Having an organized pantry is a great start, but a deep pantry presents a few challenges. The installation took only seconds and is leak free. More Economical For Your Plumbing Project. Please check back soon. Installing a water softener will be easier if you understand precisely how a water softener works. A water softener can actually shorten the life of your water heater, which typically lasts eight to 12 years. You can buy covers and enclosures for an outdoor water softener, or construct your own housing. Home; Water Softeners . Use a twisting motion to release the tube. How do you go from SharkBite to PVC pipe? If there are no leaks, allow a couple of minutes for trapped air to be released. Watch how to quickly install SharkBite ProLock twist-to-lock fittings. All rights reserved. At the second stage, the pipe is pushed into an o-ring protector that will align the pipe. Learn about proper product care and handling for the SharkBite EvoPEX system. And there you have it: thats how to install a water softener. 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. 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. He will have to shut the water off at curb for a short time, that would be the biggest inconvenience for the repair. Cut the pipe as cleanly and squarely as possible. Why does my re-plumbed shower come on whenever the tub faucet is opened? How to Install SharkBite Water Heater Connectors Measure the distance from the hot and cold supply lines to the water heater to choose the correct hose length. Installing SharkBite fittings on copper piping essentially involves only two necessary steps. All Rights Reserved. Soft water or sodium water softeners can actually corrode the water heater anode faster and cause corrosive elements to move into the water heater. Outdoor installations require a little more forethought. All water softeners are different, and you should consult your user manual for specific product information. If your plumbing is smaller or larger than 1. 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. Repairing or installing water lines within your home typically requires that you use crimpers, adhesives, or solder. Why does a water softener drain need an air gap? 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.. Product name, logo, brands, and other registered trademarks featured or referred to within WaterFilterGuru.com are the property of their respective trademark holders. To avoid this, have the anode rod regularly inspected and replaced when necessary. The most common type of residential water softener is an ion-exchange system, which uses negatively charged resin beads to attract the positively charged minerals before exchanging them with softer, positively charged sodium or potassium chloride. entity names and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. for pricing and availability. Attach them to an air gap fitting if you are using one, or anchor them securely to a utility sink or floor drain. Check out our selection of products to find the ideal unit for your needs. Enable Performance and Targeting Cookies to view this content. 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. You can test the hardness of your water by purchasing a testing kit or contacting the water company. Removing all chemicals, minerals and toxins from your water, reverse osmosis systems tackle high mineral build up. That means placing your water softener somewhere it can feed into your water heater, rather than placing it downstream from this equipment. Push the bypass valve into place on the back of the unit. If your water softener has two separate tanks that stand apart, connect the brine tank and the mineral tank with the tubing included with the water softener. community. Before you begin, double-check that the fitting and piping are in good condition, clean, and free of any foreign objects or apparent damage. The brand of water softener you choose will also affect the price. Youre seeing this ad based on the products relevance to your search query. Lets explore SharkBite fittings in further detail. These systems are available in single and dual tanks. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary. 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. 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 your home has excessively hard water, the best solution is to install a whole-home water softener. In some cases, softened water can corrode pipes, leading to elevated lead and copper levels in drinking water. Hiring a Professional. Resin; Underbed Gravel ; Keep in mind that these are not for heavy-duty, whole-house servicing. RWC Connect the mineral tank to the brine tank with the provided tubing and clamps. jQuery(document).ready(function($){ $("#frm_field_43_container .frm_error").clone().insertAfter("#frm_form_7_container .frm_submit"); }); The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Home. *Water softener installation requires a 110-volt receptacle within 10 feet of the water softener. For a whole-home, difficult installation, costs range from $500 to $11,000 . Determining what size pipes you need for your particular project can be a challenge. Why do they put an A/C vent in the utility room? Watch how to calibrate your PEX clamp tool to properly install barb fittings. 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. Make sure the supply-side pipe is connected to the inlet port on the water softener; the house-side pipe to the outlet port. 