Providing clean drinking water is one of the priorities for every modern home. System Aquaphor Crystal is an effective solution for deep purification of tap water from chlorine, heavy metals and mechanical impurities. Correct filter installation not only extends the life of the equipment, but also guarantees maximum performance and safety of use.
In this article we will analyze the installation process in detail, starting with choosing a location and ending with checking the tightness of the connections. You will not need to call a plumber if you strictly follow the procedure described below. The quality of water directly affects the health of the entire family, so the installation procedure should be approached responsibly and carefully.
Before starting work, you must make sure that you have all the components included in the basic package. Typically, the kit includes three flasks with cartridges, a separate tap for clean water, flexible hoses, a wrench for unscrewing the flasks and a set of fittings. The absence of any of these elements can significantly complicate the process or make it impossible without additional purchase of the missing parts.
Preparing for installation and choosing a location
The first step is to determine the optimal location for the cleaning system. Most often Aquaphor filter mounted under the kitchen sink, as this allows you to hide the equipment and maintain the aesthetic appearance of the room. It is important that the space chosen is large enough to freely accommodate three vertical flasks and allow them to be easily reached in the future for cartridge replacement.
Pay attention to the ambient temperature at the installation location. The equipment is not designed to operate at subzero temperatures, so installation in an unheated dacha in winter is unacceptable. You should also avoid places where the filter may be exposed to direct sunlight, since ultraviolet radiation promotes the growth of microorganisms inside transparent flasks, unless they are protected by a special screen.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work with the plumbing, be sure to turn off the cold water at the entrance to the apartment or house. This will prevent flooding of the room and will allow you to safely dismantle old elements of the system.
Check the pressure in the water supply. If it exceeds 6 atmospheres, it is recommended to install a pressure reducer in front of the cleaning system. High pressure can damage connections or the bulbs themselves, causing leaks. In old houses with very low pressure (less than 0.5 atmospheres), the performance of the filter may be reduced, but installation in this case is possible.
Necessary tools and equipment
To successfully complete the work, you will need a minimum set of tools, which are usually found in every home. The main tool will be a drill or hammer drill for drilling holes in a table top or wall. You will also need an adjustable wrench, a pipe cutter and a marker for marking. Having these items on hand will speed up the process and make it more comfortable.
It is important to check the condition of the o-rings (gaskets) on the flasks. They should be elastic, without cracks or creases. Before assembly, it is recommended to lubricate the threads of the flasks and the gaskets themselves with silicone grease (food grade). This will make it easier to unscrew them in the future and ensure reliable sealing of the connections under high pressure.
- 🔧 An adjustable wrench or a set of open-end wrenches for tightening nuts.
- 🔨 Drill with wood/stone drill (diameter 12 mm) for installing a tap.
- ✂️ A sharp knife or pipe cutter for carefully cutting polyethylene tubes.
- 🧼 Food grade silicone grease for treating seals.
Make sure that the length of the flexible tubes included in the kit is sufficient to connect all components of the system. The standard length is usually enough for a standard kitchen, but in the case of a non-standard layout, you may need to purchase an additional meter of hose. All connections must be made without tension to avoid depressurization.
Use only a sharp knife or a special pipe cutter to cut pipes. A dull tool can flatten the end of the pipe, which will make it impossible to make a good connection to the fitting and lead to leakage.
Connection diagram and sequence of actions
The installation process requires adherence to a strict sequence of connecting elements. Water must flow first into the first flask (mechanical cleaning), then into the second (sorption cleaning) and third (final cleaning). There are always arrows on the bodies of the flasks or in the instructions indicating the direction of water movement In → Out. Violation of this order will lead to rapid failure of expensive cartridges.
First, assemble the system into a single chain by connecting the flasks to each other with short sections of tubes. Then connect the inlet hose to the water supply through a tee and the outlet hose to a separate tap. All connections are made using the push-fit method, which does not require the use of glue or tow. The tube is inserted into the fitting until it stops, after which it is secured with a locking ring.
☑️ Check before starting water
Pay special attention to installing the tee in the cold water main. It fits between the shut-off valve and the flexible connection to the mixer. Before screwing the tee onto the thread, it is recommended to wind 2-3 turns of sealing tape (fum tape) or use thread. This ensures that there are no drops of water on the threaded connection during operation.
| Installation stage | Action | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Connection to the highway | Tee installation | Use sealant on threads |
| 2. Filter assembly | Connecting flasks with tubes | Follow the direction of the arrows |
| 3. Faucet installation | Drilling a hole in the sink | Hole diameter 12 mm |
| 4. Final connection | Connecting the system to the tap | Checking the length of the hoses |
Installation of a drinking tap on a sink
Installing a separate tap for clean water is a mandatory step, since passing water through a filter for washing dishes or hands is not economically feasible. If your sink already has a reserved hole with a plug, the task becomes easier. Otherwise, you will need to drill a hole in the countertop or sink rim with a diameter of 12 millimeters.
When drilling, use a pobedit-coated drill for ceramic or metal, depending on the material of the sink. To avoid damaging the enamel, start drilling at low speeds and gradually increase the speed. After obtaining the hole, a faucet mounting pin is installed into it, which is fixed with a nut and a presser foot from below.
