Installing a water filter with its own faucet is an excellent way to get clean, filtered water at your kitchen sink. In the above video, Richard Trethewey from This Old House shows how to install a water filter with a separate faucet and offers his expert insights and tips. Even if you’re new to DIY projects, you can tackle the installation in about 90 minutes. Let’s walk through the steps and options for setting up your own system.
Why Choose a Water Filter With a Separate Faucet?
Water filters with separate faucets offer several advantages over other filtration systems. These systems provide dedicated access to filtered water without affecting the main faucet’s functionality. They also allow for easy filter changes and maintenance without disrupting your regular water supply.
Benefits of Separate Faucet Water Filters
A separate faucet for your filtered water keeps it independent of your main sink faucet. This way, your regular tap stays the same, but you have a dedicated spout for clean, filtered water. This setup also makes maintenance and filter changes easier, without interrupting your regular water use.
Types of Water Filters Compatible With Separate Faucets
There are different types of water filters that can work with a separate faucet, depending on what kind of filtration you need.
Activated Carbon Filters
Activated carbon filters are highly effective at removing chlorine, sediment, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and unpleasant taste and odor from water. They work by trapping impurities in the tiny pores of the activated carbon material.
Ceramic Filters
Ceramic filters use a natural ceramic material to remove bacteria, cysts, and sediment from water. These filters are durable and often used in combination with other types of filters for enhanced purification.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis systems use a semi-permeable membrane to remove ions, molecules, and larger particles from drinking water. They are great at eliminating dissolved salts, fluoride, and other impurities.
UV Purification Systems
UV purification systems use ultraviolet light to disinfect water by killing or inactivating harmful microorganisms. This method is chemical-free.
Preparing for a Water Filter and Faucet Installation
Before beginning the installation process, gather the following tools and materials:
- 1/8-inch and 3/8-inch drill bits
- Adjustable wrench
- Basin wrench
- Corded drill/driver
- Knock-out punch
- Phillips screwdriver
- Ratcheting box end wrench
- Water filter kit with separate faucet
Choosing the Right Location
Look for an area under the sink that has enough space for the filter housing and allows easy access for changing the filter. Here are some factors to consider:
- Space under the sink: Clear the area and check that the filter housing fits comfortably.
- Proximity to the cold water line: Shorter connections mean fewer leaks.
- Easy access: Make sure you can easily change the filter when needed.
- Faucet placement: Choose a spot that’s easy to reach but still blends with your kitchen design.
Installing the Separate Faucet
Start by drilling a hole in the sink deck for the faucet:
- Place the escutcheon plate on the sink deck and mark the center hole.
- Drill a 3/8-inch pilot hole through the sink deck at the marked location.
- Use a slug cutter to create a perfectly round hole without deforming the sink.
Then, insert the faucet into the hole and secure it with the washers and nuts provided in your kit. Tighten everything using a basin wrench to make sure the faucet is firmly in place.
Connecting the Water Supply
With the faucet in place, the next step is to connect the water supply to your new filtration system. This involves modifying the existing plumbing to accommodate the filter.
Next, turn off the cold water supply under the sink. Disconnect the cold water line from the faucet and attach the T-fitting that came with your filter kit. Reconnect the cold water line and attach the filter’s supply line to the other opening on the T-fitting.
This T-fitting setup allows the cold water to divert to both the main faucet and the new filtration system without affecting your regular water usage.
Mounting the Filter Housing
Choose a spot on the cabinet wall under the sink to mount the filter housing. You want a location under the sink that allows easy access for filter changes with enough clearance for the filter cartridge and supply lines.
Use the filter’s upper housing and hanger bracket as a guide to mark where to drill the holes. Drill pilot holes for the mounting screws, then securely attach the housing and bracket to the cabinet wall. Once the housing is mounted, insert the filter cartridge into place, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Connecting the Water Lines
Attach the water supply line to the filter housing’s inlet, and connect the outlet tube from the housing to the separate faucet. Make sure all connections are tight to avoid leaks.
Testing and Maintenance
Once everything is connected, slowly turn the cold water supply back on. Check for leaks at all the connection points, and run water through the new faucet for a few minutes to flush out any air and check the flow.
Ongoing Maintenance
Regular maintenance keeps your system running smoothly. Important maintenance tasks include:
- Clean the faucet and surrounding area to prevent the buildup of minerals or bacteria.
- Regularly inspect connections for leaks or signs of wear.
- Replace the filter cartridge every six months or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Replacing the Filter Cartridge
Replacing the cartridge is straightforward. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model. Typically, it involves turning off the water supply, removing the old cartridge, inserting the new one, and resetting any indicators.