Installing a whole-house water system might sound like a job best left to the pros. However, you can tackle this project yourself with basic plumbing skills, the right tools and knowledge, and some patience. This DIY guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for a safe and seamless installation. Follow each section carefully, and pause and re-read steps as necessary to do the job correctly the first time.
Preparing to Install Your Whole-House Water System
There are a few things you will need to do ahead of time to streamline the installation process:
Gather and organize the required tools and accessories.
First things first: Gather all the necessary tools and accessories for the job. These items may vary by system, but they generally include:
- Tubing cutter (for copper/PEX), hacksaw, or PVC cutter
- Two adjustable pipe wrenches or channel-lock pliers
- Pipe deburring tool or sandpaper (for copper pipes)
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
- Solder, flux, and propane torch (for copper pipes)
- Teflon thread-sealing tape for threaded joints and fittings
- PVC or CPVC primer and cement/glue (for plastic pipes and joints)
- Drill and suitable bits (for mounting brackets)
- Level, pencil/marker, and tape measure
- Filter housing wrench (usually supplied)
- Bucket, old towels, and a mop for cleanup
- Work gloves and safety goggles
- Shut-off ball valves (at least two)
- Copper, PEX, or PVC pipe/fittings to match your house pipes
- Mounting board (often plywood) if the wall structure is thin
- Optional bypass valve compatible with your system
- Adapter fittings for transitions (e.g., copper-to-PEX or threaded adapters)
- High-quality flexible hose connectors (consult installation manual for quantity and specific lengths and sizes)
Also, verify that all the included components are present and undamaged. Refer to your installation manual for the parts list specific to your system. If everything is intact, organize the tools and parts, and keep them within arm’s reach of the work area.
Plan the mounting location for the filter housing.
You will also need to decide where to install the filter housing. The exact placement depends on the system and whether the filter is used as a pre-filter or post-filter. Please refer to the installation manual for the correct plumbing location and configuration for your specific model.
Once you have confirmed the proper location, ensure it meets the following conditions:
- A dry, level surface.
- Has a nearby power outlet for systems that use electricity.
- Shielded from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
- Provides at least 1½ to 2 feet of clearance below the filter housing for easy removal and filter changes.
Next, choose a suitable wall surface to mount the filter bracket. If mounting to drywall, secure a piece of plywood or lumber (minimum 1” thick) to the wall by screwing or nailing it directly into the wall studs. You may also use wall anchors if there aren’t any wall studs behind the attachment point. The mounting board serves as a backer to keep the filter housing stable and support its weight. This step is optional for concrete walls.
Hold the mounting bracket against the mounting panel or concrete wall at the desired height. Line up the bracket with the surrounding pipes, then use a level tool to ensure the bracket is aligned straight. Using the holes in the bracket as a guide, mark out the holes to be pre-drilled with a pencil. Drill pilot holes through the markings, then drill the actual holes (see owner’s guide for specific bit size).
Prepare the media tank.
Start by unboxing the media tank and unscrewing the cap on top of the tank. Remove the protective cover from the top of the vertical “distribution tube” or “riser tube” running from the bottom of the tank. Afterward, locate the included tank head and fit it over the riser tube. Press the tank head down so it attaches securely to the tank. Thread the tank head onto the tank by turning it clockwise, then hand-tighten it until it fits snugly. Be careful not to overtighten or cross-thread the connection. Also, do not unscrew the tank head once it is securely in place, as this could damage the tank.
Following that, carefully move the tank to the installation site. Ensure the tank remains upright as you carry it. Install the optional bypass valve onto the connections on the tank head and fully tighten the fasteners by hand. Attach and hand-tighten the provided MNPT fittings on each end of the bypass valve. Apply 5-7 even wraps of Teflon tape to the outer threads of each MNPT fitting. Finally, use a hose bib to attach a garden hose to the “inlet” side of the bypass valve. Perform a 48-hour pre-soak/flush per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Note: Refer to your manufacturer’s installation manual for model-specific instructions on setting up the media tank, flushing the system, and activating the filter media.
Assemble the filter housing.
The final preparation step is to assemble the filter housing. Begin by unscrewing the top of the filter housing and removing it. Locate the O-ring and the lubricant inside the packaging or the canister. Seat the O-ring in the groove indented along the top of the filter housing and secure it in place. Apply some of the provided lubricant along the edge of theO-ring, then use your finger to spread it evenly to ensure the gasket is thoroughly coated. Flip the O-ring over and reseat it in the groove. Apply more lubricant, then spread it evenly. Drop the provided filter into the housing, ensuring it sits flush on the center post or nipple inside. Place the lid onto the housing and screw it until it stops.
