How to Install a Sediment Water Filter
Learn how to install a sediment water filter using SharkBite PEX-a pipe, SharkBite Max fittings, and SharkBite expansion fittings. In this video, master plumber Ben Goheen shares expert tips on how to prepare pipe for SharkBite Max fittings, how to install expansion fittings, and explains the benefits of adding a sediment water filter system to your home.
Why Your Home Needs a Sediment Filter
In just one year, your water heater can collect a shocking amount of abrasive particles, reducing efficiency and shortening its lifespan. This was the case in our previous video about How to Service a Water Heater, where sediment had built up in a customer’s hot water heater in just a year. To prevent this from happing for this customer, Ben is installing a sediment filter that will protect the plumbing system, appliances, and water quality for years to come.
Gather Your Materials
- SharkBite PEX-a Pipe
- SharkBite Expansion Sleeves
- SharkBite Expansion Fittings
- SharkBite Max Male Adapter
- SharkBite Max Ball Valve
- SharkBite Max Tee
- SharkBite Max Couplings
- SharkBite Depth and Deburr Tool
- SharkBite PRO PEX Cutter
- SharkBite PRO Disconnect Tool
- SharkBite Single Nail Clamp
Step 1: Prep Your Sediment Filter
Start by ensuring you have an accessible indoor location to install your sediment filter, like a crawlspace or basement. Then, thread SharkBite Max male adapters, using Teflon tape and pipe dope, onto your threaded unions and connecting those to each side of your filter. Note that it’s important to follow the filter manufacturer’s instructions, as some only require using Teflon tape. Then, since this is a directional system, align the filter’s arrow correctly to ensure proper water flow and maximum sediment capture.
Step 2: Create a Bypass System
A pro-grade setup includes a bypass system that allows you to service or replace the filter without shutting off water to your entire home. To create the bypass loop, cut about six inches of SharkBite PEX pipe with PRO PEX cutters, deburr and mark the insertion depth with the depth and deburr tool. Repeat this process and insert the prepared pipes into each SharkBite Max male adapter.
Once you have pushed the PEX pipe onto the fitting, use SharkBite Max ball valves to connect to a second piece of prepared PEX pipe on both sides of the filter. Then, push on a SharkBite Max tee to the correct insertion depth on the other side of the PEX pipe for each side of the filter. Prep two pieces of PEX pipe and insert them into the top of both SharkBite Max tees and then add SharkBite Max elbows on the other side of the prepared pipe.
To close the bypass system, connect a SharkBite Max valve to the elbows with two pieces of PEX pipe. Creating the bypass system this way will divert water from the filter when you close the inlet/outlet valves. It also maintains water flow to the rest of the home.
For all SharkBite push-to-connect fitting installations, ensure you are following each step properly for a leak-free connection that will last. Watch the video guide below for more information.
How To Video: Install SharkBite Max Fittings
Step 3: Install the Bypass System with PEX-a Expansion
While steps one and two need SharkBite Max fittings, step three can be installed using a different connection method, depending on your pipe type. Since Ben used PEX-a pipe, he chose the expansion method. If you use PEX-b or another pipe type, choose a method that is best for that pipe, like crimp or push-to-connect fittings.
Learn More: 4 Fitting Systems for SharkBite PEX Pipe
Turn off the water to your home. If you are on a well, simply turn off the breaker to the well pump. Then, depressurize the system by draining the water out of the system at the lowest point you can find, in this case, it was at the hose bibb.
Learn More: How to Turn Off Main Water Valve for Plumbing Repairs
Once you are under the house, mount the bypass to your studs and reroute the main water line to integrate the sediment filter seamlessly into your plumbing system. For this next portion of the installation, Ben used SharkBite PEX-a pipe and expansion fittings and sleeves. To do this, put the expansion sleeve onto the PEX-a pipe, use your expansion tool to expand the pipe, then push the fitting in and hold it until the connection is fully secured. Add pipe supports, like the single nail clamp, along the way to secure the pipe to the studs.
How To Video: Install PEX-a Expansion Fittings
Once you’ve connected the main line to the inlet and outlet, ensure that the entire system is complete by connecting the main back to itself.
Step 4: Final Checks
After completing the installation, wait 30 minutes before pressure testing to ensure the expansion fittings are fully secured the PEX pipe. Once the 30 minutes have passed, turn the water on and slowly open the main water line up using the SharkBite Max ball valve. Make sure the keep the ball valve right above the filter off.
Then, open up the bleeder valve, which allows water to flow through the filter. This will also allow the air to bleed out of the water system. Then, slowly open the ball valve, located on the other side of the filter, to supply filtered water to the entire home. To bleed out air in the rest of the home, open up a faucet upstairs. Also, check for sediment that may be hiding in the faucet filter to ensure you have pure, filtered water.
With SharkBite, the right tools, and preparation, installing a sediment filter is a smart investment in your plumbing system’s health.