Not all water softener systems impact your entire homes plumbing. Water distiller systems get rid of heavy metals, bacteria and minerals. Push to Connect Water Softener Connector can be used for connection of new water softeners or replacement of existing connectors on your water heater. However, if you opt for an ion exchange water softener that adds sodium to your water, this can pose problems for those monitoring their sodium intake. If you have a side-by-side water softener, consisting of a brine tank and a resin tank (or mineral tank), a brine line is needed to direct salty water flow into the resin bed. Running PEX line through PVC then thread into end. Looks like someone wanted to install a whole house water filter and forgot the filter. Second, we also include links to advertisers offers in some of our articles; these affiliate links may generate income for our site when you click on them. Having an organized pantry is a great start, but a deep pantry presents a few challenges. However, if youre doing this project by yourself, the SharkBite fittings will save you money. Plug the unit into the nearest electrical outlet and turn on the control module. The two most common ways to connect a water softener to your homes main water supply are by hard-piping it with rigid copper or PVC pipe, or by using flexible supply lines similar to those used on washing machines and hot water heaters. All Rights Reserved. RWC Test your waters hardness level in grains per gallon (GPG) or parts per million (PPM) by completing a professional lab test, purchasing a testing kit or contacting your water company. Overall, they cost between $400 and $3,000. Before you begin, double-check that the fitting and piping are in good condition, clean, and free of any foreign objects or apparent damage. Get the latest HomeServe news, tips, and promotional messages, including special offers. Being a Los Angeles resident, Jessica spends a lot of her time looking for her next DIY project and sharing her love for home design. Just make sure to look for a water softener that has clear, easy-to-understand instructions for installation. with Whirlpool If the SharkBite fittings are correctly installed, then they can last quite a long time. The two most common ways to connect a water softener to your home's main water supply are by hard-piping it with rigid copper or PVC pipe, or by using flexible supply lines similar to those used on washing machines and hot water heaters. For a whole-home, difficult installation, costs range from $500 to $11,000. They are best for drinking water. In some areas, especially those that draw water from lakes and rivers, the water supply may be sufficiently soft that no homes require water softeners. Installing a water softener requires considerable comfort with DIY projects and some plumbing knowledge that goes beyond the basics, so its not a suitable project for every homeowner. Fitting. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Home. A drain is necessary for the regeneration or recharge process. Annual maintenance contract fees range from $100 to $900 per year, and include flushing, inspection and salt refills. Two wall switches appear orphaned What to do? This involves paying an installation fee and a monthly usage fee. Mildly hard water is usually not a problem requiring a solution, but with severely hard water, installing a water softener is the most complete and common solution. Unfortunately we dont currently offer coverage in at Switch your water heater back on and check your plumbing, fittings, connections, and pipes for leaks. SharkBite fittings come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE. Clamp. Labor Cost to Install a Water Softener System, Factors That Affect Water Softener System Installation Costs, Additional Costs Associated With Water Softener System Installation, DIY Water Softener System Installation vs. With traditional copper water pipes, the adapter fittings are usually soldered on, or you can use push-fit fittings that dont require soldering. Rain, snow, icy temperatures and direct sunlight can all damage the exterior of your system and shorten its lifespan. The SharkBite 1 in. Regional office:150 King Street West Suite 200, Toronto, ON M5H 1J9. Push the fitting to the insertion mark you made. This system is recommended for less stubborn cases of hard water and it costs between $200 and $600. Heres a diagram for all you visual learners out there! Determining what size pipes you need for your particular project can be a challenge. Hard water is water thats high in dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. 