There are multiple reasons why you might want to consider using filtered water. It will be able to deliver a better taste. Plus, you’ll be removing contaminants, like lead, from the water. This will improve your health and might be able to lower the risk associated with some types of disease, like colon and rectal cancer. This post goes into more detail about some of the benefits of filtered water.
Today, these systems are easier to use than ever. Under sink filters will divert the water through a plastic pipe. It gets funneled through the filter, so you get clean water whenever you turn on the taps. The good news is that these systems are fairly easy to install. You should be able to do it yourself in an afternoon. Here are the steps that you’ll need to go through.
Choosing the Right System
There are many types of under sink filtration systems for you to choose from. The first step is trying to find the right one for you. There are plenty of things to consider when making this decision. First, you’ll need to think about the number of filtration cartridges included. Generally, the more stages the water is filtered through, the cleaner it will become.
You’ll also have to think about the expected flow rate. This is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). This might be a little slower than you got before you installed the filter. But, if you match the GPM to your existing taps, the change shouldn’t be too dramatic.
Third, most of these systems are fairly compact, so you won’t have any problem fitting them under the sink. But it’s a good idea to double-check these measurements, especially if you are dealing with a fairly tight space.
Finally, you want to make sure that you are picking something that will last for a long time. The best way to do this is by picking a high-quality product. You can use this in-depth under sink water filter guide to find the right one for you.
Gather Your Tools
The first thing that you need to do is gather all your tools. The good news is that you don’t need a lot of equipment. All you need is a good wrench. The connectors will be included with the water filtration system.
Find Your Cold Water Line
The next thing that you need to do is locate the hot water line. The best way to do this is by running the hot water for a few minutes. Then, reach under the sink and feel the pipes. One should be hot and the other will be cold. In most cases, the cold water pipe will be on the left side of the sink.
Once you know this, you’ll need to turn off the cold water supply. You might need to go into the basement to do this.
Break the Connection
The next step of the process is to break the connection on the top of the nut. To do this, you will need to use a wrench to loosen the nut. You might need to remove the tubing that is inside the pipe.
Prepare the New Connection
Once you have taken out the old nut, it’s time to start preparing the new connection. You should have a male end, with a nut. This is where you will screw in the new nut. You’ll also need to have a female end. This will have exposed threading. To form a watertight connection, you’ll need to wrap it in Teflon tape. It’s best to wrap the threading a few times.
Once you’ve done this, thread the connection onto the new nut. You can use the wrench to tighten it up. Be careful to avoid overtightening.
Insert the Plastic into the Connection
Next, it’s time to install the plastic line into the connection. To do this, you will need to thread it into one side of the cut-off valve, which should come with the filter. There will be another plastic line that you’ll need to thread into the other side of the connection. Next, you’ll need to put the nut on the end. Finally, thread the insert into the plastic pipe. Tighten the nut onto the connector.
Insert the Faucet
Now it’s time to put in the faucet. To make sure that it stays watertight, you’ll need to put some putty under the gasket. You should be able to use a pre-existing hole. If not, you will need to measure and drill one.
Then, you’ll need to move under the sink. Attach the back plate and locking washer into the faucet. While you are doing this, you’ll need to have a friend hold the faucet in place. This will hold it in place. Next, you’ll need to connect the water hose. Push in an insert. Then, slide the plastic pipe onto the faucet. You’ll need to use a nut to hold it in place. While it should be snug, you don’t want the nut to be overtight. This video will guide you through the process.
Measuring up the Water Filter
Once you’ve got your plumbing connections ready, time to move on to the water filter. The first thing that you need to do is decide where you want the filter to be located in the sink. It’s usually best to put it next to the cold water pump. You just need to make sure that there is enough space to house it. It’s also important to make sure that you will have enough space to change the filter.
Once you have found the right space, it’s time to measure up for the filter. Often, they will come with a metal brace, which the unit will slot into. Drill screws in the allotted space on the braces. Make sure the screws are tight, then add the filtration unit.
Prepare the Filtration Unit
Once the filter is in, it’s time to get it ready for the water connectors. Sometimes, you might get brass fittings. To attach these, you’ll need to wrap them with Teflon tape, which creates a watertight connection. Then, you’ll need to screw them into the top of the filter. As you’re doing this, you’ll need to refer to the markings on the unit. One will be marked ‘in’ and the other labeled ‘out’. Double-check that they are put into the right hole.
Attach the Water Lines
Now, it should simply be a matter of connecting the plastic water lines into the filtration system. First, you’ll need to connect the cold water feed. This is the line that comes from your water pipes. It will be placed on the ‘in’ part of the filter. Often, you’ll just need to push these lines into the filter. Depending on the system, you might need to use an insert or tighten with a nut.
Next, you’ll need to attach the output line. This will connect the filtration system to your faucet. It will go into the ‘out’ connection. Before doing this, you might need to trim the plastic line to size. You should be able to make a clean cut with a Stanley knife. Now, all the connections should have been made. Before turning on the water, double-check that they are all secured properly.
Turn on the Water Lines and Test the Filter
Now it’s time to put your filter to the test. Turn the water back on. You should have water coming out of the newly installed faucet. Check under the sink. Look at each of the connections. There shouldn’t be any leaks. If there are, turn off the water and tighten up the connection.
When you first install the filter, don’t worry if the water is discolored or has an odd smell. It is just the filter debris making its way through the system. You’ll need to leave on for a few minutes. After this time, it will run clear and the water will be safe for you to drink.
Changing the Filter Cartridges
Installing the water filter is the most difficult part of this process. But the cartridges won’t last forever. You’ll often need to change these every three to six, but double-check this with your manual. Here are some signs that it’s time to change the cartridge. The good news is that replacing the cartridges will be fairly easy. All you need to do is remove the old ones and slot the new one into its place. While you’re doing this, you might want to put a towel beneath the filtration unit. This will gather up any water that spills out of the machine.
Conclusion
A water filtration system is a great way to make sure that you are drinking clean water. It will remove any potentially harmful contaminants. Even better, installing the machine is very simple. As long as you follow this series of steps, you shouldn’t have any problems. So, install one of these devices in your home today to ensure that you have a steady supply of safe drinking water.
