Yeah, space under the sink can get tight fast, especially if there’s a disposal or those bulky P-traps. I had to shift my fire extinguisher and a basket of cleaning stuff just to fit the filter housing. One thing I always do—double check for leaks after turning the water back on, even if everything feels snug. Those compression fittings can be sneaky. Countertop units are less hassle at first, but I got tired of knocking hoses around every time I washed dishes... not worth it for me in the long run.
I hear you on the countertop hoses—mine always seemed to be in the way, or dripping after someone forgot to tighten it back up. Under sink install took me a bit longer than I expected, mostly because I had to move a bunch of stuff and crawl around with a flashlight wedged between my teeth. But once it was in, I pretty much forgot about it. Did you ever try one of those faucet-mounted filters? Wondering if they’re any easier, or just another thing to bump into...
Faucet-mounted filters are kind of a mixed bag, at least in my experience. I picked one up when I was renting and couldn’t mess with the plumbing. It was dead simple to put on—just screwed it onto the faucet, no tools needed. But honestly, it stuck out awkwardly and I kept banging pots into it. Plus, if you’ve got a low sink or a faucet that swivels, it can get annoying fast. The filter lever would sometimes get stuck or spray water sideways if it wasn’t lined up just right.
On the plus side, you don’t have to crawl under anything or clear out the cabinet. But I always felt like it was in the way, especially when washing bigger dishes. Not sure if newer models are slimmer, but mine was pretty bulky.
Curious—did anyone here find a faucet filter that didn’t make their sink feel cramped? Or is that just the trade-off for the easy install?
I hear you on the “awkwardly sticking out” part.
That’s been my main gripe with faucet filters too—they’re almost always in the way, especially if you actually use your sink for big cookware. I’ve seen a few newer models that claim to be slimmer, but honestly, they’re still a compromise. The easy install is great, but you’re right, it’s a trade-off. For folks who value safety and don’t want to risk messing with plumbing, it’s not a bad option. Just gotta accept that extra bulk, unless you luck out with a super compact design.it stuck out awkwardly and I kept banging pots into it
Had the same issue with faucet filters—kept knocking into them every time I tried to wash a big pan. Ended up switching to an under sink filter at my place. Install took a bit longer, yeah, but once it was in, I forgot it was even there. No more dodging bulky attachments or worrying about breaking something off. If you’re comfortable with a wrench and have a little patience, under sink’s less hassle in the long run, at least for me.
