You are liable to get sick when you drink unclean and contaminated water. Isn’t that terrifying? Perhaps you need a whole house water filter system.
Offering more than just chlorine-free showers and cleaner laundry, a whole-house water filter system provides and distributes clean, scent-free, and fresh drinking water. Just like any other intricate system, this water filter system requires proper plumbing installation.
If you’re a DIYer who wants to learn how to install a whole-house water filter system, this blog fits right with you.
How to choose the right water filtration system
Water filtration systems are available in different sizes and types. Depending on your water filtration needs, you might need to install a specific type of water filter in your home.
- Carbon filtration systems remove certain organic chemicals that give objectionable odors or tastes to water.
- Ion exchange systems soften the water supply by removing hard minerals like calcium and manganese and replacing them with sodium ions.
- Reverse osmosis systems remove sediments from water with a prefilter before it is pressed through a semipermeable membrane to remove dissolved solids, after which the filtered water goes through a postfilter to release clean, drinking water.
Before deciding on having a whole-type water filter system installed in your home, you must first check if it is feasible with your home and kitchen layout. Otherwise, you can also consider the following water filter systems:
- Countertop (pitcher/gravity filter, end of faucet filter)
- Refrigerator filters
- Under-sink filters
CHOOSING WHERE TO INSTALL YOUR WHOLE HOUSE WATER FILTER
If you’re 100% sure about installing a whole house water filter system, you need to decide where you want it installed. In general, installing your water system indoors will help protect it from the elements and the environment, and system maintenance is easier and more practical when it’s installed inside.
Do you want your filter system to be installed indoors, or outdoors? At the end of the day, it’s your choice.
STEPS TO INSTALL A WHOLE HOUSE WATER FILTER SYSTEM
The good news is the steps to install a whole house water filter system are basically the same regardless of the type of filter you choose. The full setup should take two to four hours—no more than one afternoon—if you are handy around the house.
Before you begin, though, you must read the instructions thoroughly and ensure that you follow all local plumbing codes. Talk to the manufacturer if you’re not sure what to do next.
The installation steps are as follows:
- Shut off the main water supply.
- Open all the faucets and sink to drain the remaining water. It will also release pressure.
- Cut into the mainline. Remove a section of the pipe to support your filter system and its parts. Have a bucket ready for water spills.
- Sand the burrs off both ends of the pipe.
- Remove any debris from inside the pipe.
- It is recommended to install a shut-off valve for ease of maintenance. Installing a whole-house water filter bypass valve will ensure you have water around the house even if the system is in service mode. Shut and close all valves.
- If you want to be able to monitor input and output pressure, install a pressure gauge next to each shut-off valve. You will see when it’s time to replace the filters.
- Attach a piece of plywood to the back wall to mount the system.
- Now is the time to install the system itself. It will require a lot of dry fitting (flex piping is great for this). Ensure that the In and Out ports are pointing in the right direction. You can use adapters to secure the pipe. To seal and prevent leaks on each end, you can apply Teflon tape to both threaded ends. Be careful not to over-tighten any plastic fittings to prevent cracks. There’s no need to solder if you will use push fittings. If you will be soldering, double-check the pipe ends and that any plastic is kept away from the heat.
- If your whole-house filter comes with housings, rinse their insides with warm water to remove any manufacturing debris before installing. To make sure the housing sits tight, grease the O-rings before putting them back.
- Turn the water supply back on.
- Open all valves except for the bypass.
- Check for leaks. Make sure to tighten the fittings and filter housing.
- Older houses often use their water pipes to ground the electrical systems. If this is the case, connect one side of the filter to the other with a copper wire to keep the ground stable. Grounding clamps can be used to accomplish this.
- Flush the entire system for several minutes. Then, remove any air, old water, and debris from the installation.
- To successfully activate the filtration media, follow the recommended guidelines.
- Close all outlets after the pressure has been restored. Done!
- The bypass valve remains closed during normal operation. Close both standard valves and open the bypass whenever the system has to be serviced.
Conclusion
You have just learned the steps on installing a whole-house water filter system, as well as the pointers in choosing where to install it, and what other water filter systems are available in case a whole-house system is not feasible for installation in your home. With a newly installed water filter from The Water Filter Warehouse, you can be sure that your water is safe to drink and free from contaminants. If you want to be extra sure your installation is working, you can call the help of professionals, like our H2O Heroes, to inspect it.
Our mission is to provide clean, safe, and healthy water for your home using our cutting-edge water treatment systems and trusted services. If you have questions or thoughts about whole-house water filter installations, call us at (866) 426-4376. You can also schedule a free in-home water test anytime; we are ready to help you!