Are you wondering if you can install your own water softener? People tend to have questions when it comes to installing water softener systems in their homes. Follow our steps to see how you can install a water softener!
Steps on how to install a water softener:
Make sure to read and understand each step thoroughly. If you mess up on one step, the consequences can be bad. If you run into any trouble along the way, make sure to contact a professional like WaterSmart!
Looking to install water softener systems?
Water Softener Systems
Some people don’t know what water softeners are and why they are important. Water softeners are a whole house filtration system that helps remove hardness from your water. Hard water forms when your water supply contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, making it very hard.
Hard water can damage your hair, skin, and appliances that use water. A water softener helps filter out all the hard minerals, making your water better for you and your family!
A water softener will help you save money as it will protect your appliances and make them last longer. Your gas bill will also be lower because your heater tank does not require as much energy when working with soft water.
If you have any questions about water softener systems and would like to learn more, contact us!
Get the right water softener systems for your home!
How to install your own water softener
1. Position the water softener
Make sure the water softener is in the right position. Typically, people tend to put them in their basement by the water supply and someplace kids can’t play with them.
The inlet should be connected to the water supply and the outlet should be facing the direction of the hot water appliances.
2. turn off the water supply to your house
To help prevent leaks during the installation of your water softener, make sure to shut off the water supply to your home. Also, make sure the water heater’s water supply and electricity running unit is turned off.
3. Drain Your Pipes
Open a nearby faucet on the bottom floor of your home and make sure that all the water drains from your home’s water pipes!
Make sure your water supply is turned off!
4. Cut into the water supply mainline
Make sure to use a pipe cutter and cut the main line leading into the supply line. Since a water softener is a whole house filtration unit, you need to connect the inlet and outlet lines directly to the water main line!
5. Measure, Cut, and Connect the pipes
Before you attach the pipes to your water softener, make sure to measure and cut the pipes to fit perfectly! If you have copper pipes, solder on any nipples and fittings before connecting the unit to the bypass valve to avoid any melting of the plastic.
Make sure you seal all the threads with plumber’s tape.
6. Clamp the drain hose
Water softener systems need to drain the depleted brine solution after the regeneration cycle. Therefore, make sure to clamp the drain hose securely and feed it into the dedicated drain, like a floor drain or utility sink.
To prevent the hose from siphoning wastewater, drain all the hoses, and know that they must have an air gap. Click on this link to know what an air gap is.
Keep in mind that the end of the hose must be at least 2 inches above the dedicated drain. An air gap may be used to achieve this and may be required.
7. Connect the Overflow Tube
Overflow tubes are additional precautions that ensure the brine tank does not flood and overflow and we highly recommend that you use one. Be sure to read the manufacturer of your water softener systems instructions for the specific placement of this hose. This may also require an air gap.
Make sure to get salt for your water softener systems!
Pros vs Cons
There are many pros and cons to installing your own water softener systems.
Some of the pros are that you learn very useful skills and save money on hiring a professional plumber from doing so.
One of the cons is that if it is done wrong and there is a mistake, many issues will arise. The money you tried to save will be thrown out the window as you will need to hire a professional to fix the problem.
Sometimes it is better to hire a professional right off the bat as it will save you money and a headache. Make sure to contact us as we have experience in installing water softener systems.
NEED HELP with INSTALLation?
If you need help or would like some answers on how to install any of these devices, make sure to contact the professionals at WaterSmart.
“What a great experience!! I did a search on the internet, called regarding the price of a water softener and the next day it was installed and we had soft water again. Paul removed the old softener, installed and setup the new one and was out in just over an hour. He also noted that the grounding of water pipe was not done by previous installer and he corrected that as well. Cost was the same as softener that was installed 14 years ago - I am impressed.
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CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO
If you need help and would like to learn more information about these prevention backflow testing systems, make sure to contact us as we will help find the perfect one for you!
We know this is a lot of information but it is important for you to get the best for your home.
