DIY Water Softener Installation – Difficulty Level<\/h2>\n
There are several different types of water softening systems<\/a> that you can\u00a0install in your Depending on your home, the types of pipes you have,<\/strong> and the location you intend to install your softener in<\/strong>, your difficulty level can also vary. It is recommended to hire a professional if you haven’t had any experience in doing various home improvement projects, nonetheless jobs that involve pipes. It’s something that you don’t want to mess with because it can cause a lot of mess if you do not know what you are doing down there. I’ve heard of a guy that flooded his whole house because he didn’t know what he was doing. Yikes!<\/p>\n That being said, most homeowners that have some DIY experience and who are comfortable with cutting through pipes can tackle this project with several different kinds of filters.<\/p>\n Some smaller filters will only require you to install some compression nuts on the pipes, but larger whole house filters may require soldering of the pipes.<\/p>\n On a scale of 1 to 10,<\/b> with a 1 being so easy that anyone of any ability level can install it, and a 10 being so difficult that only a professional can do the job, you should consider:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Keep in mind that in some areas, installing a whole house water filtration or water softening system will require you to conform to building codes<\/strong> and possibly to pull a permit as well. <\/span><\/p>\n If a permit is required<\/strong><\/em>, keep in mind that your work will be inspected by the town after completion. <\/span><\/p>\n Check with your town hall before you begin to find out what types of systems may require a permit.<\/span><\/p>\n \n The type of system<\/strong> that you install is going to dictate in large part where you end up putting it. So, if you are unsure about this part of the job then I would suggest hiring a professional instead rather than trying to accomplish the task on your own. It’s better to be safe than sorry especially when it comes to expensive things like a water softener. Personally, I’d rather have someone do it for me for a couple of twenties than having to bother doing it on my own and risking doing it wrong. Unless, you got the skills needed to execute it properly, I’d pay someone else to do it.<\/p>\n Whole house systems, for example, need to be installed as close to the place where the water enters your house as possible. <\/em><\/p>\n You\u2019ll want the system to feed into the hot water heater at a minimum, because otherwise the hard water could end up corroding the tank and shortening its lifespan.<\/p>\n Do not<\/strong> install your softener downstream from your water heater, as the high temperatures could damage the unit. <\/em><\/p>\n If you are installing a reverse osmosis or salt-based system, you will also need to ensure that your system is near a drain, or that it can be flushed into a nearby drain or into a sump pump to be flushed outdoors. Under sink models can usually drain straight into the waste line.<\/p>\n If you are installing a salt-based system, and for health reasons you need to restrict sodium in your drinking water, you may want to place your system so that it bypasses either the cold water entirely<\/strong>, or just bypasses your drinking faucets.<\/strong><\/p>\n Reverse osmosis filters can soften your water while removing things like chlorine, rust, and sediment as well, but these are usually installed just at your faucet to improve the taste of your water, rather than at the point where water enters your home.<\/p>\n It’s possible to purchase a large enough system to soften the water throughout your home, while improving the taste and quality of the water, but this can get very expensive, and usually requires professional installation.<\/p>\n Magnetic systems are the easiest to install, and can be put nearly anywhere.<\/p>\n It\u2019s recommended that you install them on your main water line as close to where the water enters your house as possible.<\/p>\n Remember, the further back on the line you go, the more you\u2019ll be protecting your pipes from the corrosive effects of hard water. <\/em><\/p>\n In most homes, you\u2019ll want to install your system in your basement, or in a utility closet close to your water heater.<\/p>\n Even systems that aren\u2019t covering the whole house should ideally be installed as far down the line a possible so that your showers, washing machine, kitchen and bathroom sinks are all covered.<\/p>\n As with any plumbing job, your biggest costs in installing a new water softening system are going to come from the water softener itself.Reverse osmosis systems are the most costly, which is why many people opt for the smallest versions possible and install them only at the faucet.<\/p>\n Keep in mind that the size of your unit is directly correlated to the size of your home; the more water that the system has to filter, the more it will cost.<\/b><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Keep in mind that factored into the cost of doing the work yourself is any tools and other materials you may need, such as a pipe cutter, fittings, and a soldering torch. If you have these tools already in your possession, your cost will be less than if you need to purchase them.<\/em><\/p>\n If you\u2019re not comfortable with doing the install yourself, there are many companies out there that can do the work for you. Their prices range depending on the size of the unit, its location, and how hard it is to reach.<\/p>\n If you decide to have a Pro go ahead with the install for you, you can generally find one a few different ways.<\/p>\n In many cases, the company you purchase the unit from will be able to assist with installation, preferring to give you a package deal on purchase and install.<\/p>\n In fact, some reverse osmosis manufacturer will install your unit for free when you purchase directly from them. Otherwise, you can generally find someone to do the install for you by visiting 1800contractor.com to find a certified technician in your area.