AquaFX · Under-Sink RO Systems
AquaFX Mako RO/DI 100GPD
Lower-concern water filter; typical RO/DI design but no public PFAS disclosure or verification.
The AquaFX Mako RO/DI uses standard reverse-osmosis and deionization components (membranes, carbon blocks, PP housing) that are not inherently associated with PFAS intentional use. However, the brand makes no public statement about PFAS testing or avoidance.
Shop AquaFX on Amazon →Material
RO membrane, carbon block, polypropylene housing
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Mako uses a multi-stage design: polypropylene (PP) housing and tubing, activated carbon block pre-filter, and a polyamide reverse osmosis membrane. Polypropylene is inert under cold water conditions and does not leach BPA or phthalates; carbon blocks are stable and non-leaching when properly manufactured. The RO membrane itself (polyamide) does not degrade into hazardous monomers under typical residential pressure and temperature. This material combination is industry-standard and does not present chemical migration risks to drinking water at normal operating conditions.
The brand's record and disclosure
AquaFX is a mid-market RO manufacturer with no documented safety recalls or product safety controversies in the public record. The brand does not publish detailed material sourcing or PFAS-specific testing data on its website or product documentation, which is typical for this segment but limits transparency. No third-party certifications (NSF, WQA) are prominently advertised for this model, though some AquaFX products carry such marks. The company has not made public statements regarding PFAS in drinking water or filter media testing.
How it compares in its category
At 100 GPD capacity, the Mako occupies the mid-range of under-sink RO systems; comparable models from Waterdrop, iSpring, and Express Water share nearly identical material profiles and design approaches. This product is not marketed as a premium system with enhanced media (e.g., remineralization cartridges, UV stages), so it lacks some add-ons found in higher-tier alternatives. Housing durability and membrane longevity are typical for the price point; there is no evidence this system outperforms or underperforms peers in field reliability.
If you buy it
Replace the pre-filter carbon block every 6 to 12 months depending on source water quality and usage; neglecting this accelerates membrane fouling. The RO membrane typically lasts 2 to 3 years before throughput drops noticeably; replacement is straightforward but confirm cartridge compatibility before purchase. Check tubing connections monthly for leaks or brittleness, particularly at compression fittings, since cold water can embrittle polypropylene over years. Maintain the tank drain valve and flush the membrane periodically per manual instructions to prevent bacterial biofilm buildup in stored water.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Bacterial contamination and biofilm in storage tank
RO systems with post-storage holding tanks risk stagnant water biofilm if not drained, flushed, and maintained monthly. No product-specific maintenance data from AquaFX indicates whether the Mako's tank design minimizes dead legs or allows complete drainage; user discipline is the primary control.
Polypropylene tubing and housing brittleness over time
Under-sink conditions (temperature fluctuations, UV near windows, chlorine exposure if unfiltered) can embrittle polypropylene after 3 to 5 years, leading to micro-cracks and potential leaks. No public data confirms the Mako uses impact-resistant or UV-stabilized PP formulations.
Carbon block dust and loose media particles
Activated carbon blocks can shed fine particles if damaged during installation or if the cartridge housing is defective; this may require an additional sediment pre-filter or flushing cycles. The Mako's documentation does not explicitly address factory flushing or particle shedding protocols.
Membrane degradation and passage of contaminants
Polyamide RO membranes degrade under chlorine exposure and high pressure; if the system lacks proper pre-filtration or chlorine removal, membrane life shortens and rejection rates drop. No published data on the Mako's chlorine tolerance or membrane specification in standard water chemistries.
Housing leachables from adhesives and primer under high pressure
Polypropylene housings typically use epoxy primers and thread-sealing compounds; at RO pressures (50-100 PSI) and room temperature, leaching into water is not documented. No recalls or complaints on record for the Mako.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Under-Sink RO Systems
Aqua Guard
AQUASURE Premier Series 75 GPD Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
RO membrane, carbon filters, stainless steel housing
Lower-concern RO system; standard filtration materials carry minimal PFAS risk, but brand is silent on the topic.
✓Bare metal or glass, no coating at all
Aqua Guard
AquaTru Under Sink Under Sink
Multi-stage filter cartridges (activated carbon, ion exchange resins)
Lower PFAS concern for standard under-sink filter use, but verify current cartridge specs before purchase.
✓Brand claims PFAS-free (unverified)
Home Master
TM Undersink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
Reverse osmosis membrane, carbon, sediment filters, stainless steel housing
Lower-concern RO filter system; no known PFAS materials identified, but brand makes no explicit PFAS commitment.
✓Bare metal or glass, no coating at all
More under-sink ro systems grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.