Water is essential for good health, and a filtered water dispenser makes it easy for families to stay hydrated. Compared to buying single-use plastic bottles, it also saves money and keeps the environment cleaner.
Before using a water dispenser, flush the cartridges for several minutes. This will wash away carbon flecks and other manufacturing debris.
Easy Step-By-Step Guide
Water is an essential part of our lives. It’s used for drinking, cooking, cleaning and even washing clothing. But some homes don’t have easy access to clean and hygienic drinking water. Adding a water filter dispenser to your home can help you have fresh and delicious tasting water on hand at any time.
Many families use plastic water bottles to meet their drinking needs, but this method is expensive and wasteful. A water dispenser for the kitchen is a more sustainable and economical solution. Plus, it’s also more convenient, especially for busy households. Using a countertop or under-sink water filter will help you reduce your carbon footprint while providing your family with a reliable source of fresh and clean drinking water.
In addition, water filters can address unwanted odors or tastes in your home’s drinking water supply. Most municipal water supplies undergo certain safety standards, but these regulations don’t address taste or odor problems, which are often caused by hard water or contaminants. Similarly, well water can have an unpleasant odor or cause staining of plumbing fixtures. Having a whole house water filter installation can address these issues, but installing a water filter for the sink is an easy way to get clean and hygienic drinking water right in your own home.
Before beginning your water filtration system installation, shut off the water supply to the area where you plan to mount your filter faucet. Then, remove a large enough section of the pipe to accommodate your new water filter and all its components. Next, sand down the burrs on both ends of the cut pipe and clean any dirt or debris from inside the pipe. Install one shut-off valve on either side of the faucet for ease of maintenance, and consider installing a pressure gauge to monitor input and output so you can easily see when it’s time to change your filter.
Once you’ve removed the old water supply line, remove the spout cap from your sink and drill a hole in the sink countertop that’s big enough to accommodate the shank of your filter faucet. Then, screw the hose adapter to the faucet shank and tighten it with a wrench until it’s secure. If you’d like, add a shut-off valve and water meter on the tubing between the water filter adapter and the Quick&Hot tank for ease of maintenance.
Installing a Filter
The EPA regulates over 80 contaminants including arsenic, e-coli and cryptosporidia, but these aren’t the only threats that may be found in your drinking water. There are many smaller impurities that can also pose a threat to your health and your family’s well-being. Fortunately, a filter system can help you eliminate them.
The process of water filtration uses several stages to remove chemicals, heavy metals, sediment and more. This results in healthier and cleaner water that is better for your body and tastes great.
You can install a water dispenser to fit in any countertop or cabinet. Many filters have a convenient mounting bracket that you can screw into the wall, allowing it to take up less space under your sink. This makes it easier to access the filter for maintenance and changing the cartridge and ensures that it won’t fall forward when you turn off the faucet.
Before you install a filter, make sure that your system is turned off. If it’s tied into your home’s HVAC system, turn it off at the circuit breaker. Then, open the cover and clean the slats to make sure that they’re free of any particulates and other contaminants. Next, remove the old filter and insert the new one, making sure that it’s oriented correctly. Most filters have colors and arrows that help you identify which side is the right way up.
Depending on the model you choose, you may need to cut a section of tubing or use an adapter to connect the filter to the faucet. Be sure to wear protective gear when working with pipes or cutting materials. You’ll also need to close the cold-water shut off valve under your sink and remove the riser from the faucet.
Once the installation is complete, you’ll be able to enjoy incredibly clean and healthy water straight from your tap! Not only will your health benefit, but you’ll save money and time by not having to purchase bottled water. Research has shown that families who have a filtered water dispenser in their home are 76 percent more likely to drink enough water and 75 percent more likely to drink from a refillable bottle than those without one.
Installing the Filter
Once you’ve installed the faucet adaptor or have made a hole in your sink and secured it, screw the filter base onto it. Be sure to use Teflon pipe tape to make a water-tight seal on the threads or the adaptor, and to tighten it snugly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to properly activate any filtration media and for proper care of the filter. Most filters need a short test period to ensure they are working as expected. Once the system is set up, open a valve and run some water through it for a couple of minutes to wash away carbon flecks and give it a good, thorough flush.
Depending on the type of water filtration system you have purchased, it may be necessary to install a saddle valve in your home’s plumbing line. This is particularly true for whole house filters. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to make sure the valve is placed in the right line – usually the cold line – and that it connects to the water supply pipe of the appropriate size.
When installing a saddle valve, it’s a good idea to shut off the main water supply and drain any existing water using a sink or bucket. This will help to prevent any water damage during the installation process and will also release any pressure that might be building up in your pipes.
If your new filtration system requires you to add a saddle valve, cut the length of tubing long enough to reach from the saddle valve to the water dispenser and back again. Insert a compression fitting on one end of the tube and thread it onto the saddle valve, and tighten by hand or with an adjustable wrench. Then cut another piece of tubing that will extend from the filtration unit to the dispenser. Insert a compression fitting on this end as well and thread it onto the water supply port of the filtration unit, tightening with your hand or with an adjustable wrench.
If you’re looking for a water filter option with more capacity than a pitcher, the Culligan Pur Plus 30 Cup Dispenser is a great choice. Its 30-cup capacity will provide everyone in your household with a steady source of clean, healthy drinking water. Plus, it’s much easier to handle and stack in your fridge than a pitcher.