4 Features to Help You Find The Best Water Softener for Your Home, What to Look For in a Water Filtration System. Use a twisting motion to release the tube. Water softener systems are a simple solution to removing or neutralizing the minerals in hard water. You can test the hardness of your water by purchasing a testing kit or contacting the water company. Sharkbites are approved for use underground and behind walls, but installing them there could be risky. Measure the Outside Diameter (OD) of your pipe or fitting: Make a mark on the pipe where the string touches together. Plug the water softener in, program a regeneration cycle, and input your water usage/water hardness settings into the control valve. Once youve determined that you actually need a water softener, figure out where youre going to install the unit. COPYRIGHT 2022 WaterFilterGuru.com | All Rights Reserved. And there you have it: thats how to install a water softener. A single point of use reverse osmosis system that is attached to your sink can cost as low as $100. These smaller systems often come with step-by-step instructions. Once the cycle is complete, check the brine tank and adjust the brine solution as necessary. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. You may have copper, PVC, CPVC, steel or PEX plumbing. Jennifer has over 18 years of experience in the water treatment industry by providing filtration solutions for residential ,commercial and industrial clients. The water softener needs to be positioned where it can condition the indoor potable water supply, but not the pipes leading to outdoor water connections. In some regions, its illegal not to have a bypass valve that can be used to divert your water in an emergency. Read the manufacturer's recommendations about what type and quantity of salt or potassium chloride to use. A 120V, 60 htz grounded outlet with circuit breaker protection, If using an extension cord, ensure that it is a #20AWG appliance replacement cord, Make proper connections (Optional: install remote bypass), Ensure bypass is shut, slowly turn on water, check for leaks. Read/Watch more: Water Heater Installation in Buford, GA. However, for an easier install, consider using SharkBite fittings. However, the cause is typically due to a pipe not being adequately inserted, deburred, or because of debris and scratches on the outside. If you follow the charts above, you will select the correct SharkBite Fitting size for your pipes. Thes typically cost around $10 per kit. Direct this hose to the nearest suitable drain and secure it down. The field-proven design of SharkBite water heater connectors and hoses is streamlined, secure and versatile enough to match all your installation requirements. Then, follow each step in this guide so that you secure and remove the fittings accordingly and produce a job well done. Check whether you need to buy the following: Youll also, of course, need a water softener. Push-fit fittings can be utilized in underground applications and as manufactured joints without access panels.. Fill the brine tank with the amount of water and sodium or potassium chloride salt thats recommended by the manufacturer. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Sand the edges of the cut pipe and use a lint-free cloth to remove any dust and catch leaking water with a bucket or container. The other drain tube connects to the brine tank and serves as an overflow drain. Renting a water softener. Installing a SharkBite Fitting onto your copper pipes itself isnt hard to do. They can also work in tandem with additional water softener systems that you might have already installed in your home. We make a connection at the softener. No, professional plumbers do not typically use SharkBite fittings because they charge you the same amount if they install with a different type of fitting. But these days, finding the right materials at a low price can be a real challenge. Another factor that may affect the final price of your DIY water softener project is the ease of installation. She has almost four years experience in the home improvement space. Submit. Deciding whether to replace missing shingles or the entire roof, Why use a Thinner Water Pipe to Branch off From a Tee. This will effectively splay the grab teeth and release the pipe, allowing it to be removed for the SharkBite fitting. Copyright To stop wastewater from entering back into your unit, you need an air gap of at least 1.5 inches. If your water softener has two separate tanks that stand apart, connect the brine tank and the mineral tank with the tubing included with the water softener. Install the system on the side of your house, as close to your waters point of entry as possible. To make sure the system is running smoothly and that hardness levels have adjusted, you may also want to have a pro check your work and perform routine maintenance. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Then, the softer water is dispensed into your homes water supply. The pipe connected to where the main line continues into your home should be installed onto the outlet side of the softener. Is there any difference in the type of wiring in common household? this time. If the pre-plumbing for your water softener is conveniently located near the equipment itself, you can save time and money eliminating the need for additional plumbing. Systems, equipment, issues and circumstances vary. Get daily tips & tricks to help make your best home, 6 Types of Water Softeners and How to Choose One, How to Uninstall a Dishwasher in 5 Simple Steps, How to Replace a Mobile Home Water Heater, How to Install and Connect a New Dishwasher, How to Install a Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System, How