Installing a whirlpool whole-house water filter is a great way to ensure that the water running through your home is clean and free of contaminants. The process will require basic plumbing knowledge, as well as some specialized tools and supplies. It’s essential to ensure that you have all the necessary components before beginning your installation.
What Is A Whirlpool Whole House Water Filter?
Whirlpool whole house water filter is a system that filters out sediment, contaminants, and other impurities from your home’s water supply. It helps ensure you have safe drinking water in every home’s faucet. By installing it, you can also protect the longevity of your appliances and fixtures by reducing scale buildup caused by hard water. It is relatively easy to install and can even be done by a homeowner with basic plumbing skills. The installation process may vary slightly depending on your filter type.
Installation Requirements
Location requirements: Before you install your Whirlpool whole house water filter, make sure the area surrounding the installation location is easily accessible and can be accessed by a licensed plumber. The ideal location for installing this filter is in the main water line that runs into the home, either outside or inside.
Plumbing codes: It’s essential to check with your local plumbing codes before installing a whole-house water filter. Make sure that any changes you make comply with the code. If they do not, you may face fines and other penalties. Sometimes, you may need to hire a professional plumber to install the system correctly and per local regulations.
Air gaps: If you have an air gap device installed on your water system, installing a whole-house water filter is particularly easy. An air gap device is a safety feature that prevents the backflow of contaminated water into your home’s water supply. It typically consists of an open loop from the drainage line to the outside atmosphere.
Valve drain requirement: Before continuing with the instructions, ensure that your home has a valved drain nearby or where you plan to install the filter. A valve drain is essential for draining the collected sediment and debris from your water filter system. To ensure this is possible, you can use a piping arrangement called a “T,” a particular type of valve.
Tools Needed
- Screwdriver
- tape measure
- Pliers
- Tubing cutter
- Hacksaw
- Primer
- Wrench
Installing A Whirlpool Whole-House Water Filter
Close the main water supply valve: Before installing the water filter, turn off the main water supply valve. This will prevent water from pouring out of the system during installation.
Open all faucets to drain water: After the shut-off valve is closed, it’s time to open all faucets in your home. This will help drain any remaining water from the lines and will make installation of the whole house filter easier later. It would be best to open cold and hot water taps to ensure that all residual water is drained correctly. Allow them to run until a trickle of water remains.
Move the Water Filtration System into the installation position: Once you’ve got the filter ready and all the piping in place, it’s time to move the system into the installation position. To do so, use a lifting device such as a hoist or cherry picker to lift and maneuver it into its final spot.
Set it on a level surface: Set the filtration unit onto a level surface close to the cold water line coming into the house. Please place it in a location that allows enough clearance for accessing and replacing filter cartridges and provides adequate air circulation around the system.
Place the unit on a section of plywood: To ensure the system remains in place and level, it’s essential to set up a base for the filter. A simple section of plywood will do the trick. Measure out enough space to fit the filter, and make sure there is room around it to work. Place the unit on top of the plywood and secure it with screws or nails.
Then place shims under the plywood: place two shims on each side of the hole and press them firmly against the hole wall. Ensure the whirlpool filter is placed in a stable position before continuing with the installation process.
Remove top cover: Remove the top cover of the filter housing by twisting it counterclockwise. This will expose the filter inside the canister. Depending on your model, you may need a wrench to unscrew the cover.
Hang cover from the post on the front of the rim: Hang the cover from the post on the front of the rim. Slide it down to the bottom and make sure it is secure. You can use a screwdriver to tighten the screws if necessary.
Loosely assemble any pipe and fittings: After everything is planned out, it is time to assemble any piping and fittings needed for the installation loosely. This includes joining pipes with couplings or elbows and attaching valves, adapters, and other fittings where necessary.
Connect the drain line with the central water filtration system: To complete the installation of your Whirlpool Whole House Water Filter, connect the drain line to the central water filtration system. Start by attaching one end of a flexible hose to the inlet port on the bottom side of the filter. Secure it with a hose clamp.
Use a hose clamp to hold the hose in place: Place the hose clamp over the end of the hose and tighten it securely to ensure a tight connection.
Run the drain hose: Once the housing is in place, it’s time to connect the drain hose. This flexible plastic hose runs from the bottom of the filter housing to a nearby floor drain or laundry tub. You will need Teflon tape and two pipe clamps to secure the connection between the filter housing and the drain line.
Ensure the bypass valve is in position: After securing the system to the main water line, ensure the bypass valve is in the correct position. The bypass valve should be set so that all incoming water goes through the filter before it leaves your house.
Open the main water supply valve: Open the main water supply valve after securing the bypass valve in position. This can be done by turning the handle on the valve counterclockwise until it stops completely.
Allow the unit to pressurize slowly: The filter media in the Whirlpool whole-house water filter needs to be allowed to pressurize slowly. To do this, turn on the main water supply valve for about 10 seconds and then shut it off. Do this a few times until you see a steady stream of water flowing out of the drain and meter valves.
Check for leaks: Once the filter filtration system is connected, it’s time to check for leaks. Turn on the water supply and inspect the fittings for any signs of wetness or dripping. If you see leaking, shut off the water immediately and re-secure your connections. If necessary, use a plumber’s tape to help ensure a tight seal.
