REVIEW – I have been looking for a water filtration system for a while, but with so many options, I just couldn’t decide. After Pat, a fellow Gadgeteer, reviewed the Waterdrop X16 reverse osmosis water filter system with high praise, I decided to give the Waterdrop X12 system a try.
⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons)
Price: $1,299.99
Where to buy: Amazon or Waterdrop
What is it?
The Waterdrop X12 is a tankless reverse osmosis filtration system with a 3 filter design. The X12 features 11-stage precision filtration including a robust 0.0001μm RO membrane composed of 16 layers. It is ideal for large families with a 1200 gallon per day output.
What’s included?
- 1 x X12 Filter System
- 1 x WD-F1A Activated Carbon Filter
- 1 x WD-F2 Pre-sediment and Carbon Block Filter
- 1 x WD-X12-F3 Reverse Osmosis Membrane Filter
- 1 x Smart Faucet
- 1 x Power Adapter
- 1 x Red ¼” PE tubing
- 1 x Feed water shut off valve and inlet tubing
- 1 x Drain saddle
- 1 x Drill template
- 2 x Teflon tape
- 4 x Large blue lock clips
- 2 x Small blue lock clips
- 1 x Quick start guide
- 1 x Manual
Tech specs
- Product Dimensions: 18.2 x 6.25 x 16.72 inches
- Weight: 38.58 lbs
- Pure to Drain Ratio: 3:1
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 42 & 58 & 372
- Capacity: 1200 GPD
- Flow Rate: 106 ounces/min or 0.83 gallon/min
- Filtration: 11 Stage
- Faucet: Smart faucet available in silver or black
- Usage: Indoor only
- Electricity Required: Yes
Assembly, Installation, and Setup
Installing the Waterdrop X12 reverse osmosis system took the better part of a morning. I did go to the home store the night prior and purchased a 3/8in cap as I was not going to reconnect the original faucet. The parts included assume you want to reconnect a faucet so if you intend a standalone installation you will have to figure out what will work best for your specific setup.
I closed the shut off valves for the hot and cold water and disconnected the old faucet and removed it.
I have an electrical plug on the outside of my island and I had some leftover Romex electrical wire so I decided to just tie into the socket and add a female plug from the inside to keep it clean.
With the electrical done I then installed the Waterdrop supplied ½” shut off valve which connected with a ⅜” adapter. If your shut off valve uses a ½” connection then you can remove the adapter and connect the valve directly. I did add Teflon tape to all threads just to be safe and I added a rubber washer to my brass cap as well. I turned the water on to test it and with no leaks I continued on.
I then installed the Waterdrop smart faucet which rotates left and right 120 degrees total so I made sure to center the Waterdrop logo before snugging it down. If you need to drill into your counter a 1” hole template is included.
You do have to drill a ¼” hole into the drain pipe to install the drain saddle. I prepped the saddle by attaching the foam seal and installing the red tubing. After drilling the hole I lined everything up and tightened the screws.
The system itself is 18.2 x 6.25 x 16.72 inches but you’ll ideally want some wiggle room in the future to remove the filters which are accessed by removing the front cover. I placed the X12 in position then connected all the lines and power. Don’t forget to put the blue clips into the lines to secure the water lines into the X12.
The final step was to plug the AC adapter in to power and once done the smart faucet turned on and immediately went into a 35 minute cycle to flush the filters. I did use a couple large containers to collect the water and take it outside to spread on the lawn just to avoid wasting the water. The flow did get quicker the closer it got to being done though. After it was done I tested how fast it took to fill a 50 ounce cup. It took 23.79 seconds so doing the math the flow rate is 1,418 gallons a day which is above the rated 1200 GPD. I found it filled cups plenty fast and may require strategic placement just to avoid spillage because it does come out with a little force.
After that I tested the water quality. I used the same Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) tester and strips that Pat used on his Waterdrop X16.
Results of all my tests are below. I was pleasantly surprised to find Washington state tap water was pretty good to begin with and I think it tastes great the way it is. I only drink water and beer so I do appreciate good tasting water.
If you have a water spout in your refrigerator, there is a kit you can purchase to tie it into the Waterdrop X12. Replacement filters options are available here and vary in price with the smaller F1 Activated Carbon and F2 Pre-sediment and Carbon Block filters costing $32.99 and $30.99 respectively. The F1 filter will last 12 months with the F2 expected to last 6 months. The big F3 Reverse Osmosis Membrane filter costs the most at $159.99 but is expected to last 24 months.
The Waterdrop X12 and X16 are the exact same dimensions and filter sizes. The only difference between them seems to be the higher flow 1600 GPD F3 filter which will fit the X12. They use the same F1 and F2 filters so save some money and get the X12. If you can’t live without the extra 400 GPD flow then just get the 1600 GPD F3 filter when it needs to be replaced to increase the flow.
Final thoughts
Reverse osmosis water filter systems are highly effective at removing harmful substances like lead, nitrates, and PFAS. They do tend to have a higher initial cost and produce waste water during filtration which the Waterdrop X12 does at a 3:1 ratio of clean to waste water which is the best ratio I’ve seen. But if you want the assurance that your family is drinking safe clear water then reverse osmosis is the way to go. If you are in the market for a water filtration system then you should definitely check out the Waterdrop X12 and the other systems Waterdrop has to offer.
What I like about the Waterdrop X12 Reverse Osmosis Water Filter
- Filtered water still tastes good
- Relatively easy install
- Good flow rate
What needs to be improved?
- Include a cap or other hardware for stand alone installations
Price: $1,299.99
Where to buy: Amazon or Waterdrop
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by Waterdrop. They did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
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