10 Tips when Installing a Water Purifier

There are 4 main types of water purifiers available. There is the pitcher type, the type that installs directly to the faucet at the aerator, and there are two types which install under the sink, both of which feed from the cold water supply, but one has separate dispenser and the other feeds directly into the faucet. This article will only address installation tips for those water purifiers that attach or dispense directly to the faucet.

Determine the type of purifier that best suits your needs. The primary factors to consider are price versus convenience. If you live alone, or with a small family, a pitcher should be fine. Or if you have a larger family, it may be worth it to pay more for the convenience of the installed variety, since the pitcher requires refilling.

Read reviews and shop around. Don't just install the first water purifier that fits your need and budget. See what others had to say about ease of installation, durability, leakage, or other concerns for any brand you are considering purchasing.

If you are installing under the sink:

Measure the existing supply tubes before you buy. Most under the sink water purifiers will come with flexible supply tubes to replace the old rigid ones, and if they are not the same size, you will need to buy extensions.

Turn off the water before installing water purifier.

Measure before you mount the purifier to the wall. You will have to periodically change the filters, so make sure there will be clearance between the top of the purifier and the top of the cabinet.

Save your hardware. If you opt not to keep the filter or if it breaks down in the future, you may want or need to reconnect the regular water supply. No reason to replace hardware you already had.

If you are installing to the faucet:

Protect your fixtures. Since you may want to reinstall the aerator at some point, if you need pliers to remove it, wrap the threads of the pliers with electrical tape before using the pliers on the aerator. This should keep the threads from scratching the aerator.

Save your aerator. If you opt not to keep the filter or if it breaks down in the future, you will need it.

Do not under-tighten mounting nut. It may leak.

Do not over-tighten mounting nut. It may leak and need replacing.