Can a Whole House Water Filter Be Installed Outside?
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Last Updated: Apr 19, 2023
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Whole house water filters are generally installed in a location where the main water line enters the home. This is typically done in a utility room, basement, or garage.
However, if your home does not have one of these locations, or you do not have easy access to the main water line, you may be wondering if you can install your whole house water filter outdoors.
The answer is yes! The installation process is quite similar to an indoor install, with just a few key differences.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about installing a whole house water filter outside.
Contents
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Key Takeaways
- You can install a whole house water filter outside.
- However, depending on where you live, we recommend building a special shed to protect it from the weather and other environmental conditions like dirt and pests.
- If you live in colder areas, your filter will need insulation.
- If you live in a hotter climate, your filter will need shelter from the sunlight.
Whole House Water Filter: Indoor vs. Outdoor Installation
So, should you install a whole house water filter outside?
In general, it is preferable to install a whole house water filter indoors, because in most cases it will be easier to access the main water line and because the filter will be protected from the elements.
However, if you cannot install your filter indoors, or if you prefer to have it installed outdoors for aesthetic reasons, note that the filter may be affected by the weather and other environmental conditions like dirt and even pests. Thus, you will need to take certain measures to protect your system and ensure that it lasts longer.
For outdoor installations, the best thing you can do is to build a special shed for your whole house water filter to address these problems.
Where You Live
Before installing a whole house water filter outdoors, it’s important to take into account where you live. Consider these factors:
Climate
Outdoor systems are exposed to the elements, so your whole house water filter needs to withstand the climate.
- If you live in an area that experiences cold weather or freezing temperatures, your filter will need insulation to protect it from frost that may otherwise damage the system.
- On the other hand, if your location is prone to hot temperatures, your filter would need shelter from the sunlight as it can cause the filter material to degrade over time.
Pest Control
If you live in an area with pests like rodents or insects, you’ll need to consider them when choosing an outdoor location for your filter. The last thing you want is for your filter to become a breeding ground for pests!
Tools and Supplies You Need
These are the materials you need to have on hand before you start installing your whole house water filter outside.
Parts
- Whole house water filter and components
- Mounting brackets
- Tubing/piping
- UV-resistant tubing (If the installation area is directly exposed to sunlight)
- Low-temperature piping (If the area experiences freezing temperatures)
- Pipe fittings
- Teflon tape (for sealing the connections)
- Rubber, foam, fiberglass sleeves, or stick-on insulation (optional; for winter insulation)
Tools
- Drill
- Drill Bits
- Teflon Tape
- Adjustable Wrench
- Hacksaw
- Bucket
- Screwdriver
How to Install a Whole House Water Filter Outside
The installation process for an outdoor whole house water filter is similar to an indoor process, with just a few adjustments.
Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Assuming you have already picked a location, the first thing to do is check the other side of the wall to ensure there are no electrical cables or pipes that could be affected.
- If you have that sorted out, next is to shut off the main water supply. You may have a shutoff valve located outside on an exterior wall. If not, there’s usually one near your street. Water supply closed`? Drain all the remaining water by opening all the water outlets in your home.
- Once the water is fully drained, locate the main water supply line and cut it using a hacksaw. Make sure you take off a section that’s large enough to accommodate your new whole house water filter.
- Take one of the connectors that came with your filter kit and attach it to the end of the main water supply line. Do the same thing on the other side, attaching the second connector to the end of the newly cut section of pipe.
- It’s now time to install the filter unit itself. There are three ways to do this – you can either mount it on a wall, leave it freestanding, or bury it halfway in a hole in the ground. If you choose to mount, drill holes and use screws to secure the housing unit in place.
- Now it’s time to connect the supply lines. Take the first length of pipe and attach one end to the inlet connector on the whole house water filter. Then, take the second length of pipe and attach the other end to the outlet connector.
- The next step is to install any filter cartridges. This will vary depending on the type of system you have, so be sure to consult your specific model’s instructions. In general, however, you will need to insert the filter into the housing unit and then secure it in place with the provided cap.
- The final step is to turn the water back on and check for leaks. Once you’re sure everything is secure, you can go ahead and open the water outlets in your home to allow water to flow through the filter. And that’s it! You have now successfully installed an outdoor whole house water filter.
- Additional: If you are installing during cold weather or when it is fast approaching, it’s best to wrap your filter system already with an insulation sleeves or stick-on insulation. Likewise, you need to protect your whole house water filter from direct sunlight, so make sure to provide for appropriate cover!
Further Reading:
Consider Building a Shed
Perhaps the most ideal option to protect your outdoor whole house water filter is to build a shed or some type of enclosure around it. How it will look will depend entirely on you, especially if you are considering the aesthetics of your home.
A simple wooden shed will do the trick, or you can go for something more durable like metal or concrete. The key is to make sure that it is spacious enough so that you won’t have a difficult time replacing filters or doing maintenance on the system.
If you have any questions about whole house water filter outdoor installation please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
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