You have ordered your water purifier. Now what? Whether you chose wall-mounted, under-sink, or standing, here is exactly what happens during installation, what you need to prepare, and how long it takes.
Installation time by purifier type
| Purifier Type | Installation Time | Wall Drilling | Countertop Drilling | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall-mounted | 45–90 minutes | Yes (2–4 screws) | No | Moderate |
| Under-sink | 60–120 minutes | No | Yes (25–35 mm hole for faucet) | Higher |
| Standing / countertop | 30–60 minutes | No | No | Simple |
Before the technician arrives: preparation checklist
- Clear the installation area: Remove items from the wall space, under-sink cabinet, or floor area where the purifier will go
- Ensure water supply is running: The technician needs live water to connect and test
- Locate the cold water pipe: Usually the pipe feeding your kitchen sink tap
- Locate the drain point: Kitchen sink drain pipe for RO reject water
- Check power socket: Within 1.5 metres of the installation spot (extension cords not recommended for permanent use)
- For renters: Confirm landlord permission if countertop drilling is needed (see renter’s guide)
What the technician does: step by step
Wall-mounted installation
- Marks mounting positions on the wall using a level
- Drills pilot holes and inserts wall anchors (2–4 points)
- Mounts the bracket and secures the purifier unit
- Connects inlet line from the cold water pipe using a T-connector or saddle valve
- Routes the drain line from the RO reject outlet to the sink drain
- Connects power cable to the nearest socket
- Runs the initial flush cycle (15–30 litres discarded)
- Checks output TDS with a meter to verify proper membrane function
- Demonstrates operation to the homeowner
Under-sink installation
- Clears the under-sink cabinet and assesses space
- Marks and drills the countertop hole (25–35 mm) for the dispensing faucet
- Installs the faucet from above with a mounting gasket and nut from below
- Places the purifier unit inside the cabinet
- Connects to the cold water supply using a T-connector on the existing valve
- Routes the drain line to the sink drain pipe
- Organises all tubing neatly inside the cabinet
- Connects power (under-sink socket or routed cable)
- Runs the initial flush cycle and verifies output TDS
- Tests for leaks at every connection point
Standing purifier installation
- Places the unit on a flat, level surface
- Connects the inlet water line using a diverter valve or direct connection
- Routes the drain line to the nearest drain point
- Plugs in power
- Runs the initial flush and verifies output TDS
The initial flush: why the first 15–30 litres are discarded
New filters and membranes contain manufacturing residue, carbon fines, and preservative chemicals. The initial flush removes these before the water is safe to drink. During this process:
- Water may appear slightly cloudy or dark (carbon fines — normal)
- A slight chemical or plastic taste may be noticeable (preservative residue — normal)
- Output TDS may fluctuate before stabilising at the expected level
- The technician monitors until water runs clear and TDS is stable
Never skip the initial flush or drink water produced before it is complete.
Post-installation: what to check
- Leak check: Inspect all connection points for drips after 24 hours
- TDS verification: Note the output TDS reading on day 1 as your baseline
- App setup: For smart purifiers, connect to Wi-Fi and complete the WaterAI app setup
- Drain flow: Verify reject water is flowing freely to the drain (no kinks or blocks)
- Morning flush: Start the habit of discarding the first glass each morning
Why professional installation matters
DIY installation risks include incorrect plumbing connections causing hidden leaks, improper drain routing causing reject water contamination of purified output, drilling into concealed pipes or wiring, inability to verify output TDS without a meter, and warranty voiding. Both the Boon Tap and Boon Homie Tall include free professional installation by trained in-house technicians — not outsourced contractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does water purifier installation take in India?
