Saturday, June 19, 2010

How To Install Water Filters In Your Kitchen

By Robert Short

Water collects impurities as it moves from the catchment area through pipes to our homes. Installing water filters is not difficult and will give you clean, clear water for drinking and cooking.

There are many different units that can be installed under the sink in your kitchen. The units hold cartridges that filter contaminants from your water. There are different levels of filtration with different cartridges so you need to select the cartridge that is right for you. This will depend on the type of water supply in your location.

The filtration unit needs to be placed in the cupboard under the sink. It needs to be out of the way so it doesn't interfere with access to the pipes. But, also accessible enough that changing the filter regularly does not become a chore. Position the apparatus where you want to install it and use the holes in the mounts to pencil marks on the wall where the screws will go.

Gather some basic tools so you will have what you need to install the filter unit. An adjustable wrench or wrench of a size that matches your plumbing fittings will be needed. This will be used to undo plumbing fittings and do them up again when the filtration unit has been attached. A drill and screwdriver are all that are needed to mount the unit under the sink.

Drill the holes in the wall where you have marked it using the correct size drill bit for the screws. Different models of filtration systems will have different numbers of screws to attach them but they will all provide the screws needed. Hold the unit in place and attach the screws to the wall. Check that it is mounted solidly.

Turn your water off using the cut off lever under the sink or, if you don't have one of those, at the meter. If you forget to turn it off you will create a flood in your kitchen when you undo the fittings. When the water is turned off, turn the faucet on to allow any water left to drain out.

On close inspection you will find a flexible hose that connects the water supply with the pipes under your sink. This hose needs to be disconnected from the pipe and reconnected via the inlet of your water filtration unit. Place some paper towels under the hose before you disconnect it to absorb any remaining water in the line. A similar hose leads from the outlet of the unit and you connect this to the pipe under your sink.

Turn the water back on and check for leaks. If there are leaks turn the water off again and tighten the fittings. Turn the faucet on and let it flow until you can't see any signs of sediment and the water flowing is completely clear. This should only take a few moments. If the water does not flow from the faucet check the lines to make sure you have connected them properly.

It is important to remember to change the filter cartridges. The regularity required will be noted in the instructions that come with the unit. Water filters installed under the sink ensure you have clean and odorless drinking water in your kitchen.

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