Each whole house water filtration system comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Additional Upgrades
You can add on any of these three upgrades to your Aquasana Rhino, depending on the extent of your water problem.
SimplySoft Salt-Free Water Conditioner
If you are dealing with hard water, specifically less than 15 gpg, you can upgrade your system with a salt-free water conditioner. Out of the numerous benefits, the most prominent one is the increased life of your plumbing system and water-based appliances.
Sterilight UV Filter
Add a UV filter to your EQ-1000 or EQ-600 for extra protection against microorganisms.
Pro-Grade Install Kit
The kit includes brass fittings, shut-off valves and bypass valves to help you with installation and later with maintenance. It also includes the post sediment 0.35-micron filter that increases the efficiency of your system.
Note: The EQ-Well-UV has both UV filter and post-filter already included in the package.
Pros
Here is what we love about Aquasana Rhino whole house water filters.
- To begin with, the system has a massive filtration capacity that provides water to every faucet in your house without compromising on water pressure. It can filter up to 7 gallons per minute, good enough for an average household.
- The system is tested and has an NSF 42 certification (EQ-1000 and EQ-600 only). This certification ensures effective removal of up to 96.9% chlorine from your water. Not only that, the lifespan of the chlorine removal filter is extensive. For the EQ-1000, the average lifespan is ten years. Similarly, for EQ-600, the lifespan is six years.
- The system is highly affordable provided how long it works before needing a replacement.
- Non-chlorinated water flows throughout your house including your shower. As a result, you will see a healthy change in your skin, hair and nails.
- Chlorine in tap water makes your clothes fade faster[1]. With the Rhino whole house unit, filtered water keeps your clothes looking brighter longer.
- Moreover, when you use filtered water in the shower, the steam produced doesn’t negatively impact indoor air quality. As a result, the air you breathe is also improved.
- Nothing can beat a lifetime warranty, can it? Whenever you encounter any issue in the system’s manufacturing, you can demand full support. Thankfully, all Rhino systems include a lifetime warranty.
Cons
- We understand the Rhino system focuses on chlorine removal, but there are many other chemicals that contaminate city water. The system removes a few of them, but neither do we have more information about their reduction rates nor any NSF certifications.
- If you install the system yourself rather than hiring a professional, the warranty stand voids.
- Some users have shown concern about Aquasana’s customer service. On the other hand, there are many who were totally satisfied with the staff. We are not entirely sure other than the fact there is room for improvement.
Installation
If you are thinking of attempting the installation yourself, we strongly advise you not to do so. This is because, unless your system is installed by a licensed plumber, your warranty is rendered invalid.
Select A Place
When installing a whole house water filtration system, you must select an appropriate space.
Ideally, it should be near to the point where the water enters your house. Moreover, the plumbing should be upstream of the water heater.
Not to forget, the unit should be out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Wondering how much space you require for the unit? Aquasana recommends 50” height and 30” floor space.
How to Install?
We have a descriptive and elaborate guide to help you install. However, if you are a visual person, take a look at the video further down.
All steps are explained in more detail in the product manual (EQ-1000 & EQ-600, EQ-Well-UV).
- First, remove all the red shipping caps from the system.
- Next, you have to flush the filter media to activate the dry filter materials. You may need to do so in the driveway or your garden. To do this, connect the adapter to a hose which goes onto the tank’s inlet port.
- Next, allow the water to fully flush the system and drain out from the outlet port for up to 30 minutes.
- Spend the next 15 minutes making sure the system is cleaned properly and the water runs clear.
- Remove the hose and prepare to install the system. Of course, it’s time to turn off the main water supply.
- If you have the UV filter, you need an electrical socket near your unit.
- Then, carefully install the unit to your house’s plumbing.
- DON’T USE PIPE DOPE or your warranty will be lost.
- Turn on the water and check leakages.
- Finally, turn on a few faucets around the house to flush off the filter.
- Congratulations, you have managed to install the system all by yourself.
Maintenance
Fortunately, there are no major maintenance issues with the system. You need to be careful about the sediment filter and check it once a month for saturation. If you notice the filter looks clogged or a drop in water pressure, it means you need to replace it.
But, don’t worry, replacement is quick and easy. The 10-inch sediment filter costs $20 for a pack of four. On average, you will need one pack per year. Nevertheless, it greatly depends on your city’s water quality.
Moving onto the main tank. As we discussed above, the main tanks last 10, 6, and 5 years respectively for EQ-1000, EQ-600 and EQ-Well-UV. When the system has reached the end of its life, toss it out and install a new one.
If you have the optional post filter, change it annually or bi-annually.
For the UV filter stage, replace the bulb once a year at least for optimum performance. It costs $120 for a UV light bulb.
Finally, if you love to keep your system looking shiny and cool just like your water, use a wet rag and soapy water to clean it up once in a while. Now that is entirely optional!
What’s Included
Here is a list of parts included in all three systems:
- Main filter tank
- Sediment pre-filter + bracket
- Slip unions
- Shut-off valve
- Hose adaptor
- Nipples
Here is a list of parts included only in the Rhino well system:
- Antibacterial post-filter + mounting kit
- Post-filter + support bracket
- Filter housing wrench
List of parts included in the Pro install kit:
- 20-inch sediment pre-filter
- 10-inch post-filter
- Bend supports
- Shut-off valves
- Nipples
- Brass T-fittings
- Slip unions
- Brass adaptors
- Support bracket
The PEX tubing that some of the images show is NOT included.
Aquasana Whole House Water Filter Review – Conclusion & Best For
The Aquasana Rhino is an outstanding choice and best for those looking for a whole house water filtration system that effectively removes chlorine.
With a limited lifetime warranty, long filter lifespan, low maintenance cost, and an NSF certification, it is one of our favorite systems around. On the contrary, if you have specific issues and contaminants in your water and require a more thorough filtration, it won’t fit the bill.
Nevertheless, the filter system works exactly as advertised and we appreciate that. If you are riddled with dusty, rusty, and weird-smelling water, this is the water filter that will do the job.
If you have questions about our Aquasana Rhino review please leave a comment below!
Further Reading
- Aquasana OptimH2O Reverse Osmosis System Review 2023 – Must Read
- Aquasana AQ-4100 & AQ-4105 Shower Filter Review – Read This!
- Aquasana AQ-4000 Review – Countertop Drinking Water Filter System
- Aquasana SimplySoft Salt-Free Water Softener Review 2023
- Comparison List: 7 Best Whole House Water Filters
- Comparison List: 8 Best Whole House Water Filters for Well Water
Resources
Outside of his writing work, Rory enjoys photographing the Irish landscape and making music!