<\/p>\n [contentblock id=1]<\/p>\n Keep in mind that every water softener system that you purchase may come with its own set of instructions. Always refer to the included instructions when installing\u00a0your water softener.<\/p>\n \u200b<\/p>\n These instructions are for how to install a whole-house water softening unit.<\/p>\n Before you begin any install, check with your local town hall to make sure that you are conforming to building codes; some codes will require a bypass or shut off valve to be installed with the unit.<\/p>\n Many units will also come with a bypass valve already installed; refer to your manual in this case. (Tips on cutting and soldering copper pipes can be found here<\/a>)<\/p>\n Note:<\/b> If you have a well, you may need to know how to install a salt-based system to help filter the water, simply because well water is more likely to contain hard water minerals that water coming from a treatment facility.<\/p>\n You shouldn\u2019t have any trouble installing the system with a well, unless you have problems with supply or pressure. In this case, consult a plumber or well company to address this problem first, then install the water softening system.<\/p>\n \u200b<\/p>\n There are a number of different types of non-salt systems on the market.<\/p>\n This installation describes the filter system, which uses a non-salt media to filter the water. Also included in the package is a guide on how to install the water softener.<\/p>\n Always refer to the manufacturer\u2019s instructions when installing your non-salt water softening system to ensure the best results.<\/p>\n Here is a video of a larger, whole house salt-free system (the Aquasana whole house system) being installed:<\/strong><\/p>\n www.watersoftenercritic.com\/aquasana-eq-1000-whole-house-water-filter<\/a><\/p>\n Here is a video of a typical, smaller, salt-free system (the Nuvo h20) being installed:<\/strong><\/p>\n www.watersoftenercritic.com\/nuvo-water-softener-review<\/a><\/p>\n \u200b<\/p>\n Most whole house systems must be sized directly to the house. This installation deals with smaller, under the sink units that can deliver purified water through its own tap. NOTE: If its a faucet water filter <\/a>that you are trying to install, it will be much easier.<\/p>\n [contentblock id=1]<\/p>\n Not all water softeners require a drain, but those that don’t usually act more as filters than actual softeners. What people usually see as salt-less and easy-to-install softeners are actually water descalers or electronic water conditioners. With that said, those are also great alternatives in case you want to avoid California’s strict water softener regulations or if you simply don’t want the hassle of connecting an entirely new system to your existing drain.<\/p>\n So you really don’t want to or can’t afford to install a softener to the drain? Well, an alternative would be to route the discharge to a bathtub or sink. Though not a great solution by far, it can save you a lot of hassle if your house is extremely small and you can’t install a softener to a drain in any given way. However, to be aware that the excess minerals found in the softened water might leave severe stains in your bathtub or sink. So, if you plan on doing so, do assume the risks from the start so that you won’t have an unpleasant surprise afterward. Luckily, you can clean those resulting limescale stains with these methods<\/a>.<\/p>\n In theory, yes, but that doesn’t mean that it will necessarily happen. The anode rod inside a heater is designed to prevent corrosion by absorbing most corrosive elements, such as hard minerals. When installing a water softener, these hard minerals get removed from the water, thus making the heater’s anode corrode faster. The solution is to inspect your water heater’s anode more frequently and replace it as necessary. It’s the lesser evil, as hard water would otherwise provoke other damages such as corroded pipes and whatnot.<\/p>\n Hard water isn\u2019t necessarily harmful to your health, but might damage your pipes, staining your sink, and even making your water have a distinctive taste or odor.<\/p>\n Installing a water softening system is a great way to help solve these problems, giving you fresh clear water any time you want it.<\/p>\n Remember to always follow the specific instructions for the water softening system you have purchased, and if you run into problems, try consulting a few DIY forums such as the <\/strong><\/em>DIY Chatroom<\/a> or DIY Forums<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"water](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Difficulty-level1.png\")
home, and each\u00a0has its own level of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n
Where To Install A Water Softening System<\/h2>\n
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Water Softener Installation Costs<\/h2>\n
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Costs to Have a Pro Do the Install<\/h2>\n
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Finding a Pro to Do the Install<\/span><\/h2>\n
How to Install a Water Softener: A Step-by-Step Guide<\/h2>\n
Installing a Salt-Based Water Softening System<\/h3>\n
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Installing\u00a0a Salt-Free System<\/h3>\n
![\"nuvo](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/nuvo-water-softener.jpg\")
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Installing a Magnetic System<\/h3>\n
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Most magnetic systems are fairly easy to install and can be done by most homeowners.<\/p>\nTools & Materials Required<\/span><\/b><\/h4>\n
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Installing\u00a0a Reverse Osmosis System<\/h3>\n
![\"ispring](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/ispring-reverse-osmosis-300x203.png\")
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Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
Do all water softeners need a drain?<\/h3>\n
What happens if you don’t have a water softener drain?<\/h3>\n
Do water softeners damage water heaters?<\/h3>\n
Enjoy Your New System!<\/h2>\n