Is it difficult to install a water softener?
- Thread starter ManBearPig
- Start date
I can't see the image, but they are easy to install. I would recommend using pex tubing to put it in the loop, if possible.
thecoolnessrune
Diamond Member
- Jun 8, 2005
- 9,673
- 583
- 126
Super simple, you already have the connections for install available. The center valve will be closed, and you'll connect the incoming water pipe to the incoming side of your softener, and then connect the outgoing side of then softener to the side of your pipes going into your home water system.
Your main issue is if you have salt dosage settings, you need a test of your water to know where to set it. You can get a testing kit for that stuff at anywhere catering to aquariums and sometimes pool supplies.
As also said, you'll need to run a tube to your drain. I used small PVC pipe all the way up to a few inches from the softener's drain and then connected them together with flex pipe.
Also, use stainless steel flexible hoses to connect your water softener to your water supply. Those things can sometimes move, and tilt during operation. No big deal, but you don't want to put any unneeded stress on your water pipes!
Your main issue is if you have salt dosage settings, you need a test of your water to know where to set it. You can get a testing kit for that stuff at anywhere catering to aquariums and sometimes pool supplies.
As also said, you'll need to run a tube to your drain. I used small PVC pipe all the way up to a few inches from the softener's drain and then connected them together with flex pipe.
Also, use stainless steel flexible hoses to connect your water softener to your water supply. Those things can sometimes move, and tilt during operation. No big deal, but you don't want to put any unneeded stress on your water pipes!
Looks like you have the valves with bypass all set for the installation. Are the valve ends threaded or solder? You will need a ground fault recepticle to plug in the softener. You should check your building codes for where the drain should go.
Elixer
Lifer
- May 7, 2002
- 10,371
- 762
- 126
Note, salt really kills sump pumps pretty quickly, depending on what they are made of.
bolomite
Diamond Member
- Oct 12, 2000
- 3,276
- 1
- 0
I can tell you from personal experience with softeners like the one you bought (single-vessel, brands like Watts, GE, Kenmore) -- they are mostly junk. The price you paid - it's that inexpensive for a reason.
Problems I've seen with those: poor electronics, not customizable, no battery backup in case of power outage, clogged nozzles/venturi, difficult to service
If you really want a high quality unit, go with valves made by Fleck or Clack. You can find online vendors who sell a kit with all components, so that you can assemble the softener yourself (not difficult at all, minimal tools).
Problems I've seen with those: poor electronics, not customizable, no battery backup in case of power outage, clogged nozzles/venturi, difficult to service
If you really want a high quality unit, go with valves made by Fleck or Clack. You can find online vendors who sell a kit with all components, so that you can assemble the softener yourself (not difficult at all, minimal tools).
DougK62
Diamond Member
- Mar 28, 2001
- 8,035
- 6
- 81
Super easy to install.
As the other person suggested, you'd be way better off buying a quality product from an online vendor. You'll get MUCH better equipment for just a bit more money and a real expert will help you size it correctly to your circumstances.
As the other person suggested, you'd be way better off buying a quality product from an online vendor. You'll get MUCH better equipment for just a bit more money and a real expert will help you size it correctly to your circumstances.
skyking
Lifer
- Nov 21, 2001
- 22,622
- 5,730
- 146
As mentioned the salt will not be good for the sump pump. This is not a problem if you have easy access to the gravity portion of your sewer system. You can run the brine tank overflow to the sump, since it rarely if ever discharges. The purge line can be run to a drain higher than it is, provided you drop it into a trap with an air gap.
DougK62
Diamond Member
- Mar 28, 2001
- 8,035
- 6
- 81
I bought from these guys a couple of years ago: http://www.qualitywatertreatment.com/
Very pleased with the service, and their website has a lot of great reading. Free ground shipping.
Very pleased with the service, and their website has a lot of great reading. Free ground shipping.
Anyone have experience with the saltless water softener like the Nuvo? (http://www.nuvoh2o.com/). My plumber recommend that since it's simpler and doesn't waste water and salt bag refills. Just swap out filter every six months. My new (old) house has one of those old school system and seems like the tank is shot and need replaced which probably make more sense to just get a new system.
Elixer
Lifer
- May 7, 2002
- 10,371
- 762
- 126
Frankly, the ones I have seen are BS. They don't soften the water at all, in fact, I don't know how they can get away with calling it a softener.
It should be called a descalers, since all it does is filter out large particles.
If you have hard water, you will still have hard water when it goes through the filter, and the filter does trap some stuff, but that is about it.
Leymenaide
Senior member
- Feb 16, 2010
- 752
- 368
- 136
Remember you need an electric outlet near the installation. It is all basic stuff but will need tools and parts shopping list. Have you worked with copper? It is not difficult but takes a little knowledge.
thecoolnessrune
Diamond Member
- Jun 8, 2005
- 9,673
- 583
- 126
Yeah if the copper is not threaded, you would probably want to solder on some threaded fittings (the idea is you want to be able to conveniently take the water softener out of the loop if needed). If you can't, or don't want to do it, you or your parents might be able to just pay someone to come out and put the fittings on. It's not exceedingly difficult to do and shouldn't cost much if you want to pay someone to do it 
If you are using an extension cord, make sure to get an extension cord with a built in GFCI outlet. It's very important when mixing water and electricity!
If you are using an extension cord, make sure to get an extension cord with a built in GFCI outlet. It's very important when mixing water and electricity!
ViviTheMage
Lifer
morton salt on sale @ sears for 40LB 3.99 ... pretty good price for some quality salt for the softener!
http://slickdeals.net/f/5893582-40l...lt-pellets-3-99-or-less-free-in-store-pick-up
http://slickdeals.net/f/5893582-40l...lt-pellets-3-99-or-less-free-in-store-pick-up
TRENDING THREADS
-
Discussion Zen 5 Speculation (EPYC Turin and Strix Point/Granite Ridge - Ryzen 9000)- Started by DisEnchantment
- Replies: 24K
-
Discussion Intel Meteor, Arrow, Lunar & Panther Lakes Discussion Threads
- Started by Tigerick
- Replies: 19K
-
-
-
Facebook
Twitter