Thursday, April 16, 2020

How to Install Whole House Water Filter

Installing whole house filter system helps deliver clean water within the entire home meaning you are able to enjoy delicious water from every tap. It means you have chlorine-free showers and your clothes are brighter. When you have whole house water filter, it also means healthier baths and showers, it extends the life of appliances that use water as well as house pipes. However, installing the water filter demands proper plumbing. 

If you are not willing to part with some dollars, you would as well want to consider the DIY path where you install the filter by yourself. With the right tools, materials, and enough time, you only have to be patient that things will work out once you have set up everything. Here, we provide you with steps on how to install whole house water filter in your home.


Install whole house water filter before or after water softener?

The decision as to whether you should install your whole house unit prior to or after the softener depends on the supply of your water. If your water comes from the municipal supply, you want to install the filter before the softener so that you protect the ion exchange medium from chlorine as well as rule out the possibilities of having potential pressure issues. 

On the flip side, if your water comes from the well, you may install the filter after the softener so that you have full flow during backwashing. Besides, unless there is well water chlorination, your water may not contain any chlorine that may require removal.

Where should a whole house water filter be installed?

You may be wondering where your whole house water filter should go - it can happen if you haven’t done it before. When deciding on where to install the filter, you want to select a location near where your home's main water line comes into the house. This way, you ensure that there is clean filtered water from every outlet. You may have outside faucets that may not need having filtered water, and that’s an exception - here you have to make an informed decision.


Another thing to consider when choosing a location for fitting the water filter is the ease of accessibility. Time in time, you will need to service the filtration system, for instance, replacing cartridges. You need to ensure that the filter is in a place where you can access it without problems. Probably your best bet would be somewhere close to the main shutoff valve and before the water heater. It helps increase the lifespan of the heater and longevity of the appliances that run on hot water since there will not be things like lime, sediments, and other contaminants that may be present in the water supply. In the event that your home gets water supply from the well, ensure you install the filter after the pressure tank.


Should you install whole house water filter outside?

Probably you want to know if it’s a good idea to install your whole house water filter outside the house. If you consider installing it outside, consider placing it in the basement or garage, otherwise, installing the unit outside should be out of the equation. You don’t want to have the filter placed outside.

How to install whole house water filter - Step by Step


Step 1: Drain the System

Start by turning off the water supply within the main shutoff, then go to the lowest point in the home where you open a faucet to help release pressure and let most of the water to drain out from the system.


Step 2: Cut the Pipe

After selecting the location where to install the filter, check the template that comes with the kit and use it to mark the pipe to ensure exact placement. Using a pipe cutter, make two cuts and take away the section of the pipe containing the mark. Using the twist handle, tighten the pipe cutter onto the water pipe making sure the blade is lining up with the mark. Now rotate the cutter around the water pipe while twisting the handle. Make sure you keep on rotating the pipe cutter around the water pipe until you see that it cuts through. Ensure you have a bucket with you to catch any water that may have been in the pipe because it will pour when the pipe is cut.


After cutting out the section of the pipe, using the reamer blade found on the cutter, remove any burrs present inside the pipe you have just cut. If you are working in a tight space, you may want to use a mini cutter. It will work the same way as the ordinary pipe cutter. And since it has a small body as well as handle, it allows ease of use in tight or narrow spaces.

Step 3: Attach the Fittings

Take the small end of a compression nut and place it one end of the cut pipe then slide on the ferrule. Now, get the other side of the pipe and repeat the same steps. After that, thread a brass fitting – this should go to the “in” as well as the “out” ports within the housing of the filter. Make sure you install them as recommended by the manufacturer.

Step 4: Position the Filter

Position the water filter within the waterline and allow it to hang temporarily in between the ferrules. Using your hand, tighten the compression nuts. Keeping the water filter straight, ensure it is upright. Now tighten the fittings – use two wrenches to tighten the fittings.

Step 5: Turn on the Water

A whole house water filter kit has a special handle that is used in turning the inlet valve found on top into different positions. There is the “filter” position, the “bypass” position, and the “off” position. Turn the valve to move it to the “off” position. Go to the main shutoff valve and turn the water slowly on. Go back to the filter and check if you can see any leaks. 

Now use the handle to move the valve to the “filter” position. When the slow streaming water fills the filter tank, the filter will begin filtering. Make sure you again check for leaks. Should you notice leaks, you may want to tighten the compression fittings until you stop seeing drips.


Parts & tools Needed to do the installation

Here is a list of parts, tools, and installation accessories you will use:

Parts
  • whole-house water filter kit
  • Teflon tape

Tools
  • bucket
  • pipe cutter
  • adjustable wrenches

How to install a whole house water filter for well water - Step by Step

Step 1: Release Pressure

At the main shutoff, turn off your water supply and open faucet to release pressure.

Step 2: Cutting the Pipe

Use the pipe cutter to cut the pipe to create a section where the filter will be fitted. Ensure you remove burrs in the cut pipe.

Step 3: Placing the Fittings

Place the fittings on both ends of the cut pipe.

Step 4: Positioning the Filter

Tighten the fittings while you keep the filter upright. Use the adjustable wrench to tighten the fittings. After positioning, turn on the water.

Parts & tools Needed to do the installation

Parts
  • whole-house water filter kit
  • Teflon tape

Tools

  • bucket
  • pipe cutter
  • adjustable wrenches





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