When you decide to purchase a water softener, you may have logistical questions, like how do you install it, or more importantly, where should you install your water softener? With several options to choose from, it can feel daunting to decide—can you install it outside? Is it close enough to an electrical source? Is there access to drainage? Read on—we’re here to help.

Basement

The basement works best for most homeowners. The basement is out of the way, near the water source. Plus, it’s close to a drain and has access to electricity. In addition, most basements have plenty of space to accommodate softeners of all shapes and sizes. However, not all homes have basements, so this won’t work for everyone.

Crawl Space

Houses without basements may instead have a crawl space. Depending on the size of your water softener, this could work. Before committing to installation in your crawl space, take some time to measure the area to ensure the system can fit.

You should also consider the brine tank—you’ll need to regularly fill it with water softener salt, so you may need to look elsewhere if there’s an issue with access.

Garage

If your home doesn’t have a basement or has a crawl space that’s too small, a garage is an excellent alternative. The main benefit is during the installation process: instead of hauling a large system downstairs, you can simply wheel it into your garage. Keep in mind, though, that garage installations may require extra plumbing work to get the system set up.

If winters in your area are especially harsh, you may also need to make your garage temperature-controlled to avoid problems with freezing.

Utility Room

In some cases, the only option remaining is a utility room. These spaces are often the size of a small closet, so you may need to change the footprint slightly to make the system fit. With a little work to create a drain, even a utility room can become an excellent space for a water softener.

Now that you know where you should install your water softener, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for all your well water softener needs—we’re here to help!