Review: Home Master HMF3SdgFeC 3-Stage Whole House Water Filter
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Aug 4, 2023
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Home Master’s HMF3SdgFeC 3-Stage Whole House Water Filter is specifically designed for well water. The main purpose of the cartridge-style system: Delivering clear water to every outlet in your home that…
- tastes and smells good.
- doesn’t cause rust discoloration on clothes, toilets, sinks etc.
- doesn’t strain pipes and appliances potentially shortening their lifespan.
Sounds like a good fit? Let’s find out!
Contents
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Home Master HMF3SdgFeC 3-Stage Whole House Water Filter |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Media: | 25-to-1-Micron Sediment, Greensand, Granular Activated Carbon |
| Filter Capacity: | Up to 100,000 Gallons |
| Water Flow Rate: | 15 gpm |
| Annual Cost: | ~$260-400 |
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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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Home Master HMF3SdgFeC 3-Stage Whole House Water Filter – All Specs
- Model: HMF3SdgFeC
- Last Price: $579
- Annual Maintenance Cost: ~$260-400
- Filter Media/Process: Multi-Gradient Sediment, Iron Filter (Manganese Greensand), GAC
- Filter Stages: 3
- Flow Rate: 15 gpm
- Filtering Capacity: Up to 100,000 gal
- WxHxD: 24″x25″x9″
- Water Temperature: 40-100 °F
- Water Pressure: 20-90 psi
- Water pH: Ideally >7.0
- Fitting: 1″
- Warranty: 2 Years
Home Master – Discount Code
You can use our code “BOSFREEWH“ to get free shipping when you purchase the Home Master HMF3SdgFeC on theperfectwater.com.
Home Master HMF3SdgFeC – Key Features
Let’s start by examining the filtration process in more detail.
The Home Master HMF3SdgFeC whole house water filter uses 3 filter stages:
- A multi-gradient density sediment filter traps rust, sand, silt, and other particles down to a size of 1 micron (nominal). Multi-gradient density sediment filter? It means the filter has multiple layers that remove particles of different sizes. The surface layer stops everything measuring 25 microns or larger. Then come 2 inner layers (10 and 5-micron) and lastly a 1-micron core layer. For one, this will make your water crystal clear and even take care of some bacteria and cysts. In addition, multi-gradient density filters have up to triple the dirt holding capacity of similar sized cartridges, says Home Master.
- The second stage uses a specialized iron filter. Reduction capabilities: 3 parts per million of both ferrous (clear-water iron) and ferric (red-water iron) a.k.a. rust. The filter is also effective against manganese and sulfur, but they’ll both lower the life of the filter cartridge at up to 2-6 times the rate of iron. Ideally, manganese is below 1 ppm and hydrogen sulfide is nonexistent. What about iron bacteria? If there’s iron bacteria in your water additional pre-treatment will be required.
- Coconut shell granular activated carbon (20 micron nominal) gives your water a final polish – think improved taste and odor. Apart from chlorine, the carbon adsorbs organic chemicals like VOCs and some other stuff.
Although the filtration process is quite complex, flow rates are as high as 15 gallons per minute which is plenty of water and enough for homes with 4+ bathrooms.
Please note: This whole house water filter should not be used with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without further treatment.
Home Master Whole House Water Filter Pros
One thing we like about the HMF3SdgFeC is the fact that it uses standard-sized filter housings (20.0” x 4.5” big blue). In other words, you can replace the filter elements with others from Home Master or go completely off-brand in order to save money or customize the filtration process.
Also, the manufacturer recommends having your well water analyzed before buying. That said, you can send your well report to Home Master and they’ll be able to tell you whether or not the HMF3SdgFeC whole house filter is the right choice for you. The helpful and knowledgeable staff members will also help with customizations if need be. Overall, people are very impressed with the company’s customer service.
What’s more, the Home Master HMF3SdgFeC is backed by a two-years warranty.
What Contaminants Are Being Removed?
Combined the 3 filter stages greatly reduce sediments, iron, chlorine taste and odor, VOCs, herbicides, pesticides, and other organic chemicals in your water. Manganese and sulfur can also be tackled, but it’ll lower the life of the iron filter stage considerably.
