Where Are Most Water Softeners Installed?
In most areas, it’s best to install a water softener near your home’s water entry point. This will prevent hard water from staining your faucets, bathtub, and toilet bowl. Water is pumped through a mineral tank, which contains plastic resin beads that capture hard minerals. The resin is then rinsed away in a regeneration cycle.
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Choosing where to install your new water softener depends on the size of your home and the amount of water you use daily. For example, a four-person household will use around 100 gallons of water per day. If you have a larger home, you’ll need to purchase a larger water softener.
Installing a water softener requires some basic plumbing work, but it can also require a lot of structural changes. Some homes don’t have easy access to the main water line, and installing a new piping system can add to the total installation cost. Depending on your needs, you may want to hire a plumber for this task.
If you live in a warmer climate, you may have the option of installing a water softener outside. However, you will still need to have the proper power source and drainage. Also, the area must be protected from freezing temperatures, as water softeners can be damaged when they freeze. You’ll also need to make sure that the area you’re installing it in is insulated.
A typical water softener requires about nine square feet of space, so it’s important to have enough room for it to be installed. If you don’t have a large amount of space, you can choose to install it in a closet. Alternatively, you could choose to install it in your garage. Garages are usually spacious, and offer a protected location.
When installing a water softener, be sure to follow the guidelines provided by your local municipality. Most places will not permit discharge of water from outdoor water softeners. Be sure to install the unit in a place that’s out of direct sunlight. It’s a good idea to find a place with a drain, as this will keep your grass and landscaping from being destroyed by the discharge.
Whether you’re installing a new water softener or repairing an existing one, a trained and experienced plumber can help you with the installation. They’ll be able to explain the different types of water softeners, and provide an estimate of the cost of installing a new unit. Typically, they’ll provide free estimates, based on the scope of work.
Depending on your home’s size, you’ll need to decide whether you’ll need a smaller or larger water softener. Smaller water softeners generally don’t require a large footprint, and can be installed in a basement or crawlspace. On the other hand, larger systems will require more space, and they may not fit in a crawlspace.
The total cost of installing a new water softener can vary widely depending on your needs and the type of system you choose. You’ll need to calculate how much water you’ll use on a regular basis, as well as the grain capacity of the unit.