3M for PoE

3M POE - Small unit

3M POE - Big unit

Can install 2 units (1 small 1 big) as POE outside of your house.

Filter size: 5 microns

Replacement cartridge:
Small - ~RM30 each
Big - ~RM600 each
*both can wait shopee / lazada voucher to maximize discounts

Small unit first, then big unit. Small filter can help reduce initial contents in water, reduce load in your bigger filter. Both filter replacement cartridge easy to DIY replace, can replace whenever water flow starts to be too slow for your liking. Small unit replace every 6 months or so. Big unit can replace every 2 years if your smaller unit is replaced properly.

Then if you want to install undersink, then can go with

3M undersink

Filter size: 1 microns
replacement cartridge: ~RM260
replace every: 1 year or 1.5 depending on your usage

total cost per year replacement estimate: (RM30 x 2) + (RM260) = RM320 / RM14 per month
total cost per 2 years replacement estimate: (RM30 x 4) + (RM260 x2) + RM600 = RM1240 / RM52 per month

Factors to consider:
- municipal water pressure (adding extra filters will lower water pressure)
- municipal water quality (within city should be cleaner, within developed states should be cleaner, hence prolonging your filter life and reduce replacement needs).
- water consumption needs (use more water = shorter filter life)

Not a seller / reseller for water filters, not water expert also, just sharing my basic setup for standard water quality

So far after I installed 3m, water quality improved significantly, clearly observable, done own testing (I am very intrigued by water related topics, hence I went to study and completed online degree for water management for my own curiosity). Besides that I still do boil water for consumption, my fridge also alot of space so use glass bottle to store purified or boiled water

On top of that no subscription fee for me, no need to arrange time for the filter fellas to come to only just "wash" the filters, used to have coway, but realized its RO filter, gave to my elders

Easy to replace filters, no significant change to my water pressure (landed) and installation hassle also one off, would recommend

edit: removed the extra spacing between lines

This post has been edited by sadukarzz: Nov 5 2024, 11:01 AM

Ya, correct, my cycle I usually do this-

1. 3M small POE filter = RM30 (6 month)
2. 3M big POE filter = RM600 (18 month)
3. 3M undersink = RM260 (18 month)

Cost of maintenance over 18 months - RM52/month

Usually for small POE filter, it will be dirty after 6 months, but flow still okay; while for the big POE filter, its minimally dirty, possibly from the remaining contents or sediments from the smaller POE.

Then the undersink I cannot really see, but the outer part closer to the connecting head looks minimally dirty too.

So far in family home I was confident enough to drink direct from tap after the undersink, unless when its rainy season or flooding season in which I will avoid. But for my own stay I had 0.2 micron with FM1500-B, I had no concerns of drinking direct from tap all times. No issues from family too.

But important point for anyone to consider, when I did my installations, the pipes were old, so I replaced all the pipes, and cleaned (and disinfect) the storage tank since I was doing some renovation works also.

The downside to this, is no instant hot water / cold water. But I am fine with it.

Its actually really just to minimize the cost for the bigger unit.

Both of the POE filter its 5 microns, which is enough to filter out most harsh and larger sediments or contents. But for the bigger filter, the replacement cartridge is RM600 which is rather costly in my opinion. So I decided to add another small POE which is also 5 microns, but replacing its cartridge is way cheaper at ~RM30 per 6 months.

This will then:
- Give me 2 layers of filtration (although not necessary, but just an added benefit, afterall all filters dare not to guarantee 100% filtration of 5 micron and larger particles).
- Prolong the life of the larger POE (I can change every 18 months, rather than every year).

Maybe seems redundant to many, but I was satisfied with my own effort in studying properly and research properly. I wanted to also do proper water quality testing (as I am really curious), but the costs to send samples to independent laboratory is expensive, and I have yet to get any equipment to test, once I have such budget, I would

Additional sharing:
*Storage tank's / utensil's cleanliness is just as important as the filtration process, you don't want your efforts of filtration and disinfection all go waste after your storage re-contaminates the water.
**You also should take note of the quality of the water you use to shower or wash your face, as it also matters in the long run.

Should be more specific

What's the usage of the water filter?

Whole house? Drinking? That would help other sifus determine what's probably suitable for you

If space and piping arrangements allows, you can consider getting a sediment / smaller filter, followed by general 5micron filter for your whole house.

