Water softeners are a necessity these days especially due to global water pollution. Installing a water softening system will ensure better water quality at your home allowing you to take out different applications with ease.
However, installing a water softener is a real issue here. An expert installation requires a lot of money which is not affordable for many people since they have spent all on purchasing the best water softener.
But, the good news is that water softener installation becomes a piece of cake especially if you have the right equipment and a step-by-step guide.
So, we’ll be taking a look at the guide to install different water softener types one by one by listing all the equipment that you’ll be needing along the installation process.
Let’s dive right into the main topic without any further ado:
Costs of Installing Different Water Softener Types
Before we go ahead, you must know the actual cost of installing a water softener. So, it is as follows:
Salt-Based Water Softeners
The most common water softeners available in the market are not so difficult to install. However, they will be costing you more than 100 bucks especially if you are going for expert installation.
The two main factors involved in installation are the areas in which they are to be installed and the time they take to get installed.
Magnetic Water Softeners
Magnetic or simply electronic water softeners are extremely easy to install. They don’t require any expert installation at all.
Reverse Osmosis Systems (ROS)
RO systems typically have the most complex installation and the cost of installing a ROS is also high.
We’ll be recommending you not to install an RO system manually. That is, it would be better for you to let a plumbing expert install such a system if you want to protect the money you’ve to spend on the filtration system.
How to Install a Salt-Based Water Softener?
First of all, we’ll be taking a look at installing a salt-based water softener mainly because such softeners are commonly used by people.
The only precaution you have to take before installing a salt-based water softener will be to check out the rules and codes of your society to avoid any illegal activities while installing.
Tool Required for Installation
The following tools are required for installing a salt-based water softener:
- Measuring tape is a must.
- Pipe cutters are required.
- Tee valves.
- Pipe wrench.
- Two compression fittings.
- Two union fittings.
- Gate valves.
- Teflon tape.
- Torch and solder are required.
All the tools should be present if you want to install a salt-based water softener easily.
Materials Required for Installation
Following materials should be there to install a softener correctly:
- Simple tubing.
- Flexible tubing.
- PVC solvent.
- Flux material can also work if you are unable to find a PVC solvent at the market.
Installation Process – Step By Step Guide
Shutting the Main Water Line
Right after you shut down water from the mainline, the next thing to follow will be draining the remaining water in pipes. You can do so by opening the lowest valve.
Shutting Off Water Heater
If you’ve installed a water heater at your house which runs on electricity, you should shut it down immediately. The main power source of the water heater should also be turned off to avoid any kind of electric shock.
Locating the Main Line
Now that you’ve taken all the precautions, the next thing to do will be to locate the mainline where you want to install the water softener. Keep in mind that the closer the water softener is to the mainline, the better the flow rate of water.
Use Pipe Cutter
By using a pipe cutter, you should be cutting down the mainline point where you want the softener to get installed. Keep in mind that water will rush down from the pipe. So, keep a bucket beside you to avoid any mess.
Elbow Fitting Installation
Install an elbow fitting to the mainline so that a bypass valve is available whenever necessary.
Measuring and Attaching the Pipes
First of all, you have to cut the pipes measuring up to the bypass valve. Right after that, you’ll be attaching them using the compression fittings.
Clamping the Hose and Connecting Overflow Tube
Clamp the hose to the water softener you are installing. It should be clamped tightly to avoid any drainage of water. After doing that, you have to connect the overflow tube with the brine tank. The height adjustment should be carried out according to the user manual instructions available with the softener.
Plugging in the Unit
Finally, you have to plug in the unit so that it can start working. While doing so, you should be opening the valve slowly to release the water into the unit before it reaches the pipe.
Tada! You are done with installing a salt-based water softener.
How to Install Salt-Free Water softener
How to Install a Magnetic Water Softener
The second type of water softeners used commonly is magnetic or electronic water softeners.
Installing such softeners don’t require a lot of effort. So, let’s take a look at the full installation guide:
Tools Required
You’ll be needing a screwdriver and a wrench only to install a magnetic water softener.
Steps for Installation
- First of all, you will e locating the area where you need to install such softeners as they are already compact and can literally fit anywhere you want.
- Unbox the magnetic softener. Take out the magnetic softener box from it and read the instructions on the user manual carefully.
- using a screwdriver and wrench, you should fit the magnetic box on the specific pipe that you have chosen for the installation process.
- Connect the box to the electric supply and the softener will be installed at the pipe easily.
Last Words
Water softener installation is not as difficult as one would think. The installation guides for salt-based and magnetic softeners have been discussed above. However, we’ll be recommending you to hire a professional for installing salt-free and reverse osmosis systems.
Good Luck!!
