How to Install a Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
Installing a reverse osmosis water filtration system can be one of the best things you do for the health of yourself and your family. Reverse osmosis water treatment removes harmful pollutants from your water for all purposes--washing, bathing, cooking and needless to say drinking. A reverse osmosis system removes not only the unwanted and perhaps unpleasant-tasting TDS, or total dissolved solids, from "hard" water, it also removes the toxins that are deliberately added to protect you from other toxins if you live in an urban or suburban area, such as chlorine. In most cases you will configure the reverse osmosis system to go under the sink. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Reverse osmosis water filtration kit
- Electric drill
- Wrench
- Utility knife
Instructions
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Instructions
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1
Choose a reverse osmosis water filtration system and configuration. There are two basic types of systems: TFC (thin film composite) and CTA (cellulose triacetate). The difference is that while the CTA is chlorine resistant, the TFC is more efficient. If you are attempting to remove chlorine from your water but you want to go with a TFC reverse osmosis system, you'll have to also buy and install a carbon prefilter.
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2
Attempt the installation of your reverse osmosis water filtration system under your sink. If you find that it cannot be fitted there, install it in the basement beneath the sink or in a close-by cabinet.
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3
Connect the output tube from the reverse osmosis system to your sink's waste pipe.
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4
Connect your source water tube to your pipe for cold water via the kit's included saddle valve, or, if there is no saddle valve, via the insertion of a "T" into the sink's pipe for the cold water. This connection needs a shutoff valve.
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5
Install your faucet. You may need to replace your current faucet for maximum efficiency, such as by buying one that has a combination faucet and sprayer.
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6
Install your refrigerator line by drilling holes as needed and then running the tube for this line to the back of your refrigerator and connecting it into your faucet. The kit instructions will show you how this line needs to be hooked up.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember that you will need to choose a different configuration for your reverse osmosis water treatment system for installing it in another location besides under the sink.
You can use a TDS meter for measuring the total dissolved solids in your output water, to help you know when it's time to change your filters.
You can buy and connect a refrigeration kit that allows you to connect your reverse osmosis system directly into your refridgerator so that you can get clean chilled water and clean, great-tasting ice cubes.