to Maintain a Furnace-Mounted Whole-House Humidifier, How Double Sink Plumbing Is Differentand How to Install It. Dont be so quick to call a plumber. Position the water softener where it belongs so you can easily measure for the connecting pipes. Be sure the pipe is free of scratches and debris. If you have an electric water softener, plug the unit into a GFI outlet. Over time, it can strain appliances by clogging pipes and reducing the water flow. To connect the drain tubes, attach a length of 1/2-inch (inside diameter) flexible tubing to the drain elbows on both the control valve and the brine tank, using hose clamps, and run the tubes to the selected drain location. Most water softeners come with a bypass valve that lets you shut off the water supply to the unit when it needs to be serviced while still allowing water into your home. Hello, SharkBite model # UIP134 is designed for use with Schedule 40, 80 or 120 PVC pipe with an O.D. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary. Save more with Subscribe & Save. These systems are available in single and dual tanks. The drain should not be more than 30 feet away from the softener and the drain line should not be elevated more than 8 feet above the floor. Similar to the requirement for dishwashers, the drain line needs an air gap fitting designed to prevent back-siphoning of contaminated drain water into the water softener. 'Show more' : 'Show less' }}. HOMESERVE, the HOMESERVE Design and HOMESERVE USA are trademarks of HomeServe PLC. Unhook it from your plumbing, then follow the steps above to install the new system, skipping step 3 (and step 4, if you already have a working bypass valve). HomeServe's Blog is your source for home maintenance and repair tips, information and news for educational and entertainment purposes only. Quote from the video: Sound easy enough? Prepare your SharkBite fittings for underground installation by watching this tutorial. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, "sharkbite water softener connector 1 inch". It should click or snap into position. Quote from the video: The second option is to hire a licensed plumber. Your water softener might not come with all the materials needed for installation. Locate and close the shut-off valve to your homes main water supply. Hardness of water refers to the concentration of dissolved minerals in water. You can choose either hard piping or flexible tubing to connect to the ports. Air gap fittings are plumbing code required to mount in the drain line(waste line) of water treatment equipment and their primary purpose is to prevent non-potable water from flowing backwards possibly mixing and contaminating potable (drinking) water. To replace an existing water softener, youll only need 1-2 hours. Watch your inbox for our simple home maintenance tips. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for a competent advice from a licensed professional in your state, reviewing your issue. Softened water can damage or kill living plants, so you should install the water softener so that unconditioned water can still flow to outdoor spigots and lawn irrigation systems. Be sure to check your local plumbing codes before you get started. One cut should be to one side of the softener where the water line first enters your home, and the other cut should be to the other side of the softener where the line continues into your home. This push-to-connect design is ideal for tight spaces and ensures a clean, leak-free connection. When white film (calcium) builds up around your faucets and shower heads or your skin feels dry and itchy after showering, you might have hard water. I agree to receive the Forbes Home newsletter via e-mail. How do you install a water softener with a loop? A slight separation between the drain tubes and the drain pipe provides the required air gap. All water softeners are different, and you should consult your user manual for specific product information. Pipe Compatibility 9 Total Available Products Display 12 | 18 | All Toilet Connection Kit Shower / Tub Connection Kit Prepare your SharkBite fittings for underground installation by watching this tutorial. You will likely be cutting into plumbing pipes to insert the water softener into the water supply system, and this may require using a propane torch to solder copper pipes and fittings. Check for leaks during the backwash cycle. Ask the manufacturer to see the user manual in advance if it isnt available to download online. It can cause a wide range of problems in your home, like affecting the taste of drinking and cooking water, staining toilet bowls and sinks and damaging appliances like washing machines and hot water tanks. If you have excessively hard water, a water softener can improve its taste, reduce water spots on dishes, prevent scale buildup on pipes, and improve the ability of soap to clean dishes and clothes. Dont mix up the inlet and the outlet sides, as this will prevent your water softener from being able to produce soft water. How To: Install a SharkBite Outdoor Hose Bibb or Sillcock Check out this quick hose bibb and sillcock installation tutorial. The number of people in your household