The New Year is a great excuse to tackle a home improvement project. If you are unhappy with the hard water in your home, consider installing a whole house water filtration system. Hard water can pose a number of problems. It can cause clothing to come out of the washer looking dingy, it can lead to spotting and film on dishes, and it can leave limescale buildup on bathtubs and showers. Limescale can also clog or obstruct water pipes, leading to inefficient water flow. The filtration system will also eliminate chlorine and improve the taste of the water.
(Pixabay / MikeBird)
To improve the water in your home, consider installing a salt-free water system by following these steps:
- Drain the pipes – The first step in installing a home water filtration system is to shut off the main water supply valve. You will usually find the water main in the basement of your house or outside in the water meter box. After shutting off the main valve, turn on the bathroom or kitchen faucet until it runs dry.
- Choose the location of your water system – In choosing where to install your water system, consider the filter’s position and its accessibility. Many people choose the basement or garage. The water system need to be installed in tandem with the pipe that runs from the water main to ensure that water running to all areas of the home will be filtered.
- Mark the location and cut the pipe –After draining the pipe and determining where you want to install the water system, cut an appropriate length of the existing pipe where you will install your system. Be ready with a bucket to catch the remaining water in the pipe.
- Attach the fittings– The water system will come with pipe fittings that need to be attached to the ends of the existing pipe that you just cut. The fittings are either compression or flux style. Some fittings may require soldering, so be ready with the appropriate tools. Make sure to install shut-off valves at both ends of the water system so that you can turn off the water flow while replacing the system’s filters.
- Install the filtration system –If you opt for a large filtration unit with a water-softening add-on, you will need to support your system so the pipes do not have to carry the full weight of the water system.
- Check for leaks – Once your water system is installed, you can turn on the main water valve to resume the flow of water to the entire house. Check for leaks in the new pipe connection. If you find leaks, shut off the main valve and re-check your pipe connections.
With a few DIY steps in installing your filtration system, you can enjoy better quality water throughout your home.