Shopping for a good quality reverse osmosis water filter faucet?
You’ve come to the right place.
In this 10-minute buying guide, we review and compare the best reverse osmosis water filter faucets available online.
We also explain what types of RO faucets are available, how to install an RO faucet and how to do easy DIY RO faucet repairs in case of a problem.
If you’ve not yet found the right reverse osmosis system for your home, start with our reverse osmosis water filter buying guide. rever
Why Buy an RO Water Faucet
When you install an under-sink reverse osmosis system, it’s necessary to install a dedicated faucet on your sink as well.
This makes it easy to access purified drinking water anytime without interfering with the existing faucet.
Most under-sink reverse osmosis systems come with the faucet included. So you usually don’t need to buy a faucet separately.
But they are usually basic faucets that don’t win points for style. Some of these free faucets also tend to be low quality and don’t last long. Thankfully, you can upgrade to a new, better-quality and better-looking faucet and install it yourself.
You may also need to buy a new RO water faucet if your current one has become leaky or damaged.
In other cases, you may want to switch from the standard non-air gap faucet to an air gap faucet. (we’ll explain the difference later).
What is in this Buying Guide
Table of Contents
Best RO Water Filter Faucets
- OUR TOP PICK : ESOW KITCHEN WATER FILTER FAUCET
- BEST CERTIFIED RO FAUCET : WATER FILTER TEC NSF CERTIFICATED WATER FILTRATION REVERSE OSMOSIS FAUCET
- BEST AIR GAP RO FAUCET : AVANTI DESIGNER RO FAUCET
- BEST STYLE : SUCASA SINGLE HANDLE DRINKING WATER FAUCET
- BEST BUDGET RO FAUCET : WATTS 116001 AIR GAP FAUCET
Best RO Water Filter Faucets: Comparison Table
ESOW Kitchen
- Our top pick
Type:
Non-air gapFinish:
Brushed nickel/Matte black/Polished chromeConnector Size :
1/4″ and 3/8″
Water Filter Tec
- Best certified RO faucet
Type:
Non-air gapFinish:
Brushed nickelConnector Size :
1/4″ and 3/8″
Avanti Designer
- Best air gap RO faucet
Type:
Air gapFinish:
Polished chromeConnector Size :
1/4″ and 3/8″
SUCASA Single Handle
- Best style
Type:
Non-air gapFinish:
Oil rubbed bronze/brushed stainless steelConnector Size :
1/2″, 1/4″ and 3/8”
Watts 116001
- Best budget RO faucet
Type:
Air gapFinish:
ChromeConnector Size :
1/4″
RO Water Filter Faucet: Reviews
OUR TOP PICK: ESOW Kitchen Water Filter Faucet
OUR TOP PICK
The ESOW Kitchen Water Filter Faucet is the best choice for most people. It is well-made, the price is affordable, and it is available in three beautiful styles.
Most importantly, it works with most under-sink reverse osmosis systems and other under-sink water filtration systems.
PROS
- Lead-free construction.
- Three beautiful style options.
- Versatile 1/4" and 3/8" connector.
- 360-degree swivel spout.
CONS
- Connectors are not the best quality – you may need to replace them after some time.
KEY FEATURES
1. Stainless Steel Faucet
The ESOW reverse osmosis faucet is made from high-quality stainless steel. It is robust, corrosion-proof, and durable. It is also lead-free.
It’s not just the body of the faucet that’s well-made. The cartridge valve that controls the flow of water into the faucet is made from heavy-duty ceramic. According to the manufacturer, it can withstand over 500,000 operations.
2. Three Styles
You can get the ESOW reverse osmosis faucet in three finishes: brushed nickel, matte black, and polished chrome.
Each faucet has a beautiful modern style that matches perfectly with most kitchen sinks. The long goose neck spout looks elegant.
3. 90-degree Lever and 360-degree Spout
One advantage of lever handles over spring-loaded handles and buttons is their durability.
The stainless steel lever on the ESOW faucet is unlikely to fail you anytime soon. Most people, even those with arthritic fingers, will also find it easy to use.
For added ease of use, the long Spout swivels a full 360 degrees so you can position it wherever you want on the sink.
