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Installing a Faucet
Water Filtering System
Many homeowners
choose to install water filters instead of a more expensive whole-house
water filtering system that requires professional maintenance.
Many homeowners choose to install water
filters instead of a more expensive whole-house water filtering system
that requires professional maintenance. City water sources provide safe
drinking water for customers, but they add chemicals such as chlorine to
control the growth of algae in their processing tanks. Well water can
contain minerals, trace amounts of solids, and microorganisms.
Homeowners who want pure and tasty drinking water often choose faucet
filtering systems. Installation is simple and the filters can be
replaced easily, usually with a minimum of tools and without specialized
knowledge.
Installing a faucet water filtering system begins with selecting the
model suited to your needs. Home improvement stores, hardware stores,
and large department stores carry a wide range of faucet filtering
systems. Some require a significant initial investment, but replacement
filters are inexpensive. Other systems are less expensive, but their
filters cost more or are difficult to find. You will want to look for a
system that will match your faucet, allow for filtered or unfiltered
use, and have readily available replacement filters. It is best if a
system has some kind of meter to indicate when the filter needs
replacement.
After you’ve purchased a new water filtering system, here are some tips
on installing it:
- Take everything out of the box and
make sure that all the pieces are there and in perfect condition,
with no cracked fittings or bent connections.
- Read the installation instructions
thoroughly.
- Clear a work space around the
faucet area.
Note: Some water filtering systems have
a preinstalled filter. Others come with a separate filter. Don't install
a separate filter unless the instructions say to.
- Look for a fitting on the main part
of the filtering system that has a ring with threads. The threads
should match the threads on the end of the kitchen faucet. If the
faucet's threads are covered by a decorative ring, take the ring off
first. Untwist it in a counterclockwise direction until it comes
free. Hold the unit against the faucet end with the ring around the
threads. Turn the ring clockwise until it is snug. Some water
filtering systems contain adapters for unusual faucets; look for one
if the filter and faucet rings do not fit. Be careful not to
misthread the ring, too, as a good seal must form.
- After you have securely screwed the
water filter unit onto the end of the faucet, look for the on/off
positions before turning on the water. Some filtering units must be
turned to a certain position, while others have a manual switch or
require twisting. Filtered water will most likely come from a
separate opening, not from the original faucet opening. In addition,
some filters work at once while others take a few minutes. Hot water
may be a problem for water filter units, so turn off the filtering
option when running hot water to prevent damage to the filter. Cold
filtered water may be heated on the stove or in the microwave.
- Water filters need to be changed
periodically. Check for an indicator bar or other measuring device
showing the saturation level. Some water filter units have to be
removed for maintenance, but usually the filter can be replaced
without taking the unit completely off the faucet. Make sure the new
filter matches the old one. A filter may look similar but not be the
right one. You need one designed to work with your system.
Article guides for more information:
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Articles:
All water filter information
Water filter types
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