DIY Water Filter Upgrade at the Sage Home

We made a really fun (and practical!) update at the Sage Home this week, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you. For the longest time, this house didn’t have filtered water, which honestly felt like a big gap since it’s where we gather with family, friends, and guests so often. Anytime someone came over, we were filling water pitchers with filters from the tap, and while that worked alright, we knew we wanted something better.

Clean, filtered water is such an important part of health and wellness, and it has become a big priority for our family. That’s why we decided to install the Elkay Liv EZ filtered water dispenser. It has an amazing filter system, it looks beautiful, and the best part is that it’s DIY-friendly. Let me tell you, it has been a total game changer.

If you’ve ever used the bottle-filling stations at schools, gyms, or airports, then you know how convenient they are. The Liv EZ gives you that same experience, but in a version designed for your home. The design is slim and modern, and it installs directly into the wall so it has a built-in look. And the best part? You don’t need to hire an electrician or do any complicated wiring. In just a few steps, you can install it yourself and have fresh, clean water on demand every day.

Why We Chose the Liv EZ

We’ve been putting a lot of focus on making healthy changes, and filtered water is one of those small things that makes a big difference. The Liv EZ uses a certified filter that removes microplastics, chlorine, lead, and even PFAS contaminants from tap water. That means the water tastes so much cleaner and fresher. We use it for everything from filling water bottles and cooking to getting clean water for coffee, and filling up the dog bowl.

How-to Install

The great thing about this unit is that it’s totally doable as a DIY project. Make sure to read through all of the instructions first, and here’s a video that helps walk through the process. Below are the steps Mr. Yolo and I used to install ours.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Stud finder
Pencil and measuring tape
Handsaw or drywall saw
Level
Screwdriver or drill
Screws
Water line tubing and fittings
Elkay Liv EZ unit (comes with filter and batteries included)
Safety glasses and gloves (always a good idea)

1. Find the studs

The Elkay Liv EZ is designed to fit neatly between two standard studs. We used a stud finder to locate them, marked the space in between, and measured the height we wanted the dispenser to sit. Think about what will be easiest for filling bottles, and then mark the outline on the wall.

2. Cut the opening

Using a handsaw, we cut slowly along the marked lines. Before making the full cut, we started with a small hole to check for any pipes or wires behind the drywall. Once we were sure the wall cavity was clear, we finished the cut and removed the drywall section.

3. Dry fit the unit

Before securing anything, we slid the dispenser into the opening to check the fit. This is your chance to make small adjustments if needed. We also used a level to make sure it was perfectly straight. Taking a little extra time here makes a big difference in how polished the final install looks.

4. Run the water line

This part will depend on your home. In our case, we were able to run a water line up from the basement. Fishing the tubing through the wall cavity took a little patience, but once we had it in place, it was simple to connect it to the back of the dispenser.

5. Add the filter and batteries

This step really highlights how DIY-friendly the Elkay Liv EZ is. The dispenser runs on batteries, so there’s no need to wire it into your electrical system. We popped in the included batteries, slid the filter cartridge into place, and were ready to go. The filter is designed to last about a year, and the unit has an indicator light to remind you when it’s time for a replacement.

6. Finish the install

With the water line connected and the filter and batteries in place, we slid the unit back into the wall. Leveled one last time, and secured it by drilling screws into the studs. Once it was secured, we attached the front plate with a screwdriver and little screws that tuck neatly along the edges so they aren’t visible. The finished look is super clean and sleek!

The Elkay Liv EZ has been one of the best upgrades we’ve made at the Sage Home. It looks beautiful, was DIY friendly, and now we always have clean, filtered water ready for our family and guests. If you’ve ever thought about adding a water dispenser to your home, this is the one!