Review: Aquasana Rhino Whole House Water Filter System (WH-1000)

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The Aquasana Rhino Whole House Water Filter (model number WH-1000) is a 4-stage system that removes sediments and 97% of chlorine in water.

It is highly popular among users.

Let’s examine the Aquasana Rhino, check out its pros and cons, and see if it’s a good fit for you.

Aquasana Rhino Whole House Water Filter System

Aquasana Rhino Whole House Water Filter System

Price: $$
Filter Media: 20″ Sediment Pre-Filter, Activated Carbon, KDF, Post-Filter
Filter Capacity: 1,000,000 Gallons
Flow Rate: 7 Gallons Per Minute
Annual Cost: ~$120

Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘ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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Aquasana Rhino Whole House Water Filter System – All Specs

  • Model: WH-1000
  • Last Price: $999.00
  • Annual Maintenance Cost: ~$120
  • Filter Media/Process: 20” Sediment Pre, Activated Carbon, KDF, Post-Filter
  • Filter Stages: 4
  • Flow Rate: 7 gpm
  • Filtering Capacity: 1,000,000 gal
  • WxHxD: 32″x46″x9″
  • Water Temperature: 40-90 °F
  • Water Pressure: 20-100 psi
  • NSF Testing/Certifications: Standard 42 (Chlorine Reduction), 61, 372
  • Other Certifications: CSA B483.1
  • Warranty: 10 Years

Aquasana – Discount Code

You can use our code AQBOS50 to get up to 50% discount on any purchase you make on aquasana.com.

Aquasana Rhino – Key Features

First of all, the Aquasana Rhino Whole House Water Filter has a flow rate of 7 gallons per minute, making it suitable for smaller to mid-sized households with up to 2.5 baths. If that doesn’t fit you, there’s also a larger version available: The Rhino Max Flow. It has twice the original flow rate (14 gpm).

Regardless of regular or Max Flow, the Aquasana Rhino has four filter stages:

  • Sediment pre-filter
  • Activated carbon media tank
  • Copper-zinc (KDF) media tank
  • Post-filter

Here’s how these stages work:

  • Stage 1: The sediment pre-filter removes particles like rust, silt, dirt, and debris from water. This prevents the rest of the system from clogging and also protects your plumbing and appliances.
  • Stage 2: Activated carbon lowers chlorine levels for improved water taste and odor. Activated carbon also removes organic chemicals improving the overall quality of the water.
  • Stage 3: KDF in the lower tank helps remove even more chlorine (by a total average of 97% for 1,000,000 gallons or 10 years) and prolong the system’s lifespan by stopping bacteria and algae growth.
  • Stage 4: The post-filter removes any lingering sediment and organic particles.

The Aquasana Rhino whole house filter can also be ordered with some optional upgrades. They include:

  • A version that uses catalytic instead of activated carbon to be used for water supplies with chloramine rather than chlorine.
  • A salt-free water conditioner that reduces scale build-up without using salt or chemicals.
  • A UV filter that provides extra protection from germs and microorganisms. It sterilizes 99.99% of bacteria and viruses and 99% of cysts.
  • Low-maintenance pre-filter: You can also upgrade to the low-maintenance pre-filter that lasts three times longer than the standard pre-filter.
  • Pro-grade bypass kit: This upgrade lets you bypass the system, enabling you to replace your filters without shutting off your water. This kit contains high-quality brass components, 1″ connections, and easy DIY PEX.

Aquasana Rhino Whole House Water Filtration System image 1Aquasana Rhino Whole House Water Filtration System image 2Aquasana Rhino Whole House Water Filtration System image 3

Aquasana Whole House Water Filter Pros

The Aquasana Rhino was designed with convenience in mind. It’s easy to install and maintain and doesn’t require electricity, drain lines, or backflushing.

It also costs little to maintain ($60 a year for the pre-filter, which is replaced every two months, and $60 a year for the post-filter, which is replaced every six months).

The system directly improves your indoor air quality by reducing the chlorine levels in your water (since chlorine evaporates in hot water, like shower steam, and contaminates the air you breathe). Showering in Aquasana filtered water also reduces your body’s exposure to chlorine, saving your skin from drying and damage; you also get healthier, more moisturized hair and skin.

Another big pro with the Aquasana Rhino is the 10-year limited warranty and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee.

What Contaminants Are Being Removed?

The Rhino removes chlorine, dirt, rust, debris, and slit. It further removes bad taste and odor and stops microbial growth.

Aquasana Rhino Whole House Water Filter System

The Aquasana Rhino WH-1000 – learn more on Aquasana.com

Installation

The Aquasana Rhino is a whole house water filter system that’s easy to install. No electricity, drain lines, or backflushing needed.

