“Tenants bump into them, hoses get tugged, and yeah—water everywhere isn’t just a worry, it’s happened to me more than once.”
- Totally agree about countertop filters being a hassle in busy spaces. I’ve had one knocked over by a dog tail—water all over the floor.
- Faucet-mounted filters are a bit sturdier since they’re attached directly, but they can loosen up over time, especially if people twist the faucet a lot.
- Under-sink units are out of sight, out of mind. The install is annoying, but for me, the peace of mind is worth it.
- Only workaround I’ve seen for countertop models is sticking them down with Velcro pads or double-sided tape. Not perfect, but helps a bit.
- Honestly, I think countertop filters are just more vulnerable by design. If you’ve got kids or pets, they’re always going to be at risk.
Honestly, I went with an under-sink filter after my countertop one got knocked off twice—once by a cat, once by a toddler. The install took me about an hour (and a bit of swearing), but now I don’t worry about spills or hoses getting yanked. Did anyone try the no-drill under-sink kits? Wondering if they’re actually easier or just another gimmick...
- Counterpoint: those no-drill kits are usually more hassle than they’re worth.
- You still have to wedge stuff under the sink, and the fittings can leak if you’re not careful.
- Honestly, drilling once and using a proper saddle valve is less stressful long-term.
- If you’re renting or can’t drill, maybe, but I’ve fixed more “no-drill” leaks than I can count.
- Just my two cents—sometimes shortcuts end up being more work down the line.
I’ve seen the same thing—those no-drill kits sound great on paper, but I’ve had tenants call about leaks more than once. The fittings just don’t seem to hold up over time, especially if folks are moving stuff around under the sink. Drilling can be a pain, but once it’s done, you rarely have to think about it again. If you’re not allowed to drill, I get it, but otherwise, I’d go the traditional route every time. Less hassle in the long run.
I hear you on the no-drill kits. Had a similar experience—looked like a simple, tenant-friendly solution, but in practice? Not so much. The seals just don’t hold up if someone’s even a little rough with cleaning supplies or buckets under there. I’ve had more than one call about water pooling under the cabinet, and it’s always those “tool-free” fittings that are the culprit.
Drilling can be a pain, but once it’s done, you rarely have to think about it again.
That’s been my experience too. It’s a hassle upfront, but after that, it’s basically set-and-forget. I get why folks want to avoid drilling—especially in rentals or condos where you might not be allowed—but if you have the option, it’s just sturdier. Less maintenance, fewer headaches.
Countertop filters are a different animal. They’re easy to install and remove, which is nice for tenants who move a lot or don’t want to mess with plumbing at all. But they take up space and usually look clunky. Plus, I’ve seen tenants break the diverter valve or lose the adapters, then call me to fix it...which is somehow now my problem.
If I had to pick purely based on hassle, I’d go with a drilled under-sink filter every time, unless building rules say otherwise. It’s more work up front, but less drama down the line. Countertop units are fine for short-term or super-low-commitment setups, but they’re not really a “set it and forget it” solution either.
Just my two cents—sometimes the old-school way is still the best bet.
