Review: 3M Aqua-Pure AP903 Whole House Water Filter System
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Aug 4, 2023
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The 3M Aqua-Pure AP903 whole house water filter system costs significantly less than most of the competition. This makes it a potential option for budget-conscious users looking for a whole house filter.
The system also offers several other compelling features including tool-free cartridge changes, an impressive 20-gallon-per-minute flow rate, and a compact size.
Let’s examine whether 3M has put together a system attractive enough to justify purchasing.
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3M Aqua-Pure AP903 Whole House Water Filter System |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Media: | 5-Micron Sediment, Activated Carbon Block |
| Filter Life: | 100,000-Gallon or 12 Months |
| Flow Rate: | 20 gpm |
| Annual Cost: | ~$250 |
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Overall Rating: 3.5/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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3M Aqua-Pure AP903 Whole House Water Filter System – All Specs
- Model: 3M Aqua-Pure AP903
- Annual Maintenance Cost: ~$250
- Filter Media/Process: 5-Micron Sediment, Carbon Block
- Flow Rate: Up to 20 gpm
- Filtering Capacity: 100,000 gal (378,541 l) or 12 Months
- WxHxD: 4.7″22.3″4.7”
- Weight: 7.5 lb.
- Water Temperature: 40-100 °F
- Water Pressure: 20-125 psi
- Fitting: 1” Female NPT
- NSF Certifications: Standard 42 (Nominal Particulate Reduction, Class III)
- Warranty: 1-25 Years
3M Aqua-Pure AP903 – Key Features
The 3M AP903 is part of 3M’s 900 series of budget-priced whole house water filters which includes the AP902 (mere sediment filter) and the AP904 (also treats hard water).
With up to 20 gpm water flow, the series is designed for smaller and larger homes requiring whole house contaminant reduction and works for both chlorinated (municipal) and non-chlorinated (well) supplied water.
The single-cartridge filtration process is outlined below:
- Non-woven pleat media is used to reduce sediment down to 5 microns nominal.
- A carbon block filter removes chlorine, disinfection by-products, and other unpleasant tastes and odors.
3M Whole House Water Filter Pros
The 3M Aqua-Pure AP903 is significantly less expensive than many other whole house water filters.
And as it’s a single cartridge system, it’s small enough to fit in tight spots that larger filters wouldn’t fit.
With only two major components, the system is also relatively easy to install on your own. Maintenance is also minimal, with just a single annual cartridge replacement required.
Another advantage of the system is the 304 stainless steel head with “sweat in place” installation. The corrosion-resistant head provides a long service life and even comes with a 25-year warranty (filter cartridges are warranted for 1 year).
What Contaminants Are Being Removed?
First, the 3M AP903 removes floating sediments and other particles down to 5 microns nominal.
Then, the activated carbon block filter removes chlorine taste and odor, disinfection by-products, and other chemicals.
The 3M Aqua-Pure AP903 – learn more on Discountfilterstore.com
Installation
The installation process is simple but still a bit more complicated than it had to be. Why? There’s no built-in bypass valve, so you have to manually install a bypass if you want one. The steps are outlined below:
Tools and materials required (not included):
- Pipe cutter
- Plumbers tape
- Adjustable wrench
- Torch
- Plumbing solder
- Plumbing flux
- Two 1” sweat connections
- 2” ball valve (3 if using a bypass valve, 2 if not)
Please consider these instructions as a general guideline. Always make sure to check and follow your user manual before getting started.
- Shut off the main water supply and turn on any faucets downstream of the installation to drain them.
- Remove the filter cartridge from the filter head.
- Cut the pipe down to give enough space for the filter head and bypass (if using).
- Assemble the filter head and bypass using 3 ball valves. Use copper pipe and sweated connections for assembly.
- Install the valves, piping, and filter head into the water supply system.
- Use the included bracket to support the system.
- Insert the filter cartridge back into the filter head. Rotate clockwise until the cartridge snaps in place.
- Turn the main water supply back on. When water is flowing through the faucet, turn off the ball valves at the inlet and outlet of the filter head. Open the bypass valve (if using).
- Now turn off the bypass valve and open the valves at the filter head inlet and outlet. Allow the filter cartridge to fill up.
- Check the system for leaks. Be sure to flush at least 10 gallons through the filter before use.
Video
The Package (Parts)
- Stainless steel filter head
- Filter cartridge (AP917HD)
- Mounting bracket
Maintenance
As mentioned previously, the 3M 903 whole house water filtration system is one of the simplest to maintain. Depending on your water usage, the filter cartridge must be changed annually – costs about $250 per year which is okay. Filtration capacity: Up to 100,000 gallons.
The system uses a Sanitary Quick Change (SQC) design that allows for tool-free cartridge changes with no direct contact with the filter media – you don’t even need a filter wrench!
- Shut off water supply to system.
- Open downstream faucets to depressurize.
- Slide cartridge locking latch to the right and lift up.
- Give old filter cartridge a quarter turn counter-clockwise to remove.
