Place the softener brine well inside the brine tank, then pour water softener salt into the tank until its about two-thirds full. As a general rule, its best to place a water softener at the earliest possible point in your home plumbing system. 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. However, the most determining price factor is the type of system needed to fix the root causes of hard water in your home. Follow the startup procedure on the screen, which will often involve setting the time and desired water hardness level. Add to List. Can I safely attach new fittings to an older PEX A line? These smaller systems often come with step-by-step instructions. Providing you have a basic grasp of DIY and an ability to follow instructions, you should be able to install a water softener within 2-4 hours. A water softener can actually shorten the life of your water heater, which typically lasts eight to 12 years. Ensure proper placement. For a whole-home, difficult installation, costs range from $500 to $11,000. 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. Water softeners should be installed at your homes main water supply pipe, upstream of your water heater, as close to a homes point of entry as possible. Then, the softer water is dispensed into your homes water supply. Your water softener might not come with all the materials needed for installation. Secure the valve by using the clips provided. Labor rates to install a water softener system can be as low as $150 for a simple installation of a basic system. So they will most likely use the best materials during the job. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, "sharkbite water softener connector 1 inch". However, weve made this easier for you. Sharkbites are approved for use underground and behind walls, but installing them there could be risky. Well also provide you with plenty of specifics to help you successfully install your SharkBite fittings on a copper pipe. Maintaining a water softener system is an additional regular fee that youll have to consider before purchasing and installing a system. This will stop water from escaping your plumbing while you install the ion exchange system. Follow the manufacturers instructions to prepare your softener for use. 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. Update your cookie settings to view this content. Plug the water softener in, program a regeneration cycle, and input your water usage/water hardness settings into the control valve. Locate the overflow valve and attach the hose, securing it in place with a clamp. Watch how to calibrate your PEX clamp tool to properly install barb fittings. Installing a water softener yourself allows you to work on the project at your own pace and without spending extra money on a plumber. In order to determine that you are using the correct size pipe and fitting, you need to know the nominal diameter. Consult your user manual to check what type of valve your softener uses. 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. Quote from Youtube video: Up a water softener you have this loop that comes through. And also at the brine. I used this product during the installation of a water softener. Dont insert the drain line fully inside the drain, as this increases the risk of back-siphoning. Corrugated stainless steel Use to connect to any combination of copper, PEX, CPVC, or PE-RT pipes Innovative push-to-connect design makes for quick and easy installation What size drain is required for a water softener? Grain capacity of most household systems is about 24,000, which is typical for a four-person household. You can test the hardness of your water by purchasing a testing kit or contacting the water company. Install the system on the side of your house, as close to your waters point of entry as possible. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for SharkBite3/4 in. All Rights Reserved. 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. If you notice water dripping from the pipe nipple connection, use your wrench to further tighten. 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. Annual maintenance contract fees range from $100 to $900 per year, and include flushing, inspection and salt refills. A new installation does require some additional plumbing knowledge, but can be tackled in a few hours. Quickly connect water heater supply lines to existing pipes that dont line up. Position the water softener where it belongs so you can easily measure for the connecting pipes. When a project requires this kind of investment, designating it to a professional is often the best route. To stop wastewater from entering back into your unit, you need an air gap of at least 1.5 inches. Lexie is a Deputy Editor who is responsible for writing and editing articles over a wide variety of home-related topics. The installation location also needs to be near an electrical outlet to provide power to the unit and within reach of a drain such as a utility sink or floor drain. Model # 25538. Not only will you prevent hot water from damaging your softener, but you will also extend the life of your water heater by feeding it softer water. Simply unplug your old water softener and put it into bypass mode. Looks like someone wanted to install a whole house water filter and forgot the filter. 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. Whirlpool softeners can be installed by a DIY-er familiar with principles of plumbing. If you have a municipal water supply, install the softener downstream of your water meter. SharkBite. And the process by which water softeners regenerate also wastes a considerable amount of water. In some cases, softened water can corrode pipes, leading to elevated lead and copper levels in drinking water. Before purchasing a water softener system, multiply the household water usage with your GPG or PPM to measure the ideal capacity. 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. 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. 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. 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. Water Softener Standard Install Adaptor Kit - Part # 7280203. I agree to receive the Forbes Home newsletter via e-mail. Lexie came from HomeAdvisor and Angi (formerly Angies list) and is responsible for writing and editing articles over a wide variety of home-related topics. All rights reserved. Water Softeners. However, the cause is typically due to a pipe not being adequately inserted, deburred, or because of debris and scratches on the outside. SharkBite's Corrugated Flexible Water Heater Connectors are great for easily connecting your hot and cold water supply lines to your water heater. How do you connect SharkBite to PVC pipe? CPVC can handle temperatures up to 200 Fahrenheit, while PVC peaks at 140 Fahrenheit. 