How to Install a Water Softener
A water softener is a device that removes hard minerals from your household water. This reduces the impact of these minerals on your plumbing and extends the life of water-using appliances.
Water softeners have two main components: a mineral tank where the ion exchange occurs and a salt brine solution storage tank. The difference between the sizes of these tanks will determine the ongoing cost of the system.
Cost
The cost of a water softener depends on the size and make of the system, as well as the number of bathrooms for which it will be used. The price of a water softener will also depend on the installation location, and whether any piping needs to be replaced before the system can be installed.
Unlike hard water, softened water does not build up on pipes and appliances, saving you money in repair costs and Water softener extending the life of your household machines. It also makes your laundry much softer and eliminates the build-up of soap scum on surfaces around the home.
Water softeners use an ion exchange process to treat incoming water. The most common model has a tank of resin beads and a brine solution, which contains salt. During a regeneration cycle, the resin beads are washed in a brine solution to remove calcium and magnesium from the beads, replacing it with sodium. This adds a trace amount of sodium to your home’s water supply, but is not harmful for most people on normal diets.
However, if you have copper plumbing, you should filter the water prior to softening to reduce the risk of consuming excess copper. Water softeners can also be prone to iron fouling, so they should be periodically regenerated and cleaned with commercial products to avoid contamination.
Benefits
If you want to purchase a water softener, working with an expert will ensure that your home is prepared for the installation process. They can find you a plumber and ensure that the job is completed correctly and efficiently. They can also provide insight into complementary products, such as whole-home water filters and salt or softener cleanser that will help extend the life of your system.
Water softeners work by exchanging the calcium and magnesium ions found in hard water for sodium ions. These ions are less damaging to pipes and more effective for cleaning and washing. The result is softer skin, shinier hair and brighter clothes. It can also help reduce the amount of soap and detergent used to wash your laundry and dishes, saving you money.
The water softener is installed close to where the main water line enters your house, often in a garage or basement. It is usually installed before the water line reaches the water heater so that the heater does not get damaged by the hardness of the water. During the installation process, it is important to shut off the water supply. Tools you will need include a pipe cutter, pliers, wrenches, tubing cutter and a bypass valve. You will also need a bucket for catching spills and towels to protect your hands.
Installation
Installing a water softener may seem daunting at first, but the process isn’t as complex as it seems. Many homeowners choose to have the installation done by a professional because it will save them money, but it’s also possible to do the job yourself. The key is to have the right tools and equipment. The first step is to shut off your home’s main water supply line, then open all the faucets in your house to drain them. Once the water is completely drained, you can begin the installation.
A water softener has two tanks: a mineral tank with plastic resin beads and a brine tank that holds salt or potassium chloride Stainless steel water purifiers solution. The brine tank pumps water through the softener to wash and regenerate the resin beads. It is important to find a flat location for the softener that provides easy access to an electrical outlet and a drain for discharge water. The location should be close to where the water enters your home, usually in a garage or basement.
You can connect the water softener to your home’s plumbing system by either hard-piping it with rigid copper or using flexible supply lines. The choice depends on your local codes, the type of pipe in your home, and your budget. If you decide to use rigid copper, make sure the pipe and fittings match the water supply line and bypass valve connections. A bypass valve allows you to switch your home’s water supply back to the original source in case of emergency or for routine maintenance.
Maintenance
Many homeowners are capable of installing their own water softeners, but some prefer to let a professional handle the task. A company such as Pentair Water Solutions can have a water-softening system in place within a couple of hours. These professionals also offer maintenance services to keep the unit working correctly.
Salt-based systems use ion exchange to rid the household’s water of hardness. They require regular, weekly maintenance in the form of recharging the resin. The process involves running brine through the softener tank and flushing the resin. The salt from the brine tank has a negative charge that attracts and replaces calcium and magnesium ions in the resin.
Once the resin beads reach capacity and cannot attract any more mineral ions, they must be regenerated. This is accomplished by sending high-sodium water from the brine tank through the softener. The sodium in the water has a positive charge, which displaces the negative charges on the resin beads and flushes them away.
Once the resin is regenerated, an on-board computer determines when to start the next cycle. The computer is programmed based on the size of your family and how much water you use. This prevents waste from regenerating the resin too early and from using up too much salt. It also avoids bypassing water usage hookups such as toilets and outside spigots.