Always discard tap tank water. Always press Filter Reset after replacing a filter. Always keep the unit plugged in.
- Discard every time. The remaining water in the tap tank is concentrated waste water, not reusable tap water. Refilling on top of it causes rapid scale buildup and voids the warranty.
- Press Filter Reset after every filter installation. Without this step, the AquaTru cannot track the new filter’s life. Hold the button for 3–5 seconds on the back of the unit until the indicator turns off.
- Keep the unit plugged in. AquaTru tracks filter life based on water volume processed. When unplugged, it cannot track — filter life indicators become inaccurate.
System specifications
| Models covered | AT2000, AT2010, AT2020, AT2030, AT2040, AT2050 |
| Certifications | IAPMO R&T — Certified against NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 58, 372, and 401 |
| Daily production rate | 54 GPD |
| Filtration time (one full tank) | 12–15 minutes normal; Maintenance alert triggers if over 30 minutes |
| Maximum TDS (inlet) | 1,500 mg/L |
| Maximum hardness | 10 GPG / 171 mg/L — see hard water warning below |
| Operating temperature | 40–100°F (4–38°C) |
| Input power | 100–240V, 50–60 Hz (universal voltage) |
| TDS rejection target | ≥90% when working normally; replace RO filter if below 80% |
| Customer support | 800.220.6570 · cs@aquatru.com · AquaTru.com |
| Warranty | One-year limited (unit only; filters not covered) |
If your water hardness exceeds 10 GPG, lime scale will build up rapidly on the RO membrane, plugging it and making the system ineffective. AquaTru does not recommend use above 10 GPG unless the water is softened before pouring into the tap water tank. Test your hardness with a water test kit and use AquaTru Descaling Powder proactively if you’re in a hard water area.
4-stage filtration process
The AquaTru Classic filters water through 4 stages before it reaches the tank. Understanding which stage does what helps you diagnose taste problems and prioritize which filter to replace.
The AT2004 VOC filter adds alkaline remineralization (pH and mineral boost). Both AT2003 and AT2004 are compatible with all AquaTru Classic models.
| Stage | Filter | Part # | Removes | Replace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 & 2 | Pre/Carbon Filter | AT2001 | Sand, silt, rust; chlorine taste and odor; conditions water before RO | Every 6–12 months |
| 3 | RO Membrane | AT2002 | Heavy metals, PFAS, fluoride, nitrates, pharmaceuticals, dissolved contaminants down to 0.0001 micron | Every 2 years typical |
| 4 | VOC Carbon Filter | AT2003 | Volatile organic compounds (VOCs); enhances taste | Every 12 months |
| 4 (alt) | VOC Carbon Filter + Alkaline | AT2004 | VOCs + pH boost and mineral remineralization | Every 12 months |
The tap tank discard rule — the most important habit
The AquaTru concentrates contaminants in the tap water tank during filtration. The remaining water in that tank is highly concentrated waste water — not just unconcentrated tap water. Refilling on top of it accelerates scale buildup and voids the warranty.
When the Empty & Refill Tap Tank indicator lights up, the tap tank has approximately one-quarter of water remaining. This is the concentrated waste water — discard it entirely. Refill fresh cold tap water to just below the tank handle. Reinstall.
Display indicators
Filter replacement schedule & procedure
After installing any new filter, you must run and discard 4 full flush cycles from first install, or 2 full filtered water tanks after replacement, before drinking. This flushes carbon fines and manufacturing residue from new filter media. Do not skip this step.
Step-by-step filter replacement
- Open the side panel (lift from bottom)
- Wait 60 seconds to depressurize
- Pivot filter outward to improve access
- Remove old filter by turning counter-clockwise
- If filter is hard to thread: wet the O-ring under cold water for a few seconds
- Line up RED arrow on filter with RED arrow on base
- Turn clockwise until tightly seated
- Pivot filter to upright position; close side panel
- Press and hold Filter Reset Button (back of unit) for 3–5 seconds until indicator turns off
- Discard first 2 full filtered water tanks
Manual (early) filter reset
To reset a filter before the Change Filter indicator activates:
- Press and hold Filter Reset Button for 10 seconds until all 3 filter indicators light up
- A single press moves to the next filter indicator (1–2 → 3 → 4 → back to 1–2)
- Once the filter you want to reset is blinking, hold the button for 3–5 seconds — the light blinks rapidly to confirm reset
- If you decide not to reset any filter, leave untouched for 15 seconds; unit automatically exits reset mode
Maintenance alert — causes and solutions
The Maintenance light activates when one full tank takes longer than 30 minutes to filter. Normal is 12–15 minutes. Check in this order:
Remove and inspect the tap tank for white scale deposits. Fill a clean tap tank with cold fresh water, place on base, empty the filtered tank, and time one full filtration cycle. If it takes 20–30 minutes, you have high TDS water. Descale the tap tank with AquaTru Descaling Powder (Part #10AT01CADK06) or equal parts warm water and white distilled vinegar. Soak 30–60 minutes, scrub with a non-abrasive sponge, rinse thoroughly.
If filtration is still slow after cleaning the tap tank, scale has built up inside the unit or on the RO membrane. Use the AquaTru Descaling Kit (Part# 90AT01DK01) and follow the kit instructions for the full internal descaling process. After descaling, filter one full tank and time it again. If still over 30 minutes, replace the RO filter (AT2002) regardless of whether the Change Filter indicator is lit.
