The quality of tap water, as a rule, does not meet sanitary standards. It is often unusable due to its high content of harmful impurities and pathogens. Regular use of untreated tap water not only shortens the service life of household appliances and plumbing, but also negatively affects human well-being and health. For example, a high concentration of salts and minerals contributes to the formation of sand in the kidneys and the deposition of tartar, hair and nails become brittle. Water filters help to solve the problem.
Preparatory work
Before you begin to study the sequence of installing water purification filters, you need to complete all the preparatory measures. They start by assembling some parts of the purification system, which are plumbing fittings. It is a small size shut-off valve and tee. This work is carried out in two stages - assembly and installation of the unit on the water supply system.
- Collecting a working node - sidebars. This stage is not difficult, since it is only necessary to correctly and tightly connect the tee to the tap. One end of such a tee is equipped with an internal thread of 0.5 inches, the second external thread for 0.5 inches, the third, intended for connection to a shut-off valve, has an internal thread with a smaller diameter. Fum tape or tow is tightly wound on the tap, after which this part is screwed into the tee and well fixed with a wrench. Now is the time to shut off the water supply to the house and start installing the prepared tap.
- The next stage is more troublesome, but its implementation does not require special knowledge and skills. First of all, you need to find where the cold water pipe is located. It is equipped with a shut-off valve and needs to be twisted. The prepared working unit is mounted on the cold water supply pipe. Particular attention is paid to sealing the seams, otherwise the likelihood of leaks is not excluded.
After installation, it is recommended to check the performance of the working node. To do this, a small filter tap is placed in the closed position and the water supply is turned on. If no leaks appear, you can proceed with the installation of a water purification filter.
Required tools and materials
To independently install a water filtration system for tap water, you need to prepare all the necessary tools and materials in advance.
The set of equipment includes the following items:
- instruction: manual for installation, operation and maintenance;
- cartridges: each should be stored in a separate flask to preserve the active substances;
- straight-through faucet or tee;
- 2 connecting hoses - for outlet and inlet;
- faucet for treated water;
- wrench for unscrewing and replacing cartridges, fittings;
- gaskets;
- bracket for secure fixation.
Some systems are additionally equipped with a storage tank for treated water. To install the filter you will need:
- adjustable wrench and knife;
- pipe cutter;
- drills with different diameters;
- fum tape and tow.
Before proceeding directly with the installation, you need to familiarize yourself with the various installation methods and step-by-step algorithm of actions.
Ways of connecting the water filter to the water supply
The algorithm for installing different types of cleaning equipment is not fundamentally different. Filters are mounted in a horizontal or vertical position, this does not affect performance and service life. The most popular installation option is under a sink or sink. There are two types of equipment - a reverse osmosis system and a flow-through version.
As a rule, the system, which is installed under the sink, consists of several sections for the stage-by-stage water purification. Each section is flask-shaped and equipped with cartridges. They are made from glass, steel or high-quality plastic.
Filters installation order
The easiest and most affordable way to purify tap water in your home is with a filter nozzle. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that it has a direct connection to the water supply. If a coarse filter in a particular case is not enough, it is better to purchase more expensive equipment that is mounted under the sink. All work can be done independently without the help of specialists. The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- Decide on the place where the filter will be located. It is important to maintain a short distance for easy access to, maintenance, and cartridge replacement equipment. It can be placed horizontally and vertically under the sink, this moment is not important. Since its location does not affect its performance and service life, it can even be mounted in a kitchen cabinet.
- Filter insert into the central water supply. To begin with, you must definitely suspend the water supply to the house. After that, all threaded connections are carefully processed using fum tape. Then you can start installing the inset. There is a cold water supply line under the sink, it is disconnected and the previously mounted insert is carefully brought in. It is important that all tubes remain in their natural position, without any displacement or crushing.
- Installation of a drinking water tap. During the purchase of the filter, you need to pay attention to its configuration; it must include fastening nuts and pipe clamps. For correct installation, a hole is made in the sink for an additional tap. The diameter of the used drill is no more than 13 mm. During work, you need to be extremely careful and careful. Once the hole is ready, the faucet can be installed.
- Installing the clamp is also an important step, which you cannot do without. Mount it above the hydraulic seal on a vertical or horizontal hose. You will need a drill again, about 7 mm in diameter. With its help, a hole is made in the drain pipe. A protective dense elastic band is fixed near the hole for sealing. Next, a clamp support is installed so that the holes on it and the pipe coincide.
One of the final stages is the installation of the storage tank. During installation, it is important to take into account its internal working pressure, it ranges from 0.5 to 0.9 atmospheres. First of all, you need to wrap the thread with Teflon tape. Next, install a small plastic tap in the storage tank. In order not to damage the entire system, it is strictly forbidden to overtighten the thread. Before installing, it is important to find a suitable place for the tank so that it does not "get tangled" under your feet.
- A test run of the filter is carried out. Turn on the water supply. To eliminate the possibility of leaks, make sure that the valve on the storage tank is closed. Next, a tap opens, through which purified water will flow. After 10-15 minutes, a thin stream will appear.Equipment, valves and pipes are carefully examined for leaks.
The water after the first filtration is unusable. It is recommended to flush the system at least twice before using the filtered water for food purposes.
The cost of installing a water purification system fluctuates in a fairly wide range, depending on the complexity of the system itself and the region of residence of the homeowners.
Before installing the purification system, it is recommended to analyze the water, take the sample to the sanitary and epidemiological station. A detailed description of the composition and chemical formula will allow you to choose the most suitable filler in the cartridge, since each of them has its own individual characteristics and has a different effect on tap water. The cartridges must be replaced at least once every six months.