Whole Home Water Filter Installation Instructions
Before You Begin:
- Check Parts: Ensure that all parts are included in your system package.
- Gather Tools: Collect the necessary tools for installation (see the list below).
Parts Included with Your System:
Main System Parts:
- (1) 6" D x 15" H Pre-Sediment Filter
- (1) 6" D x 15" H Post-Sediment Filter
- (1) White Wrench (for opening filter housings)
- (1) 10" D x 44" H Water Filter Tank (blue)
Universal Installation Kit Parts:
- (8) 3/4" x 3/4" Nipple fittings
- (2) 3/4" MPT x 3/4" CTS Push-fit fittings
- (2) 3/4" MPT x 1" CTS Push-fit fittings
- (2) Ball Valves
- (2) 48" Stainless Steel Compression Hoses
- (2) 24" Stainless Steel Compression Hoses
- Teflon Thread Tape (Plumber's tape)
‼️ Important:
Do not use plumber's dope or putty—it can damage the system!
Tools You’ll Need (Not Included):
- Pipe Cutter (for PVC or Copper water lines)
- Utility Knife (for PEX water lines)
- Adjustable Wrench
- Screws (8) - Be sure to select screws that are compatible with your wall material (e.g., drywall screws, wood screws, concrete screws, etc.)
- Screwdriver or Power Drill (for mounting filters)
- 5-gallon Bucket & a couple of towels (just in case of water spills)
Now that you’ve got all your parts and tools ready, you’re set to start the installation!
Preparing for Installation
1. Shut Off the Water and Drain the Plumbing:
- Turn off the main water supply by switching the whole house water shutoff valve to the "off" position.
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Drain the plumbing by following these steps:
- Open both the hot and cold water taps at the highest sink in your home.
- Open both the hot and cold water taps at the lowest sink in your home to allow the water to drain completely from the pipes.
- Wait until the water stops running to confirm the water supply is completely shut off.
- Close all taps once the water has completely stopped flowing and the plumbing is fully drained.
2. Prepare the Installation Kit Fittings:
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Apply Teflon tape to the following parts:
- (8) 3/4" x 3/4" Nipple fittings (wrap around the threads)
- (2) 3/4" MPT x 3/4" CTS fittings (wrap around the threads)
- (2) 3/4" MPT x 1" CTS fittings (wrap around the threads)
- Check the stainless steel hoses (4 hoses total) and make sure the black o-rings are securely seated at each end.
3. Assemble the Ball Valve Components:
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Insert a nipple fitting into each of the (2) ball valves. Tighten until the black o-ring is flush, then use a wrench to tighten an additional 1/4 turn.
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For 3/4" water lines: Insert a 3/4" MPT x 3/4" CTS fitting into each ball valve. Tighten by hand, then use a wrench to further tighten by an additional 1/4–1/2 turn.
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For 1" water lines: Insert a 3/4" MPT x 1" CTS fitting into each ball valve. Tighten by hand, then further tighten with a wrench by an additional 1/4–1/2 turn.
4. Special Instructions for PEX Water Lines:
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Black Ferrule Inserts:
- If your home uses PEX piping, insert the black ferrule inserts into the opening of the PEX pipe before locking on the push fittings.
- These inserts prevent the flexible PEX pipe from buckling inward when the push fittings are attached.
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Note:
- The black inserts are not required for PVC or Copper water lines.
- The black inserts are not required for PVC or Copper water lines.
Installation Steps for Horizontal Water Line
1. Find a Suitable Location for Installation
- Install the filter on the incoming water line, after the main shutoff valve, and before the water softener or hot water heater.
- Mount the pre- and post-sediment filters on the wall. Mark the filters with a permanent marker to differentiate between the pre-filter and post-filter.
- Ensure the filters are mounted within 48" of the water line and close enough to each other for the included stainless steel hoses to connect properly.
2. Insert Nipple Fittings into the Filter Heads
- Install (2) nipple fittings into the inlet and outlet of the pre-sediment filter, post-sediment filter, and the main tank filter.
