AFC Brand Water Filter Compatible with Elkay & More
Product Overview
If you’re looking for a reliable replacement water filter compatible with popular brands like Elkay, Halsey-Taylor, and WaterSentry Plus, the AFC Brand water filter HWF172 offers a strong option. Designed to fit seamlessly into your existing water fountain filtration system, this filter promises to improve the water quality, taste, and odor with its premium coconut carbon blocks sourced from the USA. It’s made for those who want cleaner, fresher-tasting water without the hassle of complicated installation or maintenance.

AFC Brand Water Filter Compatible with Elkay & More
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Key Takeaways
- Uses high-quality coconut carbon blocks to reduce chlorine, improving taste and odor.
- Easy to install and maintain, compatible with multiple water fountain filter systems like Elkay and Halsey-Taylor.
- Eco-friendly choice that helps reduce plastic waste by enabling water fountain use over bottled water.
- May require regular replacement to maintain peak filtration effectiveness.
Why You Might Need AFC Brand Water Filter
If you rely on public or workplace water fountains or have a water fountain at home, you know how important clean, fresh water is. Over time, built-in filters lose their efficiency, which can cause water to taste off or carry unpleasant odors from chlorine or impurities. This filter is for you if you want a hassle-free way to keep your water tasting clean and fresh.
Maybe you’re concerned about the environment and want to avoid single-use plastic bottles. Or perhaps you want to avoid expensive, bulky filtration systems while still enjoying good-quality drinking water. The AFC Brand water filter meets these needs by fitting right into your existing system and providing lasting purity.
First Impressions: What to Expect
The AFC Brand filter arrives neatly packaged and ready to install. The shape and size closely match OEM filters used in Elkay and similar models, so you won’t struggle to replace your old filter. The weight feels substantial, reflecting the density of the premium coconut carbon block inside.
Its surface is smooth with secure caps on both ends to fit snugly and prevent leaks. There are no extra accessories, but you won’t need any—the installation process is straightforward and tool-free.
Specs at a Glance
Specification | Detail |
---|---|
Filter Model | HWF172 / 48-Filters |
Compatibility | Elkay, Halsey-Taylor, WaterSentry Plus systems |
Filter Media | Coconut shell carbon block |
Reduction Target | Chlorine, taste and odor compounds |
Installation | Push-in, tool-free |
Filter Lifespan | Typically up to 3 months (varies by use) |

Specs at a Glance
Design & Build Quality
One of the first things you’ll notice is the solid construction. The outer casing is durable plastic, designed to withstand the water pressure without cracking or leaking. Inside, the core is made from premium coconut shell carbon blocks sourced from the USA. This natural carbon media is a well-regarded choice for reducing chlorine, sediments, and odors from water.
A user review highlighted, "The filter fits perfectly into my Elkay water fountain without any modifications. Installation took less than five minutes, and I immediately noticed the water tasted smoother and fresher." This matches what you can expect: ease of use paired with excellent filtration performance.
The design is intentionally straightforward to avoid complexity—you simply push the filter into place. No extra tools or adapters are needed, which lowers the barrier to maintaining your system. Plus, the eco-friendly material inside indicates the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
Real-World Performance
In daily use, this AFC Brand filter performs reliably for typical water fountains in gyms, offices, and schools. One customer shared how replacing their old filter with this product resulted in less chlorine smell and a cleaner taste that encouraged more water drinking throughout the day.
Another user emphasized the ease of swapping filters to keep performance fresh, stating that regular replacement helps maintain consistent water quality. Over time, you’ll notice a gradual decline in taste improvement, signaling the filter’s need to be changed.
Though the filter does a great job on chlorine and odors, it’s important to remember it isn’t designed to handle heavy metals or bacteria—it’s best for standard municipal water sources. For those supplies, it keeps your water fresher and more appealing while supporting your hydration goals.

Real-World Performance
What Makes It Stand Out?
Compared to similar competitors, the AFC Brand filter stands out due to its precise fit and use of high-quality coconut carbon blocks from the USA. Many competing filters either use generic carbon or different filter media which may not deliver the same level of taste improvement or odor reduction.
For example, some aftermarket filters in the market struggle to fit Elkay or Halsey-Taylor models perfectly, causing installation frustration. AFC Brand avoids this by focusing on compatibility, ensuring the replacement is straightforward.
When compared to bottled water or bulky home filtration units, this option offers a more straightforward path: a quick filter change that significantly improves drinking fountain water without overhauling your setup.
Strengths vs. Trade-Offs
Strengths | Trade-Offs |
---|---|
✅ High-grade coconut carbon block for effective filtration | ❌ Not designed for heavy metals or microbial contaminants |
✅ Fits multiple water fountain systems easily | ❌ Filter lifespan requires regular replacements |
✅ Improves taste and reduces chlorine odor | ❌ Limited to specific filter models (HWF172) |
✅ Easy installation with no tools required | |
✅ Supports reducing plastic waste by avoiding bottled water |

Strengths and Trade-Offs
Who Is It For?
This AFC Brand water filter is ideal if you rely on water fountains that need compatible filtration options like Elkay or Halsey-Taylor systems. It’s perfect for:
- Facility managers who want a no-fuss, reliable way to keep water fountains delivering fresh water.
- Environmentally conscious individuals looking for an alternative to bottled water at schools or gyms.
- Home users who prefer filtered fountain water over tap, and want a filter easy to replace themselves.
If you want a product that fits popular filtration systems and improves water taste and odor effectively, this filter provides a straightforward solution to turn to regularly.
Expert Advice to Maximize Results
To get the best from your AFC Brand water filter, consider these tips:
- Replace the filter regularly as recommended (typically every 3 months) to avoid performance drop-off.
- Flush a new filter with water for a few minutes before first use to clear out any loose carbon dust.
- Keep the water fountain clean and free of debris to avoid compromising the filter performance.
- Store spare filters in a cool, dry place to maintain their effectiveness until installation.
Regular maintenance paired with these practices ensures you enjoy crisp, clean water consistently without hassle.

Expert Tips for Best Use
FAQ
Q1: Does this filter remove bacteria or heavy metals?
A1: This filter primarily targets chlorine, taste, and odor compounds using coconut carbon blocks. It is not designed to remove bacteria or heavy metals. For those needs, you would require specialized filtration systems.
Q2: How often should I replace this filter?
A2: The typical lifespan is around 3 months or after filtering approximately 300 gallons of water. Replacement frequency depends on water quality and usage.
Q3: Is it hard to install the AFC Brand filter?
A3: Installation is tool-free and straightforward. You simply push the filter into your water fountain’s compatible housing until secure.
Q4: Will this filter work with non-Elkay water fountains?
A4: The product is designed to be compatible with Elkay, Halsey-Taylor, and WaterSentry Plus model filters in the HWF172 size. It may not fit other brands or models.
Q5: Does the filter improve water taste?
A5: Yes, it reduces chlorine and odor affecting compounds, which improves the overall taste of the water.
Q6: Is this filter environmentally friendly?
A6: Yes, by filtering water in fountains, this product supports reducing bottled water consumption, thus helping reduce plastic waste.
Q7: Can I install this filter myself at home?
A7: Absolutely, the user-friendly design allows anyone to replace the filter quickly without tools.
Verdict
The AFC Brand water filter compatible with Elkay, Halsey-Taylor, and WaterSentry Plus models is a solid choice for keeping your water fountain water fresh and clean tasting. Its premium coconut carbon block media and straightforward installation make it ideal if you want a dependable, eco-conscious solution.
