How to Install a Whole-House Water Filter | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey improves the taste and odor of municipal drinking water with a whole house filtration system that includes a sediment filter and a granulated activated carbon filter.
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Time: 2-3 hours
Cost: $1,000
Skill Level: Moderate
Tools List:
Tubing Cutter
Fitting Brush/Pipe Cleaner
Torch
Shopping List:
Whole House Filtration System
Copper Pipe and Fittings
3 Copper Ball Valves
Adapter Fittings to Connect Filters
Flux
Solder
Thread Sealing Tape
Steps:
1. Turn off the main plumbing supply to the house and drain as much water as possible from the pipes by opening all faucets and fixtures and then opening a drawoff valve near the main.
2. Determine the location of the prefilter. If necessary, attach a piece of plywood for attaching the filter bracket.
3. Use a tubing cutter to cut in to the main water supply pipe.
4. Clean, apply flux, and solder the adapter fittings to transition into the filter housing on a workbench to keep the heat away from the filter. Once cool, connect the adapter fittings to the filter housing, using thread sealing tape on threaded connections.
5. Clean, flux, and then dryfit the remaining connections. Include “T” fittings that allow water into and out of the filter, but also connect to a shutoff valve that serves as a bypass. Include a shutoff valve for water entering the filter and a shutoff valve for water leaving the filter.
6. In normal operation, the bypass valve remains in the closed position and the two filter valves are in the open position. If the filter requires service, those valves should be reversed, allowing untreated water into the building temporarily.
7. Once all connections have been made, turn water pressure back on to the building and check for leaks.
8. Follow manufacturer instructions to properly activate the carbon filter.
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Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers-and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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How to Install a Whole-House Water Filter | Ask This Old House
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[@Honda-wing5811]

After the woven nylon pre-filter is all used up (changed out) they make a very good cordage for marking your garden rows and such. Just hose it off a little bit and let it dry in the sun then you can reuse it for marking your rows in the garden.

[@Lughnerson]

Good tip.

[@ebag3587]

We bought this exact filter for our home. Its a pelican water filter with a sediment pre-filter (thats what the spun filter does). They didn't talk about the steps to prep this filter for installation. You have to do a pre-install soak of the carbon for 48 hours and then backflush to activate it. If you just install it dry without soaking you'll run the carbon material into every appliance, sink, toilet and you'll be in big trouble. Other than that it does what it says it does. Just expensive.

[@jeffreyeichelberger6550]

He should have said that. But didnt major mistake

[@HawaiiFoodAndFun]

Thank you for sharing. How long did the filter last for you? (how large is your place/how many people)

[@kevindavis3369]

How long before one of these needs serviced or change the carbon

[@webberfan1234]

I wonder what this process is

[@daddydoc1115]

"Try this one" "Kinda low tide-y" "SUPRISE WELCOME TO FLINT MICHIGAN"

[@juanlanda2441]

thanks for showing us. we can always trust This Old House for what we need to know!

[@Clovistoolsdotcom]

I still love this show it is the best for homeowners

[@mikereilly8376]

I'd have given anything to be able to stand on a floor and do this. I had to stand on a ladder with my head stuffed in between three floor joists for the entire job.. THAT was misery with every step. But it's done and NOW I'm happy! Great video.

[@aliovchess602]

wow! creating bypass means how much you care for your customer! really nice attitude.

[@bluekeet]

I always learn something new from these videos, very informative.

[@trogdorthebrick915]

Just discovered my wife had been getting sick because we installed one of these without a UV filter. So keep that in mind. These filters can build up bacteria in that little tank.

[@buelowexcavating]

What are your wife's symptoms?

[@Enemji]

and that is why I like to use the Doulton Imperial Silver embedded ceramic filter. Silver prevents bacteria growth, and no need to hook it up to a power source.

[@johnpillinger7220]

Chlorine in the water should prevent bacteria. Was this well water or city water?

[@williamwilson6499]

Maybe change the filter on schedule…

[@1806StoneHouse]

I will be installing this in my 1806 Renovation! it's great and you make it look so easy. Thanks!

[@bigbeef8935]

1806StoneHouse f that who wants a house from the Stone Age. And dump money into it on top of that? 😂

[@1806StoneHouse]

Big Beef89 me

[@DashieNCheekie]

@@bigbeef8935 Old houses are cool what you talking about 😄

[@JohnnyD975]

Don't forget to open the water supply slowly after it's been closed - reduces the risk of high pressure blowing out downstream valves (toilets/sinks/washing machine/etc).

[@emergencyplumbingservices3487]

Nice video on water filter installation.....thanks!

