Can You Install a Reverse-Osmosis Water Filter On Your Own?

Many homeowners are reluctant to invest in an excellent water filtration system because they dread the installation process. They feel forced to choose between paying expensive installation fees or putting in hours of painstaking labor without even knowing if they’re doing it the right way.

We want to let our customers know that it’s possible to install a high-quality reverse-osmosis water filter as a DIY project. No need to rely on professionals when you take the time to understand the process on your own. And it’s probably a lot simpler than you think!

You don’t have to wait around for a pro’s help once you have the right tools for the job and a solid understanding of the installation process. In fact, we’ll take you step by step through installing a Nu Aqua Reverse Osmosis System so you can see how easy it is to enjoy the clean, crisp and convenient drinking water you’ve always wanted.

Step 1: Location, Location, Location

The first step in the process is easy and doesn’t require any of that scary technical know-how; all you have to do is find the right place to install your filtration system! Most people want to install it under their kitchen sink because it’s central to where you’d get drinking water and water to cook with.

If this is your plan, make sure you have enough space under your kitchen counter to accommodate the entire system and the tank. You’ll also want to make sure you have room on top of your sink for your new faucet, as you won’t be able to use the existing faucet you have for RO filtered water.

Step 2: Trust Your Tools

Make sure you have all the right tools before taking on the project. The proper equipment turns the installation process from a pain in the neck to a snap of the fingers (well, not literally -- that’s what the tools are for). You’ll need:

• Wrenches (various sizes, ranging from about 7/16” to 5/8”)
• A Phillips head screwdriver with a 3/8” chuck
• Drill bits ranging from ¼” to 1 1/8”

Step 3: READ!

Make sure to read and understand every step of the installation process before you’ve started it, rather than on the fly. This way, you won’t throw off the entire installation process by making last-second adjustments or trying to cut corners after a small mistake.

Step 4: Close Your Cold Water Valve

This will aid in the safe installation of the system and protect you against any unwanted splashes or sprays! If your cold water valve does not turn on and off on its own, you’ll likely need to shut off the entire water system in your residence.

Step 5: Connect the System to Your Cold Water Line

The next step is to connect the system to your waterline. You’ll need to consult your individual filtration system’s instructions for the details on how to do this properly, but you’ll need a wrench to attach the valve securely. You’ll also need to drill a small hole in the wall of your pipe to attach the drain clamp.

Step 6: Connect the Faucet

Position your faucet so that it looks good in your kitchen, is easy and convenient to access, and works properly. The faucet should be installed on a flat surface that has plenty of room for easy access. The flat surface will allow your faucet to connect tightly and securely to the water source so you aren’t at risk for disconnections.

Step 7: Start Up Your System

Once all the pieces of your reverse-osmosis filtration system are in place, it’s time to fire it up and start enjoying clean, filtered water. When you first turn the system on, you’re not going to see water right away. Don’t get frustrated and start ripping it apart just yet. You’ll first have to wait 10-15 minutes for air to clear from the system.

Once the excess air clears the R.O. water tank will start to fill, which typically takes a few hours. Experts recommend draining the system three times prior to use to make sure that any impurities introduced during the installation or manufacturing processes are removed.

You’ll also need to look out for leaks or other issues as you begin using the system. But these problems are extremely rare for those who have taken the care to follow instructions during installation. Enjoying delicious filtered water doesn’t have to be a pain.

So while the job isn’t the simplest task in the work, you can see that it’s possible to do it on your own. Anyone can install a reverse-osmosis filtration system with the right tools, the right attitude, and a little bit of time.