Water Sentinel WSS-1 Refrigerator Replacement Filter, 2-Pack

After reading the reviews for this product and the equivalent Aqua-Pure product, I decided to buy one of each and do a side by side comparison. The first thing I noticed was that the Water Sentinel is made in USA, while the Aqua-Pure is made in Mexico. The Water Sentinel appears to be better constructed and heftier. It also includes 0-ring lubricant, which makes installation MUCH easier. After flushing a gallon of water through each, the taste test was pretty much the same, the Water Sentinel maybe a bit better. Considering that the Water Sentinel is about half the price (and did I mention MADE in USA), it certainly seems like a no-brainer.

I purchased these to replace the OEM filters that I have been spending $45 a piece on at Lowes. Everything I read about these filters indicated longer life and obviously a MUCH better value from a cost perspective. They were well packaged and fit perfectly. The only thing is a slightly 'off' plastic taste. As I do with OEM filters I flushed several gallons through the filter before using any of the water. Still, there was this persistent bitter plastic taste. After running several more gallons through it the taste began to diminish and has become less noticeable over time. I have used dozens of filter / softener technologies over the last 20 years and this is the first time I have had this taste perception issue. I willl have to see what the next filter is like in several months to determine if I will purchase again.

+++++ 7/14 update: The first of the three filters is about due for a replacement. This really isn't any longer than the OEM Samsung filter. However, we did have an extra person in our household for many months of it's life so it may have given an extra 10-20%. Other than that there is nothing else to report, the water was fine after cycling an extra couple of gallons out of it at start-up with no other taste perception issues.

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The WSS-1 is not equivalent to the manufacturer's recommended filter. I noticed that the description didn't mention removal of harmful contaminants (ANSI 53), so I emailed Water Sentinel. Getting no reply to my email, I phoned their customer service and they confirmed that the filter DOES NOT meet ANSI 53 for removal of harmful contaminants.

My refrigerator is a Samsung RFG298AARS. The owner's manual specifies a Samsung model DA29-00003G filter, which is certified to meet both ANSI 42 (aesthetic effects, such as chlorine taste), and ANSI 53 (health effects, such as cysts, lead, benzene, asbestos, mercury). If you buy the WSS-1 you are buying a cartridge that is certified only to make water taste better, not to make it safer.

Water Sentinels own product literature states: "This filter (WSS-1) should not be used with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality, without adequate disinfection before and or after the filter. This filter has been tested by the manufacturer against ANSI/NSF Standard 42 for the reduction of Chlorine, Tastes and Odors."

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NSF/ANSI Standard 42: Drinking Water Treatment Units Aesthetic Effects. Designed to reduce specific aesthetic or non-health-related contaminants (chlorine, taste and odor, and particulates) that may be present in public or private drinking water.

NSF/ANSI Standard 53: Drinking Water Treatment Units Health Effects. Designed to reduce specific health-related contaminants, such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, lead, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), MTBE (methyl tertiary-butyl ether), that may be present in public or private drinking water.

[Source: the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)]

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Conclusion: I strongly recommend buying a filter that meets both ANSI 42 and ANSI 53 certifications and the manufacturer's specs, such as the DA29-00003G or an equivalent product. The Water Sentinel WSS-1 does NOT meet both standards. Water Sentinel's own literature warns against using the filter if your water is "microbiologically unsafe," putting the onus of safety assurance on the consumer. If you knew it was always safe, you wouldn't need a filter. I bought the DA29-0003G, I have owned several now with no problems. It costs a bit more, but does what I expect a filter to do--make the water safer while also making it taste good. (If a comparable product comes along with a lower cost, and the same certifications, I will consider it.)

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If you're water dispenser is leaking at the door, it is usually because you have air in the water line. Make sure you soak the filter to remove any loose charcoal before installing a new filter. Keep the filter upright and full of water when installing and then run a gallon or so of water through the dispenser to remove any air from the lines. If you still have a leak at the dispenser, make sure the water line on the back of the fridge is tight.

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Samsung is rated at 500 gallons or 6 months; this one is rated at 300 gallons or 6 months. Go figure.

Price is about 40% less than Samsung (200 gallons less = 40% less so you get what you pay for).

I typically use this product for up to a year and taste is still pure, not even chlorine taste.

Previous reviewer who said it tastes like pee must have his water hooked up to his toilet.

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