Next, install nipple fittings onto the two end ports at the top of the filter housing. To prevent leaks, apply Teflon tape to the outer treads of the nipples. Thread the nipples into the ports and tighten them by hand as firmly as possible. Repeat these steps on the opposite side. Use a pipe wrench to tighten the nipples into the housing fully. Apply Teflon tape to the outer threads on the outward ends of the nipples.
Steps for Whole-House Water Filter Installation
Now that you’ve gathered the necessary tools, planned a suitable installation location, and prepared the media tank and filter housing, you can proceed to install your whole-house filter.
Note: The installation instructions below may differ based on your system. Always refer to your owner’s manual for model-specific guidance.
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Shut off the main water supply.
Begin by turning off your home’s main water supply. To do it, locate the main water shut-off valve to the house and close it by turning the handle clockwise until it stops. If the valve has a lever-type handle, turn the lever at a 90-degree angle to the water pipe. This valve is typically found near the water meter or where water first enters your home, such as in the basement, utility room, or garage. You may also find it on an exterior wall or inside a utility panel in the yard. After cutting the water supply, turn off the power to your electric hot water tank to prevent damage to the system.
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Drain the water lines.
With the water supply off, open one or more fixtures on the upper floor of the home, then work your way down to the lower floors. Leave the fixtures turned on to help release pressure and drain all the water from the supply lines. Once no water flows out of the fixture(s), move on to the next step.
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Remove a section of the main water supply line.
Use a tape measure or ruler to measure a section of pipe to remove. The length of the pipe to be removed should account for the width of the filter housing and connecting fittings. Using a marker or pencil, mark the exact points on the pipe where you intend to cut. Have a bucket and towel on hand to catch any water spills.
How you cut the pipe will depend on its type:
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- Cutting copper pipe: Use a tubing cutter and make two clean, square cuts through the pipe.
- Cutting PEX or PVC pipe: Make nice, square cuts in the PEX/PVC supply line. Use a sharp utility knife or specialized cutter for PEX pipes and a PVC cutter or fine-tooth saw for PVC pipes.
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Install adapter fittings on the cut ends of the pipe.
The method of installing the adapter fittings will also depend on the type of pipe being used. For copper pipes, clean the inside and outside of the pipe with emery cloth or a deburring tool. You can then solder the adapter fittings or use compression fittings that don’t require soldering.
- Soldering adapter fittings: Apply a thin layer of flux to the pipe, then slide the adapter fittings onto it. Solder the connection with a propane torch or other heating source. Ensure that you solder away from the filter housing to prevent melting plastics. Allow the fittings to cool completely before handling.
- Installing compression adapter fittings: Slide the nut onto the copper tube, then slide the sleeve onto it. Next, slide the compression fitting on the pipe until it stops. Hand-tighten the nut onto the fitting, then use a wrench to turn it an additional 1/4 to 1/2 turn.
If plumbing PEX pipes, it’s usually recommended to use push-to-connect (push-fit) adapter fittings or crimp fittings.
- For push-to-connect/SharkBite fittings: Insert the stiffener into the PEX pipe end. Mark the insertion depth to determine when the pipe is fully inserted. Push the fitting onto the pipe firmly until the pipe’s edge reaches the depth mark. Verify the connection is secure.
- For crimp fittings: Slide a crimp ring onto the PEX pipe, then fully insert the barbed fitting into the end of the pipe. Position the crimp ring about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the pipe’s edge, directly over the fitting’s barb. Place the crimp tool’s jaws squarely over the ring and squeeze the handles to compress the ring. Use a go/no-go gauge to verify the connection is secure.
PVC pipes will also require a different approach when installing the adapter fittings. First, dry-fit the adapter fitting to check alignment and depth. Remove the fitting, then apply PVC primer to the pipe end and inside the fitting’s socket. While the primer is still wet, apply PVC cement to the same areas where the primer was applied. Firmly push the adapter onto the pipe until it is fully seated, then turn it so that it directly faces the mounting area for the filter housing. Hold the pipe and the fitting together for about 30 seconds to ensure a secure connection.
Pro Tip: Apply Teflon tape to all threaded fittings and connections for a water-tight seal.
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Install shut-off valves onto the installed adapter fittings.
Install a shut-off valve on the adapter fitting before the filter (supply-side) and a second shut-off valve after the filter (house-side). Use the plumbing method suited to your pipe type (solder for copper, glue for CPVC, crimp for PEX). With this setup, you can isolate the system for maintenance or otherwise. For added convenience, you can add a Tee fitting and a third shut-off valve between the first two. This creates a bypass loop that lets you temporarily route water around the system while keeping the house supplied. Bear in mind, however, that the water bypassing the filter will be untreated. Clearly label all valves for future reference.