⚠️ Attention: When drilling a hole in an enamel sink, be sure to stick a cross made of masking tape at the drilling site. This will prevent the drill from slipping and chipping the coating.
After fixing the tap, the tube from the last filter flask is connected to it. The tube is put on the tap fitting and secured with a plastic nut. Make sure the tubing is not kinked or kinked as this will create resistance to water flow. The tap should turn freely and open/close without effort.
What to do if there is no place to drill?
If your sink is made of stone or composite and you are afraid of damaging it, or there is simply no free space, you can install the faucet on the countertop next to the sink. This will require a special wood/chipboard drill and care not to damage the table surface. There are also wall-mounted faucet models, but they require a water supply inside the wall.
Flushing the system and checking for leaks
After all installation work is completed, the most crucial moment comes - the first launch of the system. Open the cold water valve on the riser, and then the tap on the tee that supplies water to the filter. At this point, do not open the drinking tap immediately, let the system fill with water. This will displace air from the flasks and prevent water hammer.
Open the drinking tap and let the water flow into the sink for 10-15 minutes. Air and black water will come out of the faucet. This is absolutely normal: the black color of the water is caused by activated carbon, which is washed out of new cartridges. Rinsing is necessary until the water becomes clear and the taste disappears.
During the flushing process, carefully inspect all connections for leaks. Run a dry paper towel over the pipe joints and threaded connections. If the napkin remains dry, the system is sealed. If moisture is detected, tighten the connections or reinstall the tube into the fitting, making sure it is inserted all the way.
- 💧 Flush the system until the black tint of water disappears.
- 👀 Check each connection with a dry cloth.
- 🕒 Leave the system under pressure for 30 minutes for a control check.
- 🗑️ Drain the first 3-5 liters of water, they are not intended for drinking.
If you find leakage on the threads of the bulbs, try to slightly tighten them with a wrench (without fanaticism) or check that the o-ring is positioned correctly. Often the cause of a leak is a grain of sand or hair caught between the rubber and plastic, so cleanliness during assembly is critical.
The first 10-15 liters of filtered water must be drained into the sewer. They contain coal dust and a preservative used in the production of cartridges and are not suitable for human consumption.
Cartridge replacement and maintenance
Cartridge life Aquaphor Crystal depends on the quality of the source water and the volume of consumption, but on average it is about 6000 liters or 6-12 months of use. Timely replacement of modules is the key to clean water and proper operation of the system. A tag on the filter housing or a sticker on the kitchen cabinet will help you remember the installation date.
To replace the modules, turn off the water, release the pressure by opening the drinking tap, and unscrew the flasks with a special key clockwise. Remove the old cartridge, rinse the flask with warm water (no detergents!) and install the new module, removing the protective film from it. Reassemble the system in reverse order and rinse again with water for 5-10 minutes.
Do not allow the water inside the flasks to freeze. If you leave home for a long period in winter and the heating is turned off, the water from the system must be completely drained by unscrewing the flasks. Freezing water will expand and rupture the plastic body of the bulb or damage the threads, requiring the purchase of new elements.
⚠️ Attention: Never use aggressive chemicals, acetone or gasoline to wash flasks. The plastic may become cloudy or crack, and chemical fumes will remain inside and leak into drinking water.
Regularly wipe the outer surface of the filter with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. This will not only maintain the neat appearance of the equipment, but will also allow you to notice in time possible microcracks or changes in the color of the case, which may indicate problems within the system.
How do you know when it's time to change the cartridge?
There are several signs: the water pressure from the drinking tap has noticeably decreased (the mechanical filter is clogged), a foreign taste or smell has appeared (the coal resource has been exhausted), or simply more than a year has passed since the last replacement. Even if the water seems clean, biological activity inside the old cartridge can increase, so it is imperative to follow the replacement schedule.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to install the Aquaphor Crystal filter?
For an experienced user, the process takes about 30-40 minutes. If you are doing this for the first time and need to drill a hole in the sink, allow about 1 hour. The main thing is not to rush and carefully read the instructions for a specific model.
Do I need to boil water after filtering?
Water after passing through the system Crystal becomes clean and safe to drink without boiling if it was originally suitable for tap consumption. However, if a boil mode has been declared in your area due to bacteriological contamination of the main line, the filter may not be able to cope with viruses, and it is better to boil the water.
What should I do if the water flows slowly after installation?
Low pressure can be caused by several reasons: a pinched tube, a valve on the tee that is not completely closed, or, most often, cartridges that have not been properly washed. Try increasing the initial flush time. If the pressure has not been restored, check the pressure in the water supply.
Can cartridges be washed and reused?
The mechanical cartridge (first) can sometimes be washed with a brush to increase its resource, but the sorption and ulcer modules (second and third) cannot be restored. Washing with water will only wash away dirt from the surface, but will not restore the absorbency of coal and ion exchange resins.
What is the shelf life of packaged replacement modules?
The shelf life of cartridges in original packaging is usually 3 years from the date of manufacture, provided they are stored in a dry place at room temperature. The release date is indicated on the packaging or the cartridge itself. Once the package is opened, the cartridge must be used within 6 months.