Installing a water filter with a separate faucet can improve your home’s water quality and make drinking water more convenient. A separate filtered water tap allows you to bypass your main faucet and get filtered water on demand. This guide will walk you through the key steps to install a water filter system with a dedicated faucet.
Choosing the Right Water Filter System
The first step is selecting the right type of filtration system. Here are some top options to consider:
Under Sink Water Filters
Under sink water filters are installed out of sight below the sink. They connect directly to the main water supply line and feed up to a separate filtered water faucet on your countertop.
Benefits:
- Don’t take up counter space
- Quick and easy installation
- Provide a high flow rate of filtered water
Drawbacks:
- More expensive than pitchers or faucet mounts
- Filter replacements may be difficult in hard-to-reach cabinet space
Faucet Mount Water Filters
These systems mount directly to the kitchen faucet. They have a diverter valve that allows you to switch between unfiltered and filtered water.
Benefits:
- Inexpensive and easy to install
- Convenient access to filtered water
Drawbacks:
- Lower flow rate than under sink filters
- Avoid models that are bulky or heavy to avoid damage to faucet
Pitcher Water Filters
Pitchers with built-in filters provide an affordable and portable option. Refrigerator water filters work similarly.
Benefits:
- Inexpensive upfront cost
- Portable to use wherever needed
Drawbacks:
- Slow filtered water output
- Take up significant fridge or counter space
- Frequent filter replacements
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems use a multi-stage process to remove dissolved solids and contaminants. They require separate storage tanks and dedicated faucets.
Benefits:
- Remove the widest range of contaminants
- Provide the purest filtered water
Drawbacks:
- Most expensive systems
- Larger footprint under sink
- Slow water production
Once you select the right type of filtration system, choose one certified by NSF or the Water Quality Association to meet safety standards. Make sure the filters effectively remove the specific contaminants in your tap water.
Planning the Installation Location
Determine the ideal spot to install the separate water filter faucet. Some considerations include:
- Convenience: Pick a location on your countertop or sink with easy access to fill water bottles and glasses.
- Water Supply: There should be accessible cold water supply lines under the sink to connect the filtration system.
- Electricity: Reverse osmosis systems will require a nearby electrical outlet.
- Drainage: Under sink systems need a way to drain wastewater from filter flushing and leaks. An existing garbage disposal or sink drain provides an ideal drainage point.
- Filtration System Size: Make sure you have enough under sink cabinet space for the chosen filtration system.
Take measurements to ensure your preferred faucet location will work for the filtration system setup and necessary plumbing.
Gathering the Necessary Plumbing Supplies
Before starting the installation, gather all of the necessary plumbing supplies. Having the right parts on hand will make the install process smoother. Typical supplies needed include:
- Adjustable wrenches
- Basin wrench
- Teflon tape
- Pipe cutter
- Water filtration system and replacement filters
- Dedicated faucet for filtered water
- Faucet connections hoses and adapter valves
- Optional air gap faucet if required by local plumbing codes
- Drain saddle and tubing for wastewater drainage
- Extension tubing for connecting filtration system to faucet
- Pipe brackets to secure tubing
- Plumber’s putty, epoxy, or silicone based on faucet type
Check your filtration system’s specifications to see if any additional components or specialty tools are required. It’s always better to make an extra trip to the hardware store now rather than realizing mid-project that you are missing something important!
Shutting Off the Water Supply
Before making any plumbing changes, the first step is shutting off the water supply to the sink. This prevents water from spraying out and making a mess when you disconnect hoses.
Here’s how to safely shut off the water:
- Locate the shut-off valve for the sink. It is usually under the sink or near the water meter.
- Turn the valve clockwise until tight.
- Turn on the faucet to test and make sure the water is fully shut off.
- Open the faucet to relieve any pressure in the pipes.
- Have a bucket or pan ready to catch any drips.
If you have a garbage disposal, it also needs to be disconnected from the electricity supply to avoid potential shocks while working under the sink.
With the water supply securely shut off, you can move on to the filtration system installation.
Installing the Under Sink Filtration Unit
For under sink filtration systems, the next step is mounting the filtration unit out of sight below the sink. Here are the key steps:
- Clear out under sink space and remove any existing hardware or hoses in the way.
