Water Filter Installation Guide:
Which System Works With YOUR Taps?
Real user experiences with direct connect, separate tap, and 3-way systems. Plus: why water filters don't need a bypass tap like softeners do.
Various water filter and tap installations for UK kitchens
The Regulation Question: Can I Filter ALL My Cold Water?
You might have heard that UK regulations require a separate "unsoftened" drinking water tap. This is true for water softeners - but not for water filters. Here's why:
Water Softeners (Bypass Required)
Softeners use ion exchange which replaces calcium/magnesium with sodium. The added sodium is a health concern for babies and people on low-sodium diets.
Water Filters (No Bypass Needed)
Filters only remove contaminants - they don't add anything. They maintain water "wholesomeness" as required by UK regulations.
The Bottom Line
Three Installation Types Compared
Direct Connect
Water2, Waterdrop UA/15UA, Osmio EZFIT
Attaches to your existing cold tap supply line. Filters ALL cold water from that tap.
Pros
- ✓No drilling required
- ✓Uses your existing tap
- ✓10-minute DIY install (if you have flexi pipes)
- ✓Easy to remove when moving home
Cons
- ✗Filters ALL cold water (including washing)
- ✗Uses filter capacity faster
- ✗Reduces tap pressure/flow
- ✗No visual distinction for filtered water
Dedicated Separate Tap
Brita mypure P1, Osmio Indra, Standard filter kits
New small tap installed on your countertop. Only filters drinking water.
Pros
- ✓Only filters what you drink
- ✓Extends filter life significantly
- ✓Dedicated filtered outlet
- ✓Main tap pressure unaffected
Cons
- ✗Need to drill 12mm hole in countertop
- ✗Extra tap on your sink
- ✗More complex installation
- ✗Slower flow from small tap
3-Way Tap
Franke Filterflow, BRITA 3-Way, Quooker CUBE
Replaces your existing kitchen tap. Separate internal channel for filtered water.
Pros
- ✓No extra tap clutter
- ✓Elegant all-in-one solution
- ✓Dedicated filtered channel
- ✓Premium look and feel
Cons
- ✗Expensive (£200-500+ for tap alone)
- ✗Requires removing old tap
- ✗More complex installation
- ✗Higher overall cost
What Under-Sink Installations Look Like
Inline Filter System
Compact filter mounted under sink, connects inline with cold supply
Copper Pipe Setup
Older homes may have copper pipes - requires cutting and push-fit connectors
Real User Experiences: Pressure & Flow
Key insight for Hampshire homeowners: Flow rate decreases over time as filters clog. Hard water areas (like Andover SP10/SP11, Marlborough SN8, Hungerford RG17) clog filters faster, meaning more frequent replacements and potential flow issues.
Water2
Source: Trustpilot →"Slight drop" to "trickle after 6 months"
Easy with flexi pipes, harder with copper
"Only a slight drop in water pressure... was usable"
"Fast forward 6 months and water flow is now a trickle"
"Instructions assume everyone has two flexi pipes... mine had copper pipes"
Waterdrop
Source: Multiple reviews →~0.8 GPM measured (lab test)
Easy DIY, direct connect design
"Slower stream, sufficient for most kitchen tasks"
"Customer services immediately offered to replace when I had poor flow"
"If your flow rate is already fairly slow, expect it to get slower"
Osmio
Source: Trustpilot →~27% pressure drop, 7-15% flow reduction
May need PRV if pressure over 6.9 bar
"The water is so clean and tastes like bottled water"
"Customer service was fantastic - Mark and Irina were incredibly helpful"
"You must fit a pressure reducing valve... this is not clear when ordering"
Compatibility Check: Will It Fit Your Kitchen?
Check Your Pipes First
Flexible Pipes (Braided Hoses)
Easy DIY install. Most filters connect with hand-tightened fittings. No tools required.
Copper Pipes
May need cutting. Requires 15mm push-fit connectors and pipe cutter.
Non-Standard Fittings
Professional installation recommended. Older properties may have unusual sizes.
Before You Buy Checklist
- Look under your sink - do you have flexible braided hoses or rigid copper pipes?
- Measure your water pressure (most filters need min 2 bar, max 8 bar)
- Check space under sink for filter housing (typically 30cm height needed)
- For separate tap: Check countertop material (granite needs specialist drilling)
- For 3-way tap: Confirm tap hole size (usually 35mm standard)
- Know your water hardness - affects filter replacement frequency
Hampshire hard water alert: Water hardness in Andover (SP10/SP11) often exceeds 300mg/l calcium carbonate. This will clog filters faster than manufacturer estimates.
Which Installation Type Wins?
Direct Connect
Water2, Waterdrop UA
Best for: Renters, DIY enthusiasts with flexible pipes
Separate Tap
Brita mypure P1, Osmio Indra
Best for: Homeowners wanting efficiency and filter longevity
3-Way Tap
Franke, BRITA 3-Way, Quooker
Best for: Kitchen refurbishments, premium buyers
Need Professional Installation?
Rosebourne Plumbing can install any water filter system in your Andover, Marlborough, or Hungerford home. We'll assess your pipes, ensure the right fittings, and guarantee no leaks.
