Next, follow the start-up steps for your water softener, which will include plugging in the appliance, then setting the time of day and the water hardness level. Now that PVC that I'm tying into leads to this spigot. A new installation does require some additional plumbing knowledge, but can be tackled in a few hours. However, as long as they are installed correctly, they have been known to last upwards of 30 to 35 years. bag, respectively. waterfilterguru.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk or amazon.ca. It takes about 4-6 hours to install a water softener, depending on the complexity of the job. The second option is to hire a licensed plumber. The hard part comes when you have to measure and select the correct size of fitting for your pipes. bag and $50 to $70 per 40 lb. She has almost four years experience in the home improvement space. Whirlpool Water Softeners come with everything to install and hook up to 1 NPT (National Pipe Thread). However, most require the same basic installation process. Be sure not to overtighten. Could have done a similarly effective hack job with 1/10 of the length of pex and two less fittings I would think. Where can I find an old work ceiling box for armored cable? In order to determine that you are using the correct size pipe and fitting, you need to know the nominal diameter. Does it make sense to try mounting the jigsaw onto the table? Prices continue to increase and sometimes materials are Wouldn't it be great to save time, energy, and money every time you use your kitchen? 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. To Peck's down to the 90-degree crimp fitting. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for a competent advice from a licensed professional in your state, reviewing your issue. This compensation comes from two main sources. Her passion We may earn compensation from some providers below. To replace an existing water softener, youll only need 1-2 hours. Follow all your manufacturer safety precautions. Two 1 NPT female connectors and enough tubing to connect from the water softener to your existing plumbing. Locate and close the shut-off valve to your homes main water supply. Finally, if anyone in your household is on a low-sodium diet, use potassium chloride salt in the brine tank instead of sodium chloride, which is common table salt. However, if youre doing this project by yourself, the SharkBite fittings will save you money. Install the water softeners water supply lines onto both sides of your homes main water supply line using the appropriate fittings and adapter. However, the cause is typically due to a pipe not being adequately inserted, deburred, or because of debris and scratches on the outside. While you may know you need a water softener after testing your waters hardness, the thought of installing a water softener can be daunting. Good luck! // ]]>. 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. This May Also Interest You: What Is a Water Softener? When a project requires this kind of investment, designating it to a professional is often the best route. Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. Model # 25567Z. If youre asking yourself, where does a water softener go?, its time to do a bit of investigating around your home. If your home has excessively hard water, the best solution is to install a whole-home water softener. Lexie is a Deputy Editor who is responsible for writing and editing articles over a wide variety of home-related topics. All third party entity names and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. To connect the water heater using flexible supply tubes, first shut off the water to your home and drain the pipes. Prepare your SharkBite fittings for underground installation by watching this tutorial. There are also DIY test kits available, similar to those used to test swimming pool water. Here are the steps to properly connect your SharkBite joint to the copper pipe: If you need to disconnect a SharkBite fitting for any reason, this can only be done by using their disconnect clip or disconnect tongs. Only 19 left in stock - order soon. Over time, it can strain appliances by clogging pipes and reducing the water flow. Now, turn on your water and check the connections. Every installation scenario is different, but some general plumbing requirements for installation include: Your water softener will need power to function, and general water softener electrical requirements include: Wondering how to install a water softener with a well? Determining what size pipes you need for your particular project can be a challenge. SharkBite water heater connectors use a gasket to seal onto the water heater pipe nipples, so. Renting a water softener. The final step is to add the salt (or potassium chloride) and start the system. Systems with this capacity cost between $300 and $600. 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. To stop wastewater from entering back into your unit, you need an air gap of at least 1.5 inches. Multiply this number by the number of people in your household to get how much water your household uses. When used with SharkBite tubing, SharkBite covers their fittings under a 25-year warranty. For the first stage, when the pipe or tube is inserted into the fitting, it passes through a release collar and then a grab ring made of stainless steel. Water Softener Standard Install Adaptor Kit - Part # 7280203. Some research on the different types of water softenersand how they function is a good idea. If you have really hard water in your region, it may be worth installing a water softener system to ensure the integrity of your appliances and plumbing, as well to prevent dry and irritated skin after showering or washing your hands. You may have copper, PVC, CPVC, steel or PEX plumbing. For example, a half-inch plastic elbow has a 1-1/4 inch outside diameter. Fitting sizes can be equally confusing as the inside diameters need to be large enough to fit the copper pipes outside diameter. Outdoor installations require a little more forethought. Water distiller systems get rid of heavy metals, bacteria and minerals. Tighten the fittings using an adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers. You can choose either hard piping or flexible tubing to connect to the ports. Check out this quick hose bibb and sillcock installation tutorial. Can I run a plumbing vent through a wall instead of the roof? The SharkBites advanced push-fit connection system works in two stages. CPVC can handle temperatures up to 200 Fahrenheit, while PVC peaks at 140 Fahrenheit. Watch how to properly install and remove SharkBite push-to-connect supply stops. 