Review: Hydroviv Under Sink Water Filter
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Sep 12, 2023
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The Hydroviv is an innovative under sink water filter that comes with a customized filter cartridge based on the contaminants in your water.
Yes, you heard right, this system does not use a one-size-fits-all approach like other water filters in order to remove pollutants. Instead, it varies in filter media, depending on which contaminants you need to remove (more on this below).
The system also comes with quality assurance packages like a 30-day money-back guarantee and a limited one-year warranty.
Sounds promising? Eager to learn more about the Hydroviv Under Sink Water Filter? Keep reading to find out if it’s a good investment!
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Hydroviv Under Sink Water Filter |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Filter Process: | Custom |
| Filter Life: | 720 Gallons |
| Flow Rate: | Not Specified |
| Annual Cost: | ~$230 |
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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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Hydroviv Under Sink Water Filter – All Specs
- Model: Hydroviv Under Sink Water Filter
- Last Price: $233.32
- Annual Maintenance Cost: ~$230
- Filter Media/Process: Varies
- Filtering Capacity: 720 Gallons or 6-12 Months
- WxHxD: 6″x14″x6″
- Fitting: 3/8” NPT
- NSF Certifications: Standard 42 (Chlorine and Taste & Odor Reduction), Standard 53
- Warranty: 1 Year
Hydroviv – Key Features
The main feature of the Hydroviv Under Sink Water Filter that makes it different from other systems on the market is its unique filtration process. Because the Hydroviv does not use a one-size-fit-all approach with its filtration media; the media you get depends on what’s in your water. But how does that even work?
When you fill in your shipping address to order a Hydroviv under sink filter, the company analyzes your local water quality using information from municipal, county, state, and federal databases (for tap water supplies), or the USGS groundwater database, source water assessments, and land use data (if you use a private well). Then, they design a filter cartridge that addresses the contaminants most likely represent in your water; you get a cartridge made just for you. Essentially, different types of filter media are blended in an ideal ratio for your water. Smart, isn’t it?
Other features of the Hydroviv system include its 720-gallon filtration capacity (which allows you to use the filter six months) and its inline setup (which makes it easy and quick to install).
Did we mention that the Hydroviv is built in the USA?
Hydroviv Under Sink Filter Pros
The Hydroviv’s biggest pro is certainly its smart and unique approach to water filtration. The idea of designing filter cartridges based on individual water needs is impressive. It allows you to use a filter designed solely for your water, making the system more effective than most off-the-shelf models.
Because of this approach, there are many Hydroviv filter cartridge versions. Interestingly, a number of these versions are even NSF-certified, which is another win.
Another advantage is the easy and quick installation process. We found a user who installed his system within 15 minutes, and many past buyers confirmed that they found the filter easy to set up.
Maintaining the Hydroviv under sink filter is not any harder. It has a 720-gallon filtering capacity, meaning you only need to replace it every 6 months. Replacing the filter costs $115 (which fits within the average price of replacing under sink filters), and you even get a 25% discount when you subscribe on the Hydroviv website. To top it all, the filter is easy to replace; you can DIY it in just a few minutes!
Lastly, you’re not alone if something goes wrong after you buy. Hydroviv provides a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year limited warranty.
What Contaminants Are Being Removed?
As mentioned, it depends on the contaminants in your water. A Hydroviv under sink water filtration system can potentially remove arsenic, lead, chromium 6, chlorine, mercury, chloramine, disinfection byproducts, cysts, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, VOCs, PCBs, PFAS, and more.
The Hydroviv – learn more on Hydroviv.com
Installation
Installing the Hydroviv system under you sink is an easy job. If you have a wrench and are familiar with loosening and fixing stuff, you can DIY. Let’s take you through it.
Please consider these instructions as a general guideline. Always make sure to check and follow your user manual before getting started.
Tools needed:
- Adjustable wrench
Steps Involved:
- Hold the filter and turn the bracket clockwise to set it in the proper position.
- Turn off your water faucet.
- Disconnect the water line from the valve. Catch any dripping water in a cup or bucket.
- Pick the white plastic hose that comes with the system and confirm that the brass reinforcement, white compression ring, and brass nut are intact at one end.
- Insert that end into your water valve, slide down the brass nut, and turn it to tighten the connection. First, use your fingers to tighten, then the wrench.
- Connect the other end of the hose to the input elbow on the filter.
- Connect your faucet cold water line to the output elbow on the filter. Ensure you tighten it well to prevent leaks.
- Turn on your water faucet.
- Confirm that there are no leaks, and start using the system!
