Choose from a list of top-rated plumbers with extensive knowledge and experience on Angi. Being a Los Angeles resident, Jessica spends a lot of her time looking for her next DIY project and sharing her love for home design. Switch your water heater back on and check your plumbing, fittings, connections, and pipes for leaks. Often, the drain lines are run to a floor drain, but you can also extend the drain line into the standpipe that also drains a washing machine, or into a utility sink or sump pit. And the process by which water softeners regenerate also wastes a considerable amount of water. Learn More. | Tank. Check out our selection of products to find the ideal unit for your needs. HOMESERVE, the HOMESERVE Design and HOMESERVE USA are trademarks of HomeServe PLC. Be sure not to overtighten. In most communities, it is illegal to connect the water softener drain directly to the home drain system without an air gap. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Does it make sense to try mounting the jigsaw onto the table? Flexible supply lines are often the easiest to use since they dont require any cutting or pre-assembly, but you may need to use a special adapter to connect the flexible line to your water supply line and/or the water softeners bypass valve. But, as capacity increases so does the price. Update your cookie settings to view this content. While you may know you need a water softener after testing your waters hardness, the thought of installing a water softener can be daunting. Installing a water softener yourself allows you to work on the project at your own pace and without spending extra money on a plumber. Also, crimpers are pricey, can be challenging to install in smaller areas, and solder requires that you use an open flame to heat the pipes. Before purchasing a water softener system, multiply the household water usage with your GPG or PPM to measure the ideal capacity. Make sure to use plenty of plumbers tape to seal the connections. Neglecting the heater can eventually lead to replacing the system entirely. Labor Cost to Install a Water Softener System, Factors That Affect Water Softener System Installation Costs, Additional Costs Associated With Water Softener System Installation, DIY Water Softener System Installation vs. Tub and Shower Installation Kit for 1/2-in Pipe. Push-fit fittings can be utilized in underground applications and as manufactured joints without access panels.. Open a cold water tap somewhere in the house to allow air to escape as you refill the pipes. If youre asking yourself, where does a water softener go?, its time to do a bit of investigating around your home. Water Softeners. If it has a white collar, the fitting works with PVC pipe and is compatible with schedule 40, 80 and 120 PVC. Jennifer has over 18 years of experience in the water treatment industry by providing filtration solutions for residential ,commercial and industrial clients. All Rights Reserved. Most retailers like Sears and Home Depot provide an installation service at an extra fee. One cut should be to one side of the softener where the water line first enters your home, and the other cut should be to the other side of the softener where the line continues into your home. Most water softeners require two drain tubes. SharkBite fittings are simply plumbing fittings designed as a push-to-connect system. The other drain tube connects to the brine tank and serves as an overflow drain. When used with SharkBite tubing, SharkBite covers their fittings under a 25-year warranty. The type of adapters you use will depend on what type of water supply pipes are used in your home. Cut the pipe as cleanly and squarely as possible. The connector makes for quick and easy installation and rated for 200 psi and 200F. To maintain them, you must refill the salt tank regularly. Share. Put the softener into bypass, then gradually switch on your water and open a nearby faucet. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the bloggers and other third party content providers do not neccessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of HomeServe or its affiliate companies. Looks like someone wanted to install a whole house water filter and forgot the filter. For homes with accessible plumbing, installing a water softener isnt hard its just a lengthy, fiddly process. For a whole-home, difficult installation, costs range from $500 to $11,000. Make sure the supply-side pipe is connected to the inlet port on the water softener; the house-side pipe to the outlet port. Heres How to Know and How to Treat It. Second, we also include links to advertisers offers in some of our articles; these affiliate links may generate income for our site when you click on them. How can I treat or replace steel bolts in aluminum nuts to avoid corrosion? Measure the distance from the hot and cold supply lines to the water heater to choose the correct hose length. Check for leaks during the backwash cycle. Water hardness information may already be available from your community's water utility department, which should have precise measurements of the mineral hardness of the water supply. The unit comes with a 10 foot power cord. However, for any other system that requires larger installation, you should (and may be required by law to) hire a professional to complete the installation. Prepare your SharkBite fittings for underground installation by watching this tutorial. We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Home. Pushing the clip against the release collar, pull the tube with a twisting motion to release. Is it safe to unclog the kitchen sink while letting the dishwasher run? of 1.050. Use the chart below to determine the nominal diameter (actual pipe size). What are the differences between CPVC and PVC? He specializes in estimating as well as design and engineering for plumbing systems, and he works for one of New York's largest union plumbing construction companies. This push-to-connect design is ideal for tight spaces and ensures a clean, leak-free connection. Replacing an old water softener is easier than installing a new system. this time. Multiply this number by the number of people in your household to get how much water your household uses. This means that they are guaranteed to last at least 25 years. A step-by-step guide to soldering a SharkBite copper supply stop valve on a 1/2 inch copper stub-out. As well, some local authorities may require a permit, licensed plumber and inspection before larger installations. Water Softener Standard Install Adaptor Kit - Part # 7280203. Be sure to check your local plumbing codes before you get started. Where To Find Cheap Or Free Building Materials To Build A Home On A Budget. The SharkBite 1 in. SharkBite also offers flexible water heater connectors with ball valves to provide a shut-off on the supply side of the water heater. The power cord (transformer) needs to be plugged into a 110V continuous live outlet. Save more with Subscribe & Save. Providing you have a basic grasp of DIY and an ability to follow instructions, you should be able to install a water softener within 2-4 hours. To install the drain line, connect the units drain valve to the drain hose, and attach flexible tubing to the brine tank and control valve. A water softener can be hard-piped into the water supply system, or