WECO Whole House Water Filter Review
Product Overview
If you’re looking for a powerful solution to keep your entire home’s water clean, the WECO Whole House Water Filter with Katalox Light & Ozone (model KL-1653-OZONE) stands out. Designed to reduce iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide, this system treats both municipal and well water. Its advanced filtration media and ozone-enhanced oxidation help improve taste, clarity, and safety throughout your home’s water supply.
This filter uses a backwashing process for maintenance, helping to keep the media effective over years with minimal upkeep. It’s also effective against heavy metals such as lead and copper, making it a robust option for comprehensive water purification.
WECO Whole House Water Filter with Katalox Light & Ozone
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Key Takeaways
- Effectively reduces iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, and various heavy metals.
- Uses Katalox Light media combined with an ozone generator for enhanced purification.
- Nightly backwash helps maintain filter cleanliness and performance automatically.
- Requires annual cleaning of the corona discharge cell and occasional part replacements.
- Installation might require professional help for optimal setup.
Why You Might Need a WECO Whole House Water Filter
If you’re tired of dealing with rusty stains on your fixtures, unpleasant smells, or cloudy water, you likely have elevated iron, manganese, or hydrogen sulfide in your water supply. Municipal water can still carry trace minerals and heavy metals, while well water users frequently face these issues. Beyond aesthetics, these contaminants can shorten the lifespan of home appliances and plumbing.
You want a reliable, whole-house system that works continuously without frequent manual intervention. Also, if your water feels harsh or smells like rotten eggs, this filter’s capability to reduce hydrogen sulfide can bring real relief. This system is for you if you want a combination of thorough filtration and easy maintenance for cleaner water at every tap.
First Impressions: What to Expect
Unboxing the WECO KL-1653-OZONE, you’ll find a solidly constructed filter assembly along with comprehensive installation instructions. The package includes key parts like the Katalox Light media tank, the ozone generator retrofit, and the necessary valves. The tank feels robust and well-sealed, designed for long-term service in a home water system.
Accessories like the Kynar check valve and the corona discharge cell are included, which you’ll need to maintain annually. While the system isn’t plug-and-play, the instruction manual, combined with some basic plumbing knowledge or professional help, will guide you through installation.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Filter Type | Whole House Point-Of-Entry (POE) System |
| Filtration Media | Katalox Light (Manganese Dioxide coated on ZEOSORB) |
| Contaminants Reduced | Iron, Manganese, Hydrogen Sulfide, Lead, Copper, Radium |
| Filtration Efficiency | Particulate matter down to 3 microns |
| Backwash Frequency | Nightly |
| Media Replacement Interval | Typically 5-7 years (depends on water chemistry) |
| Maintenance | Annual cleaning of corona discharge cell, valve replacement |
| Special Features | Ozone generator for enhanced oxidation and precipitation |
WECO Filter Specs & Setup
Design & Build Quality
The WECO whole house filter is built to last. Its heavy-duty construction is evident from the start. The Katalox Light media tank is designed for continuous contact with water and pressure fluctuations, and it feels solid with no flimsy plastic parts in the core body. Users report that the system’s backwash cycle runs smoothly and quietly during its nightly regeneration.
One verified review praises the system’s “robust design and hassle-free nightly backwash function,” emphasizing the low-maintenance aspect. The inclusion of an ozone generator is a sophisticated feature usually found in higher-end systems. It boosts the filter’s ability to oxidize and remove contaminants more efficiently.
The check valve and corona discharge cell, while requiring annual attention, are straightforward to clean or replace — a few minutes of care can keep your system running like new. The overall design smartly balances high-tech water treatment with practical home use.
Robust Build Quality of WECO Filter
Real-World Performance
In daily use, the WECO KL-1653-OZONE earns praise for its consistent water quality improvements. Many users notice an immediate reduction in rusty water stains and the distinct sulfur smell commonly caused by hydrogen sulfide. The water runs clear, tastes fresher, and the system runs almost invisibly in the background with its automated backwash cycle.
A homeowner in a rural area shared that after installation, not only was the water clearer, but they experienced fewer plumbing problems and appliance breakdowns. Over time, they saw less buildup inside pipes and reduced damage to water heaters. This long-term protection is a notable benefit for properties with challenging water chemistry.
The system’s ability to remove heavy metals also means an extra layer of safety, especially for households with children or elderly family members. While installation may require professional help, the ongoing convenience and performance payoff are clear.
Real-World Water Improvements with WECO Filter
What Makes It Stand Out?