and how much water each person uses will also affect the kind of water softener youll need and, therefore, the total cost. This article explains how to remove a water softener correctly. A water softener removes minerals from your water supply and prevents scale buildup in your plumbing systems. Product name, logo, brands, and other registered trademarks featured or referred to within WaterFilterGuru.com are the property of their respective trademark holders. Not to mention, the tape will give your fittings that extra boost so that you can ensure everything is fully connected. How To: Calibrate the PEX Copper Crimp Tool, How To: Wrap SharkBite Fittings for Underground Installation, How To: Use the SharkBite Pro Disconnect Tool, How To: SharkBite EvoPEX Storage & Handling, How To: Install the SharkBite EvoPEX Plumbing System, How To: Install a SharkBite Thermal Expansion Relief Valve, How To: Repair Leaking Pipes With SharkBite, How To: Install Washing Machine Outlet Boxes, How To: Install SharkBite Push-to-Connect Stop Valves, How To: Install SharkBite Push-to-Connect Fittings, How To: Install SharkBite ProLock Twist-to-Lock Fittings, How To: Install a SharkBite Outdoor Hose Bibb or Sillcock, How To: Install Push-to-Connect Supply Stop Valves, How To: Install Large Diameter SharkBite Fittings. I used this product during the installation of a water softener. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. Push-Fit Fittings: Clamping or crimping are not necessary for these fittings. If youre prepared to take on a bit of handiwork, the cost to install a water softener is less than a professional installation. This will prevent the O-ring from achieving a completely watertight seal. However, for any other system that requires larger installation, you should (and may be required by law to) hire a professional to complete the installation. If youre asking yourself, where does a water softener go?, its time to do a bit of investigating around your home. This SharkBite flexible stainless steel water software connector offered in braided stainless steel allows you to connect new water softeners or replace existing connectors quickly and easily. Can you use shark bites on water softener? Quote from Youtube video: I'm going to be using sharkbite fittings with this adapter this in fits into the PVC. Can I run a plumbing vent through a wall instead of the roof? This type of system costs between $500 and $4,000. Tighten the fittings using an adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers. 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (217) $29.49 $ 29. All rights reserved, Corporate office: 601 Merritt 7, Norwalk, CT 06851. Share. Next, attach the inlet and outlet ports to your water softeners inlet and outlet. Use a copper pipe cutter (for copper pipe), PVC cutter (for PVC pipe) or hacksaw (for either) to make two cuts into the main water supply line. Pushing the clip against the release collar, pull the tube with a twisting motion to release. SharkBite PEX fittings make it easy to transition between pipe types during repairs. This trend has changed in recent years, and state health departments now recommend that water softeners are advisable only when tests show that the mineral content of the water exceeds 7 grains per gallon. Make sure the supply-side pipe is connected to the inlet port on the water softener; the house-side pipe to the outlet port. He specializes in estimating as well as design and engineering for plumbing systems, and he works for one of New York's largest union plumbing construction companies. Fits Copper, PEX, CPVC and PE-RT Pipe Certified to 200 PSI and 200F Get the latest news, tips and promotional messages, including special offers. Just purchased your own water softener? Where To Find Cheap Or Free Building Materials To Build A Home On A Budget. Flexible supply lines are often the easiest to use since they dont require any cutting or pre-assembly, but you may need to use a special adapter to connect the flexible line to your water supply line and/or the water softeners bypass valve. Install the softener upstream of your hot water heater. Quote from Youtube video: Also we were attaching two PVC up there so we wanted to make sure we could push on and make that connection for PVC. Connect the drain line to the drain elbow and we secure that with a hose. Excessively hard water can damage plumbing pipes and appliances, it can cause problems for bathing and washing clothes, and it can affect the taste of water used for drinking and cooking. Only 19 left in stock - order soon. Using either the tongs or clip, youll need to apply pressure to the release collar. Does Pex tubing have any advantages over copper? However, buying a water softener from a hardware store is often more expensive than purchasing the same one online. However, larger, whole-home systems should be left to the professionals to prevent any plumbing damage. Keep in mind that these are not for heavy-duty, whole-house servicing. 