Water Softener Installation

In most cases, water softener installation processes are conducted by the professionals you buy your water softener from. However, as a consumer, you can easily install a water softener by yourself in case you need to.

This knowledge can come in handy and can save you time and effort in calling up and waiting for someone to install your water softener for you. Why waste time, when you can easily do it yourself.

Before you Install your Water Softener

All water softeners come with clear and detailed instructions for installation. Following the instructions in the manual is your best guide to installing your water softener.

Do not try to install a water softener without a manual. Even if you’ve done the process before, a manual will still come in handy especially since every water softener is different from the rest.

Before you plunge right ahead with water softener installation, make sure you prepare for the process well, and you can start by learning what exactly the process entails. The answer to that lies on the specific type of water softener you want to install.

There are many different types of water softeners; the two most common are the programmable models and the metered ones. You will also come across some water softeners that need salt.This will help you determine whether you should make any special considerations while installing your water softener.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Water Softener

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can install your water softener by yourself.

1. Find the best location

The first step is to determine exactly where you should install your water softener. For indoor water softeners, look for a dry place with as stable temperature levels as possible.

The location should also be easily accessible, especially if your unit requires refills. If you are using a two-tank unit, make sure the two tanks are placed close to each other, with the brine tank more accessible.

For outdoor water softeners, make sure the tank is not exposed to direct sunlight. If you don’t have a choice, consider buying a protective jacket for your tanks. Also, make sure there is an electricity outlet and a drain near the water softener.

2. Connect the unit

Basically, in water softener installation, you have to connect the water softener to your house’s plumbing pipes, and also to your water supply. Before you do this, make sure your water supply is shut off and the piping system is completely drained.

Most units already have built-in stubs which you can just connect to the bypass water valve of your plumbing system. Make sure, however, to use copper risers because the plastic ones eventually warp.

Then attach a ½-inch plastic tube called the purge pipe to the valve drain and to the brine tank overflow. Set the overflow to a nearby drain. Next, take the bypass valve and connect it to head of the unit through the outlet and inlet fittings. Use pliers to tighten the stubs.

After that, place a ¾-inch tee in the route of the hard water leading to the water softener inlet. If you want to have supply non-softened water to certain faucets, you can just put an additional ¾-inch riser from the tee extending to the ceiling where you can connect it to the right pipes.

After that, run a backwash cycle to check whether there are loose fittings. This is important because if you don’t spot leaks during installation, your water softener will waste a lot of water.

3. Set the controls

Once your water softener is properly connected, you then need to set the program that will control the water softening process. If your water softener needs salt, you should then add the required amount of salt.

4. Sanitize your water softener

After that, check your water softener manual for instructions on how to sanitize the unit. Since the water softener will directly affect your water supply, this step is extremely important.All units used for the first time needs to be sanitized.

5. Make the most out of your unit

Top brands of water softeners now include various advanced technologies in water softeners. This means that your unit may offer more than just basic water softening.

After the entire water softener installation process, make sure to read up on all the new features your water softener may have and explore them. This will help you make the most out of your water softener.

Water Softener Installation Related Articles

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Are you having problems with your water softener? Don’t blow dollars. You might just be missing something simple but important. You can do a little water softener troubleshooting on your own.

Water Softener Problems – Be Ready When They Come
Faced with water softener problems? Make sure you are ready when these problems strike. Find out what are the most common water softener problems and get some tips on how to deal with them.

How to Install a Water Softener – Your Easy, DIY Guide
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