Open the shutoff valve. Slowly. Watch for leaks at every connection. If you see a drip, tighten that connection or wrap more Teflon tape. Don’t panic—a drip is not a flood, just a gentle suggestion to fix your work.
Now, turn on the new faucet. At first, you’ll get cloudy water. That’s air bubbles. Let it run for 10–15 minutes. Taste it. It should taste like… nothing. That’s the point. If it tastes like pennies or salt, let it run a little longer.
Pro Tips From a Fellow Water Snob
Replace the pre-filters every six months. The membrane lasts 2–3 years. Set a reminder on your phone, because you’ll forget. I forgot for a year, and my water started tasting like a swimming pool. Don’t be me.
Also, keep the bucket under the system during filter changes. A little water always escapes. It’s like your system saying, “I’m alive!” Annoying, but endearing.
One last thing: brag a little. Offer a glass to your next guest. They’ll say, “Wow, this water is so crisp!” And you’ll smile, knowing you wrestled with tiny tubes and won. You’re a hero. A very thirsty hero.