Sediment > 3M AP902; for generally occasional backwashing + longer lasting duration between cartridge replacement

3M POE > 3M AP902; for budget abit, only replace 3M POE cartridges every 9 - 12 months if water from council dirty, 12 - 18 months if water from council ok. While your AP902 can replace every 18 - 24 months.

3M AP902 > 3M AP902; if budget constraints isn't a concern, but water supply from council is very bad - 1st AP902 replace every 12 months, 2nd AP902 every 24 months.

I am not expert in subscription based water filters or water filter brands, so other sifus may able to give further recommendations. Also take note of water pressure and existing water pumps installed, if any.

Just sharing my setup and those people around me that I have recommended them to. Planning to do lab testing for before and after water quality testing to see if its worthwhile sometime in future.

Included some links for your easy reference.

Shopee - Sand / Sediment filters
*Not necessarily this particular brand, just easiest that I can find in shopee.

3M AP902

3M POE

This post has been edited by sadukarzz: Feb 16 2025, 12:45 PM

Agreed in the aseptic portion, your pipes are not sterile to begin with even when pre- during- post- installation was done. Therefore boiling is still recommended, though boiling itself is not necessary to be achieved (100'c) just need over 80'c, but water boil easier to observe than 80'c.

Meanwhile, for heavy metal, I think 0.5 micron water filters does a pretty good job in removing them. But still has some residual or trace amount due to its efficiency, or from existing piping systems. But with 0.1 or 0.5 micron water filters, it would be safe enough for general consumption or drinking purposes.

edit: Also did not understand the "boiling makes heavy metal worst" - unless he meant No/Poor water filter + double boiling or more which makes the concentration higher then it makes sense. But with proper filtration, I don't see boiling water makes "heavy metal" worst if its only trace amount present.

This post has been edited by sadukarzz: Feb 16 2025, 01:53 PM

Hi there, no worries, no such thing as noob question. Everyone has to start somewhere.

I believe your question would revolve around:

1. Where to install AP902.
1a. If before pump, enough water flow or not.
1b. If after pump, can it withstand pump pressure or not.

I think its more appropriate to think of it this way. Your reason to install pump is to ensure that water pressure is adequate after the tank (before installing AP902), therefore pump should not
be anywhere near tank (due to electrical wiring or positioning constraints). But you would like to improve water quality.

Hence, I would imagine that your pump is situated near ground level where there is space for installation + electricity.

Based on this assumption, I would install BEFORE the pump. Reason being:

- Gravity would provide enough water flow into AP902, as its 5micron filter (instead of 1micron or lower), so it would still sufficiently filtering impurities without impacting water pressure significantly.

- After the AP902 filters, its beneficial for your water pump as less sediment goes through your pump, improving longevity of your pump.

- Pump will then restore any drop in pressure caused by installing AP902, if any.

________________________________________________

Optimally, I would install BEFORE your water tank, as it also reduces the need to clean the water tank in the long run, but taking into consideration that:

i. It might drop the water pressure beyond adequate level for your tank, it would be a hassle to trial and error to see whether it impacts whether pressure in the first place;

ii. Then you'll also need to clean the tank in order for the concept of cleaner tank to work in the first place, which is then another hassle;

iii. Location and installation of AP902 after sediment filter, before water tank, may not be ideal.

So, in conclusion, so far, based on what I can assume and visualize, best option for you would be to install AFTER water tank, BEFORE water pump.

Hope it helps.

Like previous reply, I partially agree. As it really depends on your municipal water quality.

It does help indirectly for your wife's allergy situation, though actual impacts can vary.

Let me give you a few example.

5 micron filters (regardless of any brands of water filter as long as it works as it should) is IMPORTANT in states like Sabah / Kelantan. Reason being is that municipal water quality is relatively low compared to other states with more developed water infrastructure. Sabah for example, experiences frequent episodes whereby water cuts occur during heavy rain due to poor water quality at the intake valves hence treatment plants operate in lower capacity. After restoration, most of the time, the initial flow of water is significantly more murky compared to general water quality.

So, even though you may have improved drinking water quality, but what about the water you use to wash your dishes? Bearing in mind that most drinking water filters are not necessarily nearby sink / made for general use. You would still possibly consume any impurities or allergens that could potentially cause allergies.

Now, let's move slightly further out. What about your laundries? You may not be consuming any laundries, but the fabrics is in direct contact with your skin, some up to more than 8 hours at a time. Let alone those that in contact with more sensitive parts of your body. Impurities that is in your fabric contents, may be caught in your fabrics, bringing it into contact with your skin. Indirect but possible causes of allergies.