- Hold the filtration unit in the desired position and mark spots for the mounting screws, if needed. Drill pilot holes.
- Use wall anchors for added support, if attaching into drywall or laminate.
- Attach mounting brackets or screws to securely fasten the filtration unit in place. Make sure it sits level.
- Adjust or remove the existing sink drain P-trap to make space for the filtration unit, if necessary.
- Connect the filtration supply line to the cold water supply valve under the sink using the provided adapters and fittings. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Connect the outlet tubing from the RO system or filtration unit to run up to the underside of the sink. Use pipe brackets to attach it in place.
Leave slack in the lines for adjustment. Connect extensions for a longer reach to the faucet, if needed.
The filtration system is now mounted and connected to the water supply!
Installing the Dedicated Faucet
With the under sink hardware in place, it’s time to install the dedicated faucet that will dispense the filtered water. Here is the process:
1. Select an Appropriate Faucet Location
- Pick a convenient spot on the sink or countertop for the faucet.
- Make sure the location has enough clearance under the sink for supply line connections.
- Drill a 1 1⁄4” hole for standard faucet installations.
2. Connect Faucet Water Supply Lines
- Feed the outlet supply line from the filtration unit up to the faucet location.
- Connect the faucet’s 1⁄4” male inlet line to the filtration system’s outlet supply line.
- Use an adapter if sizes don’t match.
3. Mount the Faucet
- Place the faucet base in position over the hole.
- Slip the mounting hardware over the supply lines and into place.
- Tighten the mounting nut and screws under the sink to secure the faucet.
- Use silicone or plumber’s putty to seal any gaps or openings.
4. Flush and Check for Leaks
- Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks at connections. Tighten if needed.
- Flush the filtration system per the manufacturer’s instructions.
The dedicated faucet for the filtered water should now be fully installed and ready for use!
Connecting Wastewater Drainage
Under sink reverse osmosis systems and some filters require wastewater drainage to dispose of backwash and rejected water. Here is how to set up a proper drainage connection:
- Locate an existing sink drain pipe or garbage disposal to tap into.
- Cut the drain pipe above a joint or at the disposal inlet using a rotary tool.
- Install a drain saddle using hose clamps to divert wastewater to the drainage outlet on the filtration system.
- Run tubing from the drain port on the RO system to the drain saddle. Slope it downward.
- Fasten the tubing in place with pipe holders.
- Double check connections are tight to prevent leaks.
Always follow manufacturer instructions for your particular filtration system’s drainage setup. Provide an air gap if required by local plumbing codes.
Performing a Leak Check
Before putting your new water filtration system into service, it’s crucial to perform a thorough leak check:
- Turn on the water supply and inspect all connections for drips and leaks.
- Tighten any problem fittings with a wrench. Don’t over tighten.
- Check filtration system housing for leaks at seals and filters.
- Examine all tubing runs and drainage connections.
- Turn faucets on and off and observe flow and drainage.
- Check under cabinets and around system for signs of water.
- Confirm proper drainage flow without backups or overflows.
- Inspect for a week before use to allow for leaks to appear.
Immediately correct any leaks found to prevent possible water damage. Small leaks can quickly become big problems if left unaddressed.
Disinfecting and Flushing the System
Once installation is complete, the final steps are disinfecting and flushing the system:
- Create a disinfecting bleach solution according to manufacturer specifications.
- Shut off the water supply and depressurize lines.
- Pour the bleach solution into the filtration unit to fully contact internal tubing.
- Let it sit for the recommended time, often 20-30 minutes.
- Flush out the disinfectant by turning on both faucets until water runs clear. This clears particles and prevents bacteria growth in new components.
- Install the filter cartridges after flushing the system.
With disinfection complete, the water filtration system is ready for use! Enjoy safer and better tasting water straight from the tap.
Installing Replacement Filters
The filters in water filtration systems need regular replacement approximately every 6-12 months. Here are tips for a quick and easy filter change:
- Order replacement filters well in advance of when they expire.
- Note the manufacturer and model information to buy the right filters.
