Installing a whole house water filter is an excellent way to take care of your health. A whole house water filter thoroughly removes contaminants in your home’s primary water supply.
It’s not enough to install a system in your home, though. You have to carefully maintain and service the filter to enjoy a continuous supply of clean water.
In this article, you’ll be provided with a list of tools needed for installing a whole house water filter, a detailed description of the process, and how you can maintain one.
Tools Required
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools needed for installation.
Basically, you’ll need the whole house water filter (with cartridges) ready to be installed. Then you’ll need a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, tube cutters, and pipe threads. You’ll also need a tape measure and a pencil.
Steps on How to Install a Whole house Filter
You can install your whole house water filter easily, even with no prior plumbing experience, by following the steps described below.
- Determine the best place to install the filter
Usually, a whole house water filter is installed at the main water entry of the house. Water flowing through all valves and faucets will be filtered and safe for use.
But if you’re considering bypassing a few pipes, like those supplying water for gardening, locate and map out the best possible place to install the filter.
Ensure you install as close to the house’s main water supply as possible.
- Turn off the main water supply
Before installing the water filter, turn off the main water supply. It relieves all possible pressure in the system and makes the installation process easier.
- Drain remaining water in pipes
Open all faucets in the house to drain water left in the pipes. Leave all faucets open throughout the process of installation to release the entire system pressure.
- Measure and cut out pipes/tubing
You’ll need pipes/tubing to install the filter head. And even more pipes for the fittings and valves.
Make sure you cut out the right length of tubes, enough to form the total combined length for the filter head, fittings, and valves you have to install.
Remember to remove burrs and sharp edges from pipes after cutting.
- Tighten pipe fittings into filter head
Screw pipe fittings into the filter head and secure them by using filter threads. They make the fittings stable and prevent leakage.
Carefully use your hands to tighten the pipes, or use an adjustable wrench.
Be careful not to damage the pipe from over-tightening.
- Mount the bracket
Mark out a central and level position on the wall, then mount the bracket into position onto the filter head.
- Install the filter cartridges and filter housing
With the filter head well supported by brackets on the wall, install the filter cartridge and housing.
- Close all faucets, turn on the water supply, and check for leakages
The last thing you need to do after installing the water filter is to check the quality of the work done.
Turn on the water supply, and allow water to flow through the filter, then check for leaks.
If you notice any leaks, call a certified plumber to install the filter properly.
How to Service a Whole House Water Filter
Whole house water filters need regular maintenance for a continuous supply of high-quality water and also to maintain the water flow rate through faucets.
But how often can you service your whole house water filter?
The type of filter you use and how dirty your house water supply is should determine how often you replace your filter cartridges. It’s recommended that you replace them 2-6 times a year.
Below are easy steps to follow to replace said cartridges.
- Gather your equipment
Before you start maintenance, gather all the equipment you’ll be needing for the job. You’ll need screwdrivers and wrenches, soap, a sponge, and buckets for cleaning. And finally, most importantly, you’ll need a replacement filter cartridge.
You can find more information about the best whole house water filter cartridges following this link: https://www.best-osmosis-systems.com/whole-house-water-filter-cartridge-reviews/
- Turn off the water supply
Shut off the house’s main water supply to make the work easier and faster.
This will release pressure in the filtering system.
You’ll need to release more pressure by emptying as much water from the pipes as possible.
- Change the filter cartridge
First, unscrew the filter housing and clean it to eliminate the cloudy appearance caused by sediments and debris.
Then remove the filter cartridge and dispose of it.
Replace the filter cartridge with a new one before screwing the filter housing back on.