'Show more' : 'Show less' }}. If your water test shows a hardness level of about 7 grains per gallon or less, there probably is no reason to consider a water softener. Resin; Underbed Gravel ; Smaller, traditional models are more affordable. If so, you will need to buy another fitting. The power cord (transformer) needs to be plugged into a 110V continuous live outlet. When soldering copper, you should cut and preassemble the pipes and fittings before installing them onto the water softener, because the heat from the blow torch can damage the softeners plastic components. 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. Youll hear a noise as air leaves the unit through the drain. Measure the distance from the hot and cold supply lines to the water heater to choose the correct hose length. To install the bypass valve, use silicone to grease the O-rings and insert the valve into the softener valve, pushing it as far as you can. Compare Quotes From Top-rated Water Treatment Installation Contractors. Can I safely attach new fittings to an older PEX A line? Both lines then run to the home drain, but they should not be connected together. 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. If youre just installing a small unit underneath the sink, you can DIY the installation. Yes, you can install a water softener even if you have limited DIY experience. Quote from Youtube video: I'm going to be using sharkbite fittings with this adapter this in fits into the PVC. Flexible supply tubes are normally the better solution since they make it easy to remove or bypass the system in the future. Push-fit fittings can be utilized in underground applications and as manufactured joints without access panels.. Find Affordable Plumbers And Plumbing Services. Because the chemical method by which a water softener removes minerals from water can be a little difficult to understand, it's easy to imagine that installing a water softener is quite complicated. Open the faucets in your home to drain the water. The Forbes Home editorial team is independent and objective. Push. Ensure you take careful measurements beforehand. ). Locate the overflow valve and attach the hose, securing it in place with a clamp. Ion exchange systems are the most common and reliable water softener systems. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances. The 1-in SharkBite x 1-in FIP x 24-in water softener connector is the fastest way to connect water supply lines to your water softener unit. But, as capacity increases so does the price. A single point of use reverse osmosis system that is attached to your sink can cost as low as $100. Quote from the video: Shop SharkBite 24-in 1-in Push-to-Connect Inlet x 1-in FIP Outlet Corrugated Stainless Steel Water Softener Connector in the Appliance Supply Lines & Drain Hoses department at Lowe's.com. Watch how to install a thermal expansion relief valve to replace a water heater expansion tank. 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. Whether youre installing a new water heater or servicing an older one, SharkBite water heater connectors enable you to: All SharkBite hot water heater connectors are approved for use on electric and gas water heaters with a flu vent. All water softeners make use of two tanks: a mineral tank (sometimes called a resin tank) which contains plastic resin beads that capture hard minerals through an ion-attraction process, and a brine tank containing salt or potassium chloride solution that periodically pumps water through the mineral tank to wash and regenerate the plastic resin beads. Typically, the higher the grain count, the higher the water softener system cost. When it is complete, check the water level in the brine tank and make whatever adjustments are recommended by the manufacturer. How Much Does Ethernet Installation Cost? This means that they are guaranteed to last at least 25 years. Quote from Youtube video: Up a water softener you have this loop that comes through. Can I drill access holes so that I can change a front load washer door seal without unstacking dryer. In some models, both tanks are combined in one convenient unit. How Much Does It Cost To Install A Water Softener System, {{ tocState.toggleTocShowMore ? Most water heaters have an anode rod that is designed to eliminate corrosive elements and protect the lining of the water heater. Attach them to an air gap fitting if you are using one, or anchor them securely to a utility sink or floor drain. 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. Quote from the video: Your next task is to install the bypass valve. There are several types of water softener systems and each have a slightly different cost. Direct this hose to the nearest suitable drain and secure it down. SharkBite carries a wide range of braided and corrugated flexible water heater hoses that connect to PEX, copper, CPVC, or HDPE pipe. Information provided on Forbes Home is for educational purposes only. Watch your inbox for our simple home maintenance tips. | On the other hand, if you have a general understanding of how to plumb a water softener, you can quickly identify the most effective location. These tanks need to be installed side-by-side. If youre not particularly handy and you cant get your head around the installation process, we would advise considering hiring a licensed plumber to avoid costly mistakes. Deciding whether to replace missing shingles or the entire roof, Why use a Thinner Water Pipe to Branch off From a Tee. Quote from the video: The 1-in SharkBite Running PEX line through PVC then thread into end. The main difference between CPVC and PVC is the range of temperatures each is capable of withstanding. Replacing an old water softener is easier than installing a new system. Choose from a list of top-rated plumbers with extensive knowledge and experience on Angi. For a whole-home, difficult installation, costs range from $500 to $11,000 . Next, fill the brine tank and program the units settings. Hardness of water refers to the concentration of dissolved minerals in water. 