[@skoronesa1]

I would have put in a 4.5x20 with replaceable carbon filters, other than that I didn't find anything blatantly objectionable. I guess there is a first time for everything! You guys have earned it, Good Job!!

[@jamescunningham6249]

I have the smaller pre-filter installed in the crawlspace area underneath my house, but I do not have the larger steel tank they show here. The smaller pre-filter does a fine job keeping our water odor free and tasting good. I purchased the unit for $200 and the filters are about $32. The filters last about one year before needing to be changed depending on whether or not there has been a water main break. In that case the filter does get dirty quicker and needs to be changed. Mine is a Whirlpool clear glass housing that you can check visually to decide whether or not it is time to change the filter. I paid a plumber $300 to install the unit since it was cramped underneath the house and a little above my skillset! Changing the filter can be a challenge too and it is easy to break the plastic wrench they include to remove the filter. My plumber just comes out when I need him to do it for me and charges about $85 a visit. I'm on city water, but the filter is still a lifesaver when it comes to maintaining my water's overall quality.

[@mommyscrazylife9653]

Iiriad up

[@mommyscrazylife9653]

Zii9

[@mommyscrazylife9653]

-!8!÷

[@mommyscrazylife9653]

8zox d q++a poo q8p]]p p p 230am 1111qq we 11ke1leeiee3i3e8ww9eq1wqp1pe081

[@donluchitti]

Im deciding whether to get a pre-filter for my house or just a RO filter at my sink. Sounds like your filter takes care of your needs, its got to be more than just a sediment filter, right?

[@davidazinger5639]

Creating a bypass so you can have water while changing the filter is not something 1 plumber in 1,000 would do -- go the extra mile. Amazing fittings / world class job. Curious to know what brand and what style of filtrations system he put in.

[@karlheinz1695]

That's a Pelican whole-house filtration system. The larger tanks shown is supposed to be good for 1,000,000 gallons while their smaller unit lasts 600,000 gallons. I installed a water meter in-line to have a better idea when to replace the activated carbon. BTW, the carbon replacement is about $300, not bad for once every five years IMHO.

[@JourneyOnLife]

OR, you can buy a whole house filter with a bypass valve handle on it like I have. Works perfect. Got it from home depot. GE.

[@steakwilliams4448]

Customers need to pay for that. Some plumbers charge $600 for a thermal expansion tank right out of the box, no air added (or if your pressure sucks, released). Others charge $150, pumped up to house psi. The guys that overcharge and under work are a stain on this industry

[@DeKempster]

Should have put 2 manometers in it to see pressure drop over the filters, to know when to replace them.

[@BlueCollarSlave]

Guess I'm 1 in 1000🙏👍🤣

[@rohall5060]

EVERY homeowner should have this¡!

[@kingraiderr]

Richard is a great plumber.

[@Alexander84129]

Richard definitely hit that

[@user-kb2xv5jc8g]

Very well , and clearly explained.

[@ellobo8593]

That's awesome!!! Main water line next to the electrical panel.

[@marcosmota1094]

Also, no support for the horizontal pipe length coming down from the ceiling. Some came later after the retrofit of the the filters.

[@rtel123]

especially with underground services. They only want to cut one trench if possible. So your power, tel, cable, water, sewer and storm often enter the house together.

[@KitchenerLeslie2]

rtel123 electric goes to meter outside house first

[@crpth1]

Tip: Many water pipe systems serve also as ground/earth connections. In this particular case, looks like the connection is near the ball valve. So it¨s not affected by the installation or material chosen for the upgrade. If it's not the case its always good to check the respective connection and suitable materials to make sure that part is not "electrically" insulated. ;-) Example, completely plastic filter or PVC pipes. Cheers

[@tonyradca1235]

What a mess water meter, natural gas meter and electrical service all in the same corner. At the very least I would have shored up the piping by the electrical service box and not left it flopping all over the place weaking the pipe. To do it right, i wold hav had the water turned off out side of the house and replumed the water flow away from the electrical service and the gas service before bringing it up for the water filtration.

[@ballistic188]

This dude’s a G!

[@byzidjhan]

You guys are doing amazing jobs. Quick notes, it would've been nice if guys ran some electronic water PPM tester on it to see before and after water result. Wondering which system to pick for the entire hous.

[@ao-vp5bc]

Yup. Im looking for the best water system.

[@nledelnr]

@@ao-vp5bc What system did you settle on?

[@Blobjonblob]

Good man Ricky.

[@tawhid6056]

how is this plumber ?I love him he knows everything

[@mohamedasem4716]

good work ..very nice

[@scottcomella2264]

Best add before video ever.