4. Fits Most Counters and RO Systems
The ESOW faucet is designed to work with most reverse osmosis filters and other filtration systems. To that end, it comes with four adapters: 1/2″ and 3/8″ faucet adapters and 1/4″ and 3/8″ quick connectors for your RO tubing.
It fits holes between 0.4″ and 1.96″ and can be installed on any countertop of up to 2.36″ in thickness.
ISSUES & LIMITATIONS
1. Average quality connectors
The faucet is well made, apart from the connectors. They feel a bit delicate.
While the rest of the faucet is likely to last for years without any problem, you may need to replace the connectors sooner when a leak inevitably develops.
Some customers decided to use their own better quality connectors’ right from the start.
BOTTOM LINE
The ESOW kitchen faucet is a great choice for most RO systems, whether from iSpring, Home Masters, or APEC.
#2
BEST CERTIFIED RO FAUCET: Water Filter Tec NSF Certificated Water Filtration Reverse Osmosis Faucet
BEST CERTIFIED RO FAUCET
If you want peace of mind that you are using a safe faucet for your RO water, we recommend this NSF-certified faucet from Water Filter Tec.
PROS
- NSF/ANSI certification.
- Stylish.
- Heavy-duty, lead-free construction.
- Versatile – works with most RO systems.
- Easy installation.
CONS
- A bit more expensive than comparable RO faucets.
KEY FEATURES
1. Lead-Free Construction
The Water Filter Tec reverse osmosis faucet is certified against the NSF/ANSI 372 standard, which guarantees that it is lead-free.
Other RO faucets claim to be lead-free, which is likely true for most of them, but the Water Filter Tec faucet has certification to back up its claim.
2. Wide Compatibility
The Water Filter Tec faucet should work with your RO system no matter which brand it is. It comes with two connectors for 1/4″ and 3/8″ tubing.
3. Easy-to-Use Handle and Swivel Spout
The opening/closing lever turns smoothly with minimal effort. And unlike spring-loaded faucets, this one will last for years without a problem.
The Spout swivels around 360 degrees, allowing you to position it wherever you want over the sink.
ISSUES & LIMITATIONS
Other than being just slightly more expensive than other non-air gap faucets, we couldn’t find any significant issue with the Water Filter Tec faucet.
Most customers also say the faucet has worked flawlessly since they installed it.
BOTTOM LINE
The Water Filter Tec RO faucet is a great choice for anyone looking for an NSF/ANSI-certified faucet for their reverse osmosis system.
#3
BEST AIR GAP RO FAUCET: Avanti Designer RO Faucet
BEST AIR GAP RO FAUCET
If you want to replace your non-air gap RO faucet with one that has a built-in air gap, we recommend the Avanti Designer RO faucet.
It is more expensive than air gap faucets, but it guarantees that contaminated water from the drain will never enter your RO system.
PROS
- Built-in air gap to protect the RO system from contaminated water.
- Available in two styles.
- Durable solid brass and stainless steel construction (lead-free).
- Easy to install.
- Certified to NSF/ANSI 61 standard.
CONS
- Pricey.
- Doesn't fit 3/8" tubing unless you buy a separate connector.
KEY FEATURES
1. Built-in Air Gap
With the integrated air gap, your RO system is well protected in case of a reverse suction in the drain line.
Instead of sucking drain water into your RO system, the air gap ensures that only air will be sucked in.
2. Smooth Turning Lever and 360-degree Spout
The quarter-turn level is easy to use even for people with reduced hand strength and mobility. It turns smoothly to open or close.
The long-necked swivel spout turns 360-degrees for easy and flexible positioning over the sink.
3. Durable Construction
The Avanti Designer RO faucet is designed to last a long time with minimal maintenance.
It is made from three high-quality materials: stainless steel and solid brass for the body and ceramic for the disk cartridge.
Unlike most of the free faucets included with RO systems, the Avanti faucet feels sturdier and more robust.
ISSUES & LIMITATIONS
1. Pricey
The Avanti Designer faucet costs almost twice as much as non-air gap faucets. If you are looking for a budget replacement for your RO faucet, see our last pick further below.
2. No 3/8" Connector
If your RO system uses 3/8″ tubing, you’ll need to buy a separate connector. Unlike most RO faucets, Avanti comes only with a 1/4″ connector.
BOTTOM LINE
The Avanti Designer RO faucet is a great choice for anyone looking for high quality and long-lasting air gap faucet for their reverse osmosis system.