Please consider these instructions as a general guideline. Always make sure to check and follow your user manual before getting started.

The tools used to install this system include:

  • Drill
  • Wrench
  • Channel locks
  • Pipe cutter
  • NSF-certified PVC primer and glue
  • NSF-certified plumber’s tape
  • Garden hose
  • 5-gallon bucket

Here’s how the installation goes:

  1. Pick an appropriate location for installation (hint: the system should be installed in an area where the main water line enters your home).
  2. If you’re installing the pro-grade bypass kit, assemble all the components and check for leaks.
  3. Make sure the Rhino tank sits straight.
  4. Using NSF-certified primer and glue, put together the smooth-fitting connections, then hold the connection tightly for 10-15 seconds after the glue is applied.
  5. Remove the shipping caps from the inlets and outlet ports without damaging the valve threads.
  6. With NSF-certified plumber’s tape, wrap the threaded needle at the end three times before inserting the nipples and attached unions into the tank’s inlet and outlet. Then, hand-tighten the connections, and tighten once with a pipe wrench (do not tighten too much).
  7. If you’re using your plumbing system for grounding, securely install a #4 copper wire (not included) across the area along with two grounding clamps and clamp both ends tightly.
  8. Shut off your main water supply and drain the lines.
  9. Cut into the main water supply line with a pipe cutter, and catch any remaining water in a bucket.
  10. Calculate the distance for pre and post-filter, Rhino tank, and optional add-ons, and mark the pipe accordingly.
  11. Cut the pipes with a utility knife or the appropriate pipe cutter for copper, PVC, or PEX tubing.
  12. To configure the system, install the Rhino tank. Then, use the NSF- certified plumber’s tape to attach the threaded nipple from the shut-off valve outlet to the 20″ pre-filter housing inlet.
  13. Fix the filter wall bracket to the pre-filter housing and screw the support bracket to the wall. Then, connect the threaded nipple from the pre-filter outlet to the union attached to the Rhino tank.
  14. Use plumber’s tape to connect the drain valve to a 1/2″ threaded PVC tee.
  15. Fix the PVC tee to the union attached to the Rhino tank outlet and the post-filter inlet.
  16. Connect the post-filter bracket and housing to the wall and make sure all connections are tight.
  17. If you have extra attachments, check the manual before carrying out the final installation.
  18. After the installation, wait for the glue to dry correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  19. Flush the system

Video

The Package (Parts)

  • 20″ Pre-Filter
  • Rhino Tank
  • 10″ Post-Filter
  • Filter Wrench
  • 2x Filter Support Bracket
  • 2x 1″-3/4″ Reducer Bushings
  • Shut-Off Valve
  • 2x Slip Unions
  • 5x 2.5″ TOE Nipples
  • 3″ Smooth Nipple
  • Brass Drain Valve
  • PVC Tee

Maintenance

The Aquasana Rhino system is easy to maintain. It is maintained by:

Cleaning the system:

Clean the system’s exterior with warm soapy water and rinse with clean water (avoid using an abrasive or chemical solution).

Pre/post-filter replacements:

Different filter components need to be replaced at different times:

  • The 20″ pre-filter cartridge is replaced every two months. Annual cost: $60.
  • The 10″ post-filter cartridge needs to be replaced every six months. Cost: $60 a year.
  • Pre/post filter housings should be changed every five years.

Here’s how to change the filters:

  1. Shut the filter system and open the drain valve.
  2. Remove the blue filter housing with a wrench, and remove the used filter.
  3. Put the new filter in the center of the blue filter housing.
  4. Clean the housing O-ring, apply silicone grease to relubricate it, and put the O-ring in the right place. Then reattach the housing.
  5. Switch on the system at the shut-off valve and check for leaks.

Every 10 years or 1 million gallons, the Rhino tank needs to be replaced.

Manual

Here is a link to the official manual:

https://www.aquasana.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-aquasana-Library/default/dw0ae7adcc/PDF/WH-1000_Install.pdf

NSF and Other Certifications

The product was independently tested to NSF/ANSI Standard 42 to remove around 97% of chlorine for 1,000,000 gallons (up to 10 years). Take note; this is not an official NSF certification because the company did their own testing.

The Rhino tank was tested and certified by WQA under NSF/ANSI 61 for material safety requirements. NSF/ANSI 372 certifies low lead content. The system was also tested and certified by CSA B483.1 for materials safety and structural integrity.

Earlier Product Versions

Some earlier product versions of the Aquasana Rhino are no longer up for sale, like the EQ-1000, the EQ-600, and the EQ-300.

To the best of our knowledge, the EQ-1000 is identical to the WH-1000. The EQ-600 had a filtration capacity of 600,000 gallons, or six years, while the EQ-300 had a capacity of 300,000 gallons, or three years. You can still get replacement filters for these filters even if they’re no longer available.

