The APEC ROES-50 is another very popular and positively reviewed under the sink RO system. Pricewise it hovers more on a less expensive side when taking into an account the other available RO under the sink systems made for home use.
APEC Water Systems, the manufactures of APEC ROES-50 claims that their products are designed, engineered and assembled in the USA and are quality certified.
In fact, APEC Water Systems are a well-known business in the water purification sector for both, commercial and residential sectors. They offer high-class commercial RO systems, premium expensive home systems and mid-range more affordable products such as APEC ROES – 50. And this is good news actually.
Usually, big companies introduce cheaper lines of products, to expand into a broader market. But in order to keep a good brand name and because they already know how to produce quality items, these, cheaper models are actually properly designed, well made and are made of durable parts that are otherwise found on the more expensive systems. On the company website, it’s even called ‘Our Affordable Performer’
This is a starting presumption that got me interested in APEC ROES-50. This review is meant to take a close look at how things are.
You get five stages of filtration with this RO system
| 1st stage | Sediment removal filter — to remove dust, particles, rust. |
| 2nd Stage | Carbon block filter — to remove chlorine and VOCs. |
| 3rd Stage | Carbon block filter — to further remove finer particles of other unwanted chemicals, also bad tastes with odors and cloudiness. |
| 4th Stage | High Rejection TFC reverse osmosis membrane — to remove a wide variety of contaminants like arsenic, lead, fluoride, chromium, radium, and bacteria. Only water molecules pass through. |
| 5th Stage | Coconut Shell Refining Carbon filter — before coming out through the tap, water undergoes this final filtration that removes any possible residual taste from the tank. |
The filters need to be changed once every 6 – 12 months of continuous use, depending on the water source you have. And the reverse osmosis membrane can be changed once every 2 – 3 years. This is all pretty much standard.
System Capacity is around 50 gallons per day. It is stated that the high-quality leak-free quick connect fittings are well made and require no extra lock clips. Thus, the whole tubing does not require a water leak detector.
PROs
The APEC ROES-50 5 Step Reverse Osmosis system is designed and assembled in the USA. The whole system is based on a common and well-trusted water purification principle of sending it through five filters in stages. Also, there’s an option to upgrade this water filtration system by adding extra filters or UV disinfection attachment.
Customer service is great. It seems that people who have encountered some issues with damaged parts or some other mishap, got treated fairly and the replacements were sent free of charge. Most often no customer service was needed at all, but it’s nice to know that there are people ready to help.
You get 2 years of extended manufacturer warranty. Just don’t forget to register your system beforehand.
CONs
This reverse osmosis system has a wastewater water ratio of 3:1. Meaning, for every gallon of purified water, it wastes three gallons. This is a natural feature of RO systems, as filters and membranes need to be constantly washed so that sediments could be removed.
However, the true specs of the wastewater ratio are not always those stated. Many things affect this ratio, for example, a PSI below 60 and exceptionally pour incoming water quality. So, under heavy conditions, APEC ROES-50 might waste way more water that is stated.
The water tank takes a lot of time to fill once it’s empty. This is due to the somehow not efficient design of the tank and filtration system. In other systems such as Home Master TMHP HydroPerfection, this issue is mitigated by a permeate pump.
Installation tips
If you have some DIY experience this should be a piece of cake. Since the system is not that expensive some people opt out to hire a plumber to install it for them. This way you can be sure that the RO system is installed properly and the professional can give you some more tips based on your personal setup.
However, prior make sure you have enough room for a standing water tank – approx. 11”D X 18”H, including valve, and filter, approx. 14”L X 5-1/2”W X 17”H).
Make sure to get some Teflon tape and apply three to five turns of it around the threads to avoid leaking. On the same note, the system and manufacturer claim that it’s durable so there’s no need for an emergency leak stopper. In a way, it’s true because a leak stopper could be a potential weak spot in it. Still, make sure to keep an eye on the system for a few days after first installing it and after changing filters.
Just in case, keep in mind, that a serial number for the warranty card is on the back of the frame. So, take a picture or write it down before you secure the frame to the wall or under the counter.
My verdict
I’m positive because the manufacturer has more expensive professional models, so more budget ones should not be made worse. In some way, it’s true because no one seems to complain about the filter quality or the purified water taste.
However, the tank design is somehow off resulting in increased water wasting. In this review, I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
APEC ROES-50 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis System is a safe choice for those who live where the overall water quality is not bad. If you have a private well or it is known that the municipal water is highly chlorinated or otherwise poor, you should look for a more robust RO system. Perhaps even one with water remineralization options. Otherwise, if you see this system fit, I have a guide on how to simply remineralize your purified water at home.
Alternatively, APEC has another very effective and well reviewed filtration system called APEC RO-CTOP Portable Countertop RO System which is number 1 in my best countertop Reverse Osmosis water filters top list.