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. I agree to receive the Forbes Home newsletter via e-mail. Learn more about how to install a water softener in this simple step-by-step installation guide. Plug the unit into the nearest electrical outlet and turn on the control module. Direct this hose to the nearest suitable drain and secure it down. Step 3: Tie Into the Water Supply Line. Pushing the clip against the release collar, pull the tube with a twisting motion to release. SharkBite fittings are simply plumbing fittings designed as a push-to-connect system. The United States Geological Survey has a map of harder water regions. Expect to pay between $150 and $1,000 on labor costs to install a water softener in your home. How do you connect SharkBite to PVC pipe? If the pre-plumbing for your water softener is conveniently located near the equipment itself, you can save time and money eliminating the need for additional plumbing. The average person uses about 90 gallons of water per day. While this is less expensive up front, you may end up paying more in the long run. Urban and metropolitan areas tend to have higher costs for materials and labor than rural regions. Use the chart below to determine the nominal diameter (actual pipe size). Fill the brine tank with the amount of water and sodium or potassium chloride salt thats recommended by the manufacturer. If you have an electric water softener, plug the unit into a GFI outlet. The PEX stiffener does not need to be removed for Copper or CPVC applications. 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. 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. Annual maintenance contract fees range from $100 to $900 per year, and include flushing, inspection and salt refills. Planning your budget and want to know exactly how much it will be to install your water softener? Push-to-Connect Braided Water Softener Connector FIP X 18 In. If your salt-based water softener uses a brine tank overflow grommet, install this first. If you're not experienced at this type of work, it is better to have the water softener installed by a plumber or water softener service that specializes in this work. Two 1 NPT female connectors and enough tubing to connect from the water softener to your existing plumbing. The pipe connected to the main water supply where it first enters your home should be installed on the inlet side of the water softeners bypass valve. The national average for a water softener system installation, including labor and materials, is around $1,500. Watch how to properly install and remove SharkBite push-to-connect supply stops. If your home uses an electric water heater, you should turn this off as a precaution. Only 19 left in stock - order soon. Need Help With Hard Water? Even the best salt-based water softeners produce drain water during regeneration, and for that, they require a drain connection. Over time, it can strain appliances by clogging pipes and reducing the water flow. However, for an easier install, consider using SharkBite fittings. The Forbes Home editorial team is independent and objective. This project requires more than just basic DIY knowledge. SharkBite also offers flexible water heater connectors with ball valves to provide a shut-off on the supply side of the water heater. Often, the drain lines are run to a floor drain, but you can also extend the drain line into the standpipe that also drains a washing machine, or into a utility sink or sump pit. 12 feet of drain tubing is supplied but if your drain is further then 5 feet away, you will need to purchase enough tubing to reach your drain. The term "hard water" refers to a potable water supply that contains a high level of dissolved mineralsmostly calcium and magnesium. 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. There are various options to accomplish the drain requirements. at the best online prices at eBay! You may have to pay upwards of $1,000 if your plumbing system isnt set up for easy water softener installation. There are several types of water softener systems and each have a slightly different cost. How Much Does It Cost to Install a Water Softener? 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. There are many other water softener alternatives. A bypass valve lets you shut off the cold water in your plumbing when youre performing maintenance on your softener. Before you commit to installing a water softener, verify that your water actually needs to be softened. Ask the manufacturer to see the user manual in advance if it isnt available to download online. Get daily tips & tricks to help make your best home, 6 Types of Water Softeners and How to Choose One, How to Uninstall a Dishwasher in 5 Simple Steps, How to Replace a Mobile Home Water Heater, How to Install and Connect a New Dishwasher, How to Install a Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System, How to Maintain a Furnace-Mounted Whole-House Humidifier, How Double Sink Plumbing Is Differentand How to Install It. SharkBite water heater connectors use a gasket to seal onto the water heater pipe nipples, so. A step-by-step guide on how to install a SharkBite FIP supply stop valve on a 1/2 inch iron pipe stub-out. However, if youre doing this project by yourself, the SharkBite fittings will save you money. SharkBite carries a wide range of braided and corrugated flexible water heater hoses that connect to PEX, copper, CPVC, or HDPE pipe. There are special air gap fittings that allow you to connect the water softener's drain tubes directly to a drainpipe or standpipe. Using either the tongs or clip, youll need to apply pressure to the release collar. Watch how to calibrate your PEX crimp tool to properly install barb fittings. Push-fit fittings can be utilized in underground applications and as manufactured joints without access panels.. Yes, SharkBite fittings are not immune to leaking. Before purchasing a water softener system, multiply the household water usage with your GPG or PPM to measure the ideal capacity. However, larger, whole-home systems should be left to the professionals to prevent any plumbing damage. 