How to Install a Water Filter
Modern water filtration products from a reputable company come with easy-to-follow installation instructions, often even available on video, complete with all the parts you need. If you can replace a shower head, you will be able to install most of the products yourself. You should be able to view these instructions online before making your decision to purchase a product.
Countertop Water Filter
A countertop filter is connected to the existing faucet by means of an adapter and two thin hoses. Installation step-by-step:
- unpack and check the contents;
- unscrew the aerator from the faucet and remove the existing washer;
- attach the supplied faucet diverter valve in place of the aerator; use washers and the supplied adapters, if necessary;
- turn the filter housing upside down, and attach the plastic hoses to the filter unit by pushing them into place as shown in the instructions;
- check for correct water flow and leakages; then let the water run a few minutes to clear any carbon particles; turn the filter unit over - finished.
Under-Sink Water Filter
This installation needs a few more tools and a basic level of plumbing experience. If you can’t fit the filtered water faucet into an existing hole in the counter or sink, you will need a 7/8 inch drill. How to do it step-by-step:
- unpack and check the contents;
- locate a place for the bracket of the filter unit under the sink, so that the tubes to and from the faucet fit without kinking or side pressure;
- locate a place for the faucet on the sink or counter, so that the outlet of the faucet reaches over the sink; use an existing spare hole in the edge of the sink, or alternatively drill a 7/8 inch hole for the faucet;
- turn off the cold water supply valve;
- mount the faucet with the supplied washers and nuts, according to the instruction diagram;
- fit the supplied t-adapter to the cold water line;
- attach the hoses from the faucet to the t-adapter and to the filter unit;
- turn the water supply back on, check for leaks, and let the filter run clear for a few minutes.
The t-adapter is often supplied in both 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch to cater for differences in the individual plumbing.
Shower Filter
Shower filters are the easiest of all the filters to install. Some shower filters even come with a proprietary adjustable shower head. The simple steps are:
- unpack and check contents;
- remove existing shower head;
- make sure that the washers are in place, and attach the assembled filter system to the shower pipe;
- flush the filter system to remove small carbon particles from the manufacturing process; start with cold water; repeat with warm water; turn the water on and off a few times, until the water flows clear;
- attach the supplied shower head - finished.
House Water Filtration System
Important: Whole house water filters need to be installed close to the incoming water supply line in a place where they are under constant pressure. Installation requires a professional level of plumbing. The actual plumbing should not take longer than 2 to 3 hours. The units must be flushed thoroughly to remove the carbon fines from the granular carbon filter prior to installation, following the given instructions. To qualify for the one year warranty, most manufactures require a whole house water filter to be installed by an licensed plumber.