[@luvbeast77]

I overbuilt my system with two pre-filters in series before the main filter unit. I’m using clear housings so I can see the build up without having to open them. The first one catches everything so well that my second has stayed looking brand new white as on the first day of installation. I change the first pre-filter only once every two years. Aquasana says I should every month but obviously it’s not needed. I live in Southern California using city water.

[@marvinbarber9833]

luvbeast77

[@Mikka0]

Does it lower the water pressure substantially?

[@nickkk420]

California has nasty ass water

[@welle417]

Do you have a link to your setup for the clear housings etc? Trying to decide the route I will be going

[@jackmazza5742]

Could you tell us more about your system? Did you install? Cost? Thanks for the info.

[@Dr.DarkMatter]

I would say he's definitely addressing a safety issue too because the carbon filtration media removes chemicals like pesticides, herbicides and pharmaceuticals. I like the soldering and fitting job complete with several valves. Great job guys

[@KeffelewAssefa]

Thank you.

[@JorgeRodriguez-xk6fv]

In South Texas i put rocks then resin then carbon and then kdf 55. Im a master plumber by the way

[@ajc5869]

Lmao i love how he acted like he didn't know if it was filtered or not like he didn't just watch her fill it from the filter

[@joseas1518]

She said it takes 15 min for filter to kick in.

[@MrMusic55123]

Lol 15s

[@domainzone2759]

We have Aquatic filter systems whole home system. Problem water three systems over ten years nothing made it perfect until the WellGuru. Best whole video on his channel sold me. Those inline filters clog in two weeks.

[@guru9040]

Nice job

[@scundoorsup5342]

Richard loves his beer!!

[@kumararaja9907]

Love respect and bow water

[@jeanmorin4580]

"low tidy" ?? LOL! Thanks for the clip!

[@gksjsj4892]

I like the clear clovers instead of blue, also replace filter Every four ish months

[@MisterTwister88]

Gks JSj If you’re changing the filter every 4 months, what difference does it make if the canister is clear?

[@DuderofDudeness]

Gotta love Kevin's innocence

[@venividivici4253]

They shared a glass how sweet.

[@bettababe7836]

I'm looking to get one for my aquariums...might as well do for my home

[@RockingKhakis]

Smart move installing that bypass valve.

[@H_o_g_a_n]

yeah, backwards

[@MisterTwister88]

B. Cot Waste of time

[@markofsaltburn]

I’ve never seen a plumbing expert drink a glass of water quite as flirtatiously as that before.

[@jackpast]

Love when people butcher a foreign word but the meaning comes through. Perfecto!

[@teferaayalew4095]

Always cool stuff. You are my hero

[@Painfulwhale360]

It’s great to have your water main right beside your breaker panel 😬

[@jdorffer]

No need to filter all of your water, only filter drinking water if need be, a small filter can be installed inside kitchen cabinets that will fix taste issues, and Can be changed cheaper and easier than the carbon filter shown

[@CheapAssHack]

You got it. I have a two stage under the house that filters kitchen sink and ice maker. Why filter shower and toilet water?

[@JenniferFuchek]

Yep. No point in filtering shower, toilets, washing machine & dishwasher. Water softeners are different those are needed for most all connections besides toilets.

[@YtRingster]

His pipework was decent. However, he made a rookie mistake of not running the line to detect leaks. Sincerely, An Engineer

[@theamericanhiker9655]

Ringy Boi shut up

[@YtRingster]

@@theamericanhiker9655 lol. Alrighty then, keyboard warrior.

[@MisterTwister88]

Ringster Water is coming out of the faucet. What more would you like to see?

[@YtRingster]

@@MisterTwister88 A job being done in the right/safe manner...

[@MisterTwister88]

Ringster What exactly did he do wrong?

[@user-oq8qw1uu9t]

Nice

[@SanchoSanto]

Wouldn't see through containers make more sense because then she can see when the filters start getting dirty. I'm planing on using 20" filters rather then that giant cumbersome thing. Large tanks are just a big hassle to deal with vrs A 20" that gets changed once year.

[@michaelhardy8589]

4 whole house filters and UV light water filter system

[@ChrisMalka]

Not sure why this video was recommended to me, nor why i watched it all the way through....but I’m not mad. I was interested the whole time. Thinking about now doing this with my own house

[@troybermudez9269]

Great job Richard!!! Jesus is King!!!