Video
The Package (Parts)
- Hydroviv Under Sink Water Filter
Maintenance
The Hydroviv needs replacement every 6 to 12 months. Cost: Approx. $230 which isn’t cheap but still acceptable.
Here’s how to replace it:
- Turn off the water faucet.
- Disconnect the filter head from the housing by turning the housing to the left.
- Remove the old filter cartridge from the housing and place the new cartridge.
- Fix the housing back to the filter head and return to its position.
- Turn on your water faucet.
Manual
We couldn’t find a manual for the Hydroviv Under Sink Water Filter online.
NSF and Other Certifications
Some Hydroviv filter cartridge versions have NSF 53 and NSF 42 certifications.
NSF Standard 53 confirms that the filter can remove lead, and possibly PFOA, PFOS, and a few dozen VOCs, while NSF Standard 42 confirms that it will remove chlorine and improve water taste and odor.
Earlier Product Versions
To our knowledge, the Hydroviv Under Sink Water Filter as no previous versions.
Cons
The Hydroviv under sink system may be fascinating, but a few features could be better.
Let’s start with the filtration process itself. The company chooses your filter media based on your area’s water quality, but homes in the same locale can still have different water quality. For example, you may have copper leaching from your home’s plumbing. That info won’t show in your local water database, but it’s a big water issue peculiar to your home. With Hydroviv’s approach, you won’t get a cartridge that focuses on copper removal, leaving a major water problem unsolved. The ideal approach would be to test your home water and customize a filter cartridge based on the results.
A second issue is Hydroviv do not provide any information on the different filter media used. That leaves us wondering, do they really remove every type of water pollutant? Or are they limited to the most common ones?
Lastly, the Hydroviv limits you to one filter stage, which may not be enough to remove higher levels of contamination. A single cartridge can only contain small quantities of different filter media, so it may not tackle high levels of various pollutants.
Hydroviv Review: Our Verdict + Best for
In our opinion, the Hydroviv Under Sink Water Filters earns a solid 4.5 stars! We love the approach to customizing filter cartridges, and we’d recommend it. However, we would have appreciated more details about the exact constituents of the filter media.
Our Rating in Detail:
- Filtration Performance: 4.5/5.0
- Filter Capacity (Life): 4.5/5.0
- Purchase Price: 4.0/5.0
- Annual Cost: 4.0/5.0
- Overall: 4.0/5.0
Comparison to Other Under Sink Water Filters
Let’s compare the Hydroviv to the Clearly Filtered 3-Stage and Epic Smart Shield under sink water filters.
Clearly Filtered 3-Stage |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Filter Process: | Activated Carbon + Proprietary Blend |
| Filter Life: | 2,000 gal |
| Flow Rate: | Not Specified |
| Annual Cost: | $440 |
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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 10% Off! Use Code: |
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Epic Smart Shield |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Process: | Activated Carbon Block |
| Filter Life: | 651 gal |
| Flow Rate: | 1.25 gpm |
| Annual Cost: | $115 |
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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 20% Off! Use Code: |
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Hydroviv |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Filter Process: | Custom |
| Filter Life: | 720 gal |
| Flow Rate: | Not Specified |
| Annual Cost: | ~$230 |
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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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The Clearly Filtered system filters your water through three stages. The first stage uses granular activated carbon (GAC), the second is a “special blend” that traps heavy metals, PFAS, radiation, and VOCs, and the third blocks fluoride and arsenic. So this filter removes a wide range of potent contaminants. And there are NSF tests (standards 42, 53, 401) for over 200 of the claimed contaminants, so you can trust the filter.
The Clearly Filtered has other attractive features as well like a 12-month filter life, a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, a limited lifetime warranty, and a built-in-USA tag. It uses the same inline design as the Hydroviv filter, making installation easy. However, it is more expensive to buy and maintain.
The Epic Smart Shield uses a single carbon block to remove chloramine, chlorine, asbestos, cyst, lead, mercury, VOCs, and other pollutants. It has NSF certifications and testing for most of its removal claims. The system is fully made in the USA and has a lifetime warranty and return policy. You can even recycle your old filters after replacing them! On top of that, the Epic is cheaper than the Clearly Filtered and the Hydroviv. The only drawback is its low flow rate of 1.25 gpm.
Considering these features, the Epic Smart Shield under sink filter is ideal if you want good quality at an affordable price. If you don’t mind the cost, the Clearly Filtered system is the right choice for removing all types of contaminants. But Hydroviv is alright, too; it uses a unique, effective process at a fair price.
More Reviews:
This completes our review of the Hydroviv Under Sink Water Filter. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
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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