Weird tastes or noises after a pressure drop usually point to air in the lines or a filter that’s overdue for a change. Sometimes, if the washer’s worn, you’ll get a faint metallic taste too. I wouldn’t call it “normal,” but it’s not always a sign of a bad install—just something to keep an eye on. If you hear gurgling, that’s often trapped air working itself out. I’ve seen plenty of older homes where nothing fits right, so improvising is just part of the job.
I’ve seen plenty of older homes where nothing fits right, so improvising is just part of the job.
Ain’t that the truth. Under sink filters are a pain in those “vintage” cabinets—half the time you’re upside down with a flashlight in your mouth. Countertop ones might look clunky, but at least you’re not wrestling with 40 years of mystery plumbing. If you like your knuckles unscraped, countertop’s less hassle.
Yeah, those old cabinets are like a game of Tetris—except the pieces never fit and you’re the one getting squished. I’ve definitely spent more time than I’d like wedged under a sink, trying to figure out which pipe does what. Countertop filters might not win any beauty contests, but at least you can install them without needing a chiropractor afterward. Still, if you’re handy and don’t mind a little puzzle-solving, under sink isn’t impossible… just maybe keep some band-aids nearby.
Yeah, those old cabinets are like a game of Tetris—except the pieces never fit and you’re the one getting squished.
That’s about right. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to crawl into a cabinet that was clearly designed by someone who never actually tried to use it. From a purely “which is less hassle” angle, countertop filters win in terms of installation every time. You just screw them onto the faucet, maybe fiddle with an adapter, and you’re done. No tools, no leaks (usually), and you don’t have to empty out half the kitchen just to fit yourself under there.
But here’s where it gets tricky: it really depends on what kind of tenants you’ve got and how often things get swapped out. Countertop filters are easier for folks to mess with or accidentally damage. I’ve had more than one call about “the thing on the faucet fell off” or “it won’t fit my weird sprayer.” Under sink units, once they’re in, tend to stay put and out of sight—less likely to get tampered with.
If you’re handy and not afraid of a little puzzle-solving (and maybe some scraped knuckles), under sink isn’t impossible. But I’d factor in the age and layout of your plumbing. Some older places have pipes that look like they were installed by Picasso after a few drinks. I’ve run into situations where nothing lines up, or you find a mystery shutoff valve that doesn’t actually shut anything off.
One tip: if you go under sink, spend the extra on flexible hoses and good quality fittings. The cheap stuff will cost you more in leaks down the line. And keep a flashlight handy—those cabinet corners collect everything from lost spoons to ancient mouse traps.
In short, countertop if you want speed and simplicity; under sink if you want it out of sight and don’t mind spending an afternoon upside down with your head in a cupboard. Either way, expect at least one trip to the hardware store... probably two if your place is as quirky as most rentals I’ve seen.
Had to swap out an under sink filter last week in a 70s rental—took me almost an hour just to get the old fittings loose. Whoever put it in must’ve had tiny hands or hated future plumbers. Countertop ones are definitely easier, but I’ve seen them leak if someone bumps them or twists the faucet wrong. Not sure there’s a perfect answer, but I’d rather deal with a countertop than wrestle with ancient pipes again.