This system is no longer recommended!
While the Home Master TMAFC Artesian is a good system, we no longer recommend it. For the same price, you can get a similar system that is more efficient and has a better warranty. Please see our current list of recommended RO systems to learn more.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Home Master TMAFC Artesian
The Home Master TMAFC Artesian RO system is very similar to another system we recommend more, called the TMAFC-ERP Artesian. The difference is that the TMAFC Artesian on this page does not include a permeate pump.
If you already have strong water pressure or are not concerned with higher waste water rates, then the TMAFC scores very well. Otherwise, add the permeate pump to this system and you will save more water.
Some people find that water that has been purified by reverse osmosis can have a bland taste. This is because it is slightly acidic and all of the dissolved minerals that provide flavor have been removed. After the water has been purified through the TMAFC RO membrane, it passes through a remineralization filter. This adds safe minerals back into the water and raises the pH to be more alkaline. The result is a fresher tasting mineral water.
The TMAFC has 7 stages and is rated for about 50 gallons of purified water per day. Like all RO systems, the TMAFC Artesian wastes water to produce the purified end result. While the amount of waste water does vary depending on the feed water pressure, this system wastes about 4 gallons of water for every gallon of filtered water it produces.
You can find the full list of which contaminants are removed on the Home Master web site.
Filtration System Design
The Home Master TMAFC system has a modular filter design that makes changing filter elements easier. Each of the filters is contained in its own housing, which is changed out with the filter. This solves a problem that can occur in systems that keep the same housing since some of the debris that has been removed by the filter can remain in the housing. This reduces the life of the filter and could damage the housing.
There is also no need for any tools when replacing the filters – you simply pull the old filter out and push the new filter in. Filter change instructions, which should be carried out at least annually, are easy to follow.
Water Efficiency
The Home Master TMAFC is one of the least efficient systems in our roundup and creates about 4 gallons of waste water for every gallon of pure water produced (4:1 ratio). This amount of water wastage can vary depending on the pressure of the water entering the system. The higher the input pressure, the less water wasted. The waste is created because RO systems use pre-filtered water to clean the filter membranes.
Ease of Installation
The Home Master TMAFC system is designed to be installed by anyone with rudimentary DIY skills. A professional plumber is not needed to install this kit.
The only potentially difficult part of the whole installation is drilling a hole in the sink top for the pure water faucet. This may not be necessary if a hole already exists for a hand sprayer, soap dispenser, or is available with a blank cover.
The full installation instructions and owner’s manual (found here) covers how to connect the feed pipes and drainage pipes over 7 pages and Home Master has made a series of 6 videos that show an installation. For many, it is easier to watch these videos before attempting the installation. It is well worth spending the time to watch the videos, as they clarify some the of instructions in the manual.
- Video 1 – Introduction
- Video 2 – Faucet installation
- Video 3 – Fitting the feed water adaptor
- Video 4 – Fitting the drain saddle
The installation of the permeate pump is not included in the video instructions, so check out section 3a of the instruction manual for details.
- Video 5 – Mounting the RO unit
Take note of the need to have enough room to remove the unit for annual maintenance.
- Video 6 – Final assembly and starting the unit up
Check out our list of reverse osmosis accessories for some items to consider with your new reverse osmosis system.
Home Master TMAFC Pros
- Full Contact Technology to remineralize water for better taste and a neutral pH value
- Removes up to 98% of dissolved solids, chemicals & metals
- Modular filter design – filter and filter container are one, pull-out/push-in unit
- 2x filter life of competitors – 2,000 gallons or 1 year
- Designed for DIY installation within about 1 hour
- 4-gallon pre-pressurized water storage tank
- Chrome RO faucet
- 5 year limited manufacturer’s warranty
- Made in the USA
Home Master TMAFC Cons
- High waste water rate
- The nearly identical Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artesian system fixes this with a permeate pump
- 50 gallons of pure water output per day is on the low end
- Does not include a UV light to kill bacteria and other microorganisms
- Well and natural water sources are more prone to this problem but only a water test can confirm the level in your water
- For a similar system with a UV light, check out the Home Master TMHP HydroPerfection
Visit our reviews of the all undersink reverse osmosis filters to compare the Home Master TMAFC with the competition.
Conclusion
The Home Master TMAFC Artesian reverse osmosis filter system scored very high in the RO-system.org ranking algorithm, despite its high waste water rate. It’s high customer reviews and the benefits of the Home Master brand were enough to still give it a strong ranking.
It is a popular and highly-rated system because it:
- Remineralizes the water
- Has the longest filter life
- Is easy to maintain
- Has the longest warranty
If you do not need a UV filter stage or high efficiency and want a system that will provide safe, clean, and great-tasting water, then this system is worth it!
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Our top recommended accessories for this or any other RO system will help you customize your installation! Home Master TMAFC Replacement filters
