RWC To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed a range of six cost databases on national and local levels. However, for an easier install, consider using SharkBite fittings. Water softeners generally improve the water quality in your home. Learn More. Looks like someone wanted to install a whole house water filter and forgot the filter. All water softeners are different, and you should consult your user manual for specific product information. Grain capacity of most household systems is about 24,000, which is typical for a four-person household. How To: Install Large Diameter SharkBite Fittings Now that PVC that I'm tying into leads to this spigot. Pipe Compatibility 9 Total Available Products Display 12 | 18 | All Toilet Connection Kit Shower / Tub Connection Kit 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. At one point, water softener companies successfully convinced most homeowners that they needed water softeners. This means that they are guaranteed to last at least 25 years. Can I safely attach new fittings to an older PEX A line? RWC link to Where To Find Cheap Or Free Building Materials To Build A Home On A Budget, SharkBite fittings are not immune to leaking. Learn about proper product care and handling for the SharkBite EvoPEX system. The cost of installing a water softener system can vary widely depending on the system you choose. How do you install a water softener with a loop? Find My Store. This will stop hard water scale from damaging the heating appliance, and provide hot and cold soft water to your home. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. Simply thread the female connection on the connector to the nipple and tighten. Your water softener might not come with all the materials needed for installation. But be aware that softening water can have some negative effects. Each of these plumbing types may require different materials and different tools for installation. For example, a half-inch plastic elbow has a 1-1/4 inch outside diameter. Next, use a pipe cutter to cut out a section of the pipe in your water supply. At the second stage, the pipe is pushed into an o-ring protector that will align the pipe. Autotrol 255/740 Logix Softener; Autotrol 268/740 Logix Softener; Autotrol Performa 268/760 Logix Softener; Fleck 2510 Softener; Fleck 5600 Softener; Water Softener Media. community. 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. 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. Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. The average cost to install a water softener is $300 to $500 USD so its fairly expensive. Even the best salt-based water softeners produce drain water during regeneration, and for that, they require a drain connection. 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. Two 1" NPT female connectors and enough tubing to connect from the water softener to your existing plumbing. A water softener can also cause increased sodium levels in drinking water, and the automatic recharge cycle in a water softener causes sodium to be sent into the environment via the sewer system. All rights reserved, Corporate office: 601 Merritt 7, Norwalk, CT 06851. Some research on the different types of water softenersand how they function is a good idea. Prepare your SharkBite fittings for underground installation by watching this tutorial. The softener will now be ready to produce softened water in your home. According to Reliance Worldwide, the manufacturers of SharkBite, these fittings are only designed to be used with tubing/piping that is certified to the following terms: Before beginning any of the steps to install your SharkBite fittings, you need to select the correct size copper pipe and fitting for the job. If I have a Zoned HVAC system, should there be more than one filter to change? Quote from the video: This will give you the circumference. Ensure the whole system is protected against water damage, including any pipes and cables. Two 1 NPT female connectors and enough tubing to connect from the water softener to your existing plumbing. Quick Installation Checklist see installation manual for details, Extend your warranty Quickly connect water heater supply lines to existing pipes that dont line up. If it has a white collar, the fitting works with PVC pipe and is compatible with schedule 40, 80 and 120 PVC. Enable Performance and Targeting Cookies to view this content. Where can I find an old work ceiling box for armored cable? 2 Shut off the house water supply valves. In the best-case scenario, your home will have a plumbing loop thats easy to access, reducing the costs involved in the installation process. A bypass valve lets you shut off the cold water in your plumbing when youre performing maintenance on your softener. How do you connect PVC pipe to water softener? The hard part comes when you have to measure and select the correct size of fitting for your pipes. Install the system on the side of your house, as close to your waters point of entry as possible. Tighten the fittings using an adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers. Watch how to calibrate your PEX clamp tool to properly install barb fittings. Most brands offer a range of systems, including larger and higher-end softeners. Read/Watch more: Water Heater Installation in Buford, GA. 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. You can buy covers and enclosures for an outdoor water softener, or construct your own housing. Salt or potassium refills cost $5 to $10 per 40 lb. 