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Install the mounting bracket and mount the filter housing.
At the pre-drilled holes on the wall or mounting board, use bolts to secure the mounting bracket to the surface. Ensure the bracket sits flush and sturdy. Before mounting the filter housing, check that it is oriented correctly. The “IN” port should point to the incoming water supply and the “OUT” port to the outgoing supply. Finally, use the supplied bolts and washer to secure the filter housing to the installed mounting bracket. Then, use the provided spanner filter wrench to tighten the filter housing fully. Be careful not to overtighten it.
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Connect the unit to your home’s plumbing.
Position the media tank upright near the mounted filter housing, with the tank’s connections facing the wall. The exact order of the media tank and filter housing depends on whether the provided filter housing is a pre-filter (before the media tank) or a post-filter (after the media tank). Please reference the system’s installation guide to verify the type of filter and the correct configuration and flow direction. Once confirmed, connect a flex hose from the shut‑off valve on the incoming water line to the first component in the sequence, then another flex hose from that component’s outlet to the next component’s inlet. Attach a third flex hose from the outlet of the last component back into the main water line that feeds the house. Tighten all connections securely with a wrench.
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Test the system.
With the water supply still off, open a bathtub faucet all the way. Ensure the shut-off valve to the system is closed, and the bypass valve on the media tank is set to bypass. Turn the water back on to the house and inspect for leaks. If no leaks are detected, slowly open the shut-off valve on the incoming supply pipe. Check the connections for leaks. Next, open the bypass valve on the tank head to let water flow through the tank. Let the water flow through the faucet for 5-10 minutes to flush out air, loose media, and any foreign matter from the plumbing work. The water may appear cloudy and contain bits of sediment; this is normal. Close the faucet once the water runs clear, without bubbles or hissing sounds.
That’s it. You’ve successfully installed your whole-house water system.
Post-Installation Checks
Now that the installation is complete, double-check all connections for leaks. Pay keen attention to soldered joints, push-fittings, and threaded adapters. If moisture or trickles are observed, turn the shut-off valve on the supply side to the off position, and inspect the connection(s) for cross-threading or looseness. Unscrew and replace/rethread or tighten if necessary. Next, examine the area under and around the filter housing and media tank for signs of moisture every hour on the first day, and then again after one week. A leak detection and shut-off system can alert you to any leaks and automatically cut the water supply to prevent water damage.
Once any leaks are repaired, check that water pressure throughout the house is normal and the water runs clear. Monitor pressure gauges, if installed, for constant water flow and no sudden pressure drops. To verify the system is working as intended, consider having your water tested. To do so, purchase a water test kit and send a water sample from your home to a laboratory for analysis. This step is particularly essential if your water comes from a private well or has a known contamination issue.
Discover 10 common problems a water test can detect in tap water.
Tips for Maintaining Your Whole-House Water Filter
Regular maintenance helps keep your whole-house water system in good working order. Here are a few easy maintenance tips to keep the system running optimally for as long as possible.
- Replace filter cartridges or media according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. Reduced water pressure or undesirable changes in the water’s taste, odor, or appearance may require earlier filter replacements.
- Keep a record of the installation date, filter changes, and applicable pressure readings.
- Inspect for leaks periodically, especially after replacing filter cartridges.
- Clean sumps and lubricate O-rings during each service.
For your convenience, SpringWell offers an optional Filters Made Easy program that delivers new, fresh filters automatically based on your scheduled intervals. That way, you never have to worry about missing a filter replacement or an overdue cartridge compromising your home’s water quality.
Shop SpringWell’s Whole-House Water Filtration Systems
Whole House Water Filter System
$1,144.00
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Lingering odors, chemical tastes, and hidden contaminants can quickly compromise your water quality and safety. SpringWell’s whole-house water filters are built to prevent that. Our top-rated point-of-entry (POE) systems eliminate a wide range of impurities from your entire water supply, delivering fresher, cleaner water to every faucet and fixture in your home.
Choose from three advanced models to suit various household sizes:
- CF1: For homes with 1-3 bathrooms (9 GPM flow rate)
- CF4: For 4-6 bathrooms (12 GPM flow rate)
- CF+: For seven or more bathrooms (up to 20 GPM flow rate)
Each system comes with a detailed, step-by-step installation manual and video walkthrough to guide you through the installation process. For enhanced water protection, consider a combo system that combines advanced whole-house filtration and water softening into one powerful setup.
If you still have questions about selecting, installing, or maintaining a SpringWell whole-house filter, please call us at 800-589-5592 or schedule a free consultation
