Under the Sink

FAQ for Aquaspace® Under-Sink Water Filters

As their name implies, under-the-sink filters are designed to fit neatly in the space under your kitchen or bathroom sink. They’re installed directly into the water supply line and come with a lead-free faucet. These point-of-use systems are our most convenient option for filtered drinking water.

Not sure if you need a countertop or under-the-sink point-of-use system? Check out our comparison of the two here: Countertop vs. Under-the-Sink: Which One is Right for Me? 

How do Under-the-Sink Water Filters Work? 

Under-the-sink filters are a convenient solution for clean drinking water, straight from your kitchen sink. They fit neatly under the sink, in the cabinet below, and come with a standalone faucet that’s installed specifically for filtered tap water. They hook up to the cold supply line beneath the sink and divert through the unit only when the faucet is turned on. When not in use, your hot and cold tap water will work normally.

Are Under-the-Sink Water Filters Worth It? 

Short of spending thousands of dollars on whole-house filtration, under-the-sink filters offer the most economical solution for clean drinking water. Because they filter water at the point-of-use, there’s no wastewater or excess water spend to generate clean, safe, healthy potable water. Moreover, the filters that power these systems are incredibly efficient for this same reason, which leads to a lower cost of ownership. 

Under-the-sink filtration systems are more affordable than whole-home filtration systems, more efficient than filtration pitchers and more environmentally-friendly than water bottles or even jug systems. 

How Long Do Under-the-Sink Water Filters Last? 

Water filters have various different lifetimes. Generally, it depends on how often they’re used, in what capacity and to what degree they’re used for filtration. In the case of under-the-sink filters, there are a couple of different filter types that affect how often the filters last. For example, a granular activated carbon (GAC) filter, like in our Aquaspace® cartridge, will last for about 12 months or 1,000 gallons, whichever comes first.

Most water filters typically come with a time and/or gallon capacity. The gallon capacity will almost always be more accurate for predicting when to change out a filter; however, tracking gallon usage is not always feasible on a countertop or under-the-sink filter, which is why the time capacity should be used.

The physical unit itself will last for many years, provided you replace the cartridges regularly. Many Aquaspace® customers have units that are more than a decade old, and are still regularly changing their filters at six- and 12-month intervals! Performing some basic, routine maintenance for longevity is the best way to keep a filter unit working. 

How Often Should You Change Under-the-Sink Water Filters? 

Filters should be changed according to the manufacturer's specifications. Changing filters is fairly straightforward, and instructions for changing and rated lifetimes of the filters will be on the information sheets that come with your purchase. When changing a filter, make sure the cold water supply is shut off to the filter and the filter itself has been drained.

For best performance, change filters at or before these regular intervals to ensure water quality. The filter change schedule for our common triple under-the-sink units is as follows:

• AR-100: Granular activated carbon filters should be changed every 12 months.
• AR-100F: Fluoride and heavy metal reduction filters should be changed every 6 months.
• AR-900D: Microbial reduction ceramic filters should be changed every 24 months.

Filter life generally depends on two variables: age and volume. Generally, this is where residential and commercial systems split in terms of filter lifespan. 

High-use commercial filters generally go by a gallon quota, replaced after a certain amount of water has flowed through them. Residential filters generally go by age, replaced after a specific interval (as indicated above). This is because a residential filter won’t usually consume enough water before the age of the filter starts to affect its effectiveness. Commercial systems process a much higher amount of water, which means they’ll meet the gallon milestone before they age out. 

How Much Is a Water Filter for a Sink? 

Point-of use filters for under-the-sink installation can cost $200-$600 or more depending on the model. Our AQUARIUS line of under-the-sink filters come in a range of options to suit each household’s needs, and typically cost between $290 and $550 depending on attachments. 

Aquaspace® also offers mini-tank filters that fit under-the-sink. These systems fall within a similar price range of $270-600, and offer a year’s worth of clean water before the filter medium needs to be replaced. To see all options, please review our under-the-sink water filter catalog.

What is the Healthiest Water Filter System? 

The AQUARIUS TRIPLE PLUS™ with Fluoride-Heavy Metal, Microbial Reduction & Hydrating Magnets incorporates three separate cartridges to optimize your drinking and cooking water. 

The Aquaspace® Compound Cartridge leaves in beneficial minerals that are dissolved and essential for good health, while removing a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds, including lead, chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), herbicides and plant pesticides, industrial solvents and pharmaceuticals. 

The Fluoride and Heavy Metal Cartridge reduces municipal fluoride to safe drinking levels. Arsenic, mercury, chromium 6, and other heavy metals are also further reduced to safe, undetectable amounts. Bacteria, parasites, and cysts such as cryptosporidium are regulated in the Microbial Ceramic Cartridge. It also acts as a filter for sediment. This under-the-sink filter system increases the bioavailability of water and hydrates you quicker.