Step 2: Cut into the water-supply line

water supply line
Photo: Kolin Smith
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Empty the sink cabinet and spread a tarp or blanket on the floor.

Locate the cold-water shutoff valve under the sink.

Take a piece of emery cloth and buff clean the copper tubing just directly below the valve.

Next, use a close-quarters tubing cutter to remove a 1-inch-long section of tubing and discard.

Brush flux onto the freshly cut tubing ends and a ½-inch copper tee fitting.

Slip the tee onto the tubing below the shutoff valve and solder it in place. Be sure to protect the cabinet with a fire-resistant cloth or metal shield.
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    Tools List

    Close
    • drill
      Drill/driver with step-drill bit,
      to drill hole in sink top
    • propane torch
      Propane torch
    • emery cloth
      Emery cloth,
      for cleaning pipe prior to soldering
    • adjustable wrench
      Adjustable wrench
    • tongue-and-groove pliers
      Tongue-and-groove pliers
    • tubing cutter
      Close-quarters tubing cutter
    • basin wrench
      Basin wrench,
      to tighten hex nut that holds filter faucet to sink top
    • copper fitting brush
      Copper fitting brush (for cleaning copper tubing and fittings
    • 16-foot tape measure
      Tape measure
    • eye goggles
      Eye goggles
    • centering punch
      Center punch,
      to strike a starting point on stainless steel sink deck prior to drilling

    Shopping List

    Close
    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