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This product review features the Home Master HMF3SdgFeC 3-stage whole house water filter for well water.
If you are dealing with non-chlorinated well water, the Home Master HMF3SdhFeC whole house water filter is, undoubtedly, an exceptional choice. The unit dramatically reduces fine sediment, manganese, and iron down to one micron without a significant impact on water pressure. Win-win situation!
On the other hand, if you are dealing with city water, you can let the system slide out of your options. Without further ado, let’s sync you up with a breakdown of its features and benefits.
Contents
Home Master HMF3SdgFeC Whole House Water Filter Review – Main Specs
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- Designed for non-chlorinated well water
- Filtration capacity is different for each filter stage
- Sediment filter: 6-12 months
- Iron filter: 3-12 months depending on iron level
- Activated carbon filter: 100,000 gallons
- Flow rate: 15 gallons per minute (1-6+ bathrooms)
- Recommended water pH: >7.0
- Maximum TDS: 2,000 ppm[1]
- Water pressure: 20-90 psi
Highlights
At the beginning of our Home Master HMF3SdgFeC review, a few highlights:
Three Stage Filtration
The Home Master HMF3SdgFeC uses a three-stage filtration system. Here is how each stage works and cleans your water.
- The first stage comprises a unique multi-gradient density sediment filter. This filter features multiple screens of varying micron filtration capacities that capture even the tiniest speck of sediment, rust, and even bacteria and cysts[2].
The first layer measures pore sizes of 25 microns, while the subsequent layers each sport 10, 5, and finally 1-micron filtration power. As a result, the water is free from almost any particles.
Not only does the multi-gradient density filter hold on to three times more unwanted substances compared to standard filters, but it also ensures that the successive filters don’t clog unnecessarily. - Next in line is the iron filter. This top-of-the-line filter removes iron like a pro owing to a 3 part per million ferrous and ferric removal rate. It is important to note that the filter will not remove iron bacteria, which is a major threat while using well water. Additionally, the unit removes manganese and sulfur at 2 ppm combined.
Consequently, you can expect less damage to your water pipes and heaters etc. - The third stage features a granular activated carbon filter derived from coconut shells that removes bad taste, chemicals, and odor-causing contaminants.
2-Year Warranty
The whole house water filter for well water is warranted against defects in materials or workmanship in manufacturing.
Water Review
As mentioned, the Home Master HMF3SdgFeC is suitable for well water. However, we recommend conducting a water test to examine what contaminants you are dealing with thoroughly.
The water from a well can change composition over time and might be riddled with microorganisms and bacteria that require extensive filtration. With this in mind, refer to the manufacturer for a water review. They can guide you on whether the system is the right choice depending on the contaminants you are dealing with.
Pros
- Thanks to the 15 gallons per minute flow rate, the unit is suitable for an average household with multiple bathrooms and water-based appliances.
- Since it is equipped with a two-year limited parts warranty, you don’t need to worry about massive repairs or malfunctioning costs.
- The oversized fittings, cartridges, and housings ensure that you don’t notice any change in the water pressure around the house.
- The carbon filter filters 100,000 gallons of water before needing replacement, saving you money.
- Filtration protects your bathroom fixtures, toilets, showers and clothes from getting unsightly iron stains.
- Knowledgeable and friendly customer support ensures a prompt and factual response.
Cons
Here are a few shortcomings that we feel hamper optimum performance.
- Unfortunately, the system is not equipped to deal with plenty of other hazardous contaminants that may be affecting your well water. Though we understand the company makes no false claims to do so either.
- The package doesn’t include a bypass valve. A bypass valve is an essential fitting that helps make maintenance more manageable.
- The expenses for replacement filters will add up over the years.
Installation
The installation process involves basic plumbing skills. If you have know-how of plumbing around your house, you can easily attempt the hook up yourself.
If you have no idea about cutting pipes, water flows, or installing gauges, it’s best to hire a professional.
You can refer to the complete instruction manual online. Nevertheless, here are a few things you must ensure before beginning the assembly.
- The unit needs a dry and leveled surface that isn’t exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
- Make sure there are no leakages or damages to the fittings where you plan to connect the filter.
- We strongly advise installing a bypass valve and a pressure gauge for quicker service and easy operation.
- Shock chlorinate your well before installation.
- Ensure that you follow the water inlet and outlet arrows while fixing the system. Failure to do so can lead to massive damage to your plumbing.
And here is a quick rundown of the installation procedure.
- Turn off the main water supply and drain the water in the lines by opening all plumbing fixtures in your house.
- Turn off electrical power to your water heater.
- Remove a section from the main water line. Smooth both ends.
- Install bypass and shut-off valves.
- Mount the filter system using the mounting hardware.
- Connect the incoming end of the main water line to the “in” port of the whole house water filter. Repeat the process for the outgoing end and the “out” port.
- Unwrap the three filter cartridges and place them inside their respective housings.
- Grease O-rings and housing threads with provided silicone.
- Tighten the filter housings onto the housing caps. Fit snug with filter housing wrench.
- Open a cold water outlet nearby before turning the water supply back on.
- Wait for the water to run clear.
- Repeating the flushing after 30 minutes.
Maintenance
As with all whole house water filtration systems, regular maintenance will help your unit stay in the best state. It doesn’t demand much from you, though.
If you are the forgetful type, we suggest keeping notes when you replace filter stages. This little practice will ensure you are never short of clean, pure water. Now let’s chalk out when you need to replace each filter.
You need to replace the sediment once a year. In case of heavy contamination, you might need a bi-annual replacement. The sediment filter replacement cost around $35 that is not too bad considering it’s a yearly expense.
For a small-sized family, the iron filter needs to be replaced after one year. Unfortunately, the iron filter doesn’t come cheap at $125 a pop.
The activated carbon filter purifies 100,000 gallons of water before it needs replacement and costs nearly $100.
If you find that the replacement filters by Home Master are adding way too much to your expenses, you can purchase aftermarket filters. Not to mention, invest as much as your pocket allows and do your research.
What’s Included
Here is what the package includes:
- An instruction manual
- Warranty card
- Housing filter wrench
- Steel bracket with bolts
- Housing sumps with filters, O-ring, and silicone grease
- Completely assembled system
- Mounting bracket & screws
- Silicone grease
Home Master HMF3SdgFeC Review – Conclusion & Best For
For those troubled by foul-tasting and smelly well water, the Home Master HMF3SdgFeC is an exceptional choice. The whole house water filter is best for purifying well water removing unwanted odors and flavors.
Moreover, it protects fittings, pipelines, and water appliances from rust and imminent breakdown – thumbs up for the most reliable customer service as well as competitive pricing. In essence, we recommend the system for those households where water is chock-full of iron, sulfur, manganese and chemicals.
If you have questions about our Home Master HMF3SdgFeC whole house filter review please leave a comment below!
Further Reading
- Top Rated Iron Filters Here
- Top Rated Whole House Filters for Wells
- Buying Guide and Reviews of the Best Whole House Filters
- Home Master TMHP HydroPerfection Undersink Reverse Osmosis System Review
Resources
- [1] https://www.safewater.org/fact-sheets-1/2017/1/23/tds-and-ph
- [2] https://extension.psu.edu/removing-giardia-cysts-from-drinking-water
Rory has joined the Water Masterz team as a contributing writer. He has covered all sorts of topics in the last several years.
Outside of his writing work, Rory enjoys photographing the Irish landscape and making music!