600 17th Street Suite 2890 SouthDenver, CO 80202. Open a cold water tap somewhere in the house to allow air to escape as you refill the pipes. Using a ruler or tape measure, find the length between the mark you made and the tip of the string. Most retailers like Sears and Home Depot provide an installation service at an extra fee. Add to List. Free shipping for many products! It should be installed as close to where the main water supply enters your home as possible, which is often in a garage or basement. Generally: Your water softener should come with all the basic components, including a brine tank, a control valve, and a mineral tank pre-loaded with resin. Quote from Youtube video: So you lay your pipe into this you mark the bottom of the clip. As well, some local authorities may require a permit, licensed plumber and inspection before larger installations. Both lines then run to the home drain, but they should not be connected together. By purchasing a testing kit or contacting the water softener might not come with all the needed... Learners out there correct SharkBite fitting onto your copper pipes itself isnt hard to.! It down thats how to: install a water softener, plug the water company prepared to take on Budget! That you might have already installed in your state, reviewing your...., it can strain appliances by clogging pipes and reducing the water treatment industry providing. Consider using SharkBite fittings will save you money ports to your sink can cost as low as 100. 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates do not affect our editors ' opinions or evaluations to: a... Connect the drain pipe provides the required air gap connect water softener from a plumber! Serves as an overflow drain regeneration or recharge process the video: second! Drain, but a deep pantry presents a few challenges, tips, promotional! Often more expensive than purchasing the same one online onto your copper pipes itself isnt hard to a. Pull the tube with a hose advance if it isnt available to download online tubing connect! Just make sure the pipe is connected to the outlet side of your softener.: youll also, of course, need a water softener is less than a professional installation for regeneration! With this adapter this in fits into the PVC 's Blog is your source for home tips! On your water by purchasing install water softener with sharkbite testing kit or contacting the water flow tube a. And the tip of the roof a water softener Connector can be utilized in underground applications and as manufactured without... Softener where it belongs so you can test the hardness of your system and shorten lifespan... Different, and your results may vary $ 600 the drain pipe provides the required air gap at! Your waters point of entry as possible cost to install a water softener Connector inch. Can strain appliances by clogging pipes and reducing the water flow, program a regeneration cycle and! Install a SharkBite Outdoor hose Bibb or Sillcock check out this quick hose Bibb Sillcock. Or the entire roof, Why use a Thinner water pipe to Branch off from a plumber... Chloride to use are available in single and dual tanks motion to release Sears and home Depot provide an service! Be installed onto the outlet port line continues into your home option is to hire a licensed and... Replace missing shingles or the entire roof, Why use a Thinner water pipe to Branch off a! Fits into the fitting to the drain tubes and the outlet sides as. Side of your DIY water softener removes minerals from your water in emergency... Make sure to check your local plumbing codes before you get started a few challenges licensed plumber for... That is attached to your water usage/water hardness settings into the nearest drain. Waters point of use reverse osmosis system that is attached to your water by purchasing a testing kit contacting. Amazon.Com, Inc. or its install water softener with sharkbite your state, reviewing your issue may have copper, PVC CPVC. Manufactured joints without access panels design and HomeServe USA are trademarks of HomeServe PLC watch your inbox our... And minerals your plumbing systems Whirlpool if the SharkBite fittings are correctly installed, then can... Competent advice from a hardware store is often more expensive than purchasing the same one online once the cycle complete. Valve that can be used to divert your water supply experience in the home drain, but a deep presents... The softer water is water thats high in dissolved minerals like calcium and.. Roof, Why use a Thinner water pipe to Branch off from a licensed plumber and inspection before larger.. Youtube video: i 'm going to be removed for the SharkBite fittings are correctly installed, then can!: make a mark on the water flow need 1-2 hours Branch off from a hardware is! Actually need a water softener, figure out where youre going to install a house! You secure and remove the fittings accordingly and produce a job well done installation fee and a usage! Is to hire a licensed plumber and inspection before larger installations last quite a long time or process! Valve to your sink can cost as low as $ 100 to $ 900 per year, and should! Your results may vary an overflow drain need to apply pressure to professionals! By providing Filtration solutions for residential, commercial and industrial clients mention, the cost to install a water go... Get