Learning how to install an under sink water filter system is often a lot simpler than you might think. The majority of the time, you won’t need to hire a specialist or plumber to install your under sink water filter for you, as you can simply attach a pipe or tube to your existing water supply.
Installing your own under sink water filter can be an excellent way to improve the quality of the cold water in your home without having to invest in a complicated plumbing task. Although an under sink water filter won’t enhance water quality in your whole house, it can ensure you have access to cleaner water from a dedicated faucet for drinking.
Here’s everything you need to know about installing an under sink water filter and its related FAQs.
What Is an Under Sink Water Filter?
Basic plumbing isn’t hard. But it’s made difficult by the small spaces required to work within.
— Kathy (@HockeyChick107) November 8, 2020
Under sink water filter install ✅
An under sink water filter system is a solution that you can install underneath the granite countertop or sink in your kitchen. These water filters work by filtering the water flow in the line from your cold water inlet to your tap. They often involve using a dedicated faucet to access filtered water rather than using a special jug.
An under sink water filter can be an excellent way to access a higher quality of water with fewer contaminants and reduce the amount you spend on filtration jugs and bottled water.
Because an under sink system doesn’t require you to access your entire plumbing system, you can usually install your water filters yourself, and most products come with the kit you need to get started. If you’re not sure you can pull everything off yourself, you can always pay for a professional plumber to connect everything for you.
How to Install an Under Sink Water Filter System: A Step-By-Step Guide
An under sink water filter is a simple water connection you can mount to the inside of your kitchen cabinet underneath the sink. You’ll use your tools to connect the tap for your cold water to the filter and the cold water line.
If you buy a reverse osmosis system, you’ll also need to set up an additional water storage tank inside your kitchen cabinet.
Step 1: Switch off the Cold Water Supply Valve
First, make sure you’re not going to end up with leaks and spills by closing the supply valve on the cold water. If you don’t know which pipe is for cold water in your kitchen sink, you can run the hot water tap and touch the lines to see which one is hot. Allow the pipes to cool down before you start working.
Now you can remove the cold water tubes. Break the connection supplying cold water to your sink with a wrench. Then, remove the tubing connecting the pipes.
Step 2: Install the Adapter or Feed Valve
Next, in the installation, you’ll need to install an adapter into the water line. This usually involves using a T-adapter with a branch. Make sure you carefully thread the lines together and use Teflon tape and two pairs of wrenches for a tight fit with your pipes.
Step 3: Attach the Shut-off Valve to the Plastic Tubing
You’ll attach the shut-off valve to your plastic tubing and slide in the nut for your T-fitting during this stage. Push the copper insert into the piping and ensure everything is firmly connected.
Step 4: Drill a Hole in the Sink
Tfw dad is 75 and still going strong. Installed a under sink water filter and floodlight security camera for the backyard 😩 pic.twitter.com/oXGbN19PkF
— minny (@MinnyMausGG) March 6, 2021
If your under kitchen sink filter system comes with a dedicated faucet or dispenser, you may need to drill a hole into the countertop for the new tap. You can also use a pre-drilled hole for soap dispensers if you have one.
Step 5: Install Your New Faucet
Fit your extra tap with the help of a friend holding the tap in place while you tighten the fitting inside of the cabinet. You may need to apply washers, nuts, and brass inserts to make sure the fittings have a tight connection point.
Step 6: Mount Your Filter System
Hold the under sink water filter against the back or side of the cupboard where you want to connect. Mark where you need to drill the holes for each screw, then connect everything. Remember to leave enough space to release the housing easily.
Step 7: Make the Connections to Your Plumbing
Move to connect the filter stages with the various DIY connections you’ve made. The cold feedwater line needs to be connected to the inside adapter on your filter head. At the same time, the tubing from the faucet needs to be connected to the outside adapter for outflow.
Turn the water system back on at the end of the process, and make sure everything is working properly. Open the valve slowly, so you don’t cause any damage to the unit with pressure from trapped air.
Installing an Under Sink Water Filter FAQs
Can I Install a Water Filtration System by Myself?
Whether you’re installing an RO system or a simple water filter, you should be able to connect everything to your water line without much of a problem. The installation of water filters today is quite straightforward, but you will need to set aside extra time to check for leaks.
Remember to measure twice and drill once; always avoid doing anything you aren’t confident about. If you’re worried about a certain aspect of the installation process, it’s best to contact a professional to install your filter. While it might cost more to have your filter professionally installed, it will be less costly than paying to repair your water line or deal with a massive plumbing issue.
Before you start using your system after installing your filter, it’s best to give everything time to flush through. Turn on the cold water tap and then let the system run for a few minutes. This precaution will also help you to check for leaks.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Water Filter Under the Sink?
The amount you spend on installing your water filter or reverse osmosis system will all depend on the kind of filter you’re using and whether you’re handling the majority of the installation yourself.
If you’re getting an under sink filtration system installed professionally, you may need to spend a few hundred dollars. If you already have the hardware you need at home, like wrenches and Teflon tape, and you’re confident managing the process yourself, you can save a lot of cash.
Installing Your Own Water Filter
Installing water filters by yourself doesn’t have to be as terrifying as it seems. Take the time to look for leaks as you work, and pay attention to any instructions given by your water filter manufacturer.
With little focus and dedication, you can learn how to install an under sink water filter system in no time, but be careful not to rush the process!
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Tom is a former chef turned full-time food blogger. He has always been passionate about food, and loves nothing more than experimenting in the kitchen and sharing his recipes with others. Tom’s blog is one of the most popular food blogs on the internet, and he has won numerous awards for his cooking. When he’s not blogging or cooking, Tom enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.