Where Do Water Softeners Go?
When it comes to installing a water softener, the first thing you need to consider is where you want to install it. You’ll need to make sure that you have enough room for the unit and that it’s within easy access to your home plumbing.
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The best places to put your water softener are in your basement or garage, close to where the main water line enters your home. This is the easiest location for the unit to connect and get to work.
If you don’t have room in your basement or garage for a water softener, another option is to install it inside the house. In this case, the unit will need to be plugged into power and have access to the waterline and a drain for regeneration or recharge (if necessary).
One more option is to put your softener outside of the house near your outdoor faucets, but you need to make sure that it’s not in an area that may be subject to freezing temperatures. This could damage the unit and cause it to stop working.
You should also be able to place the unit in a spot where it can be easily serviced by a plumber. Ideally, the units should have a bypass valve that allows you to turn them off in case you need to perform any maintenance or servicing on the unit.
Once you’ve found the right place for your water softener, it’s time to install it. The installation process is relatively straightforward, as long as you follow a few rules.
- The unit must be located in a space that’s large enough to accommodate both the “mineral tank” and “brine tank.” These tanks need to be side-by-side, so make sure that you have room for this.
- If you’re installing your softener in a basement, the mineral tank should be located uphill of the drain and the brine tank should be downhill.
- You should have at least 12 feet of drain tubing to reach the drain.
- Having the drain in a sink can be acceptable, but if you have a large family or live in an older home, having a sewer trap installed as a backup is recommended.
- The drain should be connected to a trap or to a sewer outlet, as this will ensure that any wastewater is properly handled and not released into the air.
- The water supply to the softener should branch out to a cold line for all of your faucets and fixtures.
- When you’re finished, it’s important to run the water through your new water softener and check for leaks.
- The inlet and outlet should be correctly positioned on the unit.
- A valve should be installed in both the inlet and outlet to allow you to bypass the softener if needed.
A water softener can be a great way to improve your home’s plumbing experience, health, and wallet. By eliminating hard water, you’ll save money on your water bills, repair costs, and energy use. Plus, you’ll have softer skin and a better-looking home.