#4
BEST STYLE: SUCASA Single Handle Drinking Water Faucet
BEST STYLE
Our top pick for style is the surprisingly affordable SUCASA RO water faucet.
Instead of the traditional gooseneck faucet design, SUCASA has an angular neck that gives it a unique vintage look.
PROS
- Great styling.
- Comes with connectors for 1/2", 1/4" and 3/8" systems.
- Available in two styles.
- Lead-free construction.
- The high Spout makes it easy to fill jugs and water bottles.
CONS
- None
KEY FEATURES
1. Unique Style with Two Finish Options
If you are looking for something a bit different from the usual curved RO faucets, you’ll love the SUCASA faucet’s unique style.
The Spout is angled rather than curved, giving it a beautiful vintage appearance.
You can get the faucet in two finishes. Get the oil rubbed bronze finish if you want an industrial, steampunk-ish style or the brushed stainless steel finish if you want a more contemporary style.
2. Wide Compatibility
The SUCASA faucet works with most under-sink filtration systems. It comes with connectors for 1/2″, 1/4″ and 3/8″ tubing.
3. Durable Construction
The faucet body is made with solid brass and stainless steel. This not only makes it strong and durable but also corrosion-free. You can go ahead and install the SUCASA faucet on your boat without worrying about rust.
The disc valve cartridge is made from heavy-duty ceramic and can last through more than half a million operations.
To back up the quality of the faucet, the manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty.
ISSUES & LIMITATIONS
None that we could find. There are no complaints from customers as well. The SUCASA RO faucet works exactly as advertised.
BOTTOM LINE
The SUCASA RO faucet is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a unique statement-making RO faucet that improves kitchen decor.
#5
BEST BUDGET RO FAUCET: Watts 116001 Air Gap Faucet
BEST BUDGET RO FAUCET
If you want an air gap faucet but think the Avanti Designer faucet is too pricey, the Watts 116001 air gap faucet is a cheaper alternative.
An important note before you order this faucet: it is labeled as low-lead rather than lead-free. However, the manufacturer says it meets all NSF lead requirements.
PROS
- Built-in air gap.
- Affordable.
- Beautiful chrome finish.
CONS
- It comes only with a 1/4" connector.
- Not lead-free.
- Problematic lever.
KEY FEATURES
1. Built-in Air gap
If you are looking for an air gap RO faucet, Watts 116001 is one of the cheapest ones you’ll find.
The built-in air gap prevents drain water from getting sucked into your RO system in case of a vacuum in the drain line.
2. Low-Lead Construction
The Watts 116001 RO faucet comes with a Proposition 65 warning for the presence of lead. But it shouldn’t worry you.
The faucet meets NSF’s low lead requirements, so it’s unlikely to pose any health risks.
3. Spring-loaded Handle
The Watts faucet uses a one-touch water dispensing valve instead of the more common quarter-turn handle.
Some people find it easier to use, but it can develop issues after some time.
ISSUES & LIMITATIONS
1. Not Lead-free
If you are looking for a 100% lead-free faucet, this is not it. The Watts RO faucet has low levels of lead, though the lead is unlikely to leach into the water.
2. Problematic Handle
The one-touch spring-loaded handle looks more stylish than a traditional faucet handle, but it is prone to problems.
Many customers say the springs get stiff with time, making it harder to dispense water. Also, the handle may start leaking after some time.
3. Noisy
The air gap produces some noise when water is draining.
BOTTOM LINE
The Watts 116001 faucet is a great choice for anyone looking for a cheap air gap faucet for their RO system.
Air Gap or No Air Gap?
Most RO systems come with a standard non-air gap faucet. Many RO system manufacturers also offer an air gap faucet as a separate accessory.
What’s the difference between an air gap and a non-air gap faucet, and which one do you need?
Non-Air Gap Faucet
This is your standard RO water faucet. It’s not connected at all to the drainage system. It only accepts filtered water from the RO system. The RO drain tube goes directly from the RO system to the drain saddle or adaptor.
A non-air gap faucet is easy to install and doesn’t make any noise.
On the downside, it will not protect your RO system from drain backflow if there’s a vacuum or clog in the drain. Some of the drain water could get into the RO system, contaminating your drinking water.
