The Woder water filter is a neat and simple filtration solution for apartments and homes using municipal water. It’s made in the USA and has a ton of great reviews on Amazon. The Woder works at high capacity and is WQA Gold Seal Certified.
In essence, it’s simple to install and performs well. All that for a decent price. Sounds too good? Obviously. It’s not perfect and has limitations. But it might be the right choice for you. Let’s take a better look at this water filter.
Performance of Woder 10K-Gen3
The filter casing itself has a carbon filter inside, that incorporates a specially blended carbon/silver into the filter media. It’s listed to remove Fluoride (95%), Chlorine, Lead, Heavy Metals, contaminants, and bad tastes and odors.
Obviously, the filter will stop rust and other larger sediment, but that will come at a price of filter lifespan. Woder is made to work with municipal water and using it with well water might quickly clog the filter.
Filter technology – Selective Filtration. Woder filters have a unique technology that removes over 99.99% of contaminants while leaving in all essential minerals. It’s a sound claim for such a small system. What it means is that the carbon filter takes out Chlorine, Lead, and some heavy metals.
It’s not a Reverse Osmosis filter and will not significantly reduce the ppm of tap water. So, to put it simply there’s nothing special about ‘Selective Filtration’ it’s just a regular carbon filter for water.
The flow rate is 2GPM at 65 psi. It can support much higher psi, but the minimum should be around 60 psi.
Woder Filter Lifespan
The Woder water filter is stated to have a minimum service life of up to 3 years on average use. That or 8,480 gallons. Afterward, filter will deteriorate further and won’t be efficient or the water flow will drop significantly.
It’s logical to look for a filter that lasts a long time. There should be a balance between how long the filter lasts and how effective it is.
What’s more, during service years, compounds, dust, and other particles are accumulating. Throughout a longer time, this becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Meaning you don’t actually want to be using the same filter forever.
More advanced water purification systems can be washed and sanitized to prevent that. Otherwise simple systems as Woder, require filter change. The best method is to keep track of water quality and change the filter when the time comes.
Although, let’s be honest. After using a system for three years, many people decide to swap the system altogether. Upgrade to a more robust water purification unit such as a Reverse Osmosis system.
When is the time to replace the Woder filter?
The 1st and 2nd generation of Woder filters were recommended to be replaced every three years or after 10 000 gallons, whichever came first.
Alternatively, if the flow is reduced to under 50% you should replace the filter.
Such a dramatic flow reduction before 3 years indicates a very high TDS rate in municipally treated water. In addition, rust, dirt, sediment, or anything that can collect on the screen of the filter will reduce the water pressure.
Anytime that there is construction around your house where plumbers tie into a waterline there can be dirt or sediment that gets into the water system that will clog up the screen of the filter! This can happen even miles up the road during any kind of new construction.
Under normal use from municipal water, the Woder filters should not lose water pressure until around three years out.
Taste
Taste is where this system does not stand out. On the other hand, if you start with decent quality incoming water and all you need is just a light filtering, then this unit might be what you’re looking for.
It’s meant to improve water aesthetics, meaning taste and smell as well as remove Lead. So these are pretty basic water filtering capabilities. It’s certified by NSF and approved by WQA, so these are not empty claims.
The manufacturer claims, that the filter keeps good elements such as magnesium and so on. This is true if the water has them in the first place. But, overall water hardness can ‘hide’ the obvious good taste of water to begin with.
To sum up, the taste is fine. It’s better than untreated municipal water and you can be sure there’s no Lead in your drinking water. However, if you’re after the purest and freshest tasting water, look into a Reverse Osmosis System with a remineralization unit.
Materials
How to install Woder 10K-Gen3?
The whole system is DIY oriented and easy to install. You just need some basic tools. A hand drill and plumbers pliers are recommended but not necessary. A screwdriver is a must but you could simply stand the filter in the corner if that is sufficient.
All the installation pieces will be in the box, named, and all laid out. It’s not complicated and the instructions are clear. 15 minutes of work will be plenty for you to set it up.
- Turn off the cold water supply to your sink.
- Measure that the tubes would reach the incoming water point and the faucet connection point.
- Screw in the support bracket in a convenient location under the sink. You can install it without the filter, just make sure that there’s enough space to mount the filter afterward.
- Attach the inlet valve to the inlet point of the filter.
- Attach the filter outlet hose to the connection leading to the faucet. You can use pliers but don’t overtighten the connections.
- Twist in the filter to the bracket and ensure it sits snugly. You can use a wide plumbers wrench but don’t overtighten.
- Turn the cold water supply back on.
- Check if the system is not leaking.
- Write a date on the filter, when it was installed.
- Let the water run for three minutes and the filter is ready.
Keep in mind though, that you can install it in your RV or find other alternative use for it. The Woder would not work for an offering setup because this filter should be used in conjunction with municipally treated drinking water or water that has been properly disinfected prior use.
On the inlet side of these filters, there is a screen that will get easily clogged up by any type of dirt or sediment from a well. These water filters are made for the use of municipal water sources that are not softened. Softened water gets a high salt rate that can clog up the system.
Cartridge replacement
The Woder 10k-gen3 replacement filter costs around $50. It’s a bit more expensive than the average similar system filter. If you like the water that you got previously, then it’s worth investing to continue to use the Woder for another three years or up to 8400 gallons.
The replacement procedure is pretty straight forward.
- Hold the filter head with one hand
- Unscrew the filter on the bottom.
- Put a new filter in and tighten it.
- Write a new date on the filter.
- Let the water run for three minutes.
At first, some black material might be coming out. Don’t worry, this is carbon particles from the filter, they will be gone after those three minutes.
Final verdict | Woder 10K-Gen3 Water Filter
Rating: 4,5 out of 5
Woder appears to be a locally founded company that started as a family business. Overall they still seem to invest in perfecting the filters and stand for a mission to deliver great products that produce great drinking water. The wider selection offers more advanced water filters as well as some portable filtration solutions.
The Woder 10K-Gen3 is not excellent in any specific way. However, it’s not lacking in any way either. It’s a good investment for the price that will address the household needs for simply good and safe drinking water.
PROs
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If you’re looking for more advanced way to filter your water check my list on best countertop Reverse Osmosis systems.