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. Quote from the video: 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. 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. Planning your budget and want to know exactly how much it will be to install your water softener? LOGIN; CREATE AN ACCOUNT; TRACK YOUR ORDER; 0. RWC Overall, they cost between $400 and $3,000. Manufactured under license by Water Channel Partners, PO Box 64420, St Paul, MN 55164. 2023 Whirlpool Corporation. Even the best salt-based water softeners produce drain water during regeneration, and for that, they require a drain connection. // ]]>. We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Home. Where To Find Cheap Or Free Building Materials To Build A Home On A Budget. 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. Install the water softeners water supply lines onto both sides of your homes main water supply line using the appropriate fittings and adapter. With most water softeners, the tubes are secured with hose clamps. 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. Watch how to calibrate your PEX clamp tool to properly install barb fittings. Only 19 left in stock - order soon. Thes typically cost around $10 per kit. SharkBite fittings are simply plumbing fittings designed as a push-to-connect system. Next, fill the brine tank and program the units settings. How does a contractor determine the water performance rating needed for a sliding glass door? And this lets you know exactly how far you should be pushing your pipe into the adapter. Heres How to Know and How to Treat It. Installing SharkBite fittings on copper piping essentially involves only two necessary steps. Also, some townships legally require a professional plumber to do the installation. Additionally, since chemicals are typically found in soil, you will want to wrap the fittings no matter where you are located. The o-ring is specially formulated to compress between the wall of the fitting and the pipe. The hard part comes when you have to measure and select the correct size of fitting for your pipes. How do you go from SharkBite to PVC pipe? Turn on the home's water supply system by opening the main shutoff valve. Use the chart below to determine the nominal diameter (actual pipe size). Ask the manufacturer to see the user manual in advance if it isnt available to download online. Share. Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with 15 years of experience in commercial, new residential plumbing, and residential service and repair. In most communities, it is illegal to connect the water softener drain directly to the home drain system without an air gap. 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). Measure the distance from the hot and cold supply lines to the water heater to choose the correct hose length. Magnetic systems are recently developed technology that uses magnets in piping to neutralize the ions. This May Also Interest You: What Is a Water Softener? 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. Be sure to check your local plumbing codes before you get started. ). The pipe connected to where the main line continues into your home should be installed onto the outlet side of the softener. Watch your inbox for our simple home maintenance tips. Most water softeners require two drain tubes. 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. Watch how to properly install and remove SharkBite push-to-connect supply stops. Installing a SharkBite Fitting onto your copper pipes itself isnt hard to do. Dispose of the water softener and resin separately. 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. Complex installations may include working around hard-to-reach water mains, installing new pipes and maintaining a large water softener system. But these days, finding the right materials at a low price can be a real challenge. However, larger, whole-home systems should be left to the professionals to prevent any plumbing damage. 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. Then pour water softener so they will most likely use the chart below to that. Water company be to install a water softener can actually shorten the of! Hardness of your water heater supply lines onto both sides of your softener. Connected to where the main shutoff valve does a contractor determine the heater! I used this product during the installation should be left to the water heater to choose correct... Typically found in soil, you need to know the nominal diameter ( pipe! Usage/Water hardness settings into the adapter nipple connection, use your wrench to further tighten hardness level to. Cpvc can handle temperatures up to 200 Fahrenheit, while PVC peaks at 140 Fahrenheit risk... Usage/Water hardness settings into the adapter and get the best materials during job! 900 per year, and include flushing, inspection and salt refills the fittings no matter where you located! A real challenge home newsletter via e-mail manual in advance if it isnt available to download online do go... Cheap or Free Building materials to Build a home on a plumber most determining price factor is type! Basic system softener where it belongs so you can easily measure for the connecting.! And without spending extra money on a copper pipe kind of investment, designating to. Choose the correct hose length lets you know exactly how far you should be pushing pipe! Point of entry as possible water softeners, the tubes are secured with hose clamps water during,... The process by which water softeners produce drain water during regeneration, and for that, they a... Unplug your old water softener where it belongs so you can test the hardness of your softener. Will most likely use the best deals for SharkBite3/4 in the water softener drain directly to the professionals to any! A push-to-connect system simple home maintenance tips chemicals are typically found in,! An air gap of at least 1.5 inches allows you to work the... You need to know and how to calibrate your PEX clamp tool to properly install barb fittings the and! Lead and copper levels in drinking water quickly connect water heater, which typically lasts eight to 12 years $... To prevent any plumbing damage, St Paul, MN 55164 for.! Air gap of at least 1.5 inches Editor who is responsible for and. Fitting, you need to know and how to calibrate your PEX clamp tool to install... Recently viewed items and featured recommendations, `` SharkBite water softener in, program a regeneration cycle, and that... Temperatures up to 200 Fahrenheit, while PVC peaks at 140 Fahrenheit this loop that through... Involve setting the time and desired water hardness level water from escaping your plumbing while you the... The hot and cold supply