UltraStream - Installation (8)
The value in keeping long hoses comes when you are down on your knees replacing your Ultrastream filter. With long hoses it’s easy because you can remove the whole unit and perform the change on the bench above. With short hoses, you have to reach into the undersink spave to remove hoses. Not fun.
In our design of the Ultrastream we wanted to – where possible – reduce waste of materials. We really wanted a stainless steel outer sleeve for strength and cleanliness, but didn’t want to throw it away with each filter change, so we had our engineers create a removable sleeve.
It’s a tight fit, and so when you want to change over to a\e new filter, (which comes without sleeve) you may need to put the filter with sleeve under hot water to create some expansion of the stainless steel, thus loosening it to make its removal easier.
The base of the UltraStream aligns with the ON/OFF lever of the inlet tap.
Originally, our design concept was that you could alter flow rate by swivelling the UltraStream (It works – try it out!) which in turn made the base swivel.
However we found that it also caused some confusion. Users would swivel the UltraStream and their flow rate would change. They did not understand that this would happen and so we got a phone call about it.
Have a play with this function to familiarize yourself with it and make your own decision on whether you want to use it.
The blue tap under the UltraStream is where we connect the inlet hose. The tap also controls the flow into the UltraStream, which, in turn, affects the output alkalinity of the water. When you install your UltraStream, adjust the tap until you have around 1 litre of water output per minute.
To get to the tap you’ll need to remove the circular black base. This base grips the kitchen surface. It easily clips in and out.
John Guest Quickfittings are a patented, simple method of attaching hoses, capable of withstanding mains pressure.
To make a connection the tube is simply pushed in (hard) by hand. The unique patented John Guest collet locking system then holds the tube firmly in place without deforming it or restricting flow.
To remove it, push the collet around the hose in as you pull the hose out.
Attaching your UltraStream to your kitchen faucet is, in 95% of cases, easy.
1. Remove the existing ‘bubbler’ from your tap
2. Attach the included diverter to your tap.
Attach the diverter’s hose to your UltraStream.
Benchtop Installation Video
However..
Some newer faucets do not fit the thread of the diverter. In this case you have a set of adaptors that fit between the tap and the diverter.
The standard adaptor kit that is included with the UltraStream will fit most kitchen sinks
The flow diverter and adaptors are designed to fit taps with male and female threads with a diameter of 21 – 23 mm. Four adaptors are included with every new benchtop UltraStream to connect the flow diverter to different sized taps. If your flow diverter is leaking only a small amount, you can try applying plumber’s tape to the thread of the adaptor ring.
If none of the provided adaptor rings fit your tap, we have the following solutions:
- We have some specially sized adaptors. To help us find the right adaptor for you, we need to see a photo with an accurate measurement of your tap or aerator (this is the part that screws off from the end of your kitchen tap).
- You could install the UltraStream under the sink using our Undersink Kit.
- A Jubilee Fitting (see photo) is a rubber fitting which can go over you faucet and secured to the tap with a metal clamp
- You could change your kitchen tap.
- You could use the UltraStream in your bathroom or laundry.
The easiest way to find out the size of the thread in your mixer tap or faucet is to remove the aerator (this is the part that screws off at the end of your tap) and measure the diameter (across the centre) of the thread.
Take a clear photo with an accurate measurement of your aerator diameter as shown in the picture below, then call us on 1800 268 469 or email the photo to info@alkaway.com.au and we will find the right adaptor for you.
There are 2 ways to install the UltraStream.
1. Benchtop – For this connection to work, the faucet has to be “normal”. Normal means the tap doesn’t convert to a shower spray, pull out or have a non-standard head. You’ll utilize a diverter valve to control the water flow. When the slider of the diverter valve is pushed one way, it will flow from the tap as normal. When you push it the other way, the water will be sent to the UltraStream.
2. Undersink – For those who either have an upgraded faucet or who just don’t want the attention-grabbing UltraStream on the counter, we have an undersink kit option that includes a separate dedicated faucet with all the connecting pieces. Installation doesn’t require a plumber, but if you’d feel more comfortable using one, go ahead. We have sourced the specially designed vented faucet from the best water filter engineer in the US, so there’s no need to worry about lead. Please note that we cannot be responsible for the efficacy of your undersink installation.
IMPORTANT: Do not try to install the UltraStream under the sink without our special vented faucet! Voids any warranty.