We avoid buying bottled water for environmental and cost reasons, especially since much bottled water is essentially the same as tap water. Still, we prefer filtered tap water because it reduces sediment and improves taste and odor by removing chlorine and other common contaminants.
For years we used a pour-through filtered pitcher, which worked well but required frequent refilling. When the opportunity came to install a plumbed-in Filtrete High Performance Drinking Water System, we took it — the convenience of having filtered water on demand under the sink was a strong incentive.
The complete Filtrete system is affordable and mounts easily under most kitchen sinks. A dedicated faucet installs on the countertop next to your regular kitchen faucet; you can often use an existing hole from a soap dispenser or sprayer, or drill a new one if needed. The system reduces select VOCs, some pharmaceuticals, microbial cysts, and lead that may be present in drinking water. Filters typically last up to six months and can be changed quickly without tools.
Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to installing the Filtrete High Performance Drinking Water System.
1. Locate the Faucet Hole
The Filtrete faucet works best when you can use a pre-existing hole in stainless steel or porcelain sinks—many sinks include extra holes for soap dispensers or spray attachments that are covered by rubber grommets. If your sink has no suitable hole, you will need to drill one. With the right tools and a careful approach, drilling stainless steel is straightforward. The Filtrete faucet requires approximately a 7/8″ hole and fit our sink perfectly.
2. Install the Faucet
After preparing the hole, feed the blue tubing and faucet through it. A stainless-steel fitting sits on top of the sink; be sure to use the two washers supplied, then hand-tighten the nut to secure the faucet firmly in place.
3. Turn Off the Water
Shut off the cold-water supply under the sink and disconnect the cold-water hose from the faucet to prepare for connecting the filter system.
4. Tap Into Your Water Line
The Filtrete kit includes 1/4″ fittings, but some sinks use 1/2″ connections. If necessary, pick up adapters from a hardware store to match your plumbing. Attach the splitter to the cold-water pipe and the faucet hose, then insert the white plastic tubing into the splitter until it seats securely.
5. Mount the Filter
Choose a convenient spot under the sink to mount the filter holder. The holder attaches to the cabinet wall with two screws. Leave at least two inches of clearance below the filter so you can easily remove and replace the cartridge every six months or as recommended.
6. Connect the Tubing
Insert the white tubing from the cold-water line into the filter holder and connect the blue tubing from the faucet to the outlet on the holder. The connections are clearly marked, making assembly straightforward.
7. Check for Leaks and Flush the System
Turn the cold-water supply back on and listen for water flowing through the filter. Inspect all fittings and connections for leaks. Operate the faucet lever to run water through the system—press down for filtered water or lift to maintain flow. Filtrete recommends flushing at least two gallons through the new filter before using the water for drinking to remove any manufacturing residue.
After installation, we enjoyed noticeably clearer, better-tasting water. The system delivers convenient, on-demand filtered water without the need for single-use bottles or constant pitcher refills.
Filters are simple to replace and typically last up to six months, depending on usage and water quality. Proper installation and periodic maintenance ensure consistent performance and tasting water you can trust.