Therefore POE water filters can be important, but it depends on how good quality is your municipal water source is. If you live in a mid-high end condominiums, most of which does have water filters installed prior to water entering tanks within the premise, then most likely you won't notice significant improvements. But, if you are situated in places that experiences frequent water disruption and poor municipal water quality, chances are you will be better off with a proper one installed.

As long as water is able to flow through the pipes as usual (without pump) then it should suffice.

Enclosed systems like water pipes generally provide sufficient flow.

Do remember when you install any water filters, to have a bypass so when you need to do maintenance it won't directly affect water usage.

Yes of course, as long as the product fits your bill after you do your research. I do not have extensive knowledge about many other brands of products so maybe other sifus here can advice you better when it comes to other brands / specific products.

For me I am somewhat a water enthusiast but not loyal to any particular brands. I like to do research about water quality / water sources / water management / wastewater management / municipal water distribution and design etc. Just so happens that 3M is the most straightforward and fits my criteria well that I don't have to subscribe and I can consider their qualities are generally reliable and consistent compared to other brands.

Whereas for Water quality in Selangor I would consider it as acceptable in Malaysian standards. Similarly applicable for Klang valley water sources, along with Perak, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Penang and parts of Pahang and Sarawak. Not sure about Perlis & Kedah, but for Sabah, Kelantan and Terengganu, its below standards for me.

PM'ed on the pictures for setup in one of family house. Only took outdoor POE pics, indoor did not.

For overall setup. Duration used so far - 3.x years

OVERALL SETUP:

Location: Border Sabah Sarawak

Municipal water quality overall: Below average

Water pressure: Fluctuates

Setup: 3M AP902 > 3M AP902 > water storage tanks > "1 micron" cheapo filter bought from shopee > pump > 3M DWS2500T-CN
*cheapo few RM 1micron filter is only meant for elderly to observe water quality easily without need to do much digging, if the white filter turns dark brownish then elderly will inform me and I will arrange for AP902 to be changed*

Maintenance

So far only replaced: Front 3M AP902 x1, RM55x; the rest was working fine and no clogs or anything significant yet. But the front AP902 has been doing bulk of the job, filter medium in pretty bad shape when I changed it after 2 years. Used tube camera to go into the cartridge to view every now and then. The rest is fine, did not need replacement.

2x 3M AP902 (mount and cartridge) - RM206x.xx (bought sometime back during shopee sales, got huge discount voucher)
- 5 micron, for POE purposes

1x 3M DWS2500T-CN - RM180x.xx (also bought during shopee sales, again, huge discount vouchers)
- 3 micron & 0.2 micron, for direct drinking purposes when needed

So far total ownership cost over 3.x years:

RM206x.xx + RM180x.xx + RM55x + RM150 installation fee = ~RM456x.00 (indoor, outdoor and piping, inclusive of labor) :: Gave extra RM50 tips to installer to help me clean the storage tanks and flush pipes where possible before installation.

Review:

Pros
- Little to no maintenance required (only swapped out cartridge when due once)
- For the setup and the water quality I am getting, its considered cheap per litre of water filtered
- Confident enough to drink direct from DWS2500T-CN, but would still boil water when it rains or during rainy seasons as water becomes murky at the river intake
- Pump is somewhat protected with less sediments

Cons
- No UV filter, hence when it rains still need to boil water to be 100% safe from viruses, so if municipal water is not chlorine treated then hailat
- No instant hot water, but non issue as elderly have constant boiler from older time anyways
- No cold water, non issue as well, elderly likes to keep water in fridge in their glass bottle, I also rarely drink cold water

My verdict -
1. I went overkill for 2x 3M AP902, but personally I like to have a fail safe (2nd AP902) at POE
2. If you want to be sure about drinking direct, I would recommend to survey for UF/UV filtration water filters
3. Try not to get RO water filters if possible especially if your drinking water comes primarily from home. Reason being, although in my opinion this is rare occurrence, you will be drinking water that lacks essential minerals for your body in the long run

No worries! Hopefully it helps to improve your water quality. Do remember to maximize your savings by purchasing replacement cartridges when there's Shopee / Lazada / Bank vouchers.

UPDATES

I am interested to know since you brought this up

Any products other than I think Coway proactively show their "Cold" or "Hot" water temperature for their dispenser? I also like my water super cold, but didn't seem to find many dispensers that proactively give their temperature reading (apart from the analog type a few bar of 'coldness')