Aquasana WH-1000 Cons

  • The plastic fittings are prone to leaking and may make the installation more complicated. The most practical solution is to replace them with copper or brass pieces.
  • We read customer ratings mentioning difficulties working with Aquasana when warranty claims became an issue. Funnily enough, some people had bad experiences with unresponsive support, while others said customer service was outstanding from beginning to end.
  • Few customers also had issues with their standing filters holding a huge amount of water during drainage, causing them to replace the system a couple of times.
  • NSF testing is a great start, but official NSF certifications would have been even better. Also, 97% chlorine reduction is only the average. According to the test data, after 1,000,000 gallons of filtered water it’s more like 93% (which is still good).

Aquasana Rhino Review: Our Verdict + Best for

The Aquasana Rhino WH-1000 Whole House Water Filter System is best for people who want odor-free, clean tasting water that also won’t clog pipes and appliances. That said, it’s not really suited for targeting specific and harder to remove contaminants such as lead.

For the most part, people are happy with their purchase and would buy from the company again. Our verdict: 4 stars!

Our Rating in Detail:

  • Filtration Performance: 4.0/5.0
  • Filter Capacity (Life): 5.0/5.0
  • Purchase Price: 4.0/5.0
  • Annual Cost: 4.5/5.0
  • Overall: 4.0/5.0

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Comparison to Other Whole House Water Filters

Let’s see how the Aquasana Rhino filter compares to its two major competitors, the Springwell CF and Kind E-1000.

SpringWell CF Whole House Water Filter

SpringWell CF

Price: $$
Filter Media: 5-Micron Sediment, Catalytic Carbon, KDF
Filter Life: 1,000,000 gal
Water Flow Rate: 9-20 gpm
Annual Cost: ~$40

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 Water Systems E-1000 2-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System

Kind E-1000

Price: $$
Filter Media: 5-Micron Sediment, Catalytic Carbon Block
Filter Life: 12 Months
Water Flow Rate: 15 gpm
Annual Cost: ~$145

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.

Get 5% Off! Use Code: BOS5OFF

Aquasana Rhino Whole House Water Filter System

Aquasana Rhino

Price: $$
Filter Media: 20″ Sediment Pre, Activated Carbon, KDF, Post-Filter
Filter Life: 1,000,000 gal
Water Flow Rate: 7 gpm
Annual Cost: ~$120

Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘ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.

Get Up to 50% Off! Use Code: AQBOS50

The Springwell CF filters water using a 5-micron pre-filter, catalytic carbon filter media, and KDF. Combined, these powerful filter stages remove sediments, microorganisms, chlorine & chloramine (below the minimum detection level for 1 million gallons), and other contaminants like VOCs, pesticides, and PFAS. The system has a high flow rate of 9-20 gpm, depending on what version you get.

The Springwell CF is easy to set up, and yearly filter replacements cost only about $40. The company also offers a 6-month satisfaction guarantee and a limited lifetime warranty.

The Kind E-1000 filters water using a 5-micron pleated sediment filter and a catalytic activated carbon block. This removes sediments and stuff like chlorine, chloramine, pesticides, and other organics. Again, catalytic carbon is really powerful – more powerful than regular activated carbon.

The E-1000’s filters cost $145 in annual replacements. The system has a 120 days satisfaction guarantee and a limited lifetime warranty.

Compared to both SpringWell and Kind, the Aquasana Rhino doesn’t remove as many contaminants. It’s also only suitable for smaller houses. Also taking into account all the nice extras, SpringWell and Kind come out on top.

This completes our review of the Aquasana Rhino WH-1000 Whole House Water Filter System. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

About the Author Gene Fitzgerald

Gene Fitzgerald is one of the founders of BOS and currently head of content creation. She has 8+ years of experience as a water treatment specialist under her belt making her our senior scientist. Outside of BOS, Gene loves reading books on philosophy & social issues, making music, and hiking.
Learn more about .

Gene

Information provided on BOS is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.
We adhere to strict editorial guidelines. Rest assured, the opinions expressed have not been provided, reviewed, or otherwise endorsed by our partners – they are unbiased, independent, and the author’s alone. Our licensed experts fact-check all content for accuracy. It is accurate as of the date posted and to the best of our knowledge.

Leave a Comment:

lowell shatraw says May 24, 2019

Loooking to get a Aquasana Rhino 6-Year 600k Gallon Whole House Water Filter Salt-Free Softener+UV and need to know how much horizontal space is needed.

Reply
    Gene says May 24, 2019

    The length including the pre-filter, shut-off valve, etc. is 27″, so you need that + enough room for additional piping (depending on your setup).

    Reply
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