How to Install a Water Ionizer - Countertop and Under Sink Guide

A lkaline water has slowly made its way into people’s lives and homes. It is becoming every day more popular, and many users pray its power to energize the body and reduce acid reflux problems. However, buying it bottled from the store can rise at least two problems. First, it is pretty expensive, with a bottle costing somewhere between $2 and $5, and secondly, the plastic in the bottles will eventually end up in nature and contribute to an already global pollution problem.

The great news, though, is that you can continue drinking your alkaline water and avoid these two issues by installing a water ionizer in your kitchen. It is an investment that will pay off in the long run, with excellent advantages for your overall wellbeing.

So, if you have decided to buy your own water ionizer, learn how it works and how to install it, so you can enjoy its benefits as soon as possible.

How Does a Water Ionizer Work?

This machine turns regular tap water into alkaline water through a 2-stage process:

• Stage 1 - Filtration - The water passes through a filtering system, which usually includes or is represented by an activated carbon filter. Here, contaminants, toxins, chlorine, and sediments are removed so the water can enter the second stage clean and odor-free.
• Stage 2 - Ionization - A quick current actions on the water, usually through a platinum-coated titanium electrode and produces the phenomenon of electrolysis. The water is then separated into 2 streams:
  • Alkaline water - The positive ions gather at the negative electrode and create high-pH water, which is rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. This stream is used for drinking and cooking.
  • Acidic water - Is the result of negative ions gathering around the positive electrode. It is usually drained into the sink, but you can choose to collect it and use it for a large array of household jobs. For example, it is very efficient for surface disinfecting or cosmetic treatments.

How to Install a Water Ionizer?

These units are created to be highly practical, so, in most cases, you won’t need to do plumbing jobs or hire a specialist to do it. All it takes is willing to do it and some basic practical skills. Nevertheless, the installation process can take you more or less of your time, depending on if you choose to perform a countertop or an under-sink installation.

Here’s how to do them both:

Countertop Installation

It is the simplest way to get high-pH water, and the set up shouldn’t take you more than a few minutes. Nevertheless, the disadvantage here is that the ionizer will be placed near the sink and will cut on your countertop space. The advantage, on the other hand, is that most units have a slim profile and a stylish design, so they will look great no matter the décor.

For easy installation, follow the steps from below:

• Step 1 – Install the faucet convertor - It is usually included in the installation kit, but if your unit didn’t come with one, you can find it at a hardware store. Ask for a 15/16” male fitting. Remove the aerator by unscrewing it counterclockwise and place the convertor in its place by rotating it clockwise until it fits perfectly.
• Step 2 – Connect the intake line of the ionizer to the faucet adapter - Unscrew the tightening knob by turning it counterclockwise, insert the plastic tube into the tightening mat, and insert the tube into the faucet adapter. Once it is tightly fixed, tighten down the nut firmly to avoid further leaks. Check if you can switch between tap and alkaline water by raising and lowering the adapter lever. Then connect the other side of the tube to the inlet of the ionizer (if you cannot figure out which it is, check the manual). Pull out the cap and insert the tube in the opening.
• Step 3 – Install the wastewater line - Connect the second tube to the outlet of the ionizer and position the free opening in the sink for the acidic water to drain.
• Step 4 – Connect the power cord - Insert it into the master switch, change the switch on ON and power on the unit
• Step 5 – Let it perform an initial cleaning - The unit will first run water through it to clean potential residues from the factory. It will let you know when it is ready to provide alkaline water.
• Step 6 – Set up the machine - Select the pH level you desire and test the water. That should be all.

Under-Sink Installation

If you are going for this type of installation, you can either buy a water ionizer that comes with an under-sink installation kit or purchase the kit separately. This type of set up will take a bit longer, as you will need to install a faucet for the ionized water, but, in the end, you will have your countertop free.

Here’s how to do it:

• Step 1 – Install the new faucet - Turn off cold water line and remove cold water line from the angle stop. Then, place thread seal tape on the angle stop and screw the T-fitting in. Attach the cold water hose to the T-fitting. Insert the faucet hoses through the opening. It can be an old soap disposer opening. If it doesn’t exist, you will need to cut one. Fix the faucet in the opening and insert the residual spout. Draw the hoses through the rubber washer, metal washer, and metal nut in this order. In the end, secure the faucet in place by locking the nut.
• Step 2 – Connect the hoses - Insert white water hose into the other opening of the t-fitting and secure it with the blue plastic clip. Find the outlet fitting with a red dot and connect the red acidic water hose. In the inlet fitting, which should be positioned near the power cord, insert the green water hose. Don’t forget to attach the blue clips to each fitting. Turn the unit up and insert the under sink fitting into the swivel top. Connect the blue hose
• Step 3 – Connect the unit to a power source - Turn on the cold water and check for leaks.
• Step 4 – Select the desired pH level - Test the new water.

What Are The Benefits of Drinking Alkaline Water?

High-pH water is appreciated for its good taste, but it has other properties as well. By installing an ionizer, you will ensure for you and your family the following benefits:

Excellent Hydration

Studies have linked high-pH water to better hydration, which means that it restores the body’s balance faster after effort and reduces blood viscosity, ensuring that the heart can pump a larger quantity and thinner blood and work less. Thus, it reduces diseases associated with thick blood and heart failure. At the same time, if the body is hydrated, the mouth will remain moist and cavities will find it more difficult to form, while the whole organism will feel more energized.

Natural Treatment for Acid Reflux

Most people who experience this problem take anti-acid pills and baking soda, but this is not recommended as a long-term treatment, as side-effects can emerge. High-pH water, on the other hand, can help reduce stomach acidity without affecting your organism in any way. Nevertheless, you should look to solve this problem and not only treat the effects. In this case, shifting towards a plant-based diet can be an excellent idea.

Source of Minerals

As it doesn’t filter minerals but uses them to maintain a higher pH, alkaline water can supply you with calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are essential for strong bones. However, you shouldn’t use it as your primary source but as a supplement to a healthy diet that provides you all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

The Bottom Line

Is installing a water ionizer a good investment? It depends. If you are determined to change your diet and completely or in most part replace tap water with high-pH water, then it will be worth all the money, as buying the water from the store would cost you more. But if you’re going to drink one or two glasses of alkaline water every other day, bottled water may be a better idea.

Nevertheless, as you have seen, the benefits are considerable and it may be worth it to make a habit from drinking high-pH water. Moreover, every ionizer will release acidic water as a secondary product so you can take advantage of its properties and use it to sanitize the surfaces in your kitchen and bathroom or use it to prepare different lotions that can be used in cosmetic treatments.

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