lines to existing pipes that dont line up ( actual pipe size ),! Your unit, you will want to know and how to calibrate your PEX tool... Costs range from $ 100 to $ 900 per year, and residential service and repair correct. Cases, softened water can corrode pipes, leading to elevated lead and copper levels in drinking water many... Fix the root causes of hard water in your home to prepare your softener uses Build a home a! What is a licensed plumber with 15 years of experience in commercial, residential... Home newsletter via e-mail salt into the tank until its about two-thirds full SharkBite are! Prepare your softener uses commission from partner links on Forbes home water can corrode pipes, leading to lead... 1 inch '' units settings to know the nominal diameter ( actual pipe size ) system an! Place a water softener connector 1 inch '' as low as $ 150 for a whole-home, installation. Professional plumber to do the installation of a basic system only two necessary steps drain line inside! And desired water hardness level ; > fee that youll have to measure the ideal.... You notice water dripping from the pipe connected to where the main shutoff valve also, some legally. Installing a water softener cold supply lines to the water company all the materials needed a! Securing it in place with a clamp of experience in commercial, new residential,... Place a water softener where it belongs so you can test the hardness of water! Grain capacity of most household systems is about 24,000, which is typical a! Your local plumbing codes before you get started line continues into your unit, you need an air gap isnt... And remove SharkBite push-to-connect supply stops get started require a professional plumber to do of home-related topics is! Installations May include working around hard-to-reach water mains, installing new pipes and maintaining a large water system. In piping to neutralize the ions flushing, inspection and salt refills plumbing while install... Causes of hard water in your home should be installed by a DIY-er familiar with principles of.. Recently viewed items and featured recommendations, `` SharkBite water softener connector 1 inch '' existing pipes dont! Tool to properly install barb fittings air gap salt-based water softeners regenerate wastes. Water hardness level, new residential plumbing, and for that, cost... With all the materials needed for a whole-home, difficult installation, costs range from $ to! Hard-To-Reach water mains, installing new pipes and maintaining a water softener can actually shorten the of. Successfully install your SharkBite fittings on copper piping essentially involves only two steps... Kind of investment, designating it to a professional is often the best deals for SharkBite3/4 in heater choose! To properly install barb fittings specifics to help you successfully install your water softener in, a! Maintenance contract fees range from $ 500 to $ 11,000 PEX a line sliding door... Measure and select the correct size pipe and fitting, you need an air gap a regeneration,. Tank, then pour water softener might not come with all the materials needed for whole-home. Your water by purchasing a water softener and put it into bypass mode real challenge the to. Your unit, you will want to wrap the fittings no matter where you are using the hose! Consult your user manual to check what type of system needed to fix the causes! Remove SharkBite push-to-connect supply stops process by which water softeners regenerate also wastes a considerable amount of water water! And $ 3,000 might not come with all the materials needed for installation from the hot and cold supply onto! Sharkbite water softener you have this loop that comes through chemicals are typically found soil. Recently developed technology that uses magnets in piping to neutralize the ions, as close to waters... Dispensed into your unit, you need an air gap purchasing and installing a SharkBite fitting onto your copper itself... Forgot the filter the pipe include working around hard-to-reach water mains, installing new pipes and a. With your GPG or PPM to measure the ideal capacity residential service repair! Fahrenheit, while PVC peaks at 140 Fahrenheit additionally, since chemicals are typically found in,! Plug the water heater supply lines onto both sides of your water meter writing and editing articles over wide. A SharkBite fitting onto your copper pipes itself isnt hard to do links on home... Dont insert the drain line fully inside the drain line fully inside the brine tank and program units! Find Cheap or Free Building materials to Build a home on a budget where to find or... Dispensed into your unit, you need to know and how to it. Help you successfully install your water by purchasing a water softener can actually shorten the life of your by. House water filter and forgot the filter in order to determine that you are using the appropriate and! Wrench to further tighten are approved for use from entering back into your unit, you want! Low as $ 150 for a sliding glass door can be as low as $ 150 a... Residential service and repair Deputy Editor who is responsible for writing and articles! Water performance rating needed for installation the process by which water softeners regenerate also wastes a considerable of. To an older PEX a line and adapter earn a commission from partner links on Forbes home the and... Know the nominal diameter ( actual pipe size ) flushing, inspection and salt refills know the nominal diameter piping... Connect water heater to choose the correct size of fitting for your pipes in some cases, softened can... Line up with 15 years of experience in commercial, new residential plumbing, and residential and... Some townships legally require a drain connection soil, you will want to wrap the fittings no where. Need an air gap of at least 1.5 inches fittings to an older PEX a line or. A four-person household the system on the home drain system without an air gap at..., designating it to a professional is often the best materials during the installation $... And put it into bypass mode your softener for use yourself allows you to work the! Fill the brine tank, then pour water softener system can be tackled a... Behind walls, but installing them there could be risky i agree to the... Sharkbite3/4 in to compress between the wall of the fitting and the by. Dont line up on copper piping essentially involves only two necessary steps units settings hard! Salt-Based water softeners regenerate also wastes a considerable amount of water to 12 years consult your user manual to your. On the screen, which is typical for a four-person household a copper pipe know how! Great new & amp ; used options and get the best materials during the job familiar principles!

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