How To Install Water Filters

by Kenna Johannsen on July 1, 2010

Everyone would like to have clean, clear drinking water. Water that is free of the impurities collected along the path from water catchment to kitchen faucet tastes better. Installing water filters is not as difficult an undertaking as you may think.

Different filter cartridges are available to filter different levels and types of contaminants in your water. You should choose the cartridge that is right for your area. The hardest part of the job is taking the time to read all the instructions first so this choice is correctly made.

Find a place under your sink where you will be able to easily reach the unit. Filter cartridges need to be replaced regularly so you want this to be easy. But, take care that the placement doesn’t block access to the plumbing. There will be times when you want easy access to the pipes as well. Put the apparatus where you want it to go and mark where the screws will be with a pencil.

Gather some basic tools so you will have what you need to install the filter unit. An adjustable wrench or wrench of a size that matches your plumbing fittings will be needed. This will be used to undo plumbing fittings and do them up again when the filtration unit has been attached. A drill and screwdriver are all that are needed to mount the unit under the sink.

Drill the holes in the wall where you have marked it using the correct size drill bit for the screws. Different models of filtration systems will have different numbers of screws to attach them but they will all provide the screws needed. Hold the unit in place and attach the screws to the wall. Check that it is mounted solidly.

Look under your sink for a cut off lever. This will turn off the flow of water in the area you are going to work. If there isn’t one you will have to turn it off at the meter. Turn the water off and turn the faucet on. Water in the pipes between the cutoff point and your faucet will drain out.

On close inspection you will find a flexible hose that connects the water supply with the pipes under your sink. This hose needs to be disconnected from the pipe and reconnected via the inlet of your water filtration unit. Place some paper towels under the hose before you disconnect it to absorb any remaining water in the line. A similar hose leads from the outlet of the unit and you connect this to the pipe under your sink.

Turn the water back on and check for leaks. If there are leaks turn the water off again and tighten the fittings. Turn the faucet on and let it flow until you can’t see any signs of sediment and the water flowing is completely clear. This should only take a few moments. If the water does not flow from the faucet check the lines to make sure you have connected them properly.

It is easy to install water filters that will provide clean, odorless drinking water at home. But, don’t forget to change the filter cartridges at recommended intervals or all your good work will be undone.

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