Just don’t rush the install... learned that one myself.
That part really resonates. I tried to shortcut the install on my first under-sink filter and ended up making three separate trips to the hardware store for fittings I didn’t realize I needed. In hindsight, the countertop unit was a breeze, but having a clear space and no hoses in the way is a huge plus now. If you’re looking to save money long-term, under-sink filters are usually cheaper per gallon filtered—just factor in a couple hours for setup and maybe a few YouTube pauses.
Yeah, I hear you on the hardware store runs—been there, done that. The under-sink setup definitely took me longer than I expected, mostly because I didn’t realize my pipes weren’t “standard.” Countertop was way easier, but honestly, having the clutter gone under the sink is worth a couple hours of headaches for me. Still, if you’re renting or not super handy, countertop might save a lot of stress.
Countertop was way easier, but honestly, having the clutter gone under the sink is worth a couple hours of headaches for me.
Totally get that—having the space back under the sink is a big plus. But did you run into any issues with leaks after installing? I’ve had tenants call about slow drips after DIY under-sink installs, especially in older buildings with odd fittings. Do you think countertop filters are less likely to cause those kinds of problems, or is it just luck of the draw?
Under Sink Was Worth It, But the Leaks Are No Joke
I totally hear you about the leaks—when I did my first under-sink filter install, I was paranoid about every connection. I must’ve tightened and re-tightened those fittings a dozen times. Ended up with a tiny drip anyway, which I only noticed after a day or two. It was just a loose compression ring, but still... not fun.
I’ve never had a countertop filter, but I imagine there’s less risk since you’re mostly just screwing it onto the faucet, right? The under-sink ones seem more prone to issues just because you’re messing with pipes that might be decades old. My house is from the 70s and nothing under there matches what’s in the YouTube videos—so it was a lot of trial and error.
Do you think it’s easier to spot problems with countertop filters, since everything’s out in the open? With mine, I kept crawling under the sink with a flashlight for days after, just to be sure. Also, does anyone else worry about water pressure dropping after installing these things? Mine dipped a bit at first and I wasn’t sure if that was normal or if I’d messed something up.
Curious if anyone’s had long-term issues with either type—like, do countertop ones ever start leaking after a while, or is it really just the under-sink installs that are risky?
My house is from the 70s and nothing under there matches what’s in the YouTube videos—so it was a lot of trial and error.
That hits home. My place is late 60s, and every “universal” fitting seems to need some kind of hack. I’ve had a countertop filter for a couple years now, and while it’s easier to spot leaks, I did have one start dripping at the faucet connection after about a year—just a worn washer, but still annoying. Did you notice any weird tastes or noises when your water pressure dropped? I always wonder if that’s a sign something’s off with the install or just normal filter break-in.