Total: $0.00
Taxes and shipping calculated at checkout
ECO-X Whole House Water Filter
Installation Guide
Learn how to prepare your ECO-X system before final installation, including the pre-installation flush, tank soak, and setup steps.
If you need help before installation, call 1-855-957-2166 to speak with a Freedom Water Specialist.
Installation Guide
Installing a whole house water filter system is one of the best ways to improve the water used throughout your home. A properly installed system can help support better-tasting water, reduce common water-quality concerns, and provide filtration before water reaches your faucets, showers, appliances, and plumbing fixtures.
This guide explains how whole house water filter installation works, including where the system is typically installed, what to expect before setup, and how the ECO-X system is flushed and prepared before being connected to your home's water supply line.
Installation steps can vary based on your home, plumbing layout, water source, and local code requirements. Freedom Water Systems recommends working with a licensed plumber or qualified installer when needed, especially for final plumbing connections.
ECO-X Installation Support
Watch the ECO-X Pre-Installation Flush Guide
This video shows the ECO-X pre-installation flushing process before the system is connected to the home's water supply line. It can help homeowners and installers understand how to attach the bypass valve, use the purge kit, soak the tank, flush the media, and prepare the system for operation.
How Whole House Water Filter Installation Works
A whole house water filter system is usually installed on the main water line where water enters the home. This allows the system to filter water before it moves through the rest of the plumbing system.
For many homes, this means the system is placed near the main shutoff valve, pressure tank, utility room, garage, basement, or another accessible plumbing area. The ideal location depends on how the home is plumbed and whether the property uses city water or well water.
Before a system is connected to the home's water supply line, certain systems also need to be flushed and prepared. This helps remove loose media or debris, reset the filtration media, and prepare the tank for operation.
Freedom Water Systems offers whole-home options for both city water filtration and well water filtration. If you are still comparing systems, you can also review our whole-home water filter systems.
Before Installation: Flush and Prepare the System
The ECO-X whole house water filter system uses a tank-based filtration design. Before the system is placed into service, the tank should be flushed according to the system instructions.
The flushing process helps prepare the system before final installation. It also gives the filtration media time to soak and settle before water begins flowing through the home.
After unboxing the system, the bypass valve should be attached. The tank head should also be checked and gently tightened with a few clockwise turns to help confirm the seal between the head and the tank is snug. This helps reduce the chance of dripping between the head and tank.
This page explains the ECO-X pre-installation flushing process. It is not a full plumbing installation tutorial. Final plumbing connections may vary by home and should follow local code requirements.
ECO-X Pre-Installation Flushing Steps
The following overview is based on the pre-installation flushing process used for the Freedom Water Systems ECO-X whole house water filter system. Always follow the instructions provided with your specific system.
1
Attach the Hose Bib Purge Kit
Install the included hose bib purge kit with flow adapter onto the upflow, or outlet, side of the bypass assembly.
2
Connect a Garden Hose
Connect a garden hose to the fitting. Turn the red knobs on top of the bypass assembly to the open position.
Very slowly fill the tank with water until the air is purged out and water begins coming out of the inlet side of the bypass.
3
Let the System Soak
Once water starts flowing from the bypass valve, turn off the water. Allow the system to soak for 24 hours before proceeding.
This soak period helps prepare the filtration media before the final flushing steps.
4
Flush Through the Outlet Side
After the system has soaked, attach a garden hose to the purge adapter on the outlet side of the bypass valve.
Slowly turn on the water supply until it is fully open and water is flowing out of the inlet side of the bypass valve.
5
Run Water Until Clear
Allow water to run for a full 30 minutes to help expel loose media or debris.
If the water is still not clear after 30 minutes, continue running water until it clears. In most cases, no more than 60 minutes total should be necessary.
6
Reset the Media
Once the water is running clear, turn off the water supply.
Remove the purge adapter from the outlet side of the bypass valve and attach it to the inlet side. This flushes the media downward, helps reset the system's media, and prepares the system for operation.
7
Complete the Final Flush
Slowly open the hose spigot until it is fully open. Continue running water through the outlet side for 6 to 8 minutes, or until water flow is clear and the media is properly reset.
8
Move the System to Its Installation Location
Turn off the water supply to the system. Remove the hose and purge adapter from the bypass valve.
The system can then be moved to its installation location and connected to the home's water supply line.
