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How to Install the Pimag System under the sink

Pi-Mag Undercounter Installation Caution:

Jeremy Madvin of our company has sent us the following information regarding undercounter installation of the Pi-Mag Water System. Because of this, undercounter installation is not recommended at this time: "We are finding that while many people are successfully installing the PiMag water system under the counter, a few people are simply not installing it correctly. This is leading to significant water damage. We are still looking at a variety of options for our Wellness Consultants, however, in the tests that we have conducted to date, people are making too many basic errors during installation. We will continue to press forward."

Apparently the cause of the leakage is plumbing a shutoff valve downstream from the PiMag Unit, thereby subjecting it to the pressure in the water lines. Successful installations are those where a valve is installed BEFORE, not after, the water has passed thru the unit. If that doesn't make sense, DON'T plumb the unit! Presently, any installation other than the faucet adaptor method provided by our company
voids the warranty."


If you must proceed anyhow, here's what some Wellness Consultants recommends:

From: RSVPNC@aol.com

Great info on how to install the PiMag! Thanks to Don Demers for the great info.

I have good news, I have successfully mounted the PIMAG under our sink and is working very well. Here is a narrative of how to go about doing it. What you will need ( I used):

Omni Faucet separate water tap. This is the type used with water filters which I found at Home Depot. It is model K-3 for 1/4" plastic or copper tubing a Self Tapping Saddle valve 1/4". This is the same type valve used for refrigerator water dispensers when the tap into the cold water line. Two lengths of plastic water tubing at least 120psi rated. These should be at least 5 feet or more depending on how far you will setup you PIMAG filter. Make sure you have an extra plastic ferrule for the plastic pipe. The saddle valve only has a brass ferrule for copper tubing, the facet comes with both the brass and plastic ferrule. You also want to get an extra brass insert to prevent tube from collapsing. It comes with the valve.

Preparation for assembly:

You will need to determine if you can use an existing hole on your sink or drill a hole to mount the faucet. If you need to drill a hole first determine where you want to mount the faucet. Remember porcelain is very difficult to drill. It chips very easily so try to use something that already exists. Stainless Steel sink should be no problem. Once you have the hole drilled, mount the faucet per directions for the faucet. You can get what ever type you want.

Next determine where you want to mount the saddle valve. It should be under the sink near where you will be placing the PIMAG. and mount the valve on the pipe, but do not pierce the pipe just yet. You want to wait until you get the tubing connected. Now this next step is the installation of the tubing. You can use the existing tubing that came with the PIMAG, but you will have to separate the two tubes in order to reach the saddle valve and faucet. If this is the way you go, you must be very careful not to nick the tube when splitting them. I did, it did not leak right away but after about 7 hours it start to spray water everywhere and flooded the kitchen. The tubing that comes with the PIMAG is very soft and easily damages with a knife. I suggest you remove the existing tube and install the ones I suggested above.

To remove the existing tube, take the cover off the PIMAG. You will see two tubes one on each side. Unscrew the plastic nuts and pull the tubing out when nut has been completely loosened. You will probably have to cut the tubing just behind the nut to remove the nut and reuse it for the new 1/4" tubing you will install. Take one of the tubes, put on the nut, then the plastic ferrule and then insert the brass insert. Once that is done stick it in the top of the filter and secure the nut until it is tight. NOTE Do not over tightened, you can strip the plastic threads. Repeat for the second location. Make sure you route the tubing out the bottom of the filter. Mark one tube as the inlet tube with a marker or tape to make sure you connect the tubes to saddle valve (input) or faucet (outlet). the PI filter is the inlet side of the filter and the other end should be on the saddle valve. The UF filter is the outlet and the other end should be connected to the faucet.

Now mount the other end of each tube to saddle valve and faucet. Follow directions that came with the items except make sure you are using the plastic ferrule. Make sure all connections are tight. Now you are ready to pierce the pipe with the saddle valve. Turn the valve in and continue as per instruction. When you turn it all the way down you have made a hole in the copper pipe and don't have any water flow to the PIMAG. You will have to turn back the valve and that will allow water into your PIMAG. You might want to open the valve to purge the air as instructed in the PIMAG user manual. Now you have it. Check for leaks and tightened as needed. If you don't want to do it yourself, you can get a plumber to do it for you and someone who is handy. Enjoy your living water.

Don

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