However, many RO systems have a flow restrictor that already prevents drain water backflow. So if you have a standard non-air gap faucet and your RO system has a flow restrictor, there’s nothing to worry about.
Air Gap Faucet
If you look at the bottom of the non-air gap faucet, only the threaded fitting that connects to the RO tubing is there.
A non-air gap faucet has the same threaded fitting as well as two smaller protrusions that serve as the inlet and outlet of drain water.
In a non-air gap faucet, drain water is routed through the bottom of the faucet before it goes down the drain. You insert the drain tube from the RO system into the small inlet and another drain tube into the outlet.
The outlet tube connects to the drain saddle or adapter.
When drain water enters the bottom of the faucet, it passes through a non-pressurized chamber – the air gap.
This air gap is there to prevent drain water from flowing back into the RO system in case of a clog or vacuum in the drain.
Instead, only air will be sucked.
If your RO system has a flow restrictor, you don’t need to replace the standard faucet that came with your filter.
However, if your RO system has no flow restrictor or your local plumbing code requires an air gap faucet, then you’ll need to buy a new faucet with a built-in air gap.
The main downside of an air gap faucet is the gurgling noise it makes as brine water passes through the air gap.
But this is common mostly in cheap air gap faucets. A good quality, well-made air gap RO faucet makes little or no noise.
RO Water Filter Faucet Installation
You don’t have to pay a plumber to install an RO faucet. It’s a 10-minute DIY job. Here are some quick tips.
- Switch off the feed valve and tank valve and remove the RO connector attached to the faucet.
- Remove the faucet by loosening and removing the nut underneath.
- Insert the top washers and baseplate through the stem of the new faucet. Make sure you insert them in the right order.
- Slide the stem through the hole in the sink and insert the bottom washers and nut through the faucet stem under the sink.
- Turn the nut to secure the faucet in place.
- Attach the RO tube into the connector (you can use the one included with the new faucet or the old one from the previous faucet) and secure the connector into the faucet stem.
- If it is an air gap faucet, attach the two drain tubes to the faucet.
- Re-open the feed valve and open the faucet. Check for leaks.
Portable RO Water Filters: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an air gap RO faucet?
It’s a faucet that routes drain water through an air gap at the bottom of the faucet. This prevents drain water from flowing back into the RO system in case there’s a clog or vacuum in the drain.
Why does my RO air gap faucet make noise?
The noise occurs when drain water passes through the air gap, resulting in a gurgling sound.
When replacing a water faucet, should I drain the RO system?
You don’t need to drain the entire system, only the water currently in the tube leading from the RO tank.
To drain this water, turn off the main feed valve as well as the tank ball valve. Then open the RO faucet and leave it on until water stops flowing out.
You can now go ahead and replace the faucet.
How do I drill a hole in my sink to add an RO faucet?
Make sure you are using the right drill bit for your sink material. Porcelain and granite sinks may need special drill bits.
Check that there are no pipes or wiring under where you plan to make a hole. Carefully make a hole using a 1/2″ drill bit.
How do I connect an RO system to the faucet?
Once you’ve installed the faucet, connect the tubing from the RO water filtration system (specifically, the tubing coming from the tank) to the faucet stem using the right connector size.
Most faucets come with connectors for 1/4″ and 3/8″ tubing.
How do I install an RO faucet without drilling?
The easiest way to install an RO faucet without drilling is by using a spare hole on your sink. You can pull out the water dispenser or an unused faucet and use the hole for your RO faucet.
What is the difference between an RO faucet and an ordinary faucet?
RO faucets are designed specifically for use with a reverse osmosis system or any other type of under-sink filtration system for drinking water.
They are designed for lower flow rates, and most lack an aerator. Some are also meant for use with cold RO water only and may be damaged by hot water.
Ordinary faucets, on the other hand, can handle fast-flowing water as well as hot and cold water. Most also have an aerator.
Another key difference is that RO filtration faucets don’t have all the extra functions you get from an ordinary faucet such as a pull-out sprayer, temperature sensor, or touch function.
Also, most reverse osmosis faucets have 1/4″ connectors while ordinary faucets use 3/8″ or 1/2″ connectors.
The Bottom Line
A good quality reverse osmosis faucet is not just about aesthetics; it also improves the functionality of your reverse osmosis system.
