After buying a salt-based water softener (such as a traditional or cabinet style) the next thing to do is install a water softener. In this article, we will show you how to install a water softener system.
A water softener is a device that removes the hardness of the water through a process called ion exchange. It also reduces the limescale buildup in your pipes and appliances.
We provide installation instructions for a whole-house water softener, which is installed on your main water supply line or before the line feed to home appliances like a water heater, washing machine, and others.
Where do you install a water softener?
- A water softener is installed at the main water line point where water enters your home (point of entry).
- It can also be installed before the line feed to home appliances like water heaters, washing machines, and others.
Who should install a water softener?
You can decide to install a water softener yourself.
If you don’t have any plumbing experience you can hire an experienced professional
How to install a water softener system
Step 1: Carefully read all of the instructions included with your water softener system.
Step 1: Locate the area where you need to install it. It’s probably your main water supply line or before the line feeds to home appliances like a water heater, washing machine, and others.
Step 2: Gather all of the necessary materials. such as pipe cutters and fittings.
Step 3: Determine the best location for the brine tank and resin tank.
Step 4: Disconnect your main water supply.
Step 5: Cut the main water supply pipe using the pipe cutter. Use the bucket to drain the water in the pipe, not to flood the house. Drain all the water out of the pipe by opening one of the faucets in the house.
Step 6: Connect the control valve to a bypass valve. Most systems come with one, but others don’t come with it. The bypass valve is used to shut off the water supply to the unit in case of maintenance without disturbing your cold water main supply line.
Step 7: Install two fittings: inlets and outlets. Ensure the incoming hard water line connects to the inlet of the valve and the outlet valve connects to the line going to your house
How to connect the bypass valve to the control valve
Step 8: Connect the control valve to the resin tank
Step 8: Place the system in place (the location you have chosen). Make sure you have connected the brine tank and resin tank, as well as the drain pipe, is connected to the sink drain.
Watch this video to the end and learn how to connect the brine tank and resin tank, as well as how to connect the drain pipe to the sink drain.
Step 9: Put the salt into the brine tank with four gallons of water. Set the system into backwash or regeneration mode. Let it run a full backwash cycle.
Step 10: Put the shut-off valve into service mode and turn the water supply back on slowly as you check for leaks.
If there is no leak, your water softener is fully installed.
Benefits of installing water softener yourself
- It helps save money
Disadvantages of installing water softener yourself
If you don’t have any experience in doing any home improvement projects like dealing with pipes, this is not something for you because you don’t want to mess with the plumbing, which can cause a lot of damage, leading to a loss.
Hiring a plumber or professional may help, but it will incur some costs.
After installing a water softener installation you should test your water to confirm whether your system is working effectively. You can test water hardness at home using a water hardness test kit.
