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Installing
"Under the Sink" Water Filters
Installing
an under the sink water-treatment system, which
uses filter cartridges is a relatively easy and
inexpensive Do-It-Yourself project.
The average price of under-sink water
filters range from $55.0 to over $400.00 for
the system, and this does not include the cost
of hiring a plumber if you don’t want to
install the unit yourself.
This project requires mounting the
filter unit under the sink, and then using
special saddle valves, connecting the systems
plastic tubing to your existing cold water
pipes. Some
brands of under-sink filter systems come with
all the tubing and connecting valves, you’ll
need to complete your project, while other
provide a list of items you will need to
purchase in order to complete the job.
You
do not have to modify you existing faucet with
under-sink water filters nor will you have a
cluttered counter. However, under-sink water filters will take up space from the
cabinet beneath the sink where you install the
system. In
addition, you will need to drill a hole in your
sink and or counter top for the dispenser.
When
installing an under-sink filter, make sure that
you take the time to read and follow the
manufacturer’s installation instructions, as
this will save you both time and frustration.
The following instructions are a brief
outline of how to install most brands of under-sink
water filter systems.
These instructions are not meant to
replace your manufacturer’s instructions.
1.
Start by deciding approximately where
you want to mount the counter top dispenser,
then carefully read and follow the
manufacturer's directions for the location and
size of the hole for the counter top dispenser. If your sink has an unused or extra hole, then your job is
even easier.
However, if you do not have an extra
hole in your sink, then you will need to drill
a hole in either the sink or countertop.
If your sink is NOT stainless steel or
porcelain cast-iron sinks, then we strongly
suggest that you drill the hole for your
dispenser through your countertop to avoid
damaging your sink.
2.
You will now be working under the sink
installing the saddle valve.
Turn off the water supply, and then open
the faucet to drain the line.
Again, you will need to follow the
manufacturer's instructions to drill the hole
in the supply line.
The saddle valve will have a handle,
turn the handle, and expose the lance that will
puncture the pipe.
Next, you need to place the valve over
the pipe so that the lance fits in the hole. Attach the valve’s back plate and tighten the nuts so that
the plate is locked in place.
Finally, you want to screw in the lance.
3.
When installing the cartridge filtration
unit, you want it positions between the
cold-water line and the dispenser.
The filtration unit does not have to be
perfectly center. However, you do want to make sure that you leave the
recommended clearance space so that you can
easily replace the filter when needed.
Once you are sure that you have enough
space to replace the filter cartridge, attach
the unit to the back of the cabinet with the
provided screws, or brackets.
4.
When hooking up the device, you want to
first take the plastic tubing and measure a
length that will reach easily between the
system and the saddle valve and will allow you
to install a new compression fitting if needed
later. However,
before you cut the tubing, make sure that it is
not so long that it will kink.
Once you have the proper length of
tubing, cut the tubing, and then firmly press
it into the compression fitting.
Next, thread onto the saddle valve, and
then using an adjustable wrench tighten the
fittings.
We placed Teflon tape on the fittings to
ensure a good seal.
5.
Connect the opposite end of the tubing
into the compression fitting and thread onto
the inlet port of the water filtration unit.
Again, we used Teflon plumbers tape on
the fittings to ensure a good seal.
Using the adjustable wrench, tighten the
nut.
6.
Lastly, you want to cut and attach a
piece of plastic tubing, running from the
outlet port of the system to the water
dispenser.
You will need to insert compression
fittings on both ends, threading the nuts onto
both the dispenser and the system.
7.
Turn the water supply on and open the
water dispenser, and check for leaks.
Many manufacturers recommend that you
let the water run for approximately 20 seconds
before using the water.
However, we recommend that you allow the
water to run for approximately five minutes in
order to flush out any air pockets and
particles.
Once
you have finished installing your under-sink
water filter system, remember that the filters
inside cartridge-based unite must be changed
periodically.
This is usually twice a year depending
on how many gallons of water filtered.
In addition, the filter should also be
changed if you notice any changes in the odor,
taste, and/or flow of the water.
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