[@SuperLocoloco69]

Este pinche richard es un loquillo

[@rickb1644]

Yup

[@MusicyOfficial]

Great stuff love it

[@sharons9367]

I would find out if my neighbours water was the same first ! Our neighbours had the same problem and replaced the pipes Filters still great idea for metals and chemicals in water

[@dkchen]

I don't know if it'll get chemicals. I think it gets all the metal, dust, etc.

[@sharons9367]

dkchen hi depends which chemicals If you google chemicals in drinking water you will be surprised what it contains

[@Moelester692]

They need a big one of those for flint Michigan lol

[@avalonhomestead9077]

Good video, but did you do a well system. We have one and it has different elements and timelines.

[@charlescoker7752]

We had the whole house filter installed. It has a back flush system. It back flushes after so many days. This system , the charcoal would have to be changed more often.

[@matthewkromer9256]

What about a water solftner and for the hard colds just a whole house filter maybe even better a ro system for her drinking water and ice maker?

[@19mitch54]

I prefer the carbon block filters in standard size cases to granulated activated carbon. Cheaper and work better.

[@MisterTwister88]

Mitch Scherer Good for you

[@mattb9664]

He stole her glass!

[@macsrule94]

what did he use on the pre filter to change from copper to the thread? He solders up some female adapters but the filter housing is clearly female too, what did he use to join the two and not get leaks? If you use a copper male adapter threaded in the housing won't you get a leak?

[@zekenzy6486]

good job ^_^

[@kalijasin]

Copper is still the safest as there are none of the health issues or concerns typically associated with Pex and other types of plumbing materials. As long as lead free solder is used and all connections are properly de-bured and cleaned of course.

[@thelonewanderer420]

Jason C. Just use pex no one ever has complained about the safety of pex

[@deezynar]

There actually are health problems with ingesting too much copper, but copper piping doesn't cause it under normal conditions. What copper piping does suffer from is leaks due to piting, or erosion, from turbulent flow at pipe fittings.

[@tomwolff6329]

Disagree. This guy is showboating by using copper. There's zero need for it. Pex is quicker, cheaper, and water safe.

[@MisterTwister88]

Tom Wolff Yeah, that job would have looked great using Pex. Awesome idea👍

[@franciscojuarez52]

Those pelican filters come with a by pass on the carbon tank so there’s really no need to put a bypass in the water line. That’s what those red handles are for.

[@mikailmuzfer8379]

#sssjn BBC NJ Bjorn gt

[@nova31337]

That works for the main filter, but without the bypass he created, you'd be screwed trying to change the pre-filter without having to shut off water to the whole house.

[@BaconSniffer578]

Just wait until she gets the bill for the carbon filter.

[@vdemcak]

Scott Campbell its only like 800$

[@buelowexcavating]

Viktor, where do I get one?

[@vdemcak]

John Buelow Excavating home depot

[@vdemcak]

John Buelow Excavating or wallmart

[@venividivici4253]

Scott Campbell Remax I’m sure she lives comfortably rich with her husband. I’m sure she can handle that.

[@stevennovak7992]

His face at 0:45 is funny as hell

[@jatomasino1484]

Come to my house. Its 100 years old this year. Needs a new sewage pump, whole home water softener/filter, and a tankless water heater.

[@shantor100]

I've always wondered that the water from the filters still have to run through old pipe to the faucets you now drink from

[@RogerDiotte]

Mmmmmm.....wow...nice...

[@mauriceclemens3286]

This is great for an older northern house with a basement. How about a single level home in North Texas? The only way I can turn off the water is at the meter. I would like a filter system that removes the fluoride the city puts in the water.

[@jasonsejkora4578]

The reverse osmosis system he installed should remove most of it. I'm here looking for the same thing actually. Not sure which brand I'll get. I'm also concerned with garden watering and water spots on car washing.

[@zachreese6540]

5:25 ... The look of a disappointed dad

[@RequiemTears]

Good evening everyone. I hope I can get guidance on installing a whole house water system. I see like in this house it has a basement with the lines but what about a single home with no basement. I have been trying to find the main line to hopefully install a system but I can't find it. Any help would greatly be appreciated.

[@chrisfoxwell4128]

TOH certainly has the resources to thoroughly test whole house filters. No where has anyone or any entity(at least that i can find) done testing to determine if the whole house filters that claim to remove chemicals actually remove them.

[@DrWarBear]

Corbett Lundsford on the Home Diagnosis channel does a ton of testing as well. Not just on water but on indoor air pressure, air quality, thermal bridges, humidity and HVAC design. All sorts of home performance stuff. Him and TOH are my go tos for info since they seem to be the least “sponsored” and truly objective

[@seeburgm100a]

Did same on my house. However I used a 20 filter which is twice as tall in a clear housing so you can actually see how dirty the sediment filter is. AND I added that whole house drain he mentions not having and doesn't address.

