How To Change A Water Filter

When in doubt, just Google it.  There are You-Tube videos that show you how to do everything, so when it came time to change the water filter under my kitchen sink, I just looked up the directions.  That's not always a successful proposition in my house however.

I've actually had the filters for going on five years, but never had the nerve to give it a shot.  You SHOULD change them every year.  I might spend a fortune on a sewing machine, but a plumber?  Nah ..... I can do it!!

I only found written instructions, but it can't be that hard, right?  I let the water out as it said, and even found the water shut off valve, although I wasn't positive about that one.  Wait five minutes it said.

I waited ten until it depressurized.  Somehow I wasn't too sure about that step either.  Then it said to twist the filter off counter-clockwise, but it wouldn't turn that way.  Clockwise it was.

Water came shooting out in a huge waterfall!!!!  YIKES!!  I was supposed to get a little water on the o-rings for easy installation.  No problem, the filter and I were soaked in seconds.  Luckily I got the new one installed in record time, and cleaned up the mess.

That's when I read just a little further.  There are TWO filters to change.  Big sigh ... I really don't want to do this again.  This time I grabbed a large bowl to put underneath.  Too bad there were no directions on how to depressurize the system.  

I pulled the second filter out and Niagara Falls ensued.  I couldn't even see where to plug in the new one.  Finally it was DONE!!  YAHOO!!

I looked on the floor and there sat another filter with the new little red cap.  OH GOOD GRIEF!!  I replaced the old one with the old one from the other side!!  $%$#@^%#$   I have to go through this all over again!!

Finally done and only half my kitchen flooded, I double checked to be sure I had the new filters in by hefting the old ones.  I think I got it right this time.  Here's my pile of soak-up-the-mess towels, not counting the two bath towel in the sink.  Seriously, this is MAN'S work.  Next time I'll call the plumber.

I went back to embroidery to make me feel better, since I've finally gotten the hang of it.  For every step, there is a color change and thread number.

Lucky for me, when I bought the machine, they gave me 100 spools of thread for free.  Not really, as you can imagine.  There's about $500 worth here and I've no doubt they increased the price of the machine $800 to make up for it.

Surprisingly, for the most part, I have every thread color required, although sometimes I have to just guess, kind of like when I replaced that filter.  At least here it always comes out beautiful.  

I ended the day at an Elks Lodge meeting.  I passed on the steak and green beans this time and opted for leftover chicken salad and crackers.  Thankfully the meeting was short and sweet, meaning I now have four whole days off to recover from working the Patch.  

The hardest part of all?  Not eating all that leftover Halloween candy.  Today I guess I have to head to the store.  I only seem to have Cooper food left in the freezer, along with five slices of bread and a little cheddar cheese.  Me thinks I hear a grilled cheese calling my name!