Perfect Water Softener Install: Getting It Right

While a water softener install is not all that complicated, it really depends upon how familiar you are with this kind of undertaking. Some would find this job simple while others might find it too complicated.

You could consider hiring a professional to do the water softener installation for you. A professional can usually get the job done in less than four hours.

But if you think you have a sound understanding of how to install water softener then it is a good idea to do it yourself. Sometimes, all it takes is careful reading of the water softener installation instructions to do a decent job.

Pre-Installation Preparations

Before you even begin unpacking the contents of the water softener, you should identify where the main water pipe enters your house. This will determine where you are going to place your water softener in order to treat all the water going to your house.

While doing the initial site identification, you should also consider the location of the waste pipe or drain. Don’t forget to check your power source when doing the water softener installation. There has to be a power socket appropriate for the water softener as it needs a power supply to work.

Finally, your water supply must be turned off while you are doing the installation work. When you are in doubt it is wise to ask someone who knows to do these for you.

Once these are done, the real action begins!

Actual Water Softener Installation

Make sure that there is a 1.50 inches minimum drain opening within 20 feet of the location. You will need a 0.50 inch ID flexible plastic drain running from the softener towards the drain opening.

You should leave an air gap between the end of this flexible plastic drain line and the point at which it enters the waste channel. The air gap prevents possible back siphoning from happening. An air gap space of 0.50 inch should be sufficient.

Precautions with Regard to the Bypass Valve

Closely study the water softener instructions on the bypass valve. As the term implies, this allows the flow of water supply without going through the water softener line.

This is important during instances that you need to repair the water softener. It is also needed so that you can bring along the water softener in the event that you have to move house. Some also prefer to have a bypass valve for their drinking water supply to ensure that what goes through the line is absolutely sodium-free.

The next phase should be a bit delicate. You have to do some soldering of risers connecting to the overflow tank and another one going to the drain fitting of the water softener.

Follow the Installations Instructions Manual

Follow carefully the water softener installation instructions and complete the process of connection to your main water line. Once this is done, you are now ready to start your water softener.

Your water softener instructions manual will provide you with the guidelines on how to start up your system. This includes the filling of water, adding of salt and setting the timer.

Some models would require special programming instructions before the equipment is powered up. Once done, start up your water softener and check if it is operating properly.