Where Are Waters Softeners Installed?
Water softeners can be installed anywhere in a home as long as there is access to plumbing, piping, and power. They can also be placed outside, but the temperature is a major consideration.
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Ideally, they should be near the point where the water enters the home (or, if your house is on a well, next to a pressure tank). If you have other treatment systems in place, such as a sediment or iron filter system, your water softener should be installed between those to keep them centralized and prevent the system from being damaged by hot water.
The size of the water softener depends on how many people live in the home and how much water they consume. The average American uses 80-100 gallons of water per day, so it makes sense to choose a unit that is large enough for that amount of usage.
There are three main types of water softeners: single-tank, dual-tank, and multitask. All three have different functions, but they all work the same way: Water flows through a mineral tank that attracts calcium and magnesium ions. These ions are then exchanged with resin beads and sent into a brine tank that’s filled with salt that washes away hardness minerals.
A single-tank system is the most common and cost-effective. It uses a control valve that tells the system when the resin beads are full of minerals and backflushed out. Afterward, the salty water from the brine tank is released and recharges the beads. These models usually cost $500 to $2,000 for the unit and installation costs, but they do require regular salt refills.
Double-tank systems have both a mineral tank and a brine tank. The first tank holds the resin beads that attract the ions, and the second tank holds the salty water that washes out the minerals and restores the beads.
This type of system is a little less expensive than the others and can be installed in a basement, but it requires a dedicated space for its equipment and drains. It can also be a little more difficult to install.
It’s a good idea to test your current water to see whether you need to soften it. This will help you determine if it’s worth the investment to have a water softener installed. You can do this yourself with a simple water testing kit, or you can call in an expert to perform an in-depth test.
Once you’ve determined that a water softener is a right solution for you, it’s time to get started. Fortunately, installing a softener is relatively simple.
You can do it yourself if you’re comfortable with DIY projects and have some basic plumbing knowledge. If you aren’t comfortable with the process, it’s best to have a professional install your new water softener for you.
The average cost to install a water softener ranges from $1,500 for a small unit to $3,500 for a large whole-house system. You can get free, no-commitment project estimates from experts near you.