A water softener can make the water in your home less abrasive on your skin and hair by filtering out hard minerals. This handy tool can also prevent scaling on your appliances and pipes, as well as make your skin smooth. If you see signs of scaling or buildup your shower head or pipes, consider installing a water softener. It will lower utility bills and keep laundry from becoming grey and dingy. This is especially true for homes with well water softeners. Follow these steps to learn how to install a water softener.

Where Should You Place Your Water Softener?

Place the water softener near the water heater. Pay attention to the unit’s placement. The inlet is attached to the water supply pipe, and the outlet needs to be near the water heater.

Shut Off the Water

You need to turn off both the water supply and the circuit breaker to the water heater. To ensure empty pipes, turn on hoses or faucets on the ground floor of your house.

Cut the Supply Line

With a pipe cutter, cut the water supply line; then, run two lines to the inlet and outlet ports of the bypass valve. You’ll need to install elbow fittings.

Consider the Orientation

The water supply, or the hard water, has to run into the water softener’s inlet. The soft water will exit through the outlet into the water heater. Then, the water will flow to the house’s faucets.

Bypass Valve

A bypass valve maintains the water softener’s pressure. Cut, install, and solder pipes leading to the bypass valve. Solder before attaching to the plastic valve, as this could melt or warp the bypass valve.

Drain Hose

Make sure there’s a sink or drain nearby for the drain hose. Clamp the hose and run it to either. The hose needs to be at least two inches from the drain to prevent it from siphoning backup water.

Brine Tank

A brine tank is the main tank of the water softener. Connect an overflow tube to this. Be sure to place the overflow discharge beneath the fitting.

Open Valves

Turn the valve to the “Bypass” position, and run the water through the softener to flush out debris and clear air from the pipes. Open the valve to the water heater; then, flip the circuit breaker and re-light the pilot light if necessary.

Then, turn the valve to the “Backwash” position after the power is on. Press and hold the “Regenerate” button until the valve hits “Backwash.”

Open the Inlet

Open the inlet slowly. Press the “Regenerate” button, and let the softener cycle through to “Service” settings. Now, you can program the controls.

Learning how to install a water softener can take some time. If you have any questions, reach out to us at Delmarva Water Solutions!