Where Should a Whole House Water Filter Be Installed?
A whole house water filter is typically installed near the point where water enters the home. This is often called a point-of-entry installation.
Common installation locations include:
- Near the main water shutoff valve
- In a garage, basement, utility room, or mechanical room
- Near a well pressure tank for homes on private wells
- Before water branches out to fixtures, showers, laundry, and appliances
- In an accessible area where the system can be serviced
The system should be installed in a location that is protected from freezing, extreme heat, direct weather exposure, and physical damage. There should also be enough room to access the tank, bypass valve, fittings, and any related components.
Connecting the System to Your Home's Water Supply Line
Once the system has been flushed and prepared, it can be connected to the home's water supply line.
This part of the installation may include shutting off the main water supply, cutting into the plumbing line, installing fittings, connecting the bypass valve, checking flow direction, and testing for leaks.
Because every home is different, this step is often best handled by a licensed plumber or qualified installer. Proper installation helps protect the system, plumbing, appliances, and water flow throughout the home.
Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Whole house water filter installation should be handled carefully. Small installation mistakes can affect flow, performance, or long-term reliability.
X
Skipping the Pre-Installation Flush
Some tank-based systems need to be flushed before they are connected to the home's plumbing. Skipping this step may allow loose media or debris to enter the home plumbing system.
X
Installing the System Backwards
Flow direction matters. The system should be connected according to the inlet and outlet markings and the system instructions.
X
Installing in a Hard-to-Reach Area
The system should be accessible for service, inspection, and future maintenance. Avoid placing it where fittings, valves, or the tank cannot be reached easily.
X
Ignoring Local Plumbing Codes
Installation requirements can vary by location. A licensed plumber can help make sure the system is installed properly and in line with local plumbing standards.
X
Not Checking for Leaks
After installation, all connections should be checked carefully. Even a small drip should be addressed before the system is left in operation.
Do You Need a Plumber to Install a Whole House Water Filter?
Some homeowners are comfortable with plumbing work, but many whole house water filter installations are best handled by a licensed plumber or qualified installer.
A plumber can help confirm the right installation location, install the system on the correct line, follow local code requirements, test connections, and make sure the system is operating properly.
If you are unsure, it is better to ask before installation. The right setup can help protect the system and avoid unnecessary plumbing issues later.
Whole House Water Filter Installation Cost
The cost to install a whole house water filter system can vary based on the home, plumbing access, system size, water source, and local labor rates.
Installation may be more straightforward when the main water line is easy to access and there is enough room for the system. Costs may be higher if plumbing needs to be rerouted, space is limited, or additional valves, fittings, or bypass work are needed.
For the most accurate installation estimate, speak with a local plumber or installer familiar with whole house water filtration systems.
Whole House Water Filter Installation FAQs
Does a whole house water filter need to be flushed before installation?
Some whole house water filter systems should be flushed before they are connected to the home's water supply line. ECO-X systems use a pre-installation flushing process to help remove loose media or debris and prepare the filtration media for operation.
Why does the tank need to soak for 24 hours?
The 24-hour soak period helps prepare the filtration media before the final flushing steps. This allows the system to be properly conditioned before it is placed into service.
How long should I flush the system before installation?
After the soak period, the system should be flushed for about 30 minutes, or until the water runs clear. If the water is not clear after 30 minutes, continue flushing until it clears. In most cases, no more than 60 minutes total should be necessary.
Where is a whole house water filter installed?
A whole house water filter is usually installed near the main water line where water enters the home. This allows the system to filter water before it reaches faucets, showers, appliances, and plumbing fixtures throughout the house.
Can I install a whole house water filter myself?
Some homeowners may be comfortable with plumbing work, but professional installation is recommended when needed. A licensed plumber can help make sure the system is installed correctly, safely, and in line with local plumbing requirements.
Does this video show the full ECO-X installation?
No. This video focuses on the ECO-X pre-installation flushing process. Final plumbing connections may vary based on your home, plumbing layout, water source, and local code requirements.
What happens if the water is not clear after 30 minutes?
If the water is not clear after 30 minutes of flushing, continue running water until it clears. In most cases, no more than 60 minutes total should be needed.
Do I need a plumber for whole house water filter installation?
A licensed plumber or qualified installer is often recommended for final installation. The plumber can connect the system to the home's water supply line, confirm flow direction, check fittings, and test for leaks.