If no water is filtering through at all after descaling and RO replacement, a valve malfunction requires service. Contact AquaTru: 800.220.6570 or cs@aquatru.com. A valve malfunction requires support diagnosis — do not attempt internal repairs.
Descaling — complete instructions
Tap water tank scale (hard water deposits)
- Fill tank with warm water + 1 Descaling Powder packet
- Let soak 1 hour
- Scrub with non-abrasive sponge — wash tank valve at bottom
- Rinse thoroughly before reinstalling
- Equal parts warm water + white distilled vinegar
- Soak 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Scrub with non-abrasive sponge
- Rinse very thoroughly before reinstalling
Internal unit descaling (for Maintenance alert)
Use the AquaTru Descaling Kit (Part# 90AT01DK01) for internal descaling. Follow the kit instructions specifically — the process is different from tap tank descaling and requires running the solution through the system, not just soaking. Order at AquaTru.com.
Cleaning and maintenance schedule
| Frequency | Task | Part/Product |
|---|---|---|
| Every use | Discard remaining tap tank water before refilling — mandatory for warranty validity | None |
| Weekly | Wash both tanks with soap and water; rinse water level sensor in filtered tank; dry properly | Dish soap; non-abrasive sponge |
| Weekly | Keep unit away from sunlight and heat; wipe exterior if needed | Non-abrasive cloth |
| Every 6–12 months | Replace Pre/Carbon Filter; press Filter Reset; discard first 2 filtered tanks | AT2001 |
| Every 12 months | Replace VOC Carbon Filter; press Filter Reset; discard first 2 filtered tanks | AT2003 or AT2004 |
| Every 2 years (or per display) | Replace RO Membrane; press Filter Reset; discard first 2 filtered tanks | AT2002 |
| Every 6 months | Nitrate/Nitrite test on filtered water (NSF 58 requirement) — free test strips at aquatruwater.com/nitratetesting | Free test strips |
| As needed (scale visible) | Descale tap tank with Descaling Powder or vinegar | Part #10AT01CADK06 |
| If Maintenance light activates | Full unit descaling with Descaling Kit | Part# 90AT01DK01 |
| After any filter installation | Discard first 2 full filtered water tanks produced | None |
| Before vacation / storage | Power off; wash and dry both tanks; run 4 flush cycles upon return | Dish soap |
| Algae if present | Soak affected tank in diluted bleach 1 hour; wash thoroughly with soap and water; rinse very thoroughly | Household bleach (diluted); dish soap |
Troubleshooting — official FAQ from owner’s manual
All causes and solutions below are sourced directly from the AquaTru Classic Owner’s Manual (04.25.R4).
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Unit won’t power on | Not plugged in; power switch off; side panel not fully closed; tanks not seated | Connect power adapter to GFCI outlet; turn on back switch; close side panel fully; press down firmly on both tanks |
| Filtered tank empty but won’t start filtering | Tap tank empty; tanks not seated; tap tank not discarded before refilling; water level sensor wet | Fill tap tank; press down on both tanks; always discard old water before refilling; dry water level sensor at top of filtered tank |
| Filtering slower than normal / Maintenance light on | Hard water scale in tap tank; scale on RO membrane; valve malfunction | Descale tap tank; use AquaTru Descaling Kit; replace RO filter AT2002 if needed; contact support for valve issues |
| Higher TDS than before | New VOC filter not yet flushed; RO filter needs replacement | Run 4 flush tanks after filter install; replace AT2002 if TDS reduction below 80% |
| Bad taste | Filters not flushed; filters need replacing; dirty tanks | Run 4 flush tanks after install; order new filters; wash both tanks weekly |
| Tanks smell | Dirty tanks; algae from sunlight/heat exposure | Wash weekly with soap and water; keep away from sunlight; soak in diluted bleach if algae present |
| Tanks leaking | Not properly seated; valve not closing; scale on valves | Remove and firmly press down to reseat; test valve pin; descale valve with Descaling Powder or vinegar |
| Water leaking from unit (not dispenser) | Filters installed incorrectly; O-ring not seated; defective filter | Reinstall filters with wet O-ring; ensure O-ring is properly seated; contact AquaTru.com if filter appears loose |
| Change Filter light won’t turn off | Filter Reset not pressed after replacement | Replace the indicated filter; hold Filter Reset Button for 3–5 seconds until indicator turns off |
| White cloudiness in tap tank | Micro air bubbles from RO membrane | Normal — completely harmless. Water is not contaminated. |
| White scale in tap tank | Hard water mineral deposits | Descale with AquaTru Descaling Powder (Part #10AT01CADK06) or equal parts warm water and white vinegar |
| Strange noise | Normal pump operation; new filter saturation | Normal during filtration; reduces after first few cycles with new filters |
| Water from bottom after filter install | Water drains from filter base during depressurization — by design | Normal — wait 60 seconds after removing cover before removing filters; holes at bottom are drainage by design |
Nitrate/Nitrite testing — NSF 58 requirement
Under certain conditions, Nitrate/Nitrite removal efficiency can drop even while all other contaminants remain well-controlled. AquaTru is certified against NSF 58 and must allow users to verify RO performance for Nitrate/Nitrite specifically.
Test every 6 months or whenever you change the Pre/Carbon Filter. Free Nitrate/Nitrite test strips available at: aquatruwater.com/nitratetesting. If Nitrate/Nitrite exceeds safe levels, replace the RO filter (AT2002) immediately.