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. Install the system on the side of your house, as close to your waters point of entry as possible. Sound easy enough? Watch how to properly install and remove SharkBite large diameter push-to-connect fittings. Quote from Youtube video: I'm going to be using sharkbite fittings with this adapter this in fits into the PVC. Both drain tubes can go to the same drain, but they cant be connected together. Water hardness information may already be available from your community's water utility department, which should have precise measurements of the mineral hardness of the water supply. THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. The teeth on the grab ring will then open out to grip onto the pipe. 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 water quality tests can be purchased at any home center or hardware store, or from online retailers. Just make sure to look for a water softener that has clear, easy-to-understand instructions for installation. Next, fill the brine tank and program the units settings. Plug the water softener in, program a regeneration cycle, and input your water usage/water hardness settings into the control valve. But, more comprehensive systems usually cost between $1,000 and $11,000. Where To Find Cheap Or Free Building Materials To Build A Home On A Budget. Thanks & Welcome to the Forbes Home Improvement Community! 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. 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. 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. 'Show more' : 'Show less' }}. Flexible supply tubes are normally the better solution since they make it easy to remove or bypass the system in the future. and the life of your softener SharkBite fittings are rated for use with water but are not recommended for use with air or gas. Cut out a section of the water supply line and install adapters to accept the flex tube fittings. Then, follow each step in this guide so that you secure and remove the fittings accordingly and produce a job well done. SharkBite fittings come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE. A water softener removes minerals from your water supply and prevents scale buildup in your plumbing systems. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, "sharkbite water softener connector 1 inch". Watch how to install a SharkBite water hammer arrestor on a washing machine outlet box to quiet water noise. RWC Water softeners generally improve the water quality in your home. 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 Answer: You are BEST to simply connect into the PEX and PEX over to the softener itself, on the back of the softner will be a inlet and outlet by-pass valve to which you will need to connect into I suggest doing all this in PEX with the proper crimp rings to avoid leaks. Using a ruler or tape measure, find the length between the mark you made and the tip of the string. However, if you opt for an ion exchange water softener that adds sodium to your water, this can pose problems for those monitoring their sodium intake. FREE delivery Tue, Jan 10 . However, the cause is typically due to a pipe not being adequately inserted, deburred, or because of debris and scratches on the outside. Get the latest news, tips and promotional messages, including special offers. Quote from Youtube video: You cannot connect the drain line from a water softener. All Rights Reserved. All Rights Reserved. HomeServe is an independent company separate from your local utility or You shouldnt need to plumb the system into your water line because youll already have a dedicated setup for your existing softener. It can cause a wide range of problems in your home, like affecting the taste of drinking and cooking water, staining toilet bowls and sinks and damaging appliances like washing machines and hot water tanks. Installing a water softener yourself allows you to work on the project at your own pace and without spending extra money on a plumber. Watch how to calibrate your PEX clamp tool to properly install barb fittings. For homes with accessible plumbing, installing a water softener isnt hard its just a lengthy, fiddly process. This system is recommended for less stubborn cases of hard water and it costs between $200 and $600. Make sure the supply-side pipe is connected to the inlet port on the water softener; the house-side pipe to the outlet port. 1 Clear and sweep the area. Follow the manufacturers instructions to prepare your softener for use. How do you install a water softener with a loop? If you can spare the extra installation cost of getting a professional to hook up your water softener for you, you have several options. How do you connect PVC pipe to water softener? This will stop water from escaping your plumbing while you install the ion exchange system. I used this product during the installation of a water softener. You may have copper, PVC, CPVC, steel or PEX plumbing. with Whirlpool However, weve made this easier for you. Check whether your water softener needs to be sanitized before use. 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. They prevent a build up of ions in the water system and are best for people on low-sodium diets. Yes, you can install a water softener even if you have limited DIY experience. Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with 15 years of experience in commercial, new residential plumbing, and residential service and repair. Before installing a water softener, have the hardness of your potable water supply tested. Most water softeners can be put outside, but its best to look for one that is specifically advertised for both indoor and outdoor use. Model # 25567Z. Ensure the whole system is protected against water damage, including any pipes and cables. Sections of copper plumbing pipe and fittings can either be soldered together with solder flux and a blow torch, or connected with push-fit fittings like SharkBite connectors. The other drain tube connects to the brine tank and serves as an overflow drain. System you need to maintain an air gap. Conventional plumbing methods require that you have the patience, expertise and tools to implement them. 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. