How to Install an Under Sink Water Filtration System
The water you consume daily is a large part of staying healthy. When the water that comes into your home isn’t up to standard for drinking, you’re going to want a filter to get out any elements that simply do not belong.
While small, handheld filters are just as good of an option, filling them multiple times a day can be daunting. Installing a filtration system right into your kitchen sink can offer the same benefits without the daily hassle.
Most home improvement stores have these two-stage point of use filters that you can purchase, as well as plenty online. Once obtained, pull all of the parts out of the box and make sure all of the components are present.
Figuring out where you want your filter spout to go is the next step. If you don’t already have an area to pop it into, such as a built-in soap dispenser, you will have to cut a hole separate for it. Remove the soap dispensing system on top and underneath of the sink.
Fasten a spacing ring onto the bottom of the spout fixture followed by a rubber washer to seal the edges to the top of the sink. Insert spout into the hole and repeat underneath with first a rubber washer, the spacing ring, and secure with a nut. Tighten with a wrench to ensure it won’t budge.
Next, place the compression nut into the end of the connecting line with the fitting around the outside and attach the end to the bottom of the spout fixture. Secure the fitting to the nut already secured on the bottom of the spout using a wrench.
Now that the top piece is installed, the main unit that holds the filters themselves needs to be screwed into place underneath the sink. Measure and fit the unit with screws in the area you want it to be.
You’re going to need a connecting piece as well so that you can pull water from the existing water lines without hogging it completely. After turning the water off and draining the remaining water from the pipes, unscrew the cold water line from the pipe and place the connector on. Now you can feed two tubes out of the water line so you still have running cold water to the sink, but some is pulled away for the filter.
Pop the compression nut into the end of the second connecting line followed by the fitting and small brass piece that goes inside the nut. Connect and secure the line as before as well as putting the main water line into the other available end of the connector piece. Slide the other end of the hose into the main unit and do the same with the hose stemming from the spout system.
The filters themselves are the last pieces of the puzzle. Remove the protective caps on top and install each into it’s assigned spot (either stage 1 or 2). Turn the water back on and let it run for a minute to get air out of the lines. Test your new filtration system and be on the lookout for any possible areas that leak that might need adjusting.
Filters themselves should be replaced every 6 months, so it’s a good idea to keep some on hand or order a subscription service that automatically sends you fresh ones twice a year.
For a full demo on this DIY project, watch Jon install this very system in the video above.