How to Install Under-the-Sink Water Filters
Installing an under-sink water filtration system will not only give you the often-desired filtered water, right from the tap, it also allows for a very clean installation. With no bulky or otherwise detracting components above the counter, your kitchen can retain its original design and decorum. You install under-sink filters between the cold water supply and the faucet, as there is typically no need to filter hot water, but you can repeat this process for the hot water line if needed. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Plumber's Teflon tape
- Adjustable wrench
- Under-sink filtration system kit
- Towels
Instructions
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1
Clean and clear the area where you will place the filter. Ensure that there is plenty of room and that the area is dry, to prevent mildew and other water-related damage.
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2
Turn off the cold and hot water valves on the supply going to the sink, found under the counter. Alternatively, you can turn off the main water supply to the house -- a useful option in cases where there are not shut-off valves under the sink.
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3
Disconnect the cold water supply line from the feed going to the faucet, using the adjustable wrench.
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4
Connect the input of the under-sink filter to the water supply line, tightening gently with the adjustable wrench.
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5
Connect the output of the under-sink filter to the cold water supply connection on the faucet, tightening gently with the adjustable wrench.
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6
Insert the water filter cartridge into the filter, if it did not come already installed. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to complete this.
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7
Turn on the hot and cold water valves or the main water supply.
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Tips & Warnings
You should wrap plumber's tape, also known as Teflon tape, around all male terminal points prior to screwing the joints together to ensure tight, waterproof joints.
Be careful when using plug-in lights with this project, as you will be working near water. While the water supply will be shut off, that doesn't mean you won't encounter a large amount of water. Have towels on standby as well.
Follow the guidance in the manufacturer's manual regarding the maintenance and changing of filter cartridges. Installing a filtration system and not changing the filter when needed can result in a much lower quality of water than comes from a standard tap.
