Trials to Triumphs, one build at a tiime.
Clean, fresh-tasting water is something we all want in our homes, and installing an under sink water filtration system is one of the best ways to achieve it. In our latest Buildy Bunch episode, Rosie and I take on this exciting DIY project, showing you how to install the iSpring US31 3-Stage Under Sink Water Filter—plus a little bonus challenge: drilling through our granite countertop!
This project was both fun and a little nerve-wracking, especially when it came to making that first hole in the granite. But with the right tools and some patience, we pulled it off! If you’re considering adding a high-quality water filtration system to your home, read on for our experience, step-by-step insights, and tips to make your installation smooth and stress-free.
Why Install an Under Sink Water Filter?
Sure, bottled water is an option, or maybe even a Berkey! But with a family our size, we’re always refilling the Berkey, and it’s just not convenient. An under-sink filtration system provides clean drinking water on demand, reduces plastic waste, and removes sediment, chlorine, and other contaminants that affect taste and quality. The iSpring US31 3-Stage Water Filter was a great choice because it’s tankless, compact, and highly effective—plus, it was a straightforward install!
Step 1: Clearing Out & Prepping the Workspace
Before we could start installing, we needed to clear out under the sink. That meant removing everything stored there (hello, cleaning supplies!) and shutting off power and water to avoid any mishaps. Here’s what we did:
✔ Turned off power to the garbage disposal and hot water tap
✔ Shut off water valves (inline, dishwasher, hot tap, and stove pot filler)
✔ Cleared space for the filtration unit and tubing
Step 2: The Scariest Part—Drilling Through Granite!
Drilling through granite countertops can be intimidating. One wrong move, and you risk cracks or uneven cuts. Luckily, we had a Diamond Drill Bit Set (linked below), which made the process much easier and cleaner.
Pro Tip:
Before drilling, clear out the wax from the diamond drill bit! We learned this the hard way—it helps the bit cut more smoothly and prevents unnecessary resistance.
After marking our drill spot, we took it slow, applied steady pressure with the drill on a slant, and let the drill do the work. A little patience paid off. We ended up with a perfectly clean hole for the new faucet!
🔹 Diamond Drill Bits for Tile, Granite & More 👉 https://amzn.to/4hEAcoT
Step 3: Installing the iSpring US31 3-Stage Water Filter
With the hole drilled, it was time to install the filtration system. The kit came with everything we needed, and the setup was straightforward:
✔ Mounted the filtration unit under the sink
✔ Connected the tubing to the T-valve and the new faucet
✔ Double-checked all connections for leaks
The instructions were clear, and the system went in without a hitch. After a final check and some minor adjustments, we were up and running!
🔹 iSpring US31 Under Sink Water Filtration System 👉 https://amzn.to/4i3cm61
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely! The iSpring US31 delivers clean, fresh water directly from the tap, and the entire project took just a few hours. It’s a great upgrade that’s budget-friendly and can be tackled by any DIYer with the right tools. Plus, drilling through granite countertops is no longer a mystery to us—it’s just another skill to add to our DIY toolbox!
If you’re thinking about making the switch to an under sink filtration system, go for it! It’s a simple, rewarding project that improves your home and your water quality. And if you’re nervous about drilling through your countertop, just remember: take it slow, use the right tools, and trust the process!
Watch the Full Installation Video Here:
📺 Buildy Bunch YouTube Channel
Products We Used:
🔹 iSpring US31 3-Stage Water Filter 👉 https://amzn.to/4i3cm61
🔹 Diamond Drill Bits for Granite, Tile & More 👉 https://amzn.to/4hEAcoT
Have you installed a water filtration system before? Planning to try one? Drop a comment below and let us know your thoughts! And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more DIY projects and home upgrades. Happy building! 🛠️💧
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