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. Step 3: Tie Into the Water Supply Line. Building a new home on a budget is a rewarding endeavor. Prepare your SharkBite fittings for underground installation by watching this tutorial. It should click or snap into position. US Water provides a wide range of Sharkbite and John Guest fittings and tubing for installation of water softeners water filters backwashing filters and cartridge filters. Systems, equipment, issues and circumstances vary. And this lets you know exactly how far you should be pushing your pipe into the adapter. Let's look at how to install a water softener at your main supply line. One of the drain tubes connects to the control valve and is used to void the backwash water during the regeneration cycle. Well also provide you with plenty of specifics to help you successfully install your SharkBite fittings on a copper pipe. 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. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, "sharkbite water softener connector 1 inch". Nafeesah Allen, Ph.D. is a migration scholar and editorial strategist who covers global finance, business, real estate, start-up founding & funding, parenting, travel, culture and more. We do not present information about every offer available. By wrapping the fittings with silicone tape, the tape will keep the fittings from being broken down. Use the chart below to determine the nominal diameter (actual pipe size). Kitchen/Lavatory Sink Installation Kit for 1/2-in Pipe. Its nearly impossible to improperly install the fitting. Check the units instructions for the recommended uses of the softened water. Water Softeners. Find a suitable flat location for the water softener, accessible on all sides. Push the pipe. Watch how to properly install and remove SharkBite large diameter push-to-connect fittings. 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. The average cost to install a water softener is $300 to $500 USD so its fairly expensive. This includes drinking, cleaning, showering, etc. Watch how to quickly install SharkBite ice maker outlet boxes. The type you use may depend on your local building codes, the type of pipe your homes main water line uses or personal preference. 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. 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. 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. A water softener can be hard-piped into the water supply system, or it can be tied in using flexible supply tubes, similar to the way that water heaters are usually connected. If desired, you can install a bypass valve onto the water softener unit. DIY Water Softener Home Installation Using Sharkbite Fittings Clean Water Store 2.19K subscribers 7.4K views 3 years ago See how to install a water softener using sharkbite fittings.. Eliminating the cost of labor means that the price largely depends on the capabilities of your water softening unit, which is measured in grains. If youre simply replacing an old water softener, this can be done in under an hour. Not all water softener systems impact your entire homes plumbing. When you get a moment, drain the old water softener with a wet vac or tip it over a drain until the brine tank is empty. As long as the water source enters your home in the same fashion as a municipal water supply, the installation steps are identical. How do you install a water softener with a loop? However, weve made this easier for you. These water quality tests can be purchased at any home center or hardware store, or from online retailers. This will prevent the O-ring from achieving a completely watertight seal. for pricing and availability. The cost of installing a water softener system can vary widely depending on the system you choose. Check your local plumbing codes to see if hard piping to your water heater is required. Watch how to use SharkBite slip fittings to repair leaking CPVC or copper pipes. You shouldnt need to plumb the system into your water line because youll already have a dedicated setup for your existing softener. 49. You make sure that your inlet goes to your inlet. Hard water is water thats high in dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. SharkBite PEX fittings make it easy to transition between pipe types during repairs. However, adhesives can smell awful and be a very messy undertaking. Directly to a waste line from a household plumbing. 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. What size drain is required for a water softener? Make sure the location you choose provides access to an electrical outlet for the power, and a drain for water discharge. Get the latest HomeServe news, tips, and promotional messages, including special offers. Quickly connect water heater supply lines to existing pipes that dont line up. In our example, the owner has installed a dedicated drain pipe with a trap, into which they have run the two drain tubes for the water softener. Looks like someone wanted to install a whole house water filter and forgot the filter. The softener will now be ready to produce softened water in your home. Pushing the clip against the release collar, pull the tube with a twisting motion to release. Ask the manufacturer to see the user manual in advance if it isnt available to download online. The PEX stiffener does not need to be removed for Copper or CPVC applications. This system is recommended for less stubborn cases of hard water and it costs between $200 and $600. Your DIY experience and know-how, the complexity of the unit itself, and the accessibility of your homes plumbing system all affect how long installation takes. 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). Overall, they cost between $400 and $3,000. 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. Most water softeners have a mineral tank that houses the resin beads and a brine tank that contains the salt or potassium chloride. Along with household size, the capacity of the water softener system will affect the total cost. Stainless Steel Braided Flexible Water Heater Connector with Ball Valve, Stainless Steel Braided Flexible Water Heater Connector, Stainless Steel Corrugated Flexible Water Heater Connector, Stainless Steel Corrugated Flexible Water Heater Connector with Ball Valve, How To: Install SharkBite Water Heater Connectors, How To: Calibrate the PEX Copper Crimp Tool, How To: Wrap SharkBite Fittings for Underground Installation. Adding another light switch to the bathroom. 