Review: iSpring WGB32BM 3-Stage Whole House Water Filter System
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Aug 4, 2023
This page may contain affiliate links. If you buy a product or service through such a link we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
The iSpring WGB32BM is a wallet-friendly whole house water filter suited for water supplies containing iron and/or manganese.
Besides its low cost, the iSpring WGB32BM has other compelling benefits but also some drawbacks.
Let’s analyze the iSpring WGB32BM to see what it can offer.
Contents
show
iSpring WGB32BM Whole House Water Filter System |
|
| Price: | $ |
| Filter Media: | Sediment (5 Microns), Carbon Block, Iron Filter |
| Filter Life: | 100,000 gal or Up to 12 Months |
| Flow Rate: | 4-8 gpm |
| Annual Cost: | ~$300 |
|
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.
|
|
iSpring WGB32BM 3-Stage Whole House Water Filter System – All Specs
- Model: iSpring WGB32BM
- Annual Maintenance Cost: ~$300
- Filter Media/Process: 5-Micron PP Sediment, Carbon Block, Iron Filter
- Filter Stages: 3
- Flow Rate: 4-8 gpm
- Filtering Capacity: 100,000 gal or Up to 12 Months
- WxHxD: 24.5″x28″x8″
- Weight: 45 lb.
- Water Temperature: 40-100 °F
- Water Pressure: 25-100 psi
- Water pH: 5.8-8.6
- Fitting: 1″ NPT
- Warranty: 1 Year
iSpring WGB32BM – Key Features
First of all, the iSpring WGB32BM whole house water filter features a 3-stage filtration process. The first stage is a sediment pre-filter cartridge, the second is an activated carbon filter block, and the third is an iron and manganese filter.
Here’s how the three stages work:
- Stage 1: The polypropylene sediment filter catches sediment down to 5 microns. It removes dirt like rust and sand, scale bits, silt, and other large particles that could clog the other filter stages. It also protects your home’s entire plumbing system for dirt.
- Stage 2: The activated carbon block filter utilizes coconut shell carbon to remove chlorine taste and odor, sediment, discoloration, cloudiness, pesticides, and industrial solvents. It makes your water much more enjoyable to use and also adds to its healthiness.
- Stage 3: The third stage is an iron and manganese water filter. It filters ferric and ferrous iron with a maximum concentration of 3.0 ppm down to 0.01 ppm, and manganese of max 1.0 ppm down to 0.01 ppm. The filter also removes dissolved and gaseous sulfur and some hydrogen sulfide (rotten-egg smell).
Flow rate is 4-8 gallons per minute which is enough for homes with up to 2 bathrooms.
Product warranty is 1 year.
iSpring WGB32BM Whole House Water Filter Pros
Aside from sediments, chlorine, and organic chemicals, the iSpring WGB32BM removes iron and manganese which is great news for well water users. Rotten egg smell in your water? No problem!
Another cool thing we noticed is that the WGB32BM comes with standard 20″x4.5″ (big blue) filter cartridges that can be replaced with off-brand models if you like – could save some money. You could also replace them with other iSpring filter cartridges to target other contaminants such as lead. This means you can customize your filter system however you want.
Finally, the iSpring WGB32BM is affordable, and you won’t go into debt buying it.
What Contaminants Are Being Removed?
The system removes sediment and dirt down to 5 microns, bad taste and odor, chlorine, organic chemicals like herbicides and pesticides, industrial solvents, ferric and ferrous iron, manganese, and sulfur/hydrogen sulfide.
The iSpring WGB32BM – learn more on Amazon.com
Installation
Installing the iSpring WGB32BM whole house filter can be done by yourself, so there’s no need to hire a contractor. Detailed step by step installation instructions are provided by the manufacturer. All you need is some basic plumbing knowledge.
Please consider these instructions as a general guideline. Always make sure to check and follow your user manual before getting started.
