We all need clean water in our homes. But most times, our tap water doesn’t measure up. Experts highly recommend that homeowners get water filters in their homes. Water filters remove impurities from tap water and make it safe to drink.
A reverse osmosis water filtering system is one of the most trusted water filters and most preferred by homeowners. RO water filters remove contaminants from water by pushing it under high pressure through a semi-permeable membrane. They are highly efficient and very easy to use.
This article will show you how to switch from tap water to RO water in a week.
Purchasing and Installing a RO Water Filter
Before purchasing a reverse osmosis water filter, check your water’s total dissolved solids (TDS) level. TDS is the total concentration of dissolved substances in water. It indicates whether your tap water is suitable for direct consumption, requires filtration, or is highly contaminated.
You also need to consider how much water your household needs. Some reverse osmosis systems can store more water than others. If you have a large family, get a RO system with a higher storage capacity.
The most commonly installed RO filters are under-counter units. They go beneath the kitchen sink.
You’ll need several equipment and supplies to install such a RO filter:
- Tape measure
- Screwdrivers
- Hacksaw
- Level
- Adjustable wrench
- Channel-lock pliers
- Reverse osmosis filter kit for under-sink installation
- Adapter tee (if needed)
- Plumber’s pipe seal tape
Instructions for Installation
Planning
Make enough room under your kitchen sink for the tank and filters before buying a reverse osmosis system.
Next, take measurements of the available area—an under-sink RO unit with its tank and many filters may not fit in a sink space filled with a garbage disposer or other items.
Preparation
Next, unpack the storage tank and filter components and double-check that they fit under the kitchen sink. Check all the features and determine if any drain or water supply pipe changes are required. If they are, then you might need a plumber to help.
Most reverse osmosis systems are installed beneath the kitchen sink, but they can also be installed in a remote area, such as a garage or utility room, and then piped up to the sink. If your home has a water softener, you should put the filtration system on the cold water line past it.
Faucet Installation
Install the sink-top spigot first, so you can get the lines down beneath the countertop before it gets too crowded behind the sink. With the included hardware in the RO water filter, mount the RO spigot to the kitchen sink deck or countertop.
Connect the air gap to the faucet and feed the waterline down through the opening before locking the spigot down onto the housing.
Tank
Install the tank connector before installing the RO tank under the sink. Apply plumber’s pipe seal tape to the tank nipple’s threads.
Then screw the spigot connector onto the tank; be careful not to cross-thread. Only hand-tighten the connector, which will thread easily. Place the tank under the sink at this point. If possible, place it precisely beneath the sink’s spout.
Mounting
Remove the filter assembly cover and use a level to ensure that the unit is straight. Mark the locations for the hanger washers on the wall below the sink. This assembly must be at least 15 1/2 inches from the floor for more room to remove the filters during maintenance.
Connections
When connecting the tubing, take advantage of the extra length by running it to the back of the cabinets or wherever necessary for the cleanest installation. Leave extra tubing if possible if you want to relocate the system later.
The color-coded tubing connects to the storage tank, the RO assembly, and the drain adapter. A drain tee usually comes with a RO system, too. Place the filter’s tee fitting against the existing drain pipe, then use a hacksaw to mark and cut the line. Make sure the tee fits snugly while cutting the pieces.
Finally, drain the system by leaving the fixture on and allowing it to empty and flush out for 24 hours before drinking the water. When the tank is empty, the water will flow out slowly. Continue to check for leaks at this period by leaving it on for the whole 24 hours. If there are no leaks, then you’re all set. You can enjoy your RO filter and never worry about bad water again.