Step-by-Step Guide: Install the Hydrofast C100 Countertop RO Water Filter
Clean, great-tasting water is just a few steps away with the Hydrofast C100 Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter. Unlike bulky under-sink units, the C100 is designed for simple installation, compact convenience, and powerful 6-stage RO filtration—all without the plumber bill.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or setting up your replacement unit, this guide will walk you through the entire process—from unboxing to your first glass of purified water.
And if you’re a visual learner, here’s the official installation video to follow along.
What Makes the Hydrofast C100 Different?
The C100 isn’t just another countertop filter—it’s a reverse osmosis powerhouse packed into a sleek, portable design. Here’s what you get:
- 6-Stage Filtration (PP + CTO + RO + PCF+MIN+UV) – Removes sediment, chlorine, odors, chemicals, and 99.99% of bacteria and contaminants, while enhancing taste, boosting pH.
- UV Sterilization – Ensures your water is free from harmful microorganisms.
- Smart Color Screen – Live water quality (TDS), temperature display, and filter life tracking.
- Hot & Cold Water Options – Choose room-temp, chilled, or ice water with one touch.
- No Plumbing Required – Just fill the raw water tank, plug it in, and let the RO system do its work.
- Eco-Friendly & Cost-Effective – Ditch bottled water and reduce plastic waste.
Now, let’s get your C100 running.
What’s in the Box
Your Hydrofast C100 package includes:
- C100 main unit
- HF01 composite filter cartridge
- User manual
Familiarize yourself with the key parts of your C100:
- Raw Water Tank (3): The main tank where you fill water to be purified. It has a removable lid (2) and a handle (7) inside for easy carrying.
- Purified Water Tank: Located inside the main unit, this tank stores the filtered water. It has a top cover (1).
- Smart Color Screen (4): The control panel for operating the machine and monitoring its status.
- Water Collection Tray (6) and Tray Cover (5): This removable tray collects any drips and is easy to clean.
- Power Cord (8): The cord that connects your machine to the power supply.
Important Safety Instructions:
- Never disassemble the purifier to prevent leaks or damage.
- Avoid direct sunlight or placing the machine in environments below 0℃.
- Keep the unit away from flammable or explosive materials.
- If the machine breaks down, quickly cut off the water and power supply.
- Only use brand-specific filters for proper operation.
Pre-Installation Checklist
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- A clean, flat countertop surface near an electrical outlet.
- Access to tap water for filling the raw water tank.
- A container (1–2 liters) to collect water during initial setup.
- Clean hands and a soft cloth for handling components.
Step 1: Install the Drip Tray and Prepare the Raw Water Tank
- Align the water collection tray with the grooves at the base of the machine and slide it into place.
- Remove the raw water tank (the large tank on the right side of the machine).
- Rinse the inside of the tank and dry its outer surface.
- Fill the raw water tank with municipal tap water up to the "MAX" line.
- Carefully place the tank back onto the machine.
Step 2: Connect Power and Initial Water Production
- Place a large container (1-2L capacity) on the water collection tray to collect the water.
- Plug the power cord into a power outlet. The machine will begin producing water automatically.
- Wait approximately 5 minutes for the machine to produce purified water.
Step 3: Perform the First Drainage Cycle
- Once the purified water storage icon on the smart screen shows two full bars, long press the water dispensing button (the large drop icon) for 5 seconds to drain the system.
- The machine will empty the purified water tank. This is a crucial step for initial activation.
Step 4: Repeat the Draining Process
- Wait for the machine to produce water again.
- Once water production is complete, repeat the draining process by long-pressing the water dispensing button. Continue until the machine prompts you for a water change.
Step 5: Final Activation Cycles
- Empty any remaining water from the raw water tank.
- Refill the tank with fresh tap water, as you did in Step 1.
- Perform three complete tank drain cycles. This ensures the system is fully flushed and ready for optimal performance.
💡 Note: During this initial activation, you may notice temporary cloudiness in the water. This is caused by air bubbles from the filter cartridge backwash and is completely normal and safe. The cloudiness will clear within a few minutes.
⚡ Pro Tip: Always use municipal tap water only (not well water or untreated sources) for safe and efficient filtration.
Maintenance and Care
To ensure your C100 continues to provide high-quality water, regular maintenance is recommended:
- Filter Replacement: The filter cartridge needs to be replaced periodically. The recommended replacement cycle for the HF01 filter is 12 months. The filter life indicator on the screen will show you the remaining lifespan.
- Cleaning: The raw water tank and purified water tank should be cleaned regularly using a food-safe cleaner. The water collection tray is removable for easy cleaning.
- Resetting the Filter Indicator: After replacing the filter, you must reset the filter cartridge life indicator. To do this, long press the “+” button for 3 seconds until the filter indicator flashes, then press it once more to complete the reset.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues, refer to the troubleshooting section of the user manual for solutions. Common issues and their solutions include:
- No water output: Check if the power is connected, or if the filter is expired and needs replacement. Also, ensure the raw water tank is filled.
- Odor from the water: This often indicates an expired filter that needs to be replaced.
- TDS level remains high: The raw water may need to be replaced, or the RO filter might be clogged.
If you have any questions, please contact our customer service team.
Congratulations! Your Hydrofast C100 is now fully installed and ready to provide you and your family with clean, great-tasting water.