Tools needed for installation may include:
- Flat head screwdriver
- Torch
- Deburring tools
- Pipe cutter
- Plumber’s tape
- Adjustable wrench and medium crescent wrench
Supplies needed for installation may include:
- Shut-off valves
- Pipe hangers
- Mounting screws
- Hex nipples or pipe nipples
- Male NPT threaded adapters
- Pipe union pressure regulators
How to place the filter:
- Close the main water supply valve and drain all water sitting in the main water line.
- Determine the water flow direction and ideal location for the system. You should place it on the main water line near where it enters the house at any spot past the main shut-off valve and before the line splits into multiple directions. The filter should be placed in a dry even area shielded from direct sunlight and freezing temperatures.
- Measure, cut, and take out the part of the water line where the system is to be installed. (There should be enough space for the system, adapters, shut-off valves, and additional fittings.)
- Allow the cut line to drain, and then smoothen the newly cut edges with a deburring tool.
- Mount the whole house filter bracket, ensuring the system is level.
- Attach the plumbing to the OUTLET and INLET with your 1″ male NPT threaded adapters (does not come with the product).
- Optional (but recommended) step: Place a shut-off valve and/or pressure gauge on either side of the filter. This makes it easier for you to use and monitor the system.
- If you have metal pipes, connect the ground jumper wire.
- Fix the cartridges securely in the blue filter housings.
- Tighten the housings with your hand, then give them a final slight turn with the filter wrench. Do not over tighten.
- Turn the water supply back on slowly and wait until you stop hearing the sound of water entering the whole house filter system.
- Check for leaks.
- Open the closest cold water faucet and let the water run for about 10 minutes to flush the WGB32BM.
- Turn off the faucet and the system is ready for use.
Note: You may notice that your water is blackish after the initial flush. This dark color is due to residual carbon dust in the filter and is completely normal (and temporary). Keep running the water until the blackish color clears out and all air has been purged.
Shut the water off, pause for a while, then repeat the flush.
Video
The Package (Parts)
- Black metal bracket with filter housing caps
- 3 filter housings with O-rings
- 5 inch housing wrench
- Filter cartridge set
- Manual
Maintenance
The iSpring WGB32BM requires scheduled maintenance. The manufacturers recommend changing cartridges every 6-12 months at the least, depending on the number of contaminants in the water supply. But if your pressure suddenly slows down before the 6-month mark, it’s time to change filters.
Replacement filters cost around $300 annually, depending on how long they last (this price is calculated for two filter sets).
Here’s how to change iSpring WGB32BM filters:
- Turn off the system’s water supply and open a nearby faucet to drain the water and release pressure within the system.
- Unscrew each filter housing with the filter wrench.
- Find and remove the large O-rings with a small clean flat head screwdriver. Take care not to disturb or remove the lubricant. Set the O-rings aside in a clean place.
- Remove the old filter cartridges and dispose of them.
- Using a soft rag or sponge, scrub the housings and caps with a simple mixture of warm water and two tablespoons of household bleach. Rinse all parts thoroughly.
- Lubricate the O-rings with silicone grease.
- Fix the O-rings into the filter grooves and position them into place. Ensure that each O-ring sits correctly. If an O-ring appears damaged or stretched, get a replacement.
- Insert new filter cartridges into their housings.
- Adjust the housings to the caps and tighten with your hands, then give a slight extra turn with the filter wrench. Be careful not to overtighten.
- Close any open bypass valves and slowly turn the water supply back on to allow the system to fill.
- Check for leaks.
- Turn on a few cold water faucets to flush the system.
- Allow the system to run until any air and carbon fibers have been flushed out.
Manual
Here is a link to the official manual:
https://www.123filter.com/ac/index.php?rt=account/download/startdownload&download_id=73
NSF and Other Certifications
iSpring says this filter is NSF-certified but does not provide any further information. This certification is probably unrelated to contaminants reduction and refers to the product’s structural integrity or something similar.
iSpring also claims that the WGB32BM is third-party tested to eliminate up to 95% of chlorine, sediments, chloramines, and other contaminants that can influence your water’s color, taste, and smell. However, this third-party test is not equivalent to an official NSF certification.
