How to Install a Water Filter

By: Joseph Truini, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. WATER FILTER KIT

2. LEAD-FREE SOLDER AND PIPE FLUX

3. 1/2-INCH COPPER TEE

4. SEVERAL FEET OF 1/2-INCH COPPER TUBING

5. 1/2-INCH FEMALE ADAPTER

6. 1/2-INCH TO 1/4-INCH REDUCER

7. 1/2-INCH BALL VALVE

8. TEFLON TAPE
applied to reducer before threading onto female adapter

9. TARP OR BLANKET
to protect kitchen floor

10. FIRE-RESISTANT CLOTH AND FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Close
Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Drill/driver with step-drill bit,
  to drill hole in sink top
- Propane torch
- Emery cloth,
  for cleaning pipe prior to soldering
- Adjustable wrench
- Tongue-and-groove pliers
- Close-quarters tubing cutter
- Basin wrench,
  to tighten hex nut that holds filter faucet to sink top
- Copper fitting brush (for cleaning copper tubing and fittings
- Tape measure
- Eye goggles
- Center punch,
  to strike a starting point on stainless steel sink deck prior to drilling
Close

Photo: Kolin Smith

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9

1. Turn off the water supply

Start by turning off the shutoff valve for the cold-water supply to the kitchen sink area, which is typically located in the basement, crawl space, or utility.

If your home doesn't have a shutoff for the kitchen, you'll have to turn off the water at the main valve for the house.

Ask a helper in the kitchen to open the sink's cold-water faucet to release pressure in the pipe.

Check the side of the shutoff valve for a small nut, called a drain cap. If you see one, hold a bucket under the valve and loosen the nut with your fingers or a pair of pliers. Any water trapped in the pipe between the sink and the valve will drain out.