No matter where you live, there is a chance that you may be dealing with some contaminants in your water. Many of us have trace amounts of lead in our drinking water and this can be harmful to your health over time. It is a good idea to have your drinking water checked for any contaminants, especially if you live in a rural area and use your own well.
One of the easiest solutions to getting clean water is to install a filter at the tap level. However, this can get pretty old since you can’t run hot water through it and the filters can be expensive over time. If you want an easier solution, there is a type of permanent water filter that can be installed under your sink or even at the source of your water, to filter everything that goes through the faucet.
Whole house filters are an excellent investment and you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that you are bathing and drinking in clean water. However, if this is out of your price range, a simple filter that is installed under your sink can be a great alternative. Your number one priority is making sure that your drinking water is clean, so let’s look at how to install one of these filters under your sink.
Most of today’s newer filters may include a special faucet, but these can be pretty complicated to install. It is easier to pick a filter that will just use your existing fixtures. First, you’re going to need to turn off the water supply to your sink. If you don’t have a shut off valve there, you may need to turn off the water supply to your home instead. This can usually be found near your water pump.
Once the water supply is turned off, get under your sink (removing anything that may be under there) and locate the saddle valve. This is a small valve that should be located under the shut off valve. Open this up and get your filtration unit ready. It is a good idea to follow the unique instructions that come with your filter, but this is a general guideline for most filter installation procedures.
Attach the filter in between the saddle valve and the main valve. Make sure that it is located on the cold water valve since you don’t want to run hot water through the unit. Once the unit is in place, close off the valve again and install the carbon filter. These units typically have a much longer lifespan than the smaller faucet based filters, so even though you are using a carbon filter, you won’t have to change it as often.
Make sure that all of your connections are tight and turn the water supply back on. Depending on the unit, you’ll want to run at least two gallons of cold water through your tap before it is safe to drink. This is due to the little bits of carbon that can come through when it is brand new.
Photo Credits: 1
Related Posts- 5 Easy Ways to Take Care of Your Lawn As summer gets started, you’re most likely getting a little sick of mowing that lawn and keeping everything looking great. In some areas of the country, water shortages have made watering almost impossible and it doesn’t take long for your lawn to resemble the Sahara or worse. However, there are......
- Three Great Easy DIY Projects Sometimes, all it takes to improve the look and feel of your home is a simple DIY project. It doesn't have to take too much effort or be difficult. Not only will this make your space a more interesting place to live, but it will increase the value of your......
- How to Get Rid of Unsightly Sink Stains Our sinks are subjected to constant abuse and even with the most careful cleaning, stains can occur over time. The most common stains are due to hard water and they can be difficult to remove. However, there are a few easy tips that you can use to get rid of......
- How to Replace a Garbage Disposal If your old garbage disposal is getting worn down, or simply making too much noise, it's actually quite easy to replace it. We'll show you how, step by step, to put in a brand new and more energy efficient disposal. Before we get started, make sure that you have all......
- Dealing with Mildew in Your Home As the warmer months approach, many of us have to deal with the ugly problem of mildew. From bathrooms, to kitchens to basically anywhere where there is water, mildew can be a health risk and it is incredibly unsightly and in many cases, very smelly. However, there are a few......
- Do You Really Need All That Water To Lose Weight? This article is slightly contrarian please understand your own personal experience and consult with your doctor to figure out what is right for you. Most everyone agrees that drinking water is an important component to weight loss. However, there are some dangers that drinking too much water can pose......
- What is most soothing to you in nature? For me, I think it is water -- and wind. The sounds are seductive, and familiar... Surf washes irregularly onto the sand. Palm fronds rustle in the breeze. Jonathan Lerner The wind is blowing nicely through the trees outside my window now. It belies how hot it is outside. But......