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. However, there is a growing selection of DIYers who would disagree. Youre seeing this ad based on the products relevance to your search query. Dispose of the water softener and resin separately. Hard water is water thats high in dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. If youre installing a whole-home system, your city or region may require a permit. Dont insert the drain line fully inside the drain, as this increases the risk of back-siphoning. Running PEX line through PVC then thread into end. Can I run a plumbing vent through a wall instead of the roof? Outdoor installations require a little more forethought. Whirlpool softeners can be installed by a DIY-er familiar with principles of plumbing. Conventional plumbing methods require that you have the patience, expertise and tools to implement them. Directly to a waste line from a household plumbing. Hard piping doesnt need additional adaptors, but flexible tubing is typically much quicker and easier to set up, and you wont need to take your soldering gun out for the job. A drain is necessary for the regeneration or recharge process. Before installing a water softener, make sure that you truly need one, and weigh the possible negatives. We strongly recommend buying a bypass valve if your softener doesnt come with one. Push-Fit Fittings: Clamping or crimping are not necessary for these fittings. Only 19 left in stock - order soon. To replace an existing water softener, youll only need 1-2 hours. If you have persistent hard water, opt for a more complex system, like an ion exchange double tank or a reverse osmosis system servicing the whole house. . Make sure the supply-side pipe is connected to the inlet port on the water softener; the house-side pipe to the outlet port. Where To Find Cheap Or Free Building Materials To Build A Home On A Budget. How Much Does It Cost To Install A Water Softener System, {{ tocState.toggleTocShowMore ? The brand of water softener you choose will also affect the price. Having an organized pantry is a great start, but a deep pantry presents a few challenges. Does it make sense to try mounting the jigsaw onto the table? So they will most likely use the best materials during the job. In either case, softening your water should only be necessary if your water hardness exceeds 7 grams per gallon. Regional office:150 King Street West Suite 200, Toronto, ON M5H 1J9. Press the valve into the corresponding port on the back of the control module (the box that houses the LCD display screen) and secure it in place with the provided clamps. We make a connection at the softener. Not to mention, the tape will give your fittings that extra boost so that you can ensure everything is fully connected. And this lets you know exactly how far you should be pushing your pipe into the adapter. Most retailers like Sears and Home Depot provide an installation service at an extra fee. Labor rates to install a water softener system can be as low as $150 for a simple installation of a basic system. These systems work by boiling water and catching the vapor. As long as you have the right tools and equipment, and closely follow the user manual, you shouldnt find the process too difficult. Pay attention to orientation of the unitthe INLET should be attached to the water supply pipe and the OUTLET should go toward the water heater. Systems with this capacity cost between $300 and $600. How Much Does Ethernet Installation Cost? Systems, equipment, issues and circumstances vary. Then simply push the SharkBite Push-Fit end onto Copper, PEX or CPVC pipes and your Water Softener is connected. When youre deciding where to install your water softener, consider the following things: When installing a water softener in your basement, place the system as close to the entry point of the incoming water pipe as possible. Consequently, you should test your waters hardness levels to determine if going through the trouble and expense of installing a water softener is absolutely necessary. Fast, efficient and reliable, our transition fittings are compatible with Polybutylene, PEX, PVC, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE, and are approved for behind-the-wall installation as well as burial. 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. If there are no leaks, allow a couple of minutes for trapped air to be released. with Whirlpool Use of the Blog is subject to the Website, Have Hard Water? This involves paying an installation fee and a monthly usage fee. Turn on the home's water supply system by opening the main shutoff valve. All Rights Reserved. Tub and Shower Installation Kit for 1/2-in Pipe. Push to Connect Water Softener Connector can be used for connection of new water softeners or replacement of existing connectors on your water heater. Additionally, it should be installed before the water line reaches your homes hot water heater so that the tank and hot water lines dont become contaminated with hard water. To install the drain line, connect the units drain valve to the drain hose, and attach flexible tubing to the brine tank and control valve. However, most require the same basic installation process. Watch how to install a SharkBite water hammer arrestor on a washing machine outlet box to quiet water noise. Attach them to an air gap fitting if you are using one, or anchor them securely to a utility sink or floor drain. As a general rule, its best to place a water softener at the earliest possible point in your home plumbing system. Not all water softener systems impact your entire homes plumbing. The guidelines for sanitizing should be outlined by your manufacturer. What size drain is required for a water softener? HOMESERVE, the HOMESERVE Design and HOMESERVE USA are trademarks of HomeServe PLC. If your clothing loses its brightness quickly, your fabrics don't feel soft, or you notice spots or stains on your dishes, shower doors, faucets and fixtures, then you may have a hard water problem. 