Water filter housing installed backwards - fixing

[A Carter]

Hi, I just purchased my first home and was going to switch out our whole house sediment water filter, when I noticed that the filter housing was installed backwards ("in" at the outlet and vice versa). It looks as though it is connected to the copper pipe with compression fittings, so I think I can handle taking the filter housing off and putting it back on with the correct orientation. However, I wanted to check to make sure it is as straightforwards as I am thinking it is.

I am also concerned about some discoloration of the pipe at the inlet. No signs of water leaking in that spot, but should I be concerned? If so, any ways to fix it that I might be able to handle (fairly handy, but not extremely handy)?

 

[Dj2]

Your filter and everything around it needs attention.
Can you solder? Do you have basic tools? You will need a few copper fittings.
If you can do it, have the parts and tools, let us know and we'll show you how to continue.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[A Carter]

Your filter and everything around it needs attention.
Can you solder? Do you have basic tools? You will need a few copper fittings.
If you can do it, have the parts and tools, let us know and we'll show you how to continue.

I don’t know how to solder, but I do have basic tools.

 

[Reach4]

I suspect that left connection was not tightened enough, and has a slow leak.

When tightening compression fittings, you need more torque than I imagine. Lubricating the threads lets you tighten better with a given size wrench and hand strength.

Is this city water or your own well? I am not a pro.

 

[A Carter]

I suspect that left connection was not tightened enough, and has a slow leak.

When tightening compression fittings, you need more torque than I imagine. Lubricating the threads lets you tighten better with a given size wrench and hand strength.

Is this city water or your own well? I am not a pro.

It is well water.

 

[Reach4]

With well water, do not use cellulose filter cartridges. Use polypropylene or polyester or other non-organic media.

Your idea of pulling the connections apart and rotating the filter housing around is interesting. I don't know if that could be done without a lot of give in the piping. You need a backup plan to prevent not having water if something goes wrong.

https://www.sharkbite.com/products/slip-ball-valve
https://www.sharkbite.com/products/brass-push-slip-tee
https://www.sharkbite.com/products/brass-push-slip-coupling

Suppose you made a full 3-valve bypass. Some parts could be things you would solder up in the driveway. Some could be SharkBite to let you connect to your existing pipes after you have done some cutting. I like my Ridgid 101 cutter.

You might want to sanitize your well and plumbing. After doing the plumbing changes would be good, because you would kill off any stuff you introduce during the work. https://terrylove.com/forums/index....izing-extra-attention-to-4-inch-casing.65845/ is my well and plumbing sanitizing writeup. Seeing your housing, which is on the downstream side of your cartridge. could inspire.

 

[A Carter]

With well water, do not use cellulose filter cartridges. Use polypropylene or polyester or other non-organic media.

Your idea of pulling the connections apart and rotating the filter housing around is interesting. I don't know if that could be done without a lot of give in the piping. You need a backup plan to prevent not having water if something goes wrong.

https://www.sharkbite.com/products/slip-ball-valve
https://www.sharkbite.com/products/brass-push-slip-tee
https://www.sharkbite.com/products/brass-push-slip-coupling

Suppose you made a full 3-valve bypass. Some parts could be things you would solder up in the driveway. Some could be SharkBite to let you connect to your existing pipes after you have done some cutting. I like my Ridgid 101 cutter.

You might want to sanitize your well and plumbing. After doing the plumbing changes would be good, because you would kill off any stuff you introduce during the work. https://terrylove.com/forums/index....izing-extra-attention-to-4-inch-casing.65845/ is my well and plumbing sanitizing writeup. Seeing your housing, which is on the downstream side of your cartridge. could inspire.

Would cutting out the corroded portion of copper pipe and using a SharkBite kit like this work to both get rid of the corroded pipe and fix my filter housing issue? https://www.sharkbite.com/products/water-filtration-connection-kit

I was thinking about just replacing the whole housing with a new one anyways, so it would be a two birds kind of thing if easy and possible to do.

 

[Taylorjm]

Since it looks like it has a power cable to it, must be one of them there electric filters.

 

[Reach4]

Would cutting out the corroded portion of copper pipe and using a SharkBite kit like this work to both get rid of the corroded pipe and fix my filter housing issue? https://www.sharkbite.com/products/water-filtration-connection-kit

I was thinking about just replacing the whole housing with a new one anyways, so it would be a two birds kind of thing if easy and possible to do.

I think so, but you have to check that the gap will not be too much after the cutting. If it is, you may have to add another section of pipe, possibly by soldering and possibly with a SharkBite coupler.