Question 1

will the cuzn uc-200 filter make my water softer or reduce TDS?

Accepted Answer

No. The UC-Series does not reduce TDS or water hardness. A TDS/PPM meter is not valid for testing this system's performance. To monitor performance, use chlorine or contaminant-specific test strips. This filter is designed to remove specific contaminants like chlorine, not minerals that cause hardness. If you need to reduce TDS or soften water, you require a different system. Contact APEC Water for reverse osmosis options, which are designed to reduce TDS. Their support number is (800) 880-4808.

Question 2

i installed my cuzn uc-200 but no water comes out at all, cold water valve is on. what did i do wrong?

Accepted Answer

You likely connected the hoses backward. Shut off the cold water valve. Check the connections. The existing cold water line from your house plumbing must connect to the filter outlet port. The outlet port is on the top cap. The included 3/8" braided hose must connect the cold water shutoff valve to the filter inlet port on the bottom cap. Reverse them if they're wrong. Hand-tighten, then give a wrench an additional half-turn (or one full turn for plastic tubing). Do not over-tighten. If connections are correct and still no water, the valve might not be fully open or there's a kink in the line. Ensure the unit is mounted vertically. Slowly reopen the shutoff valve a quarter turn at a time. If water still won't flow, stop. Call APEC Water support at (800) 880-4808. Do not force anything.

Question 3

my cuzn water filter is making a gurgling noise, is something wrong?

Accepted Answer

Gurgling is usually just trapped air in the lines, especially right after installation. It's common. Let the system settle. Running the cold water faucet for a few minutes can help purge the air. Air bubbles can cause cloudy water for the first day or two, and that same air can cause gurgling sounds. If the gurgling is accompanied by very low water flow, you might have an airlock. Run all your faucets—hot and cold—and any side sprayers to clear it. If the noise persists for more than a couple days or starts to sound like a serious rattle, check that the unit is mounted vertically and all connections are secure. If you're unsure, a quick call to APEC Water support can rule out a faulty valve.

Question 4

how do i know when to replace the filter in my cuzn uc-200?

Accepted Answer

The standard replacement schedule for the UC-200 is after 5 years. Filter life depends on incoming water quality. You must write down your installation date. Monitor performance with chlorine or contaminant-specific test strips. Do not use a TDS/PPM meter; it is not valid for this system. If you notice a significant drop in water flow or a change in taste/odor before 5 years, replace the filter early. Excess sediment from galvanized pipes or high-sediment areas can shorten filter life. Register your warranty with APEC Water. They recommend installing a sediment prefilter upstream if you have visible particulate matter or live in an area like parts of NY or NJ.

Question 5

can i use my cuzn uc-200 with my private well water?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot use your UC-200 with private well water. The UC-200 is designed exclusively for municipally treated cold water. It is not rated for well water or any water that is microbiologically unsafe. Using it with well water will void the warranty and will not provide the necessary protection. If you have well water, you require a different filtration system. You should contact APEC Water for systems designed to handle different contaminants, such as a reverse osmosis system. Their phone number is (800) 880-4808. Remember, the unit must only be connected to a cold water line. Never hook it up to a hot water supply.

Question 6

i think my cuzn filter is leaking from one of the connections, what should i do?

Accepted Answer

Don't panic. First, you need to shut off the water. Go under the sink and locate the cold water shutoff valve. Turn it off completely. Once the water is off, identify which connection is leaking. It will be either where the existing cold water line connects to the filter outlet (top cap) or where the braided hose connects to the filter inlet (bottom cap). For a plastic tubing connection, tighten it by hand, then give it one full turn with a wrench. For other connections, hand-tighten first, then turn an additional half-turn with a wrench. Do not over-tighten. Slowly reopen the shutoff valve, turning it just a quarter turn at a time. Check the connection again. If it still leaks, shut the water off and tighten it another quarter turn. Repeat until it's leak-free. If the leak persists or you see a crack in the housing, stop and call APEC Water support immediately at (800) 880-4808.

Question 7

my cuzn uc-200 water flow is super slow, barely a trickle. help?

Accepted Answer

Check three things, in this order. First, ensure the cold water shutoff valve under your sink is fully open. Second, run your hot and cold faucets and any side sprayers to clear airlocks in your plumbing. Third, unscrew and clean the aerator screen on your faucet; sediment can clog it. If flow is still low, sediment may be clogging the filter inlet. This is common if you have galvanized steel pipes or are in a high-sediment area like parts of NY or NJ. You'll need a sediment prefilter installed upstream. Call APEC Water support at (800) 880-4808 before doing anything else. They can diagnose and send the right prefilter.

Question 8

just installed my cuzn uc-200 under sink filter and the water coming out is dark brown, is this normal?

Accepted Answer

The dark water is carbon dust from the new filter. It's normal. Flush the system. Turn on the cold water faucet and run water for 5 minutes. The water should run clear after that. If the water stays dark after flushing for 5 minutes, check the installation. Make sure you connected the filter correctly. The existing cold water line goes to the outlet port on the top cap. The included braided hose connects the shutoff valve to the inlet port on the bottom cap. Air bubbles can also cause cloudy water for the first 1-2 days. Let a glass of water sit; the bubbles will dissipate.

CuZn UC-200 Under Sink Water Filter

Other Water Filters & Purifiers