This article is a guide to help homeowners and water filter system users change out the filter cartridge(s) in their under sink water filtration system.
Granted, many water filter system owners already know how to do accomplish the task. However, many folks inherit filter systems from previous property owners or are given the responsibility for changing the filters without having any experience.
Whatever the situation may be for you, it’s always a good idea to brush up on the protocols and processes to avoid any problems.
Know Your System
Water filter kits come with instruction manuals that detail how to install the product and perform routine maintenance on the system to keep it operating at peak efficiency.
Familiarity with the components, the plumbing involved, and how the system has been installed will all contribute to a successful outcome.
If the owner’s manual is available, it’s probably a good idea to read through the whole thing, just to make sure you’re up to speed on what’s going to happen.
If the manual isn’t available, you can go online and do a little research to find the instructions.
It’s actually a good idea to go online anyway because many websites offer tips, tricks, and techniques used by other filter system owners to change out the filter cartridges on their systems.
No Plumber Required
Removing and re-installing filter cartridges isn’t exactly rocket science requiring advanced college degrees to get the job done.
It does, however, require tools and other materials to perform the task.
The filter changing instructions should provide insight into the needed equipment and online comments from previous owners will help refine the instructions with real-world background.
Remember, some filtration systems are manufactured off-shore and the folks writing up the instructions may not actually know what it takes to do the work.
Patience, perseverance, and persistence will pay big dividends in the form of a functioning system without water leaks.
Replace Your Under Sink Water Filter Cartridge In 5 Steps
Step 1 – Assemble the Troops
The fact is that changing under-sink water filter cartridges means you’ve got to get inside the sink cabinet to get the job handled.
Because of the awkward environment, the work will be done inside, it’s critical to reduce the number of trips to get tools or other important equipment.
Nobody wants to bang their head on the cabinet or squat up and down too many times, so it is a good idea to have everything needed close at hand and ready to go.
It doesn’t hurt to have an assistant to lend a hand, if necessary to help read instructions or handle equipment while you’re crammed inside the cabinet.
Step 2 – Turn the Water Off
It might seem pretty obvious but there are cases where filter system owners left the water turned on and got quite a surprise when they started to unscrew the filter.
Turn off the water source before starting any work.
Most filtration systems have a small valve to do this that is located on the incoming water line before the water gets to the filter system. Other systems require you to turn the water off at the faucet valve directly under the sink in the cabinet or, in a few cases, the main water supply valve to the entire property has to be closed down.
Step 3 – Follow the Directions Twice
The reason you should read the installation instructions twice is simple: going through the process once helps familiarize the installer with any potential problems or conflicts that may arise once they can judge the situation up close.
Walking through the process will help avoid catastrophes and should give the installer more confidence toward achieving the final objective.
Any issues with disconnecting and reconnecting system components should be worked out before attempting the switch to save time, money, and frustration.
Step 4 – Take Your Time
Lying on the floor, half-inside the sink cabinet, with your body contorted like a circus performer is something most folks want to experience for as short a time as possible. Who can blame them?
Changing out under sink water filters doesn’t rank highly as something most folks want to do.
However, being in a hurry to get back to normal life can cause problems that end up taking even more time and money to resolve.
Go slow, be thorough, and take your time.
This is plumbing and if anything isn’t right, you’ll know it right away, so be prepared to spend the time required to do the job correctly.
Step 5 – Check, Double-check, and Triple-check
When the job has been completed and the new filter(s) are installed, it’s vital to make sure there have been no mistakes.
Sometimes, it takes a little while for a problem to raise its ugly head so it’s a great idea to grab a flashlight and take a look every now and then.
Water leaks can be elusive and not easily apparent right after the plumbing work has been done.
Even the best plumbers know it is important to re-check connections and valves to ensure nothing is leaking once the water has been turned back on.
Replacing A Whirlpool Under Sink Water Filter Cartridge
Snap-in, Screw-in, or Remote Filters
Different under-sink water filter systems use a variety of connection methodologies for installing replacement filters.
In some cases, there are multiple filters that eliminate different contaminants that must be changed, each with its own connection protocol.
In-line filters should be located in an area that allows for easy removal and replacement.
In those situations where the exchange of filters is difficult, it is advised to have the system altered to make it an easier process encouraging the replacement process and not discouraging it.
Each filtration system has its own recommended filter life but each one is unique because its use reflects the demands of its users.
Using the designated filters specified by the system manufacturer should always take place as the use of other products will not guarantee proper filtration results.
Stick With It
Many under sink filtration system owners feel it is too difficult or burdensome to change out filters.
They feel that they don’t want the inconvenience, mess, or frustration of climbing around under the sink to get the job done.
This is a big mistake because the value of the filtration of water far exceeds the small amount of time and effort required to keep the water as clean and contaminant-free as possible.
Better tasting water that improves health is everyone’s goal and an under sink water filter system goes a long way toward achieving that important goal.
With a little preparation, practice, and perseverance the water you want may be only a filter change away.
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What’s the recommended lifespan of your water filter cartridge?
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