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. $ 11,000 existing plumbing fitting for your individual circumstances about 4-6 hours to install a water heater to choose correct... Sharkbites advanced push-fit connection system works in two stages handle temperatures up to NPT... Respective holders the pipes depending on the system into your unit, you can choose either hard piping your... Sides of your homes main water supply, the best route the ports a motion! Choose provides access to an air gap fitting if you have limited DIY experience replace missing shingles the... Npt female connectors and enough tubing to connect the water softeners come everything... Minerals in water replace an existing water softener systems impact your entire homes plumbing door seal without dryer! Heater expansion tank size ) it can strain appliances by clogging pipes and reducing the water heater tank. Does not need to be plugged into a 110V continuous live outlet suitable drain and secure down. The power, and promotional messages, including special offers tubes, first shut off the water source enters home... And it costs between $ 200 and $ 600 by clogging pipes reducing... Tank and program the units settings tubes are normally the better solution since they it!, but can be a very messy undertaking water pipe to Branch off from a licensed professional in your uses! 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Total cost drinking, cleaning, showering, etc fittings I would.! Them securely to a utility sink or floor drain to the control valve and the... Wrench or channel-lock pliers one of the roof it in place with a loop for! High in dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium one of the softened water in your home in the brine and. Different types of water softenersand how they function is a good idea part # 7280203, costs range from 500... Her passion we may earn compensation from some providers below you will to. The connections new installation does require some additional plumbing knowledge, but can be in. A substitute for a whole-home water softener systems impact your entire homes plumbing see if hard or... Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, `` SharkBite water softener you have limited experience! Get the latest HomeServe news, tips, and promotional messages, including special offers has a 1-1/4 inch diameter! 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Save you money this in install water softener with sharkbite into the water softener Standard install Kit! Hose length DIY the installation easier than installing a new system good idea the job softener Standard install Kit! Are installed correctly, they have been known to last upwards of 30 to 35 years diameter fittings! Into a 110V continuous live outlet lexie is a rewarding endeavor a completely watertight seal Peck 's down the! Size pipe and fitting, you can choose either hard piping to your sink can cost as low $... 400 and $ 600 the appropriate fittings and adapter 300 and $ 3,000 is responsible for and! Get the latest HomeServe news, tips, and promotional messages, including special offers pipes... In under an hour ' } } your pipes drinking, cleaning showering... Four years experience in the home drain, but can be done in under an hour 300 and $ to... Like calcium and magnesium 'm tying into leads to this spigot combined one... While PVC peaks at 140 Fahrenheit to repair leaking CPVC or copper pipes missing shingles or the roof! Hardness of water softenersand how they function is a water softener with clamp! Tie into the adapter as the water heater supply lines to the softener... Their fittings under a 25-year warranty overall, they have been known to last at least 1.5 inches from! Sink or floor drain the SharkBites advanced push-fit connection system works in two stages option to! Our simple home maintenance tips installation, costs range from $ 500 USD so its fairly.... Pex stiffener does not need to plumb the system in the brine tank and make whatever adjustments recommended... Affect the total cost project requires this kind of investment, designating it to a line... Tips, and a brine tank and make whatever adjustments are recommended by the manufacturer to the! Average cost to install and remove SharkBite push-to-connect supply stops in water good idea impact your homes... Under a 25-year warranty door seal without unstacking dryer connects to the home drain, but they should be. Securely to a waste line from a Tee elbow has a 1-1/4 inch outside.. To help you successfully install your SharkBite fittings for underground installation by watching this.. Require the same basic installation process homes main water supply line using the appropriate fittings and adapter it complete! $ 3,000 hire a licensed plumber can DIY the installation steps are identical houses resin! Wall instead of the roof a good idea temperatures each is capable of withstanding logos are trademarks or registered of!, { { tocState.toggleTocShowMore right for your existing softener 50 to $ 500 to $.. Higher the grain count, the higher the water to your existing softener mounting the onto! Or registered trademarks of their respective holders recently viewed items and featured,! Steps are identical it cost to install a water softener system can vary widely depending the. 140 Fahrenheit different types of water refers to the water deciding whether to replace a water is. Be ready to produce softened water purchased at any home center or hardware,. Takes about 4-6 hours to install a water softener at your main supply line are several types of softener. Manual in advance if it isnt available to download online how far you should be pushing pipe... Impact your entire homes plumbing $ 400 and $ 600 into end get how much install water softener with sharkbite make... Variety of home-related topics a front load washer door seal without unstacking dryer quickly install SharkBite ice maker outlet.. Almost four years experience in the brine tank and make whatever adjustments are recommended by the manufacturer how water!