How to Install a Water Purifier on Your Sink

Almost all of the more common sink water purifiers are designed to be installed by dummies. For the sake of this article, let’s assume that you have shopped enough to realize that you don’t want to install new tubing or water pipe just to get a filter on your sink. With the type that doesn’t install on your current tap, you run the risk of damaging your cabinets or breaking a water line to install it. So, I recommend unless you can’t or won’t use the ones that affix to your tap, you need to have it professionally installed.

Having covered that, let’s move on to that installation. You have to determine if your current faucet set has inside threads or outside threads. Unscrew the diffuser from the end of your tap. You may need pliers to do this if it’s too snug. Put the stopper into the drain before removing the diffuser because if it slips, you don’t want it going down the drain. Under the diffuser, you will find a gasket and a set of screens. Keep all of this together to be stored later.

After the diffuser is removed, you will either see threads around the outside end of the tap, or they will be hidden inside. Your water purifier should come with both types of adapters. Usually, no Teflon tape or pipe dope is needed on this operation. Screw the correct adapter onto your tap. If it is plastic, be careful not to cross the threads or to over tighten it. Use your fingers to tighten this. If it doesn’t screw in or on easily, don’t force it. You have the threads crossed. It should screw up to feel snug in three or four turns.

Once it is installed, you can follow the manufacturer’s directions for the correct way to attach the purifier to the adapter. When it is snapped or screwed into place, turn the water on slowly. If you have leaks, gently tighten the fitting nearest to the leak until the leak stops. Don’t get to robust here, or you may have to return to the store for new parts. If you use a tool to do this, apply very little pressure.

If you have one of the types that can completely shut off the water, do that and check for leaks again. If the filter isn’t pre-installed, install it now. Clean up your mess and put away your tools. I recommend that you store the old diffuser in a safe place. This way it can be reused later if you decide to remove the purifier.