it can be tied in using flexible supply tubes, similar to the way that water heaters are usually connected. A water softener can also cause increased sodium levels in drinking water, and the automatic recharge cycle in a water softener causes sodium to be sent into the environment via the sewer system. Youll need to protect your water softener from the elements. The project demonstrated here shows how to install the most popular type of water softener, an ion-exchange system that uses a brine tank with salt or potassium pellets to provide the backwash solution. One of the drain tubes connects to the control valve and is used to void the backwash water during the regeneration cycle. Cut the pipe as cleanly and squarely as possible. Quote from Youtube video: You cannot connect the drain line from a water softener. Ensure proper placement. And SharkBite couplings with a tan collar are designed to work with CTS pipes. Is there any difference in the type of wiring in common household? But, more comprehensive systems usually cost between $1,000 and $11,000. Not all water softener systems impact your entire homes plumbing. In the best-case scenario, your home will have a plumbing loop thats easy to access, reducing the costs involved in the installation process. Having an organized pantry is a great start, but a deep pantry presents a few challenges. Quote from the video: SharkBite Water Softener Connectors will decrease the amount of time and effort needed to install a Water Softener in your home and are the fastest way to complete your project. ). Then, follow each step in this guide so that you secure and remove the fittings accordingly and produce a job well done. Learn about proper product care and handling for the SharkBite EvoPEX system. Female Iron Pipe x 3/4 The SharkBite 1 in. Connect the flex lines to the water supply pipes, then into the back of the water softener unit, as directed by the manufacturer. Before we share how to install a water softener, lets look at where to install your system. That means placing your water softener somewhere it can feed into your water heater, rather than placing it downstream from this equipment. This May Also Interest You: What Is a Water Softener? 4 Features to Help You Find The Best Water Softener for Your Home, What to Look For in a Water Filtration System. However, buying a water softener from a hardware store is often more expensive than purchasing the same one online. and the life of your softener Building a new home on a budget is a rewarding endeavor. You make sure that your inlet goes to your inlet. Pavers mortared to cement how to grout joints. Does Pex tubing have any advantages over copper? Connect the drain tubes to each tank and run them to the closest drain. Get daily tips & tricks to help make your best home, 6 Types of Water Softeners and How to Choose One, How to Uninstall a Dishwasher in 5 Simple Steps, How to Replace a Mobile Home Water Heater, How to Install and Connect a New Dishwasher, How to Install a Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System, How to Maintain a Furnace-Mounted Whole-House Humidifier, How Double Sink Plumbing Is Differentand How to Install It. The second option is to hire a licensed plumber. All rights reserved. In some regions, its illegal not to have a bypass valve that can be used to divert your water in an emergency. The type of fittings and adapters youll need will depend on the type of pipe used for the main water and water softener lines. Before you commit to installing a water softener, verify that your water actually needs to be softened. 2023 Purchase an air gap fitting for the job and consult the manufacturers guidelines carefully during installation. Quote from Youtube video: So you lay your pipe into this you mark the bottom of the clip. Water softener drain line routing: Keep the water softener drain piping as short and low as possible: less than 30 feet in length and no more than 8 feet above the floor level. Adding another light switch to the bathroom. SharkBite PEX fittings make it easy to transition between pipe types during repairs. The on the back of the thing itself there's usually arrows indicating. Lexie came from HomeAdvisor and Angi (formerly Angies list) and is responsible for writing and editing articles over a wide variety of home-related topics. Fitting sizes can be equally confusing as the inside diameters need to be large enough to fit the copper pipes outside diameter. Installing a water softener will be easier if you understand precisely how a water softener works. There are various options to accomplish the drain requirements. Whirlpool softeners can be installed by a DIY-er familiar with principles of plumbing. SharkBite Plumbing Solutions: Cut. Why does a water softener drain need an air gap? Excessively hard water can damage plumbing pipes and appliances, it can cause problems for bathing and washing clothes, and it can affect the taste of water used for drinking and cooking. Water softeners generally improve the water quality in your home. Lexie is a Deputy Editor who is responsible for writing and editing articles over a wide variety of home-related topics. A water softener can actually shorten the life of your water heater, which typically lasts eight to 12 years. Follow the manufacturers guidelines to install this line. Once the noise has stopped, open the valve all the way. Quick Installation Checklist see installation manual for details, Extend your warranty Fits Copper, PEX, CPVC and PE-RT Pipe Certified to 200 PSI and 200F Smaller, traditional models are more affordable. There are special air gap fittings that allow you to connect the water softener's drain tubes directly to a drainpipe or standpipe. What size drain is required for a water softener? To Peck's down to the 90-degree crimp fitting. Be sure the pipe is free of scratches and debris. How To: Install Large Diameter SharkBite Fittings Find Affordable Plumbers And Plumbing Services. Check out this quick hose bibb and sillcock installation tutorial. If your salt-based water softener uses a brine tank overflow grommet, install this first. Overall, they cost between $400 and $3,000. Finally, if anyone in your household is on a low-sodium diet, use potassium chloride salt in the brine tank instead of sodium chloride, which is common table salt. 2023 If you have a municipal water supply, install the softener downstream of your water meter. Next, follow the start-up steps for your water softener, which will include plugging in the appliance, then setting the time of day and the water hardness level. We may earn compensation from some providers below. Installing SharkBite fittings on copper piping essentially involves only two necessary steps. Watch how to calibrate your PEX clamp tool to properly install barb fittings. If you follow the charts above, you will select the correct SharkBite Fitting size for your pipes. Ensure the whole system is protected against water damage, including any pipes and cables. Check whether your water softener needs to be sanitized before use. Labor rates to install a water softener system can be as low as $150 for a simple installation of a basic system. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Before you install a water softener, you need to have the right tools and materials for the job. and promotions, //