Man, you nailed it with the shutoff valve pain. I swear, half my jobs that should take 20 minutes turn into a plumbing archaeology dig because some ancient valve is frozen solid. WD-40, channel locks, a little prayer... and sometimes you still end up with a snapped handle and a puddle.
I get the appeal of countertop filters, especially if you’re not planning to stick around. They’re like the IKEA furniture of water filtration—plug and play, no commitment. But yeah, they’re not exactly winning any beauty contests, and I’ve seen more than a few get knocked off the counter by a stray pot or a curious cat.
Under-sink is definitely cleaner looking, but you’re right, it’s only “set it and forget it” if the plumbing gods are smiling. Pro tip: if you ever do go under the sink, spend the extra 15 bucks and swap in a new quarter-turn valve. Makes life way easier next time. Just my two cents from too many hours spent upside-down under sinks...
Man, you’re not kidding about those old valves. I’ve had jobs where I spent more time wrestling with a seized shutoff than actually installing the filter. And yeah, countertop filters are great for renters or anyone who doesn’t want to mess with plumbing, but they’re always in the way. Under-sink looks cleaner, but if you get a stubborn valve or weird pipe layout, it can turn into a whole afternoon project. Swapping in a quarter-turn is a game changer, though—wish more folks did it before things got ugly.
I get the appeal of under-sink filters looking tidier, but honestly, I’d rather deal with a countertop filter than risk messing up old plumbing. Maybe it’s just me, but after one leaky shutoff valve fiasco, I’m happy with a little clutter if it means no water everywhere.
Yeah, I get where you’re coming from. Under-sink filters look cleaner, but if your plumbing’s old or you’re not sure about the shutoff valves, it’s a gamble. I’ve seen more than a few “quick” installs turn into hours of mopping up water because something under there gave out or didn’t seal right. Sometimes those compression fittings just don’t want to cooperate, especially if the pipes are crusty.
Countertop filters might be a bit of an eyesore, but at least you’re not messing with the guts of your plumbing. Worst case, you get a little drip at the faucet connection—way easier to deal with than a leak under the sink. Plus, if you ever move or want to swap it out, it’s just unscrew and go. No crawling around with a flashlight and a bucket.
I will say, if your plumbing is newer or you know what you’re doing, under-sink isn’t that bad. But for older places? I’d rather play it safe too. Not worth risking a flood just for a tidier look under the sink.
Honestly, I learned the hard way that “quick” under-sink installs can spiral fast.
—I wish. My first attempt had me under there for an hour, chasing a slow leak. Countertop’s not pretty but it’s way less stressful.No crawling around with a flashlight and a bucket.
