Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Last Updated: Sep 20, 2022
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Under sink water filters are advanced point-of-use home water filtration systems that allow you to have filtered water on demand. Depending on the quality of feed water at your place, you can install a single-stage, multi-stage, or reverse osmosis unit.
Most under-the-sink filtration systems will typically last for years without a glitch. However, some people come across a leaking under sink filter.
Unfortunately, a leak in the system may not only render it inoperable but could also lead to flooding and property damage. Don’t be intimated, though! We have all the solutions!
Keep reading to find out how to fix a leaking under sink water filter.
Key Takeaways
These are the most common causes why your under sink water filter is leaking and what you can do about it:
The first step towards fixing your under sink water filter is to identify the issue that has caused the leak.
Most people notice a leakage right after a filter replacement. It’s plausible that any of the fittings were not replaced correctly, or you accidentally nudged a connector.
If you cannot correctly diagnose the problem, you need to take your system to a water filter expert. You can also hire a licensed plumber to fix it for you.
Nevertheless, we believe most people can fix a leaking under sink filter by themselves. Here’s how:
As mentioned earlier, an under sink water filter could be leaking from practically anywhere on the unit. Therefore, identifying the problem is the most crucial step to fix it.
Under sink systems may leak due to:
You notice the cabinet under your kitchen sink is wet, and you begin to panic. You do a double-take and think about replacing the entire unit.
Relax, and try to pinpoint the origin of the leak. Use a flashlight or your mobile’s torch since under sink areas can get very dark, making it impossible to see properly. Common areas of trouble are:
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 connection: the adapter or nut that is leaking.
Solution
Use a basic wrench and tighten the connection. If it’s a quick-connect fitting, make sure to push the tubing all the way in. If the water continues to leak, you will need to change the adapters or fittings.
An over-tightened filter housing is most often the culprit that leads to under sink water filter leakage. When the canister is tightened more than needed, it can get hairline cracks in the sump or on the threads.
Besides making it difficult to remove when replacing the filter, over-tightening a filter housing can crush the O-ring, causing it to leak.
Solution
A clogged filter will slow down the filtration process. A worn-out filter can also cause leaks due to damage caused by mineral deposits on the cartridge. It limits the amount of water flowing through, and eventually, the housing begins to leak.
Solution
Always replace under sink water filters timely, depending on your water quality and usage. If you have a hard water supply, consider installing a water softener to prevent further damage.
Your water storage tank might be damaged which is causing the leakage. There could be a hole in it, one of the valves is malfunctioning, or the air bladder inside could be ruptured.
Solution
The only thing you can do is identifying and replacing the broken component or buying a whole new tank.
If your under sink water filter is leaking due to a clogged filter element or faulty O-ring, you must replace it immediately. Here is how to do it.
Turn off the cold water valve before attempting to disassemble the canisters. If you have a bypass valve on your filter, turn it on.
Turn on the faucet and let the system drain out all water and air. Press the pressure 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.
Use a plastic or metal wrench to remove the filter sump. Keep a small towel or a tub handy to catch any drips of water.
Slide-out the cartridge from the under sink water filter housing. Use a pair of nose-pliers to dislodge it if it’s stuck to the bottom. Make sure you remove the O-ring that is attached to the cartridge. At this point, you may give your housing a quick wash with soapy water to remove any dirt or debris.
Run your finger along the O-ring channel to clean off any dirt. If the gasket is broken or inflexible, is full, or has nicks, replace it with a new one.
Next, install the new cartridge making sure it fits the groove on the bottom of the sump.
Twist the filter housing back to the system using your hands. If it doesn’t fit, turn the cartridge upside down. Finally, use a wrench to tighten it.
Turn on the water supply and observe your under sink water filtration unit a couple of times within the next few hours for leaks.
If you have any questions about leaking under sink water filters please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
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My unit came with three extra o-rings rubber o-rings for the cartridges what do I do with them
ReplyI had a Culligan EZ-1 filter installed for my kitchen sink. It worked great for years (changing filters regularly) but recently the filter housing split at the bottom, leaking and causing quite a bit of water damage. Has anyone else had this problem, and did Culligan do anything about it?
Reply