Review: Watts Pure Under Sink Water Filter (H2O-DWCFL100)
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Sep 12, 2023
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The Watts Pure H20-DWCFL100 Under Sink Water Filter (or Watts Pure H2O Lead Filtration System) is a budget-friendly inline water filter. This setup makes it easy and fast to install.
The system has a fair flow rate of 1.5 gpm and a six-month filter capacity.
Keep reading to see other features of the Watts Pure H20-DWCFL100 and decide if it’s worth a shot.
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Watts Pure H2O-DWCFL100 Under Sink Water Filter |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Process: | 0.5-Micron Carbon Fiber |
| Filter Life: | 4,000 Gallons |
| Flow Rate: | 1.5 Gallons Per Minute |
| Annual Cost: | ~$120 |
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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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Watts Pure H2O-DWCFL100 Under Sink Water Filter – All Specs
- Model: H2O-DWCFL100
- Annual Maintenance Cost: ~$120
- Filter Media/Process: 0.5-Micron Carbon Fiber
- Flow Rate: 1.5 gpm
- Filtering Capacity: 4,000 gal
- WxHxD: 4.125″x12.25″x4.5″
- Water Temperature: 35-100 °F
- Water Pressure: 10-125 psi
- Water pH: 5-10
- Fitting: 3/8″ NPT
- NSF Certifications: Standard 42, 53, 372
- Warranty: 1 Year
Watts Pure H2O-DWCFL100 – Key Features
First of all, the Watts Pure H20-DWCFL100 Under Sink Water Filter features 0.5-micron-rated carbon fiber media. It removes lead, cysts, sediments, and chlorine among other contaminants for safer and better-tasting water (backed by NSF certifications).
The filter produces water at a 1.5 gpm flow rate, which is fine for an under sink filter. Its filtering capacity is 4,000 gallons or six months.
The system is inline, meaning you connect it to your existing kitchen or bathroom faucet. You don’t have to drill your sink to install a separate faucet.
Also, there’s a one-year limited warranty on the system.
And most importantly, the Watts Pure H20-DWCFL100 is affordable to buy and maintain.
Watts Pure Under Sink Water Filter Pros
While the Watts Pure under sink water filter may not remove a wide range of contaminants, it has NSF certifications for the ones it removes. That means you can trust its effectiveness here! It has been lab-tested for the reduction of:
- 94.8% chlorine
- 99.2% particulates
- 99.99% cyst
- 99.2 – 99.7% lead
And as mentioned before;
- the system is easy to install. It connects directly to your kitchen or bathroom faucet, so you don’t have to install a separate one. Installation will take you only a few minutes.
- the system is budget-friendly at purchase and during maintenance. As mentioned in the specifications, maintenance costs only about $120 annually.
Finally, replacing the filter cartridge is stress-free; simply turn it 90° to remove and slot in a new one (quarter-turn replacement). And you only need to replace it after filtering 4,000 gallons or every six months (most times, you’ll hit six months before 4000 gallons).
What Contaminants Are Being Removed?
The Watts Pure H2O Lead Filtration System removes lead, cysts, chlorine taste and odor, and Class I Particulates (water particles between 0.5 to 1 microns).
The Watts Pure H2O-DWCFL100 – learn more on Amazon.com
Installation
You can install the Watts Pure on your own. The process is simple, thanks to the inline design. You simply connect it to your existing faucet without installing a new one.
Please consider these instructions as a general guideline. Always make sure to check and follow your user manual before getting started.
You’ll need these tools:
- Tube cutter or a small knife
- Variable speed drill
- ⅛” (or 3mm) drill bit
- Adjustable wrench
- Philips screwdriver
To install:
- Switch off your cold water supply.
- Open your faucet to release remnant water.
- Detach the faucet supply hose from the angle stop valve.
- Use your hands to screw the faucet adapter to the stop valve and your cold water line to the faucet adapter.
- Install the filter cartridge and turn it to the “locked position”.
- Place the system in your desired location (make sure there’s about 2″ of space below the filter).
- Mark screw spots on the wall and use a drill bit to make the holes for the mounting screws. Insert screws into the holes.
- Place the system head on the mounting holes.
- Insert one end of the ⅜” pipe (after wetting it with water) into the inlet part of the system head.
- Insert the other end of the tube into the inlet part of the faucet adapter.
- Repeat the last two steps with the outlet side of the system head.
- Turn on your water supply and let about 20 water gallons run. This is to release air bubbles and flush out carbon fines.
- Confirm that there are no leaks and start using the system.
