Vertical pressure tank connected to a water pump outdoors
Generic photo: W.carter · CC BY-SA 4.0

Install a whole-house water filter (bypass, shutoffs and grounding jumper)

A whole-house cartridge filter goes on the main line after the main shutoff (after the pressure tank on a well) and before the water heater and, in most cases, before a softener. It needs shutoffs on both sides or a bypass, the correct flow direction, room below for cartridge changes, and, on metal pipe, a bonding jumper across the gap so the electrical ground path is not broken.

Cross-checked ~150 min moderateBrands: All

Before you start

  • Turn off power to an electric water heater and to a well pump before shutting off the water, so neither runs dry.
  • Find out whether the electrical system grounds to the water pipe before cutting it: a cut metal pipe can lose the ground path and carry voltage. Install the jumper before restoring use.
  • Grounding and bonding questions beyond reconnecting a jumper are for a qualified electrician.

Diagnostic steps

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Install a whole-house water filter (bypass, shutoffs and grounding jumper) · OnCall Tech