- Shut off water supply and release pressure before opening filtration housing.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions to remove expired filter cartridges. Discard appropriately.
- Clean filtration housing if needed to keep it hygienic.
- Insert new filters in the correct direction of water flow.
- Lubricate o-rings and tighten housing carefully but firmly to prevent leaks.
- Turn water back on slowly to check for leaks.
- Flush the system for 5-10 minutes to purge trapped air and particles.
Changing filters on schedule is essential to maintain contaminant removal and water flow rate. Set reminders to make the process hassle-free.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Water filtration systems are reliable but may encounter occasional problems. Here are solutions for some common troubleshooting issues:
Cloudy or discolored water: Flush system to clear debris buildup. Make sure replacement filters are properly tightened. Replace prefilters if needed.
Reduced water flow: Check for kinked tubing lines. Replace clogged filter cartridges. Make sure supply valve is fully open.
Leaking connections: Re-tighten fittings with wrench. Examine filter housing o-ring and gaskets. Replace if worn.
Foul water taste/odor: Rinse or replace internal carbon block filters. Sanitize and flush system. Improper drainage can also cause odors.
Faucet leaks: Clean or replace aerator/sealing gasket. Adjust or tighten faucet connections. Replace worn washers or o-rings if needed.
System shutoff failures: Replace faulty inlet/outlet valves according to manufacturer instructions. Make sure electrical connections are secure.
Refer to the user manual for model-specific troubleshooting tips. Call technical support if problems persist after trying basic fixes.
Removing an Old Water Filtration System
When it’s time to upgrade or replace an outdated water filtration system, proper removal is important. Here are the key steps:
- Turn off water supply and disconnect electrical power to disable the system. Release any water pressure.
- Detach all tubing connections using wrenches. Remove quick connect fittings by pressing in the release collar while pulling out the tube.
- Unscrew any mounting fasteners to detach the filtration unit from under the sink.
- Unthread supply line adapters. Remove any drain saddles or splice fittings.
- Take out the dedicated filtered water faucet by unscrewing the mounting nut under the sink. Clean sink surface thoroughly.
- Cap off any open supply lines and outlet ports. Seal the hole where the faucet was removed.
- Safely dispose or recycle the old filtration components based on material types.
With patience and proper precautions, you can successfully remove an outdated under sink filtration system as part of a kitchen upgrade.
Maintaining Your Water Filtration System
Regular maintenance keeps a water filtration system working optimally. Follow these tips:
- Change filter cartridges based on manufacturer guidelines, generally every 6-12 months.
- Keep filtration system housing clean, especially when replacing cartridges.
- Periodically sanitize tubes and storage tanks with approved disinfectant.
- Flush lines after periods of non-use to purge stagnant water.
- Wipe down exterior surfaces using a soft cloth and mild detergent. Avoid harsh cleaners.
- Keep the system protected from freezing temperatures that can damage components.
- Check tubes and fittings annually for cracks that can lead to leaks.
- Test filtered water annually for contaminants to confirm it is working properly.
- Follow all maintenance in the manufacturer’s instructions for your model.
Proper care and maintenance will extend the service life of water filtration components. Always use original replacement parts to maintain performance.
Summary of Installing a Water Filter System with Dedicated Faucet
Installing water filtration like under sink filters or reverse osmosis systems with a separate dispenser faucet provides cleaner, better tasting water for drinking and cooking. Here are the key steps:
- Select a quality filtration system that removes your water’s contaminants. Consider under sink, faucet mount, pitcher, or reverse osmosis systems.
- Plan the installation location under the sink and on the countertop or sink for the faucet.
- Gather the necessary tubing, fittings, adapters and tools for installation.
- Shut off water supply and relieve pressure before connections.
- Mount filtration unit under sink and connect to water supply line.
- Install dedicated faucet in desired spot and connect supply line from filter.
- Perform drain connections if required for wastewater.
- Flush system and check carefully for leaks before use.
- Replace filters as needed per manufacturer instructions.
- Maintain system by cleaning, sanitizing, and replacing worn parts.
With the right system and proper installation, you’ll have a source of clean, contaminant-free water for better health. Cheers to filtered water on tap!