If you don’t have a water softener, the task of installing one isn’t as hard as it might seem. Installing a water softener can save you money in the long run (to help pay off those holiday gift bills) and provide you and your holiday guests with soft, clean water.

DIY Checklist

• Examine the water softener buyers guide
• Determine what kind of water softener you will need and where to find it
• Assess the tools you need to install the system
• Purchase flex connectors to reduce installation time
• Choose the appropriate salt pellets for your water softener. High-quality salts, like evaporated salt, which is the purest form of salt, will result in fewer maintenance problems over time
• Go through a DIY installation checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything

Benefits

• Save 90 dollars per year on appliances
• Save 450 dollars per year on everyday products (shampoo, lotion, cleaning products)
• Save 60 dollars per year on having clean pipes
• Save 200 dollars per year on clothing and towels
• Save up to 29 percent on water heating energy costs in just one year

Whether you’re at the beginning of your water softener search or simply in maintenance mode, there are easy tips for every stage of the DIY process. After examining all the different components, you’ll be able to strike the perfect balance and find the best water softening solution for your home.

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When it comes to water softeners, the selection and installation process can be a bit overwhelming. But with a few easy tips, savvy DIYers can solve their hard water problems easily and affordably. Here are a few key tips to keep in mind:

It all starts with research

• Learn your hard water number and assess your household’s water use to help determine the best solution for your home.
• Find out which tools you’ll need to successfully prepare for and install your water softener as well as any additional tubing or fittings.
• Purchase flex connectors to help the installation. They eliminate issues of mating pipes to the height of the softener inlet/outlet, reduce stress on pipes, and take less time than traditional soldering. Flex connectors are found at any home improvement store.
• Choose the appropriate salt pellets for your water softener. High-quality salts, like evaporated salt, which is the purest form of salt, will result in fewer maintenance problems over time. Additionally, for homes that are concerned with clear water iron in their water supply, salt pellets are available that include a rust remover component.

Preparing for the installation

• Select the right location for the water softener. The best spots are level and dry, have at least 10 feet of piping between the softener and the water heater and are near the main water line, a drain and an electrical outlet.
• If installing outside, ensure your softener will be protected from the elements (rain, freezing temperatures, direct sunlight)
• Create and follow a detailed checklist to ensure you don’t miss key steps during installation.

Installation checklist

• Turn off the water supply at the main.
• Drain the water lines by turning on a faucet at the highest and lowest points in the house.
• Make sure that the incoming water connects to the inlet on the valve and that the outlet on the valve connects to the water supply going into the house. (Note: Many homes have a cold water supply line that branches off the main to supply outdoor hose connections. This water should not be softened.)
• Optionally, install a remote bypass that lets you shut off the water going to the softener.
• Make the proper connections by making hard connections to the water supply lines or by using flexible connectors and connect any drain lines.
• Fill the brine tank half-full with salt.
• Slowly turn the water back on at the main and ensure the bypass valve is shut.

Start-up and maintenance

• Enter your home’s preferred regeneration settings (based on the number of people in your home and the average water use).
• Complete an initial manual regeneration to get the process started.
• Monitor salt levels and conduct routine maintenance.
• Upgraded to a new model? Call your local garbage company for guaranteed pickup of the old softener.

Whether you’re at the beginning of your water softener search or simply in maintenance mode, these are easy tips for every stage of the DIY process. However, if you would like to make sure that you have everything installed properly, contact one of our dealers for a free in-home assessment.

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