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Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! Today, I'll walk you through the process of installing a UV light in an existing water filtration system. I’ll share some tips and tricks I’ve learned, including how to prevent breaking the glass tube, the proper way to install the light, and how to connect everything. Let’s get started!
Understanding the Assembly of the UV Light Before we begin the installation, let’s take a closer look at the assembly process for the UV light. These UV light kits are widely available on platforms like Amazon or from specialized suppliers. The model we’re using today is a 55-watt, 110-volt unit, suitable for use in the United States. It features two openings at each end along with a set of water fittings, and it can be mounted in various orientations—horizontal, vertical, or at any angle. The light comes with a long glass tube that resembles a test tube. Begin by sliding a ring over the glass tube, ensuring everything is properly aligned. Gently slide the tube down until it protrudes from the opposite end. This is where issues commonly arise, as the glass tube has a flange that needs to securely seal in place. Allow the tube to stick out slightly, hold it in position at the opposite end to prevent slipping, and then hand-tighten the assembly. Repeat the same process for the other end. How the UV Light Purifies Water Water enters one side of the unit, flows between the glass tube and the metal housing, gets purified by the UV light, and exits through the other end. This specific model comes with one glass tube and three light bulbs. It’s important to note that UV light bulbs are only effective for about one year, even if they are still producing light and heat. Annual replacement is recommended to ensure proper water purification. Proper Installation of the Light Bulb When inserting the UV light bulb, avoid direct contact with the bulb using your bare hands, as oils from your skin can damage it. Carefully slide the bulb into the glass tube and secure it using the four-prong plug provided. Hand-tighten the end caps, making sure the seals are correctly in place. The system also includes plastic mounting clips, which I’ll demonstrate later. Connecting the UV Light to Your System For my setup, I needed a 90-degree fitting to connect the unit to PEX pipe. However, since a 3/4" female pipe to 3/4" PEX fitting in a 90-degree angle wasn’t readily available, I used a shower fitting instead. I wrapped the threads with Teflon tape, applied pipe sealer, and tightened it securely. Now, we’re at the pump house. There’s a spring below, and a pump sends water up to a holding tank. Because of the distance, the pressure is low, so we installed a booster pump from Harbor Freight. We’ll cut the line at this point to connect the UV light system. I mounted a board to the wall to serve as a solid base for securing the light unit. Final Assembly and Mounting I cut the old PVC pipe and installed a 90-degree threaded fitting using wet and dry PVC cement. There are no leaks, thanks to the Teflon tape and pipe dope used on the connections. The PEX pipe is fastened securely with stainless steel clamps, and the UV light is mounted on the board with the provided plastic clips, which allow for easy removal during future bulb replacements. Cost and Installation TimeThis setup typically costs between $180 and $200, depending on the number of light bulbs and glass tubes required. Installation usually takes around 15-20 minutes, though it may take longer if you’re new to this type of project. Final Tips As always, if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment on YouTube or send me an email. I’m happy to offer free advice, and I also provide installation or consultation services for a fee. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next video! Contact us if we can help you in your preparedness or homesteading projects. We provide homestead consulting and homestead planning services and are happy to help. Just reach out!
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