Water purifier installation time depends on the type of purifier and your kitchen setup. Wall-mounted purifiers take 45 to 90 minutes for a standard installation that includes marking and drilling 2 to 4 wall screws, mounting the bracket and unit, connecting the inlet water line from the nearest cold water pipe, routing the drain line for RO reject water to the sink drain, connecting power, running the initial flush cycle, and checking output TDS. Under-sink purifiers take 60 to 120 minutes because the technician needs to work in the confined space under the sink, drill a 25 to 35 millimetre hole in the countertop for the faucet, connect to the cold water supply line under the sink, route the drain line, and organise all tubing neatly inside the cabinet. Standing or countertop purifiers take 30 to 60 minutes because they require minimal installation. The technician connects the inlet water line using a diverter valve or direct connection, routes the drain line, plugs in power, and runs the initial flush.
What do I need to prepare before water purifier installation?
Before your water purifier installation appointment, prepare the following to ensure a smooth process. First, clear the installation area. For wall-mounted purifiers, clear the wall space where the unit will hang and ensure there is a power socket within 1.5 metres. For under-sink purifiers, clear everything from under the sink cabinet to give the technician working space. For standing purifiers, clear a floor area near a water line and power socket. Second, ensure water supply is running on the day of installation because the technician needs to connect and test the system. Third, identify the nearest cold water pipe. For kitchen installations, this is usually the pipe feeding your kitchen sink tap. Fourth, identify the nearest drain point for the RO reject water line, usually the kitchen sink drain pipe. Fifth, have a power socket available within 1.5 metres of the installation location. Extension cords are not recommended for permanent purifier installation due to safety and aesthetics.
Can I install a water purifier myself without a technician?
While technically possible for someone with plumbing experience, DIY water purifier installation is not recommended for several reasons. First, incorrect water line connections can cause leaks that may not be immediately visible but damage cabinets, walls, or flooring over time. Second, improper drain line routing can cause back-pressure that forces reject water back into the purified water path, contaminating the output. Third, wall-mounted installations require drilling into the correct wall material. Drilling into a water pipe, electrical conduit, or gas line behind the wall is a serious safety risk. Fourth, the initial flush and TDS verification after installation ensures the system is working correctly before you drink the water. Without a TDS meter and knowledge of acceptable output ranges, you cannot verify this. Fifth, most manufacturer warranties require professional installation. DIY installation may void the warranty, meaning any component failure in the first 1 to 2 years would not be covered. Boon provides free professional installation by trained in-house technicians.
Where is the best location to install a water purifier in the kitchen?
The best location for a water purifier depends on the type but should optimise for convenience, plumbing access, and safety. For wall-mounted purifiers, install near the kitchen sink at a height of 4 to 5 feet from the floor, close to a cold water pipe and drain point. The wall must be strong enough to support the purifier weight when full, typically 10 to 20 kilograms. Avoid installation above gas stoves or cooking areas due to heat and grease exposure. For under-sink purifiers, the unit goes inside the cabinet directly below the kitchen sink. Ensure the cabinet has enough vertical and horizontal space for the purifier body plus tubing. The faucet is installed on the countertop near the sink, either in a new drilled hole or an existing unused hole. For standing purifiers, place on a flat, level surface near a water line and power socket. Avoid locations with direct sunlight, near heat sources, or in enclosed spaces without ventilation. The drain line should have a downward path to the drain point.
What happens during the initial flush after water purifier installation?
The initial flush after installation is a critical step that removes manufacturing residue, carbon fines, and preservative chemicals from the new filters and membrane. The process involves running the purifier and discarding the first 15 to 30 litres of purified water, which typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the purifier flow rate. During this flush, the water may appear slightly cloudy or have a carbon taste, which is normal. Carbon fines from new activated carbon filters give the water a dark tint that clears after flushing. The RO membrane is stored in a preservative solution during manufacturing and shipping, and the initial flush removes this preservative. The technician monitors output TDS during the flush to confirm the membrane is rejecting dissolved solids at the expected rate. Once the output TDS stabilises at the expected level and the water runs clear with no taste issues, the installation is complete and the water is safe to drink. Never skip the initial flush or drink water produced before it is complete.