Here’s a pro tip no one tells you: you need a bypass valve. This is like a detour road for your water. If you need to change the filter or fix it, you can flip a few handles and your water keeps flowing normally. Without it, you’d have to turn off all the water in your house to swap a cartridge. That means no showers, no coffee, and a very cranky family.
You also need to think about drainage. Some filters have a backwash function that spits out dirty water. Make sure you install it near a floor drain, a laundry sink, or a sump pump. Otherwise, you’ll be mopping up a small lake every few months.
Whole House Water Filter Installation Diagram