The WECO Whole House Water Filter stands above many competitors because of its specialized Katalox Light media paired with an ozone generator. This duo works synergistically to remove stubborn contaminants like iron and manganese that can be tough for traditional filters. Many whole house systems only rely on physical filtration, but WECO’s approach includes advanced oxidation and precipitation, which chemically transform contaminants for easier removal.
Compared with the AFWFilters Iron Pro 2, WECO adds ozone treatment for stronger contaminant breakdown. Versus the Fleck 5600SXT system, WECO’s media can handle a wider range of metals and radionuclides with less frequent media replacement.
If you want a system that not only filters but chemically treats water for longer-lasting results, the WECO offers this elevated technology. It’s a choice for homeowners looking for durable, science-backed filtration rather than a basic sediment filter.
Strengths vs. Trade-Offs
| Strengths | Trade-Offs |
|---|---|
| ✅ Advanced Katalox Light media with ozone-enhanced oxidation | ❌ Requires annual maintenance for check valve and corona cell |
| ✅ Effectively removes iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, heavy metals, and radionuclides | ❌ Installation complexity may require professional help |
| ✅ Backwash cycle automates filter cleaning nightly | ❌ Media replacement needed every 5-7 years (water chemistry dependent) |
| ✅ High surface area media filters down to 3 microns | ❌ The system size requires dedicated installation space |
| ✅ Extends lifespan of media bed with AIO/Ozone feature |
Strengths and Trade-Offs of WECO Filter
Who Is It For?
This whole house filter is ideal for homeowners who have municipal or well water with issues like iron staining, manganese buildup, or “rotten egg” sulfur smells. If you want to safeguard your entire household plumbing, appliances, and improve water quality for drinking, cooking, and bathing, it fits well.
It’s also suited for families concerned about heavy metals and radionuclides in their water. People who want an automated system with minimal daily upkeep but are okay with some annual maintenance tasks will appreciate this filter.
Professional plumbers, small businesses, or farmhouses with similar water challenges might find this system effective due to its durability and comprehensive contaminant removal.
Expert Advice to Maximize Results
To get the best from your WECO whole house filter, ensure your water pressure matches the system’s recommended flow rates for backwashing. Improper flow can reduce filter efficiency or damage parts. Expect to clean the corona discharge cell once per year to maintain ozone generator function.
Replacing the Kynar check valve annually helps avoid backflow and ensures smooth regeneration cycles. Keep an eye on water clarity and taste after installation, and schedule media replacement when performance declines, usually around 5-7 years.
If you’re unsure about installation, hiring a professional plumber can prevent common mistakes and setup headaches. Position the filter near your main water line entrance for best whole-house coverage. For stubborn water chemistry, regular water testing helps monitor ongoing filter effectiveness.
Tips for Maintaining Your WECO Filter
FAQ
Q1: How often does the filter need to backwash, and is this automatic?
A1: The system is designed to backwash every night automatically, which cleans the media bed and restores filtration capacity without user intervention.
Q2: What maintenance tasks do I need to perform regularly?
A2: Annually, you should clean the corona discharge cell to maintain ozone function and replace the Kynar check valve. Media replacement is generally needed every 5 to 7 years based on your water quality.
Q3: Can this filter handle both well and city water?
A3: Yes, the WECO KL-1653-OZONE is made for both municipal and well water sources, effectively removing iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide commonly found in well water, as well as various heavy metals in city water.
Q4: Does the system affect water pressure in the home?
A4: When properly installed and matched to your home’s flow rates, it maintains good water pressure. Oversizing or undersizing the system can impact pressure, so professional installation is recommended.
Q5: Will it remove other contaminants besides iron and manganese?
A5: Yes, it also reduces hydrogen sulfide, lead, copper, radium, uranium, and some radionuclides due to its advanced Katalox Light media and oxidation processes.
Q6: How do I know when to replace the filtration media?
A6: Watch for reduced water clarity, return of odors, or staining. Routine water testing can also indicate declining performance, signaling media replacement after 5-7 years.
Q7: Is installation complex for a typical homeowner?
A7: While straightforward for those with plumbing experience, many users benefit from professional installation to ensure proper setup and optimal performance.
Verdict
The WECO Whole House Water Filter with Katalox Light & Ozone delivers dependable, advanced filtration that stands up to challenging water contaminants like iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide. Its combination of high-tech media and ozone treatment gives you lasting water clarity, taste, and safety.
With automated backwashing and robust construction, it balances performance with manageable maintenance. This system is a great fit if you want whole-home water protection and are ready for simple yearly upkeep.
