Most under-sink RO systems are designed for DIY installation in an afternoon. This is an overview; your system's manual is the authority. If you're not comfortable working on plumbing, a plumber can do it in an hour or two.
What you'll need
- The RO system and its included faucet, tubing and fittings
- A drill and bit for the faucet hole, if your sink doesn't have a spare one
- An adjustable wrench, towel and bucket
- An outlet under the sink, for tankless systems like the Waterdrop G3P800
The steps
- Shut off the cold water under the sink and open the faucet to release pressure.
- Install the feed valve on the cold water line.
- Mount the faucet in a spare sink hole or a new hole.
- Fit the drain saddle to the sink drain pipe above the trap.
- Mount the system and connect the feed, faucet and drain tubing.
- Turn the water on slowly and check every connection for leaks.
- Flush the system as the manual directs before drinking the water.
The step people skip
Check for leaks again a few hours later and the next morning. Slow drips at push-fit connections are the most common problem, and they're easy to miss on day one.
Can't drill or plumb?
A countertop system like the AquaTru Classic needs no installation.
Questions
How long does installation take?
Usually one to three hours for a first-timer.
Do I need a plumber?
Not usually, but hire one if you have unusual plumbing or aren't comfortable drilling.
