How to Filter Tap Water

If you are going to drink the water from the sink faucet, you should consider filtering it.  Most cities have a filtering process in which the drinking water is filtered. Many contaminants can still end up in your glass of water.  An inexpensive filter can be purchased at your local hardware store and installed on your faucet.  This is a great way to filter tap water.

1. Determine if your faucet has internal or external threads on the filter.  This will help you pick a filtering unit that will be easily installed on your faucet.


2. Purchase a water-filtering unit at your local hardware store.  There are several styles and brands that vary in price so be sure to choose one within your price range.


3. Open the unit and verify that all of the pieces are included in the box. 


4. Read the instructions thoroughly.  Though most filters are installed the same way, you want to make sure you are following the instructions of your specific filter.


5. Remove the internal or external drop-down unit on the end of the faucet.  This should easily unscrew with a pair of pliers.


6. Screw the connector from the filtering unit into the faucet where the drop-down unit was located.


7. Tighten this connector and turn on the water.  You want to make sure the water pressure will not force this connector off the faucet.


8. Attach the main filtering unit to the connector.


9. Turn the water on and allow the water to filter through the unit for at least 60 seconds.


10. Use the switch located on the filtering unit to turn it off and on.  If you need water for cooking, you do not need to filter it.  Only filter water you will be drinking or using to make tea or flavored drinks.