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. Fitting. Before installing a water softener, have the hardness of your potable water supply tested. Most professional plumbers believe that SharkBite fittings and other kinds of push-fit fittings should only be used as an emergency, temporary fix, and not for any enclosed or permanent plumbing system. Youll need to protect your water softener from the elements. 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. The teeth on the grab ring will then open out to grip onto the pipe. Lets look at how to install a water softener at your main supply line. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, Copper, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE pipe. Ensure proper placement. The number of people in a household provides a basis for the minimum number of grains you should be looking for in your next unit: 1-4 People: ~30,000 grains minimum 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. But, as capacity increases so does the price. Thes typically cost around $10 per kit. Learn how to install SharkBite push-to-connect stop valves with ease. Connect the flex lines to the water supply pipes, then into the back of the water softener unit, as directed by the manufacturer. We do not present information about every offer available. But, more comprehensive systems usually cost between $1,000 and $11,000. For homes with accessible plumbing, installing a water softener isnt hard its just a lengthy, fiddly process. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers offers appear on the site. Unfortunately we dont currently offer coverage in at There are also DIY test kits available, similar to those used to test swimming pool water. How To: Install Push-to-Connect Supply Stop Valves Watch how to properly install and remove SharkBite push-to-connect supply stops. Step 3: Tie Into the Water Supply Line. Youll hear a noise as air leaves the unit through the drain. They are the simplest to connect and dont even require tools to attach PVC to PEX To make the connection, just insert the PEX pipe into one end of the fitting; it will lock into place internally. The Forbes Home editorial team is independent and objective. For a whole-home, difficult installation, costs range from $500 to $11,000 . The pipe connected to where the main line continues into your home should be installed onto the outlet side of the softener. 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. Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with 15 years of experience in commercial, new residential plumbing, and residential service and repair. . Prepare your SharkBite fittings for underground installation by watching this tutorial. You can contact your local water company to see if they have your water supplys hardness level on file, or you can purchase an at-home hard water test kit. Then, slowly open your water softeners bypass valve to allow water to make its way into the tanks. *Water softener installation requires a 110-volt receptacle within 10 feet of the water softener. Quote from the video: bag, respectively. At the back of the brine storage tank sidewall, youll find a diameter hole where the grommet and elbow should be placed. Consult your user manual to check what type of valve your softener uses. Direct this hose to the nearest suitable drain and secure it down. Labor costs to install a water softener depend on the complexity of the installation. How Much Do Home Water Filtration Systems Cost? Push the fitting to the insertion mark you made. Use a twisting motion to release the tube. Be sure the pipe is free of scratches and debris. Squeeze the tongs with one hand and pull the pipe with the other. 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. 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. and the life of your softener It takes about 4-6 hours to install a water softener, depending on the complexity of the job. If you only have moderately hard water, you can DIY install a smaller water softener directly under the sink. Check out this quick hose bibb and sillcock installation tutorial. Youll want to make sure you have all the necessary supplies and tools before you begin, as you may need to cut some pipes to align your water softener and water supply lines. CPVC can handle temperatures up to 200 Fahrenheit, while PVC peaks at 140 Fahrenheit. Using either the tongs or clip, youll need to apply pressure to the release collar. Quote from Youtube video: So you lay your pipe into this you mark the bottom of the clip. 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. SharkBite water heater connectors use a gasket to seal onto the water heater pipe nipples, so. Partially open the main water supply valve to your home until its in the 1/4 position, and allow trapped air in the line to escape. Why do they put an A/C vent in the utility room? SharkBite Water Softener Connectors will decrease the amount of time and effort needed to install a Water Softener in your home and are the fastest way to complete your project. Targeting Cookies to view this content might not come with all the materials needed for installation an existing softener! If there are no leaks, allow a couple of minutes for trapped air be. Far you should be pushing your pipe into the tanks regeneration, and for that they. A basic system boiling water and catching the vapor of scratches and debris relevance to your search query work boiling. For a whole-home system, your city or region may require different materials and different tools for installation of plumbing... 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Household plumbing drain water during regeneration, and for that, they a! Are no leaks, allow a couple of minutes for trapped air to be.. Pipes and your water softener systems impact your entire homes plumbing DIYers who would disagree lets at...