[@TheSireverard]

is that just basically a tap inline after the shutoff?

[@fram1111]

Is this a good solution for well water, plus we need to add water softer?

[@pillbelichick]

1:56 when the grinder is packed

[@aecarina]

mycket tänkvärt

[@TheJayDawgZ]

I hope you flushed the system prior to drinking it. didn't show that.

[@DuncanCunningham]

Skinny Mcdoogin well he did have dirty hands in the basement and clean hands when he showed up in the kitchen but he could have mentioned that to the viewers. TV magic.

[@JoniAntonio]

Its TV time man... Interstellar did not take several thousand years to be shot...

[@DennisDA]

My thought exactly. Otherwise the first several glasses would taste just the same as they did before.

[@BB-nn9en]

He did flush it. Otherwise there would've been air coming out of the faucet from when he drained the system down.

[@skoronesa1]

If he hadn't that water would have been black with carbon and that aerator wouldn't flow a drop after the first glass.

[@boorayin2773]

Just generally, about how much would I expect to have one of these installed?

[@audunjemtland8287]

How can a waterheater affect water quality? Great video.

[@michaelw2797]

According to the CDC, when you heat up your water in the water heater it often has higher levels of lead.

[@mt9372]

Wow, gas, water and electric all within a foot of each other ! What could possibly go wrong?

[@EazyT8439]

There are more affordable ways like buying a 10inch sediment filter followed by a 20by 2.5 or 4 inch cartridge filter makes it cheaper and easier to change the filters

[@sdboesenberg]

filter replacement would be much more frequent though with that setup

[@pepsicocal262]

How long does it take water to filter with that new filter? They instantly tested the water

[@mpharr2]

Ultimate Sediment Filter- Pentair Dual-Gradient Density Spun Polypropylene Filter Cartridge Rating: 25 micron pre-filter; 1 micron post-filter . The 20 inch filter Part Number DGD-2501-20

[@RyanJohnsonD]

i am interested in a uv o2 filtration system. do you have a video?

[@shannonthomsen1843]

Have to have soft water for the lawn also???

[@gbear14275]

Is there any danger the system will dechlorinate the incoming water and legionnaires might grow inside the pipes?

[@martinjohnson8601]

If your are planning not to use the chlorine/chloramine filtered water for an extended period, I suspect that bacteria could grow in your house pipes. Here's a possible solution: If you are planning to leave for a while, shut your two filter valves and open the bypass valve. Then run the water from all your faucets so that your pipes fill with city chlorinate/chloraminated water. When you return to using filtered water, just open the filter valves and close the bypass valve. You can again open all your valves to flush out the nasty tasting city water and start using the filtered water again. You may have to flush your water heater too, or maybe just turn it up to highest temp for a few days. The high temp may cook any bacteria that collected there. I'm no expert on this subject. The above is just my musings!

[@mazz777]

Does this slow down the water pressure in the house

[@robwebnoid5763]

I have to wonder how long those bigger whole house filters will last with underground well water.

[@thayden8804]

What about if you have a 2” water line coming into the house?

[@snoglydox]

. *My water comes in through the ground and then is distributed from there; my water shut-off is in the ground somewhere between my home and the meter at the sidewalk. Where do I put a whole-house filter system? Do I need to add a water line all around my home to the other side where the garage is and then back, or is there a outside system where I can install at the inlet?*

[@billmitchell5805]

How long did you have to run the water to know the new filtered water is what she is tasking.

[@howtodoitdude1662]

He said clean the copper pipe before cutting, but he doesn’t do it at the second cut!

[@karkerell9231]

He actually did - but we dont get to see him doing it. You'll see the clean end (2:52) when he goes to hook it up ;)

[@fridaystakoyaki4756]

Clean these pipes before cutting git important to clean the pipes. Proceeds to cut the second pipe and fit it with new copper fittings while pipe it dirty.

[@russellandreasen2682]

Not a comment, a question...I'm looking at a house that has the water heater on the second floor. I would like to move it to the garage. There is an existing softener loop in the garage, can I plumb the water into that loop and put a loop upstairs to replace the water heater?

[@aspenwatersolutions1793]

Was that a surgical stainless steel tank with a Clack valve?

[@sparkyheberling6115]

Does a whole-house filter system mean the cold water pipes will have lower flow?

[@Viggggggr]

Hahah he grabbed her cup and wanted to start drinking out of it but stopped cuz it's on camera