AquaFX · Under-Sink RO Systems
AquaFX Mako RO/DI System
Lower concern for typical RO/DI use; standard water-filtration materials carry minimal inherent PFAS risk.
RO/DI systems like the AquaFX Mako use reverse-osmosis membranes and carbon filters, materials not known to require PFAS treatment. The brand does not disclose PFAS status. No third-party PFAS testing or certification is publicly available.
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RO/DI membrane, carbon cartridges, polyurethane tubing, plastic 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 AquaFX Mako uses RO (reverse osmosis) and DI (deionized) membrane technology with carbon pre-filters, polyurethane tubing, and plastic housing (typically polypropylene or ABS). Carbon cartridges are food-grade and chemically stable under cold water. Polyurethane tubing is chosen for flexibility and chlorine resistance; it does not leach into cold drinking water at standard pressures. The plastic housing is non-contact with treated water for extended periods, minimizing leachate risk.
The brand's record and disclosure
AquaFX is a mid-market aquarium and drinking-water filtration supplier with no publicly documented safety recalls, certifications (NSF, WQA), or material disclosure statements specific to this model. The company does not prominently publish third-party testing results or PFAS mitigation claims. No established controversies regarding housing materials or cartridge quality are on record in consumer or regulatory databases.
How it compares in its category
Under-sink RO/DI systems are functionally similar across brands (Aquatec, APEC, iSpring); AquaFX positions at mid-range price with comparable membrane specs. Unlike high-end brands, AquaFX does not widely advertise NSF certification or heavy-metal testing. The Mako is typical for hobbyist and residential use; commercial-grade competitors offer more robust monitoring and documentation.
If you buy it
Replace carbon cartridges every 6-12 months depending on water quality to prevent bacterial colonization and maintain effectiveness. Store replacement cartridges in a cool, dry place away from heat or sunlight. Monitor for slow flow (sign of membrane fouling) and replace the RO membrane every 2-3 years. Flush the system monthly if not in regular use to prevent stagnation and microbial growth in tubing and housing.
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 growth in filter cartridges and tubing
Any RO/DI system left unmaintained or used intermittently can harbor bacteria in carbon cartridges and dead zones of tubing. AquaFX documentation does not specify biocide resistance or antimicrobial treatments in cartridges, so standard care (regular replacement, monthly flushing) is essential.
Polyurethane tubing degradation and particulate shedding
Polyurethane is stable under cold water and normal pressure; no published recalls or complaints of tubing failure or particle contamination in the Mako. Degradation risk increases only if exposed to heat, UV, or non-potable chemicals.
Plastic housing leachates (BPA, phthalates)
AquaFX does not disclose the exact polymer or BPA/BPS status of the housing. Standard food-grade polypropylene and ABS used in cold-water systems do not typically leach under normal conditions, but no third-party verification is available for this specific model.
Carbon cartridge quality and heavy-metal absorption capacity
AquaFX does not publish contaminant-removal curves or saturation timelines for its cartridges. Over-use (beyond 12 months) risks reduced effectiveness; no recalled cartridges or contamination events are documented.
Membrane and cartridge disposal/circular risk
Spent RO membranes and carbon cartridges are not inherently hazardous but contribute plastic waste. AquaFX does not offer a take-back or recycling program, unlike some competitors. This is an environmental concern, not a direct user safety hazard.
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.