How To Install an Under Sink Water Filtration System

Thinking about improving the quality of your drinking water? An under-the-sink filtration system may be an affordable solution for you. These filters only provide filtration to the sink where they are installed. They provide the best filtration for your drinking water because they filter out any impurities right before the water leaves your faucet. Under-the-sink systems come in different models designed to filter out different contaminants. An Aquasana water test will give you a better idea of the quality of your water and what you might want to filter out. Installing a system under your sink is fairly easy and can be completed in a few easy steps.

The First Step: Filter Placement

The first thing you will need to do is to determine where you want to place the filter. It needs to be indoors to avoid freezing, unless you live somewhere it does not freeze. Make sure that there is enough space under the filter so that once you hang it by the bracket, you can still take the filter cartridge out for easy replacement. If you put it too close to the bottom of the cabinet, the filter will be stuck. Pre-drilling the holes for your bracket will make installation easier. Make sure to use wood screws in order to ensure that the filtration system will stay where you put it.

The Second Step: Access the Water Supply Line

Next, you will need to gain access to the water supply line. Always make sure to shut off your water and have a bucket handy before attempting this installation. Determine what type of pipes you have under the sink. If you have copper pipes, you will need a tubing cutter. Make sure to leave at least three inches above the shutoff valve so that you don't interfere with the shutoff mechanism. If you have flexible plastic tubing, you can simply disconnect the tubing from the supply line. Drain your supply line into the bucket.

The Third Step: Place a Compression Nut on Both Ends of the Line

Now you need to connect the two pipes. Compression fittings, or compression nuts. are an easy, inexpensive way to connect two pieces of plumbing. They have a semi-rigid ring that spreads out and securely fills the space between the two cut pipes. When installed correctly, they will ensure that there are no leaks between the two pieces of cut pipes. If you have copper pipes, insert the compression nut into the lines leading to and from the filter, then tighten the nut using two adjustable wrenches. If you have flexible plastic tubing, connect the tubing that is from the outlet of the filter right to the faucet, and then tighten the compression nuts.

The Fourth Step: Connect the Water Lines to the Filter

This step is only for copper pipes. If you have flexible plastic tubing, you should skip this step and move on to the next step. Place compression nuts over each side of the water line. Using an adjustable wrench again, tighten the nuts onto the filter. Make sure they are tight so there are no water leaks.

The Fifth Step: Flushing Out Your New System

Make sure that the cartridge is installed in the system, and then turn the water on. You may see some dirt and sediment coming out of the faucet for a few minutes. This is normal and you should continue to run the water until it is clear. Check your work for leaks. It is better to find one now than to find one months from now that has caused damage. If there are no leaks, then your new system is ready to go!

If you are a visual learner, there are videos available on YouTube detailing these same steps. These tutorials are not always performed by a licensed plumber, however, so be careful when choosing one to watch. Experts from your local hardware store can help you pick the right fittings for you pipes and any other tools that you might need. Different filtration systems may need slightly different instructions.

Tackling your own home improvement projects can leave you with a sense of accomplishment and ownership, and they get even cheaper with Aquasana special offers. Installing an under-the-sink water filtration system will allow you access to clean drinking water, which is so important to everyday life.