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. . If you dont have enough space for an indoor installation in your water supply system, you may also be able to install a water softener outdoors. We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Home. Labor costs vary not only based on complexity, but also handy labor rates in your area. However, buying a water softener from a hardware store is often more expensive than purchasing the same one online. While you may know you need a water softener after testing your waters hardness, the thought of installing a water softener can be daunting. It consists of two valves: one where the main water supply line enters the unit, and the other where the softened water exits to be transported into your home. 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (217) $29.49 $ 29. If desired, you can install a bypass valve onto the water softener unit. 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. Watch how to quickly install SharkBite ice maker outlet boxes. 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. Directly to a waste line from a household plumbing. Turn on the home's water supply system by opening the main shutoff valve. Can I drill access holes so that I can change a front load washer door seal without unstacking dryer. Water Softeners. Drain the water out of your homes water lines by opening a sink faucet until water stops flowing. They are great for DIY-installation and cost around $50 to $4,000 to install. Most water softeners require two drain tubes. Systems with this capacity cost between $300 and $600. Rheem RHS42 Water Softener Install + Sharkbite Connector Battle Scott Driscoll 2.62K subscribers Subscribe 312 51K views 1 year ago The process of replacing my busted kenmore softener. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. Quote from Youtube video: Up a water softener you have this loop that comes through. Insert the pipe into the SharkBite fitting. We also have a specific guide on how to install a water softener with a well. Quote from the video: Looking For Experts To Solve Your Plumbing Problems? Quote from Youtube video: And we connect it with a 3 8 compression. Open the faucets in your home to drain the water. Open a cold water tap somewhere in the house to allow air to escape as you refill the pipes. If I have a Zoned HVAC system, should there be more than one filter to change? Quickly connect water heater supply lines to existing pipes that dont line up. Why doesnt my threaded copper pipe fit a SharkBite reducer? In most communities, it is illegal to connect the water softener drain directly to the home drain system without an air gap. this time. When it is complete, check the water level in the brine tank and make whatever adjustments are recommended by the manufacturer. Labor rates to install a water softener system can be as low as $150 for a simple installation of a basic system. A single point of use reverse osmosis system that is attached to your sink can cost as low as $100. If youre prepared to take on a bit of handiwork, the cost to install a water softener is less than a professional installation. The final step is to add the salt (or potassium chloride) and start the system. Find My Store. Quote from Youtube video: Also we were attaching two PVC up there so we wanted to make sure we could push on and make that connection for PVC. Get expert advice on your home, design tips, how much to pay for pros and hiring experts, delivered to you daily. If your home has old plumbing, it may be trickier to cut the main line and connect the water softener to your water supply. Let's look at how to install a water softener at your main supply line. For a whole-home, difficult installation, costs range from $500 to $11,000. When a project requires this kind of investment, designating it to a professional is often the best route. Save more with Subscribe & Save. It should click or snap into position. Youll hear a noise as air leaves the unit through the drain. These tanks need to be installed side-by-side. Done. Thes typically cost around $10 per kit. They are best for drinking water. The ion exchange system flows water through sodium ions in a resin tank, where they undergo an exchange process, swapping in clean sodium ions for the hard ones. Can I run a plumbing vent through a wall instead of the roof? 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. Be sure to check your local plumbing codes before you get started. If you only have moderately hard water, you can DIY install a smaller water softener directly under the sink. This push-to-connect design is ideal for tight spaces and ensures a clean, leak-free connection. Cut the pipe as cleanly and squarely as possible. In other regions, especially those that draw water from wells, the hardness may be high enough that all homes will benefit from softened water. 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. Its always a good idea to confirm with your township to see what is required before installing a system. Be sure the pipe is free of scratches and debris. These smaller systems often come with step-by-step instructions. Heres How to Know and How to Treat It. And SharkBite couplings with a tan collar are designed to work with CTS pipes. 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. Is it safe to unclog the kitchen sink while letting the dishwasher run? 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? How Much Do Home Water Filtration Systems Cost? 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. Before beginning installation, you'll need to select a location for the unit. Not all water softener systems impact your entire homes plumbing. Check your local plumbing codes to see if hard piping to your water heater is required. Creating a detailed checklist before you begin, will ensure you dont miss any steps. For these pricier systems, costs are between $6,000 and $7,000. Push the pipe. and promotions, //