- Install new filter cartridge by pushing it up against head and turning clockwise (you will hear locking latch clicking into place).
- Open water supply valve and flush system for 10 minutes.
By the way, the package includes an electronic countdown timer magnet which you can stick to your refrigerator for reminding you when to change the cartridge.
Manual
Here is a link to the official manual:
NSF and Other Certifications
The 3M AP903 system has been tested and certified to NSF/ANSI standard 42 for Nominal Particulate Reduction, Class III. This means it’s certified to reduce floating particulates which are aesthetic impurities.
Besides, the system is made from FDA CFR-21 compliant materials only, meaning it’s food and drinking water safe.
Earlier Product Versions
To our knowledge, the 3M Aqua-Pure AP903 has no earlier product versions.
3M Aqua-Pure Whole House Filter Cons
One issue a small percentage of users had with the filter is needing more frequent filter cartridge changes than indicated. The cartridge is supposed to last for 12 months or 100,000 gallons, but theirs was clogged in about 30 days (or 15,000 gallons) resulting in a major water pressure drop. This is likely an issue related to feed water with a high level of sediment, for which the manufacturer recommends additional sediment pre-treatment.
Furthermore, while the manufacturer states that the filter is appropriate for both city and municipal water, some users with iron and heavy sediment common to well water report the system clogs too quickly to be practical.
Bottom line: Having to make much more frequent filter replacements is not only inconvenient, it also adds to the cost considerably.
We also would have liked a bypass valve and additional NSF certifications, for example for chlorine removal.
And lastly, the AP903 provides basic whole house water filtration only. All you can expect from it is a reduction of chlorine and sediments. The system will barely touch any of the more harmful contaminants that may be lurking in your water supply.
3M Aqua-Pure AP903 Review: Our Verdict + Best for
Overall, the 3M Aqua-Pure AP903 whole house water filter system is best for people on a really tight budget. It’s also remarkably easy to maintain and small enough to install in spaces where other filters wouldn’t fit.
Still, it’s not our favorite product on the market. That’s because filtration is very basic, which may be enough for city water that’s already pretty clean, but in case you need to remove more stubborn water contamination such as lead or iron, you are better off with a different system.
Our Rating in Detail:
- Filtration Performance: 3.5/5.0
- Filter Capacity (Life): 4.0/5.0
- Purchase Price: 4.0/5.0
- Annual Cost: 3.5/5.0
- Overall: 3.5/5.0
Comparison to Other Whole House Water Filters
Let’s take a look at two popular alternatives to the 3M Aqua-Pure AP903 whole house system and see how it stacks up against the competition.
SpringWell CF |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Filter Media: | 5-Micron Sediment, Catalytic Carbon, KDF |
| Filter Life: | 1,000,000 gal or 6 Years |
| Flow Rate: | 9-20 gpm |
| Annual Cost: | ~$40 |
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Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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Kind E-1000 |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Filter Media: | 5-Micron Sediment, Catalytic Carbon Block |
| Filter Life: | 12 Months |
| Flow Rate: | 15 gpm |
| Annual Cost: | ~$145 |
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Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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3M Aqua-Pure AP903 |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Media: | 5-Micron Sediment, Activated Carbon Block |
| Filter Life: | 100,000-Gallon or 12 Months |
| Flow Rate: | 20 gpm |
| Annual Cost: | ~$250 |
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Overall Rating: 3.5/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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First of all, the Springwell CF is a tank-based filter system utilizing catalytic carbon and KDF filter media to remove a wide range of contaminants from water, including chlorine, chloramine, PFAS, pesticides, and disinfection byproducts. It’s ideal for treating even the nastiest of city waters improving its taste and making it much more healthy! Plus, there is a sediment pre-filter.
The system sells for between $1,000 and $1,750 (depending on the filter size selected) and doesn’t require cartridge replacements, so annual costs are only $40 or so.
The Kind E-1000 (read review) is a budget-priced 2-stage whole house water filter. And it’s our favorite cartridge-based system! It utilizes a 5-micron sediment filter and a catalytic carbon filter block. Thus, it will remove a wide range of contaminants including chlorine/chloramine, pesticides, herbicides, VOCs, and industrial solvents. It costs about twice what the 3M 903 does, but replacement filter costs are much less at about $145 annually (compared to $250). Did we mention the limited lifetime warranty?
Comparing the 3M system with the two above shows that while the 3M system is cheaper upfront, its filter replacement costs add up quickly. It also doesn’t offer the same level of contaminant reduction as the Springwell or the Kind. That’s because the Aqua-Pure uses regular activated carbon, whereas both Kind E-1000 and SpringWell CF use catalytic carbon.
One advantage the 3M offers is a 20-gallon per minute flow rate, which is better than the Kind’s 15 gpm and equal to the most expensive SpringWell version.
All in all, both the Kind and the SpringWell would make better choices for the majority of users in our opinion.
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This completes our review of the 3M Aqua-Pure AP903 whole house water filtration system. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
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