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

8. Connect the filter's water-supply tubing

Attach a compression fitting onto the end of the plastic tubing that's connected to the inlet side of the filter.

Thread the compression fitting onto the reducer that's attached to the cold-water supply line; tighten the fitting with a wrench while holding the reducer with pliers.

Connect the other length of tubing to the outlet side of the filter and to the faucet stem, using a compression fitting.

Open all the shutoff valves and check your work for leaks.

Remove the aerator from the sink's faucet and turn on the cold water for a minute or two to flush out any flux.

Finally, open the filter faucet and let it run for five minutes to remove air and carbon particles from the cartridges.