When living in an apartment in LA, you might find yourself discussing how to drink water.

While it's generally okay to drink tap water in the LA area, honestly, if you smell it after pouring it into a cup, it can be unsettling.

So, I used to buy 24-pack bottled water in bulk from Costco, but with concerns about microplastics, I ordered a multi-stage under-sink filter from Amazon for $110 and installed it myself. To sum it up, it's definitely possible to install it DIY-style while living in an apartment, and it's simpler than you might think. Plus, while I sometimes cook rice or ramen with tap water, using filtered water makes a significant difference in taste.

First, let me explain what an under-sink filter is: it connects a filter to the cold water line under the sink, purifying only the water that comes from that line. You should not touch the hot water line. The filtered water must be connected only to the cold water line.

Since it's not a system that affects the entire house, it rarely conflicts with apartment management regulations, and it's easy to restore everything when you move out. If you rent a place, this method is perfect for a household with one or two people, as you would typically have to change the filter monthly if you were renting a water purifier.

All you need are an under-sink filter set, a monkey wrench, and a cloth to wipe up any spilled water. Most products use a quick connect method, so there's no need to wrap tape or cut pipes. Before starting, just turn off the angle valve under the sink and connect it at the cold water outlet.

To install, detach the existing cold water line using the monkey wrench, and connect the T-adapter or hose according to the filter's in and out directions. You can secure the filter to the inside wall of the sink with screws, or if you're feeling lazy, it's fine to just leave it standing on the floor. Once everything is connected, slowly open the valve and check for leaks. The first few minutes, black water may come out, which is just the carbon dust from the filter, so just let it run until it's clear.

If you want to save some money, a single filter sold at Home Depot for $55-$70 isn't a bad option.

The biggest advantage of a single filter is its simplicity. A simple structure means it's easy to install and has fewer points of failure.

This is especially important in apartments with limited under-sink space. Since you only need to install one filter, there's no need to significantly alter the plumbing, and maintenance costs are definitely lower. Multi-stage filters require changing at different times, which can be a hassle, but with a single filter, you just need to remember the schedule.

Also, in areas like LA where chlorine smell and basic impurities are a concern, the performance difference is not significant.

Filtering only what is necessary and not overdoing it is actually more efficient in real life. Well-known single filter brands include Aquasana single under-sink, iSpring US31 series, and Culligan single filter, and as long as you check for NSF certification, you won't go wrong.

Maintenance costs are also manageable, as a typical filter lasts from 6 months to a year, costing less than $10 a month, making it very economical. Above all, being able to drink directly from the cold water faucet at the sink is the most convenient.

You don't necessarily have to buy or rent a water purifier just because you live in an apartment. Once you do a DIY under-sink filter replacement, it can significantly enhance your satisfaction with life in LA, and I hope this helps many people.