7 April, 2022
How to Connect a Water Softener
Whether you’re a new homeowner looking to save money on water bills or a current resident who’s tired of dealing with hard water, a water softener is a smart investment. But it’s not an easy DIY project, and installing a water softener requires a certain amount of plumbing knowledge and skills.
Installing a water softener involves identifying the best location for the unit, and then plumbing it to your home’s plumbing system. The exact steps you take will vary depending on your home’s plumbing and the type of water softener you install, but most softeners come with a basic installation manual.
Select a Good Location
The location you choose should be accessible from all sides and provide easy access to the electrical outlet, drain, and any other features of your water softener. You’ll also need an area where you can drain water from the unit during regeneration, which is usually done once or twice a week.
Once you’ve determined a location for your softener, connect the main supply line to the water softener on both sides of the bypass valve using the appropriate fittings and adapters supplied with the kit. Be sure the pipe size is in accordance with your local codes.
If your water softener has a brine tank, you’ll need to install the brine line first. Follow the instructions in your user guide to attach this tubing, which will connect the brine tank to the resin (mineral) tank.
After the tubing is installed, you’ll need to add salt to the brine tank. The recommended amount depends on the type of salt you’re using and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Cut the main supply line to fit – Use a copper pipe cutter or hacksaw to make two cuts into the water supply line near the point where it enters your house. One of the cuts should be made on one side of the softener where it first enters your home, and the other should be cut to the other side of the softener where it continues into your home.
Measure and cut the pipes that will lead to the bypass valve – Taking measurements from your water softener, mark out and cut the pipes needed for the connection to the bypass valve. Then, you’ll need to solder on any nipples and fittings that are included with your water softener’s kit.
Check for leaks and shut off the water – You’ll need to turn off the main water supply at this point, so you can inspect any areas around the pipe or fittings that might be leaking. If you find any areas of concern, you’ll need to fix them as soon as possible.
Apply plumber’s tape – The pipe you cut and the bypass valve should now be securely fastened to your home’s plumbing system. If you notice any spots that might be leaking, apply more plumber’s tape to form a tight seal.
Once your water softener is connected, you’ll need to program it to perform the right treatment for your household’s water hardness and daily water usage. This will include a timer and setting the water hardness level. Once this is done, you can start using the softener.