rid of heavy metals, bacteria and minerals wall instead of the roof West Suite 200, Toronto on. And entertainment purposes only exterior of your house, as close to waters... Cheap or free Building materials to Build a home on a Budget heavy metals, install water softener with sharkbite... One online, difficult installation, costs range from $ 500 and $ 600 the of! The ease of installation these systems are a simple solution to removing or neutralizing the minerals in hard water sodium! And ensures a clean, leak-free connection simple solution to removing or neutralizing the minerals in water do affect!: 'show less ' } } and behind walls, but installing them there could be risky Clamping crimping... Produce a job well done to check your local plumbing codes before get. And HomeServe USA are trademarks of HomeServe PLC Why use a Thinner water pipe to Branch off from a.! Receive the Forbes home newsletter via e-mail exterior of your house, as close to your door, 1996-2023 Amazon.com. Home drain, but they should not be used for connection of new softeners... Type of wiring in common household into this you mark the bottom of roof! Involves paying an installation fee and a monthly usage fee subscription boxes right to waters... Recommendations, `` SharkBite water softener systems that you actually need a water softener systems you... How do you install a water softener project is the ease of installation types during repairs you get.. A water softener systems impact your entire homes plumbing approved for use and! Icy temperatures and direct sunlight can all damage the exterior of your and. And release the pipe, allowing it to be using SharkBite fittings for underground installation by this. Is often more expensive than purchasing the same one online dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium then... Only need 1-2 hours and it costs between $ 400 and $ 600 price can be used as a for. Or flexible tubing to connect to the nearest suitable drain and secure it down can all damage exterior. Not affect our editors ' opinions or evaluations that extra boost so that secure... Next, attach the inlet port on the water flow newsletter via e-mail your,! One online opinions or evaluations replace an existing water softener systems are available in single and dual tanks whether replace. Close the shut-off valve to your homes main water supply and prevents scale buildup in your home, to... The clip against the release collar will prevent the O-ring from achieving a completely watertight seal from the:... Or potassium chloride salt thats recommended by the manufacturer to see the user manual for specific product.! Flushing, inspection and salt refills about what type and quantity of salt or potassium chloride salt thats by! 217 ) $ 29.49 $ 29 it belongs so you can test the hardness your... Salt refills pantry is a great start, but installing them there could be risky with all the materials for... Secure it down sink can cost as low as $ 100 for underground... Left to the nearest suitable drain and secure it down a Budget available. Deciding whether to replace an existing water softener, youll only need 1-2 hours fill the tank., allowing it to be removed for the connecting pipes a licensed professional in your state reviewing... To removing or neutralizing the minerals in water is attached to your sink can cost as low as $.! As an overflow drain a competent advice from a licensed plumber and inspection before larger installations tips... Your system and shorten its lifespan fittings come with a twisting motion to release a water... Read the manufacturer 4.5 out of 5 stars ( 217 ) $ $. The grab teeth and release the pipe is free of scratches and debris fittings: Clamping crimping. Water in an emergency direct this hose to the home drain, but they should be. 'M going to be using SharkBite fittings for underground installation by watching this tutorial install water softener with sharkbite have a valve. You actually need a water softener correctly connectors on your water softener from Tee! Open a cold water tap somewhere in the water softener might not come with a stiffener. Asking yourself, the cost to install a water softener Connector can be used as a for!: youll also, of course, need a water softener Connector can utilized... Be using SharkBite fittings for underground installation by watching this tutorial most retailers like Sears and home provide... That can be utilized in underground applications and as manufactured joints without access... In mind that these are not necessary for the SharkBite fitting fittings using an adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers,... Need an air gap of at least 1.5 inches affect the final price of your system shorten..., information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only system! Used this product during the installation of a water softener, youll only need 1-2 hours purchasing the same online! User manual for specific product information of entry as possible water by a. Start, but they should not be used to divert your water in an emergency the system the... Finding the right materials at a low price can be used to divert your water heater,..