The Home Master HMF3SdgFeC – learn more on Theperfectwater.com
Installation
Installation is no more difficult than with other whole house filters, although the system does not come with a bypass valve – which means you’ll need to establish one separately if you wish to use one.
Please consider these instructions as a general guideline. Always make sure to check and follow your user manual before getting started.
Tools and materials needed:
- Pipe cutter or hacksaw
- Metal file
- Soldering iron or torch
- Drill
- Teflon plumbers’ tape
- Flat head screwdriver
- Medium crescent wrench
- Monkey wrench
- Grounding clamps and #6 copper wire
- Towels
Step-by-step installation instructions:
- First, shut off the main water supply to your home.
- Now, open all of the faucets in your home to drain the water lines.
- Plan the installation location for your system. You generally want to install it after the home’s main shut-off valve and before the system branches out in various directions.
- Mark the section of pipe to be removed from the main water line. Be sure to account for the fittings, shut-off valves, and bypass valve/pressure gauges (if used). Then, cut through the pipe using pipe cutters or a hacksaw. Smooth down the edges with a file to remove any burs.
- Install a shutoff valve, bypass, and pressure gauge (if desired) before the filter system. Make sure the water flow matches the directional arrows on the hardware.
- Mount the water filter system using the included mounting bracket and hardware. Make sure the system is completely level before mounting.
- If you need to adjust the pipe length or distance, do so now.
- Attach a pipe union onto the cut section of the water line. Then, attach a shutoff valve to the pipe union. Use plumber’s tape on all threaded fittings.
- Fit the shutoff valve and filter together with a nipple on the INLET side. Use a pipe hanger for additional support if needed.
- Now, attach the filter and shutoff valve to the OUTLET of the filter. Attach a pipe union to the shutoff valve.
- Use a pipe hanger on the water outlet for support if needed. Use a grounding clamp and cable (if grounding is needed).
- Remove each filter element from its plastic packaging. Then mount it inside its filter housing, ensuring the filter sits over the standpipe.
- Use silicone grease on the O-ring and housing threads to ensure proper lubrication and application.
- Attach the filter housing to its cap and hand tighten. Then use the filter wrench to tighten it further.
- At this point, the installation is complete. All that remains is flushing the system to remove fine carbon particles. To complete this, follow these steps:
- Turn on a downstream cold-water faucet. Then, open your home’s main water supply slowly. The water coming out of the faucet will be discolored and filled with sediment – this is normal and not a cause for concern.
- Run the water until the water comes out clear. Then shut off the water supply and let the unit sit before flushing again.
- You’ll notice small air bubbles in your water for the next several days. This is normal and will dissipate after a few days.
The Package (Parts)
- Instruction book and warranty card
- Mounting bracket & screws assembled with housing cap(s)
- Housing sumps with filters, O-rings, and silicone grease
- Filter housing wrench
Maintenance
Maintenance requirements for the Home Master system are similar to other cartridge-based whole house water filters. All that’s required is periodic filter cartridge replacements.
Cost? We estimate around $260 to $400, but this highly depends on your water quality, too. The sediment filter lasts 6-12 months and the carbon filter up to 100,000 gallons (roughly 1 year). As for the iron filter cartridge, it depends on how much iron is present. At 1 ppm iron, it’ll last about 80,000 gallons; at 3 ppm iron no longer than 16,000 gallons. As mentioned before, manganese and hydrogen sulfide will reduce the filter life even further.
To change a filter cartridge:
- If your water is sourced from a well, shock chlorinate the well before changing filters.
- Shut off the water supply to your system. Leave a downstream faucet open to relieve pressure.
- Unscrew the filter housing from the housing cap using the included filter wrench. Slide the old cartridge out and dispose of it.
- Clean out the housing and cap with warm water and a small quantity of unscented bleach. Rinse out and let dry.
- Insert 2 cups of unscented bleach in each empty housing filter and hand tighten before securing with the filter wrench. Then, drain your hot water supply, turn on the main water supply, and run a faucet until you can detect the chlorine odor. Repeat this process at every water outlet in your home. Then, shut off the main water supply.
