Do you need water filtration systems?

In general, tap water in the US is predominantly safe, but in certain areas, it can have a funky taste.  Tap water can also contain traces of pesticides, VOCs, lead, and dirt, all of which you don’t want to ingest no matter how small the amount.  Installing an under the sink water filter can help to improve your water’s taste and remove many of the impurities.

The Brita-type filtered water pitchers work well but may be slightly inconvenient for you.  Filling the pitcher over and over, and waiting for the water to pass through the filter can be time-consuming.  The next most economical solution for filtered water is to install an under the sink water filter system that includes a separate faucet for on-demand filtered water and an easily replaceable filter.

What You’ll Need for water filtration

One recommendation would be for a single stage system which would offer the least amount of filtration; however, this would be the least expensive way to go.  You can spend up to $600 for dual and triple stage filtration systems as well as reverse osmosis filtering, but keep in mind that these under the sink options will still only work at the one faucet.  How much you want to spend is up to you.  For the installation instructions that follow, we have chosen the Filtrete drinking water filtration system.

The tools needed include an adjustable wrench, a Philips head screwdriver, a drill, bits and hole saw bits (may not be needed), and, of course, protective eyewear.

Step One: Drill a Hole in Your Sink

Your filter will have its own little faucet for drinking water, so you’ll need some space to install it next to your regular faucet.  Start by checking to see if you have a pre-existing hole in your sink.  These holes are usually covered with rubber grommets and are used to secure soap dispensers or sprayers (spray guns).  Without a pre-existing hole, you’ll need to drill a hole yourself.  Generally, the size of the hole would need to be anywhere from 7/8” up to 1 ¼”.  The manufacturer’s information that comes with the drinking system that you purchased should indicate the size of hole required.  Drilling into stainless steel is relatively easy when you’ve got the right tools; just take it slow.

Drilling into a ceramic, porcelain or granite sink countertop is a bit trickier, but it can be done.  There are a couple different techniques, one using a knock out method and the other using a diamond-tipped hole saw.  This should be investigated further, however, and you may want to have a professional do this for you.  Youtube has an instructive video that shows how to do this if you are inclined to take it on yourself.

If you’re drilling a hole into a stainless steel sink, you can use a standard carbide tipped blade with a lubricant to keep it from overheating.  One online source for a lubricant is Champion Cutting Tool. Running the drill at 1/2 the speed will also keep the heat down.  Start with a 1/4” bit then step up to larger bits as needed.

Step Two: Install the Faucet

Once you’ve got your hole set up you simply guide the blue hose and faucet into the hole.  There should be a stainless steel fitting included that sits on top of the sink and between the faucet & sink, and there are also two washers that should be used before you hand tighten the nut to secure the faucet to the sink.  This should be indicated in the manufacturer’s instructions that came with the filtration system.  You will then “plug” the end of the water line (blue hose) into the water filter after you install it (see below).

Step Three: Split Your Water Line

Look under your sink and use the shutoff knob to turn off the cold water.  Then drain the cold water line by turning on the faucet above.

Use an adjustable wrench to remove the cold water line/hose coming down from the sink that is attached to the cold water supply pipe.  Screw/attach the supplied splitter into the fitting in the cold water supply pipe.  After tapping into the cold water supply pipe, attach the cold water line/hose to the splitter.  This will allow water to run to the filter but also allow water to pass through to the regular faucet as well.

The supplied system comes with 1/4″ fittings.  Note that you may have 1/2” fittings in your existing hose & pipe.  If so, you’ll need to get a couple adapters (which you can find at any hardware store) before attaching the 1/4” splitter.  With the adapters in place, attach the splitter to the cold water pipe and the cold water hose to the splitter.

Step Four: Install Your Water Filter

You can place the filter wherever you’d like under your sink; it simply attaches to a filter holder which is held by two screws.  Secure the water filter and holder to the wall or side of the cabinet using the two screws, which the holder will slide over.  Make sure the filter has at least two inches of clearance below it so you have enough space available to change out the filter, which is something you’ll need to do every 6 months under normal use.  The filter simply screws in and out of the holder.

Step Five: Connect Everything

Connect one end of the supplied white tubing to the installed cold water splitter and the other end into the filter holder.  Then connect the blue tubing from the newly installed faucet into the filter holder as well.  Both connections on the filter holder should be clearly marked as to which water line is “tap water in” and “clean water out”.

Now, turn the cold water back on.  You should hear it run through the filter.  Check for leaks; then press down on the lever for the filtered water faucet or pull up on the lever to keep the water flowing.

Let it run for at least a couple of minutes before drinking.  Filtrete recommends running at least two gallons of water through the filter before using it. For more information on the Filtrete High-Performance Drinking Water System visit their website. The Filtrete drinking water system can be purchased at your local Walmart or from Amazon.

Let Proudfoot Help!

In summation, the above process appears to be simple enough; however, there are always things that can go wrong when doing-it-yourself installations.  Proudfoot Plumbing, Heating and Air is quite familiar with these types of plumbing installations. We also have the necessary experience for doing this work quickly and to the customer’s satisfaction.  Please give us a call at 1-888-461-2198.  We will be glad to help out and/or make recommendations for you on the installation of a water filtration system.  Or if you prefer you can contact us here.