I may be reiterating what many of the reviewers before me have said, but I may have a few helpful points to add.
First, they should have never used plastic adapters. Kitchen faucets with internal threads are quite common and the likelihood is high that you will have to use one of the included adapters to attach the filter to that kind of faucet. The plastic threading simply can't withstand the water pressure that will inevitably push on it when you turn the water on all the way.
It would have been very easy for them to use quality steel parts, and I'm sure most people would have been happy to even pay $5-10 more for something that will actually last. It is especially surprising that they would cut corners on a product where the real profit comes from the replacement filters rather than the original purchase. Who knows what they were thinking (or if they were thinking at all), but this product simply doesn't work when setup correctly.
The use of plastic is not where the problems end, however, because there is literally less than a half an inch of exposed threading within the top portion of the adapter. The adapters themselves also have around a quarter inch of threading. This is really a shame, because even using a weak material like plastic might be sufficient if they had enough threads engaging to strengthen the connection.
That said, if you are set on using this product (or forced to), here are a couple of things you can do to help alleviate the problem. I've gotten mine to work long enough for me to order something from one of their competitors.
- Turn the water pressure down on your faucet. In case you don't know how, there are usually two levers (one hot, one cold) underneath your sink that control the water supply. Try tightening them until the water flow is slow enough that it won't blow the filter off.
- Try epoxy or a similar plastic bonding agent. I used epoxy to bond the adapter to the filter mount. You can then screw it on by holding the rotating ring in place. This is an irreversible and permanent solution, but it will make it so that there is only one point that will leak.
- Another poster suggested you can contact Brita to get a metal replacement adapter. That may be a good solution. However, keep in mind that you will still have to screw the metal adapter into a short length of plastic threading. That may simply shift the weakest point to a different part of the mount.
I was cautious after reading the disgruntled reviewers state the Brita On Tap's alleged weaknesses but figured it was so easy to put on and take off that worst case scenario I'd just return it. The first thing I learned is that my sink faucet has threads on the inside. This means I had to use the Brita's included adapter. The adapter fit easily but without the washer. I could never get it on with the washer attached. This would be a problem if I had leaks or erratic water flow but so far that has not been a problem. After installing the base system to the faucet three minutes later, I was done. Now it was time for the taste test. Very good. The water didn't have the normal bad aftertaste from normal tap water and I'm now poised to cancel my water delivery, which is costing me about 650 dollars a year and which for all I know has more impurities than the company is willing to divulge. Compared to my Brita system--30 dollars for the unit and then 60 dollars a year in filters (every 3 months you have to buy a 15 dollar filter), I'd say I'm ahead more than 500 dollars a year. Sounds like a good deal to me.
Update: I discovered I couldn't put in the supplied washer in with the adapter because the old washer was "hiding" in the faucet. Once I took out the old washer, I was able to put on the adapter as prescribed in Brita's instructions. I tightened firmly by hand and there are no leaks or spattering problems. For the money, a very good unit indeed.
Second Update on 1-12-10
After 3.5 years, the system finally started leaking all over the place. A $30 system that lasts that long still seems like a fair deal.
Easy to use, excellent filtration system. I had some trouble originally installing it because I didn't know that plumbing threads are the reverse of screws. Once I got it on correctly, it has worked fine for over one year. The filters pop on and off easily, last a long time, and a red light tells you when it's time to change. Sometimes, the water pressure gets too low and I change to a new filter even though it is still showing a green light. The replacement filters are a little difficult to find.
I just bought this yesterday and so far no complaints. I actually paid more because I got mine at Bed,Bath & Beyond and it included a pitcher which definitely was not worth the extra ten dollars but with their discounts and a store credit it was worth it. Plus if I hate it in 2 weeks I'll bring it right back to the store - they take back anything. So installation was a breeze. Water flow is ok considering it is going through the filter. No leaks. Non filtered spray is good too. The only complaint is that I cant use one of those flexible spray attachments so the position of the spray is fixed. I am curious if I will agree with the other reviews after a few weeks that say "no" to this product. I promise to come back (end of June) and write an update
Update: June 22 (Purchased 6/6) So far I have not experienced any problems and I'm pretty happy with it. My only concern is if this filter will last at least 3 months making it more cost effective than bottled water.
Update: Sep. 11 Ok, so I recently replaced the filter. The red light had not gone but I figured it might have accidentally got reset. I live alone and it lasted about 3 months - maybe I could have kept it on a little longer though after putting on a new filter you realize how much the water flow diminishes over the life of the filter. I guess this can be expected as the filter does its job and fills up with junk. I do like it better than using the filter-pitchers and I will continue using it. This will be my last update as I feel my review was prettry comprehensive.
Update: Just replaced, Dec. 31st. The red light came on indicating I had about 20 gallons left but filtration was slow. It lasted me (1 person) 3 and a half months this time. I think bigger under sink filters are probaby better but this one does the job if you rent and dont want to mess with the plumbing. - Brita - Faucet Water Filter - Filter - Clean Water'
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