Earlier Product Versions
There are no earlier versions of this product as far as we can tell.
iSpring WGB32BM Whole House Filter Cons
Our first bone to pick with the iSpring WGB32BM whole house water filter is its unclear NSF status. The manufacturer says the filter is NSF-certified but provides no further information. This leaves us to speculate. The NSF certification mentioned here probably has nothing to do with contaminant reduction but material or structural integrity. Again, the manufacturer doesn’t say, so we’re just speculating.
Another problem is that the WGB32BM doesn’t come with a bypass valve, so you’d have to install one manually. This complicates the installation process, and if you’re not a plumbing guru, you’ll need to call a professional for help.
The sediment filter cartridge also has a relatively short filter life, meaning more filter replacements and more money spent. The same goes for the iron filter. It has a filtration capacity of 50,000 gallons at 3.0 ppm of iron which is not that much.
Speaking of, the iron filter is limited to 4-8 gpm water flow. Not a whole lot of water and not sufficient for larger homes. You would have to use 2 systems in parallel if your place is larger.
iSpring WGB32BM Review: Our Verdict + Best for
The iSpring WGB32BM whole house water filter is best for tackling low to moderate iron and manganese levels in water. It will also do its part removing chlorine and other chemicals causing unpleasant taste and odor.
All in all, it’s a decent system for people living in smaller homes who prefer replaceable filter cartridges over tank-based units.
Our Rating in Detail:
- Filtration Performance: 4.0/5.0
- Filter Capacity (Life): 4.0/5.0
- Purchase Price: 4.5/5.0
- Annual Cost: 3.5/5.0
- Overall: 4.0/5.0
Comparison to Other Whole House Water Filters
We’ll be comparing the iSpring WGB32BM to the SpringWell WS and the Kind E-1000.
SpringWell WS |
|
| Price: | $$$ |
| Filter Media: | Air Injection + Greensand |
| Filter Life: | Up to 10+ Years |
| Flow Rate: | 12-20 gpm |
| Annual Cost: | – |
|
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
Get 5% Off! Use Code: |
|
Kind E-1000 |
|
| Price: | $$ |
| Filter Media: | 5-Micron Sediment, Catalytic Carbon Block |
| Filter Life: | 12 Months |
| 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: |
|
|
iSpring WGB32BM |
|
| Price: | $ |
| Filter Media: | Sediment (5 Microns), Carbon Block, Iron Filter |
| Filter Life: | 100,000 gal or Up to 12 Months |
| Flow Rate: | 4-8 gpm |
| Annual Cost: | ~$300 |
|
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.
|
|
First, the SpringWell WS is a tank-based whole house water filtration system that harnesses the power of greensand filter media to eliminate almost any level of iron, manganese, and sulfur in water. The powerful system can handle highly contaminated waters, and enhances water safety and aesthetic appeal.
The downside is that the SpringWell WS costs $2,000+. Good news is, it doesn’t require cartridge replacements, so annual maintenance costs are effectively 0.
Next is the Kind E-1000 (review here), a more wallet-friendly 2-stage whole house filter. It uses a 5-micron sediment filter cartridge and a catalytic carbon block to remove an impressive range of contaminants, including chlorine, chloramine, herbicides, pesticides, and VOCs. It’s more powerful than the iSpring in that regard, but it doesn’t target iron/manganese/sulfur. Filter replacement cost are much cheaper at $145 yearly.
Two more reasons why we prefer the SpringWell WS as a specialized iron filter and the Kind E-1000 as a general carbon filter over the iSpring WGB32BM are that they both offer a lifetime warranty (limited) and a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with your purchase.
More Reviews:
More iSpring Reviews:
This completes our review of the iSpring WGB32BM 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.
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.