- Tighten the nipple fittings until the black o-ring is flush with the filter head, then tighten an additional 1/4 turn with a wrench.
3. Mark the Pipe for Cutting
- Before cutting, connect one 48" stainless steel hose to each of the (2) ball valves.
- Connect a 48" hose to the inlet of the pre-filter and gently bend the hose (without kinking) to the point where you will connect the ball valve to the water line.
- Mark the cutting location on the pipe with a pencil, allowing about 1" for the pipe to be inserted into the push fitting.
- Repeat this process from the outlet of the post-filter to the water line.
4. Check the Hose Lengths Between Filters
- Carefully bend the remaining stainless steel hoses to fit between the filters, ensuring they are close enough to connect properly.
5. Cut the Pipe
- Once you’ve confirmed the distances, you can now cut out the section of pipe (make sure it's no longer than 45").
NOTE: Make sure that the pipe you cut out is no more than 45” in length. If the whole home filter system needs to be bypassed, the 48” stainless steel flexible pipe can be connected as a filtration system bypass, so you can still have water to your home whole system is being repaired. - For PVC or copper pipes: use a pipe cutter.
- For PEX pipes: use a utility knife.
6. Connect the Ball Valve to the Water Line and Pre-Filter Inlet
- Prepare the cut pipe: ensure the cut is straight, and clean the pipe of any corrosion (lightly sand it if necessary).
- Push the fitting firmly onto the water pipe to lock it in place.
- If the home has PEX piping, insert the black ferrule inserts into the open end of the pipe before attaching the push fitting.
- Connect a 48" stainless steel hose between the ball valve and the inlet of the pre-filter. Make sure the black o-ring is seated properly at both ends of the hose.
- Tighten the hose connections by hand, then further tighten 1/4–1/2 turn with a wrench.
7. Connect the Outlet of the Pre-Filter to the Main Tank Filter
- Use one of the 24" stainless steel hoses to connect the outlet of the pre-filter to the inlet of the main tank filter.
- Carefully bend the hose into smooth curves (avoid kinks).
- Tighten the hose connections by hand, then further tighten 1/4–1/2 turn with a wrench.
8. Close the Ball Valve
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Turn the ball valve to the closed position (this is important before turning the water back on).
9. Flush Water Through the Main Tank Filter
- After closing the ball valve, slowly turn on the home’s main water shutoff valve partially.
- Connect one of the 24" stainless steel hoses to the outlet of the main tank. Tighten the connection by hand, then further tighten 1/4–1/2 turn with a wrench.
- Place the other end of the stainless steel hose in a 5-gallon bucket.
- Partially open the ball valve and allow water to slowly run through the filtration system until it runs clear.
- Once clear, turn the ball valve back to the closed position.
10. Connect the Outlet of the Main Tank Filter to the Post-Filter
- After flushing, use one of the 24" stainless steel hoses to connect the outlet of the main tank to the inlet of the post-sediment filter.
- Bend the hose carefully (avoid kinking) and tighten by hand, then further tighten 1/4–1/2 turn with a wrench.
11. Connect the Outlet of the Post Filter to the Water Line
- Connect a 48" stainless steel hose to the remaining ball valve and tighten the connection by hand. Further tighten 1/4–1/2 turn with a wrench.
- Connect the other end of the stainless steel hose to the outlet of the post-filter.
- Finally, connect the remaining ball valve to the home’s water line using the push-fit fitting. Ensure the pipe is cut straight and clean before pushing the fitting into place.
- If the home has PEX piping, insert the black ferrule inserts before locking the push fitting.
12. Turn the Water Back On
- Slowly turn the main water shutoff valve completely open.
- Open the ball valve on the outlet side of the filtration system.
- Slowly open the ball valve on the inlet side of the filtration system.
- Check for leaks: If there are any, close the inlet and outlet ball valves and tighten leaking connections 1/4 turn at a time with a wrench
Installation Steps for Vertical Water Line
For questions regarding installing, please contact our Technical Support at (855)737-1114 and press 3 or email support@echowater.com
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