What does a water softener loop look like?

A water softener loop is a dedicated section of plumbing that allows water to be directed into and back out of a softener. It often appears as a U-shaped pipe or two capped pipes near the home’s main water line, usually close to a drain and electrical outlet.

A loop may also include shutoff or bypass valves. Because plumbing layouts vary, a technician should confirm that the pipes form a usable softener loop before installation.