Video
The Package (Parts)
- System head with attachable bracket
- Filter cartridge
- 3/8″ faucet adapter
- Mounting screws
- 3/8″ plastic tubing
Maintenance
This filter uses easy quarter-turn filter replacements, so you can DIY.
Follow these simple steps to change the filter every six months:
- Turn off the system’s water supply.
- Open your faucet to drain out water.
- Twist the filter to the left, then drag it downwards. It will remove from the head, and you can dispose of it.
- Unbox the new filter cartridge.
- Set the new filter (such that the label faces 45° left) and slot it into the filter head.
- Turn it to the right so the filter label shifts to the front.
- Start the system by turning on the water supply and running about 20 water gallons through your system.
- Resume using the system as usual.
Manual
Here is a link to the official manual:
https://www.watts.com/dfsmedia/0533dbba17714b1ab581ab07a4cbb521/34848-source/iom-wq-h2o-dwcfl100
NSF and Other Certifications
The Watts Pure H20-DWCFL100 under sink filter is tested and certified by IAPMO against NSF/ANSI 42 (which covers removing chlorine taste and odor, and Class I Particulates), NSF/ANSI 53 (which covers lead and cyst), and NSF/ANSI 372 (which confirms that the filter contains little to no lead).
Earlier Product Versions
To our knowledge, this filter has no earlier versions.
Watts Pure Under Sink Filter Cons
It would have been nice if the Watts Pure would use more than just one type of filter media. It’s restricted in the different types of contaminants it can remove. But again, it works well for basic stuff like lead, chlorine, cysts, and sediments.
And although we appreciate the NSF certifications, NSF testing for more contaminants would have been great.
Another thing is that this filter is picky with plumbing systems. Some customers mentioned that they could not install it because of their plumbing setup and could do nothing about it. Before buying, you should confirm that it will work with your home.
Watts Pure H2O-DWCFL100 Review: Our Verdict + Best for
All in all, the Watts Pure H2O-DWCFL100 Under Sink Water Filter is best for basic filtration of city-treated water, so water that is already quite clean. The system is effective for sure (considering the NSF-certified reduction rates of lead and the few other contaminants), but it does not remove a broad range of pollutant types. Since it comes at a low price, we still find the Watts Pure to be a decent choice.
Our Rating in Detail:
- Filtration Performance: 4.0/5.0
- Filter Capacity (Life): 4.0/5.0
- Purchase Price: 5.0/5.0
- Annual Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 4.0/5.0
Comparison to Other Under Sink Water Filters
Let’s compare the Watts Pure under counter water filter to the Clearly Filtered 3-Stage and Epic Smart Shield.
Clearly Filtered 3-Stage |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Filter Process: | Activated Carbon + Proprietary Blend |
| Service Life: | 2,000 gal |
| Water Flow Rate: | Not Specified |
| Annually: | $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.
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Epic Smart Shield |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Process: | Activated Carbon Block |
| Service Life: | 651 gal |
| Water Flow Rate: | 1.25 gpm |
| Annually: | $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.
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Watts Pure H2O-DWCFL100 |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Process: | 0.5-Micron Carbon Fiber |
| Service Life: | 4,000 gal |
| Water Flow Rate: | 1.5 gpm |
| Annually: | ~$120 |
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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 Under-the-Sink System uses 3 filter stages. It filters water through granular activated carbon, a “special blend” that removes heavy metals, VOCs, radiation, PFAS, and more, and a last (unnamed) stage that removes fluoride and arsenic. So the CF reduces a very wide range of contaminants and has NSF testing for most of them. It’s made in the USA and has a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, 1-year filter life (Watts Pure is six months), and a limited lifetime warranty (Watts Pure is one year). The Clearly Filtered system is simple to install, like the Watts Pure, but costly.
The Epic Smart Shield is cheaper than the Clearly Filtered. It has about the same price tag as the Watts Pure but is NSF-tested/certified to remove more contaminants like chloramine, asbestos, cysts, mercury, VOCs, bisphenol A, and pharmaceuticals. It is USA-made and features an easy installation and maintenance process. The brand provides impressive customer support, a lifetime warranty, a return policy, and a filter recycling program. The only major con is its lower flow rate of 1.25 gpm.
Considering these features, the Clearly Filtered system is the best option, but also the most expensive. If you’re on a budget, the Epic is a great choice; it removes many contaminants too. Watts Pure is also fine, but only for basic water filtration on a budget.
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This completes our review of the Watts Pure H2O-DWCFL100 Under Sink Water Filter. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
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