How To Fix Under Sink Water Filter

Written by: Cistron Fitzgerald // Last Updated: Sep xx, 2022

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Under sink water filters are advanced point-of-utilise home water filtration systems that allow you to have filtered h2o on demand. Depending on the quality of feed water at your place, you can install a single-stage, multi-stage, or reverse osmosis unit.

Nearly under-the-sink filtration systems volition typically last for years without a glitch. However, some people meet a leaking under sink filter.

Unfortunately, a leak in the organization may non only return it inoperable merely could also atomic number 82 to flooding and property impairment. Don't be intimated, though! Nosotros have all the solutions!

Proceed reading to detect out how to fix a leaking under sink water filter.

Contents

How to gear up a leaking under sink water filter
Troubleshooting: Why your filter is leaking
Changing the filter cartridge and/or the O-ring
What to practice after the leak is fixed

Central Takeaways

These are the most common causes why your nether sink water filter is leaking and what you can practice virtually it:

Loose connection – Use a wrench to tighten the connection and make certain to push whatsoever tubing all the mode in. If water continues to leak, you may need to change broken adapters or fittings.
Over-tightened filter housing – Over-tightening a filter housing can crusade damage beyond repair. You will need to supplant the damaged parts.
Clogged filter cartridge – Water filters need to be replaced on fourth dimension.
Tank damage – Identify and supplant broken components or purchase a whole new tank.

How to Fix a Leaking Under Sink Water Filter

The first step towards fixing your under sink water filter is to place the consequence that has acquired the leak.

Most people find a leakage right after a filter replacement. Information technology's plausible that any of the fittings were non replaced correctly, or you accidentally nudged a connector.

If yous cannot correctly diagnose the problem, you demand to accept your system to a h2o filter expert. You can also rent a licensed plumber to gear up it for yous.

Withal, nosotros believe almost people can fix a leaking under sink filter by themselves. Hither'southward how:

Under Sink Reverse Osmosis System

Troubleshooting: Why Your Filter Is Leaking

As mentioned earlier, an under sink water filter could be leaking from practically anywhere on the unit. Therefore, identifying the trouble is the almost crucial step to set up it.

Under sink systems may leak due to:

Incorrect installation
Housing that is besides loose or tight
Hot water impairment
Sediment build-up on the O-ring channel
An incompatible adapter
A faulty O-ring
Loose valve
A sudden increment in water pressure

Where Is the Water Coming From?

Y'all notice the cabinet nether your kitchen sink is wet, and y'all begin to panic. You lot exercise a double-have and think nearly replacing the entire unit.

Relax, and endeavor to pinpoint the origin of the leak. Employ a flashlight or your mobile's torch since under sink areas can get very dark, making it impossible to meet properly. Common areas of trouble are:

Filter Housings
Pressure release buttons
Connections
Storage tanks
Clean water dispensers

Loose Connection

Over time, due to standard wear and tear, connections can get loose. At times, fluctuation in water pressure also results in loose or faulty connections. Identify the connectedness: the adapter or nut that is leaking.

Solution

Use a basic wrench and tighten the connection. If information technology'south a quick-connect plumbing fixtures, make certain to push button the tubing all the way in. If the water continues to leak, you will need to alter the adapters or fittings.

Over-Tightened Filter Housing

An over-tightened filter housing is most often the culprit that leads to under sink h2o filter leakage. When the canister is tightened more needed, it can get hairline cracks in the sump or on the threads.

Likewise making it hard to remove when replacing the filter, over-tightening a filter housing can crush the O-ring, causing it to leak.

Solution

If the O-ring has been damaged, replacing it will do the task.
If the housing is croaky or damaged, you need to buy a new 1.

Clogged Filter Cartridge

A clogged filter will deadening down the filtration procedure. A worn-out filter can likewise cause leaks due to impairment caused by mineral deposits on the cartridge. It limits the amount of water flowing through, and eventually, the housing begins to leak.

Solution

Always supercede under sink h2o filters timely, depending on your water quality and usage. If you take a hard water supply, consider installing a water softener to prevent further damage.

Tank Damage

Your water storage tank might be damaged which is causing the leakage. There could be a hole in it, ane of the valves is malfunctioning, or the air bladder inside could be ruptured.

Solution

The only thing you can practise is identifying and replacing the broken component or buying a whole new tank.

Changing the Filter Cartridge and/or the O-Ring

If your under sink water filter is leaking due to a clogged filter element or faulty O-ring, you must replace information technology immediately. Here is how to do it.

ane. Turning Off the Water Supply

Plow off the common cold h2o valve before attempting to disassemble the canisters. If you lot have a featherbed valve on your filter, turn it on.

2. Releasing Pressure level From Inside the Housing

Turn on the faucet and let the organization bleed out all water and air. Press the pressure level release button on the filter head to depressurize the housing. If you don't release the pressure from the housing, you will have a hard time opening the canister since it will be stuck.

three. Removing the Filter Sump

Use a plastic or metal wrench to remove the filter sump. Keep a small-scale towel or a tub handy to grab any drips of water.

plumber replacing under sink water filter cartridge

four. Removing the Filter Cartridge

Slide-out the cartridge from the under sink water filter housing. Use a pair of nose-pliers to dislodge it if information technology's stuck to the bottom. Make sure yous remove the O-band that is fastened to the cartridge. At this point, you may requite your housing a quick wash with soapy h2o to remove whatever dirt or debris.

five. Cleaning/Replacing the O-Band

Run your finger along the O-band channel to make clean off whatsoever dirt. If the gasket is broken or inflexible, is full, or has nicks, supervene upon information technology with a new one.

6. Installing a New Filter

Next, install the new cartridge making certain it fits the groove on the lesser of the sump.

7. Putting It Dorsum Together

Twist the filter housing back to the organisation using your easily. If it doesn't fit, turn the cartridge upside down. Finally, use a wrench to tighten it.

eight. Checking for Leaks

Turn on the h2o supply and notice your under sink water filtration unit a couple of times inside the next few hours for leaks.

What to Do After the Leak Is Fixed

Never use petroleum jelly on O-rings since it volition break downwards the rubber, causing it to expand. Somewhen, the seal will be compromised. E'er use silicone-based lubricant for every cartridge replacement.
If y'all are using water from a well, you are probably dealing with a high level of sediment. You must clean the O-ring aqueduct every time to ensure a h2o-tight seal.
Never over-tighten the filter housings.
Always utilize high-quality replacement cartridges.

If yous have whatsoever questions about leaking under sink h2o filters please don't hesitate to leave a comment below!

About the Author Gene Fitzgerald

Gene Fitzgerald has been with BOS since the very beginning. She is head of content cosmos and has fully immersed herself into the dwelling house h2o treatment manufacture only to become an expert herself. Outside of BOS, Gene loves reading books on philosophy & social bug, making music, and hiking.
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Gene