If your drinking water is not as clear as it used to be, maybe it's time to replace the water filter or add one. To do this without flooding out your home, consider this question. What is Teflon tape? If you know the answers get started this weekend, on the new filter. If you think Teflon tape is something you cook with, well maybe you should call a plumber to install the filter. When replacing your existing filter try to select the same model as before, this should cause all the existing fittings to be the same size and simplify the connection to the replacement filter.
If you have decided to change models read the manufactures directions before starting the job. You may need to replace washer or use something that is new to you, better to understand this before and not after. The first thing to do is turn off the water to the home. Whether you are swapping out an under counter or whole house filter the process is about the same. Once the water is off you can open a sink faucet and drain the remaining water from the water line and filter. You might be surprised at the amount of water the filter and lines are holding.
Draining this line will reduce any spillage as you disconnect the filter. If your filter is connected to the ice maker water line behind your refrigerator, be extra careful when you pull out the refrigerator, so you do not rupture the water line. Just pull slowly, straight forward till you can see behind the unit and get in behind it. Have your tools ready and close by, perhaps laying on a towel or something protecting the counter top. Your wife will really appreciate this.
Also, have a container close by, big enough to put the removed filter in after you have disconnected it. This step will save a lot of wipe up. O.K.
its time to disconnect the water filter. Take a firm hold of the unit and selecting the correct size wrench, undo the nuts that connect either side of the unit. Place the old water filter into your bucket. Now you can install the new water filter. Since you reviewed the directions that came with the new filter, you should have all the washers and connection parts right there and ready. Remember that Teflon tape, well now is the time to use it.
Wrap a small amount of Teflon tape around the threads of the filter and tighten the nuts down to form a snug fit. You don't have to over tighten it, just sung and firm. Often this means tightening to a point where it gets hard to turn the wrench any more.
Now, turn the water back on to the home. And, let it run for a while; a few minutes is fine. What you are doing is filling up the filter and washing out the water line. Often the connections will release small amounts of dirt after you loosing them and tightening them. After the water coming out of the faucet is clear and you have flushed out all of the dirt, turn off the faucet and stop for a minute. Pay close attention to the connections on the water filter.
What you are looking for is leaking or drips. If it is dripping or leaking, you may need to tighten up the nuts connection the filter to the water line. Wait five minutes and if you have no drips, you're done. Remember, read the directions, flush the water line, use Teflon tape and check for drips. And, you should be able to avoid flooding and water damage.
By Mark Decherd http://www.dryout.net.
www.dryout.net Mr. Mark Decherd Dryout Inc.