- Now, open the filter housings, and lubricate the O-rings using silicone lubricant. Apply liberally to both sides of the O-ring so both sides are coated. Don’t use petroleum-based lubricants. Then, pop the lubricated O-rings back into their grooves.
- Insert new filter cartridges into their respective housings, being sure to insert them over the standpipe inside the housing.
- Insert the housings into the cap and tighten by hand at first and then secure with the filter wrench. Be careful not to overtighten.
- Turn the water supply back on and let water flow into the system. Close any downstream faucets that are still open.
- Check the entire system for leaks. Should you find one, remove the housing and check that the O-ring is installed in its groove correctly.
- Finally, turn on a downstream faucet to flush out the system. Let the water flow until there is no more fine carbon dust or air bubbles.
Manual
Here is a link to the official manual:
https://www.theperfectwater.com/downloadable/download/attachment/id/181/
NSF and Other Certifications
This Home Master whole house water filter has no NSF Standards or other certifications.
Earlier Product Versions
The Home Master HMF3SdgFeC has no earlier product versions as far as we can tell.
Cons
- No built-in bypass makes installation slightly more time consuming.
- Replacement filters are pricey, especially if you need to change the iron filter more often due to higher iron, manganese, or hydrogen sulfide levels.
When it comes to user ratings, the overwhelming majority were positive, but there were a few issues that popped up in a small proportion of users.:
- First, several users had issues with leaking and complained about the quality of the included plastic fittings.
- Others had issues with the included O-rings leaking without the liberal application of silicone grease, although this is fairly minor and can be remedied by purchasing more lubricant.
Home Master HMF3SdgFeC Review: Our Verdict + Best for
People using the Home Master HMF3SdgFeC 3-Stage Whole House Water Filter are very pleased with the results: Water quality improved right after installation; no more iron staining, clean water taste, and fresh smell. Most would highly recommend. Our verdict: It’s our go-to cartridge-based whole house filter for well water. 4.5 stars!
The HMF3SdgFeC is best for POE water filtration removing sediments, iron, and chemicals.
Our Rating in Detail:
- Filtration Performance: 4.5/5.0
- Filter Capacity (Life): 4.0/5.0
- Purchase Price: 5.0/5.0
- Annual Cost: 4.0/5.0
- Overall: 4.5/5.0
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Comparison to Other Whole House Water Filters
Let’s compare the Home Master HMF3SdgFeC whole house filter to the SpringWell WS which is a tank-based system that eliminates iron, manganese, and sulfur from water!
SpringWell WS |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Filter Media: | Air Injection + Greensand |
| Filter Life: | Up to 10+ Years |
| Flow Rate: | 12-20 gpm |
| Annual Cost: | – |
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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.
Get 5% Off! Use Code: |
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Home Master HMF3SdgFeC |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Media: | 25-to-1-Micron Sediment, Greensand, GAC |
| Filter Life: | Up to 100,000 gal |
| Flow Rate: | 15 gpm |
| Annual Cost: | ~$260-400 |
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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.
Get Free Shipping! Use Code: |
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The SpringWell WS Whole House Well Water Filter System (review here) combines air injection peroxidation with greensand filter media. The process is highly powerful and can handle up to 7 ppm of iron, 1 ppm of manganese, and 8 ppm of hydrogen sulfide – so much more than the Home Master. Also, because the system utilizes backwashing, the greensand lasts up to 10+ years with no maintenance required which saves you a ton of money in the long run (compared to the Home Master HMF3SdgFeC).
On the downside, the SpringWell WS costs $2,000 or more depending on the model size you choose. 12 to 20 gallons per minute are enough for homes with 6 or more baths.
Lastly, we have a 6-month money-back guarantee in case you’re not satisfied + a limited lifetime warranty on tanks, valves, fittings, and filter media.
All in all, we prefer the SpringWell WS Whole House Well Water Filter System over the Home Master. The upfront cost are much higher, though. If you cannot afford them, you can’t go wrong with the Home Master.
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This completes our review of the Home Master HMF3SdgFeC 3-Stage Whole House Water Filter. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
Information provided on BOS is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.
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