Plug filtration system into an electric outlet: Once you have installed the filter cartridge in your Whirlpool whole house water filter, it’s time to plug it into a power outlet. The first step is to locate a suitable electrical outlet near where you installed the filter. If an outlet isn’t available, you may need to install one or run an extension cord.
Run the start-up procedure: After the installation is complete, it’s time to begin the start-up procedure for your new Whirlpool whole-house water filter. Start by flushing out any residual sediment from the filter. To do this, turn off the main water supply and open one of your faucets until all the water stops flowing. Then, open the valve or shut off the device connected to the filter.
How Does The Whole House Whirlpool Water System Work?
The system typically consists of a filter housing that contains one or more cartridges, which contain a specialized filtration medium such as activated carbon, sand, and sediment filters. Water passes through these filters as it enters the home and is distributed to the various outlets.
The filters trap sediments, chemicals, and other contaminants that can lead to poor taste or odor in tap water. Whole house whirlpool water systems also come with a bypass valve that allows untreated water to be diverted around the filter during maintenance, ensuring you always have access to clean drinking water. Installing a whole-house whirlpool water system is relatively simple and can usually be done by a professional in just a few hours.
How to remove valve assembly in a whirlpool water filter?
Step 1: Turn off the water supply to the filter by closing the shut-off valve.
Step 2: Unscrew the whole house filter canister from the mounting bracket and lay it flat.
Step 3: Pry off the retainer clip, unscrew the nut, and remove the outside PVC cap of the filter head assembly.
Step 4: Pull the valve assembly away from the filter head.
Step 5: Inspect the O-ring and replace it if necessary.
Step 6: When reassembling, ensure to tighten the nut securely and check for leaks once complete.
Step 7: Turn on the water supply to filter and check for proper operation of the system.
Troubleshooting
Water has blocked: If you find that water is blocked or overflowing from your filter, check the following things:
- Check that all connections are secure.
- Make sure there is no debris inside the filter housing.
- Inspect the O-rings for any signs of wear and tear and replace them if necessary.
- Inspect the cartridge and replace it if necessary.
- Check all valves are in the correct position.
- Ensure the pressure relief valve is working correctly.
Color of water is gray: The water coming out of your tap might appear gray if the water supply contains many minerals. This could be due to an old, rusty pipe leading up to your house, or perhaps the area has high levels of iron in the soil. In this case,
No water flows to the drain during the clean rinse cycle: If water does not flow to the drain during a clean rinse cycle, there may be a clog in the drain line. To troubleshoot this issue:
1. Check for any bend or kink in the drain line and correct it as necessary.
2. Make sure that the drain valve is completely open.
3. If water does not flow to the drain, try cleaning out any debris blocking the drain port with a hose or brush.
4. If this does not resolve the issue, check for any obstructions in the drain line and clean as necessary.
The clean rinse cycle does not run automatically: If the clean rinse cycle does not run automatically on your Whirlpool whole house water filter, you may need to reset the system.
Error code E5 appears: If you get an E5 error code, the water filter cartridge needs to be replaced.
FAQs
What is the purpose of a home water filtration system?
In-home water filtration systems are designed to reduce or eliminate contaminants and other unwanted particles in your home’s drinking water.
Is it worth getting a whole-house water filter?
Whole house water filters provide more excellent protection than are available with just essential faucet-mounted or refrigerator models. Whole house water filtration systems filter all the water that enters your home, so you can be confident that every shower, glass of drinking water, and load of laundry is free from harmful contaminants.
Where should a whole-house water filter be installed?
The ideal location to install a whole-house water filter depends on the type of filter and your home’s plumbing infrastructure. Generally, it is best to locate the filter near where the main water line comes into your home.
Can a whole house water filter be installed sideways?
No, a whole-house water filter should be installed in the vertical position. This is because the sediment can settle at the bottom of the tank and will not interfere with the filtration process. If you install it sideways, the sediment will remain suspended within the tank and can cause clogging or other issues with your water filtration system.
When to change the whole house water filter?
Changing the filter for your whole house water filter system is recommended every six months. If you are filtering water that contains sediment, contaminants, or other particles, it is advisable to check and change the filter sooner as needed.
Will it work with well water?
Yes, a Whirlpool Whole House Water Filter will work with well water. It is designed to filter out dirt, sediment, rust, and other contaminants from your water supply.
Conclusion
Installing a Whirlpool Whole House Water Filter is an easy and affordable way to ensure that your home’s water supply is free from sediment and other particles. This system can also reduce unpleasant odors and taste while providing better-tasting, cleaner water for all of your household needs. You will need only essential tools such as a drill, a wrench, and plumbing tape to complete the installation. Once installed, you can enjoy clean and delicious water from every faucet in your home. For maximum performance, it is recommended that you check the filter regularly and replace it as necessary. With regular maintenance of your Whirlpool Whole House Water Filter, you can rest assured that your family has access to safe and clean drinking water.
Meet Jeffrey B Roberts, your dedicated guide into the realm of water science and technology. As a hydro biologist with an insatiable curiosity, Jeffrey’s journey has been one of unraveling the mysteries of water systems and advocating for clean, safe water for all.
With an academic background steeped in the sciences, Jeffrey’s passion lies at the crossroads of science, technology, and nature. A deep fascination with plants and genetics has not only enriched their understanding of aquatic ecosystems but has also propelled them into the world of water softening solutions.
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