Replacing a Whole House Water Filter

Changing a water filter that’s attached to your faucet is usually pretty simple and straightforward. Just press a button, unscrew a knob, or twist it, and it’ll come right off. However, how do you replace a main water filter? The experts at Tri-County Water Services are here to help! Today we’ll talk about replacing a whole house water filter.

Replacing Whole House Water Filter Stage 1:  Preparation

First, preparation. Consider this a checklist. Let’s begin with the tools you’ll need:

• A filter wrench and/or strap wrench.
• A replacement O-Ring for the filter canister.
• Some food-grade silicone grease.
• Some plumber’s tape or Teflon tape.
• A big bucket and clean rags.

With these things ready, here are a few other preparatory steps:

• Turn off all appliances that use water (washers, ice cube maker, faucets, etc.)
• Find the model number on your water filter housing to ensure you have the correct replacement filter.
• Shut off the water supply to your house.
• After these steps, open up a faucet on the first floor of your home to let the system depressurize.

Replacing a Whole House Water Filter Stage 2:  Execution

Second, time for the nitty gritty. These steps will work for most modern filter changes.

• Most modern homes have a water filter system with three valves. One valve for water in, one for water out, and one to bypass the filter. Turn the water in and water out valves off so that they’re perpendicular to the pipes, forming 90º angles. Then, turn on the bypass valve so that it lines up with its pipe.
• Putting the bucket under the blue filter canister, use your filter wrench or strap wrench to slowly turn it counter-clockwise. Expect some water to come out. But if it doesn’t stop, you haven’t turned your water completely off.
• Pull out the disposable filter.
• Clean the filter canister, its threads, and wipe them with a clean rag.
• Take off the old O-Ring, lightly line the new one with silicone grease, and put it in place. (You can reuse the old O-Ring if it’s not too dirty or damaged.)
• Wrap plumber’s tape around the threads of the canister.
• Pre-soak the new filter in a clean bucket of water.
• Center the new filter in the canister and hand-tighten it into place.

Replacing a Whole House Water Filter Stage 3:  Completion

Third, almost there! Just a couple more steps.

• Turn off the bypass valve and slowly turn the other two valves ¼ of the way on. If the canister falls off or you see leaks, you’ll need to retrace your steps.
• If you don’t see any leaks, turn the valves all the way on. Then, turn on a faucet at the top floor of your home. It will push out air, but then clean water will run through.
• Set a reminder to change the filter again in 6 months!

Contact Tri-County Water Services for Water Treatment & More

Finally, if you’re not confident about doing this yourself, if you have some leaks, or if you can’t figure something out, then contact us at Tri-County Water Services. We serve Lancaster, Chester, Berks and Delware Counties and whether it’s replacing a whole house water filter, or any other plumbing need, we can help.