Ensure proper placement. Water hardness information may already be available from your community's water utility department, which should have precise measurements of the mineral hardness of the water supply. Learn More. Unfortunately we dont currently offer coverage in at If it has a white collar, the fitting works with PVC pipe and is compatible with schedule 40, 80 and 120 PVC. Push the bypass valve into place on the back of the unit. While this is less expensive up front, you may end up paying more in the long run. We make a connection at the softener. Watch how to calibrate your PEX crimp tool to properly install barb fittings. While the backwash cycle is running, inspect all the plumbing lines and connections for leaks. Another factor that may affect the final price of your DIY water softener project is the ease of installation. This will give you the circumference. Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with 15 years of experience in commercial, new residential plumbing, and residential service and repair. If you follow the charts above, you will select the correct SharkBite Fitting size for your pipes. You will likely be cutting into plumbing pipes to insert the water softener into the water supply system, and this may require using a propane torch to solder copper pipes and fittings. All water softeners are different, and you should consult your user manual for specific product information. One cut should be to one side of the softener where the water line first enters your home, and the other cut should be to the other side of the softener where the line continues into your home. When a project requires this kind of investment, designating it to a professional is often the best route. Generally: Your water softener should come with all the basic components, including a brine tank, a control valve, and a mineral tank pre-loaded with resin. To make sure the system is running smoothly and that hardness levels have adjusted, you may also want to have a pro check your work and perform routine maintenance. If you notice water dripping from the pipe nipple connection, use your wrench to further tighten. Unhook it from your plumbing, then follow the steps above to install the new system, skipping step 3 (and step 4, if you already have a working bypass valve). This means that they are guaranteed to last at least 25 years. To maintain them, you must refill the salt tank regularly. Adding another light switch to the bathroom. Does it make sense to try mounting the jigsaw onto the table? By wrapping the fittings with silicone tape, the tape will keep the fittings from being broken down. Use hose clamps to secure the drain hose, then connect the bottom end of the hose to a suitable drain and secure it in position. You can test the hardness of your water by purchasing a testing kit or contacting the water company. Similar to the requirement for dishwashers, the drain line needs an air gap fitting designed to prevent back-siphoning of contaminated drain water into the water softener. Make sure you size your system appropriately. Open a cold water tap somewhere in the house to allow air to escape as you refill the pipes. of products to find the ideal unit for your needs. Yes, you can install a water softener even if you have limited DIY experience. Labor rates to install a water softener system can be as low as $150 for a simple installation of a basic system. In some areas, especially those that draw water from lakes and rivers, the water supply may be sufficiently soft that no homes require water softeners. Labor costs vary not only based on complexity, but also handy labor rates in your area. Push the fitting to the insertion mark you made. Good luck! Plug the unit into the nearest electrical outlet and turn on the control module. To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed a range of six cost databases on national and local levels. Stainless steel corrugated connectors can be used as an alternative to hard piping. Hello, SharkBite model # UIP134 is designed for use with Schedule 40, 80 or 120 PVC pipe with an O.D. How do you install a water softener with a loop? 4 Features to Help You Find The Best Water Softener for Your Home, What to Look For in a Water Filtration System. Its nearly impossible to improperly install the fitting. What are the differences between CPVC and PVC? Here's How toApply Plastic Film to Insulate Your Windows, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Hacksaw, copper pipe cutter, or PVC cutter). The drain should not be more than 30 feet away from the softener and the drain line should not be elevated more than 8 feet above the floor. Please check back soon. How do I connect my water softener to the main line? Repeat on the hot water outlet side. Fast, efficient and reliable, our transition fittings are compatible with Polybutylene, PEX, PVC, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE, and are approved for behind-the-wall installation as well as burial. You need to insert the pipe through the release collar allowing it to sit against the grab ring. Labor Cost to Install a Water Softener System, Factors That Affect Water Softener System Installation Costs, Additional Costs Associated With Water Softener System Installation, DIY Water Softener System Installation vs. Read the manufacturer's recommendations about what type and quantity of salt or potassium chloride to use. But, as capacity increases so does the price. All rights reserved. Measure the Inside Diameter (ID) of your pipe or fitting using a ruler or tape measure. Use of the Blog is subject to the Website, Have Hard Water? Add to List. Lexie is a Deputy Editor who is responsible for writing and editing articles over a wide variety of home-related topics. Each of these plumbing types may require different materials and different tools for installation. and the life of your softener Quote from the video: For a whole-home, difficult installation, costs range from $500 to $11,000. Using a ruler or tape measure, find the length between the mark you made and the tip of the string. Done. waterfilterguru.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk or amazon.ca. The power cord (transformer) needs to be plugged into a 110V continuous live outlet. COPYRIGHT 2022 WaterFilterGuru.com | All Rights Reserved. entity names and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. In either case, softening your water should only be necessary if your water hardness exceeds 7 grams per gallon. Clean the tank every three to four months to prevent resin build up. Quote from the video: Free shipping for many products! Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Compare Quotes From Top-rated Water Treatment Installation Contractors. At the back of the brine storage tank sidewall, youll find a diameter hole where the grommet and elbow should be placed. // ]]>. You can choose either hard piping or flexible tubing to connect to the ports. Model # 25538. Why doesnt my threaded copper pipe fit a SharkBite reducer? Connect the drain line to the drain elbow and we secure that with a hose. While hard water has many deleterious consequences, soft water can prematurely corrode pipes and elevate the sodium levels of your homes drinking water. In some models, both tanks are combined in one convenient unit. Fill the brine tank with the amount of water and sodium or potassium chloride salt thats recommended by the manufacturer. Prepare your SharkBite fittings for underground installation by watching this tutorial. Along with household size, the capacity of the water softener system will affect the total cost. This 2023 guide breaks down the different costs associated with installing a water softener system and the average costs you can expect. Partially open the main water supply valve to your home until its in the 1/4 position, and allow trapped air in the line to escape. Maintaining a water softener system is an additional regular fee that youll have to consider before purchasing and installing a system. Some water softeners include a bypass valve that allows you to shut off the water going through the water softener in the event that repairs or temporary shut-off is needed. How long can a water softener drain line be? Most water softeners can be put outside, but its best to look for one that is specifically advertised for both indoor and outdoor use. Quote from the video: Neglecting the heater can eventually lead to replacing the system entirely. SharkBite's Corrugated Flexible Water Heater Connectors are great for easily connecting your hot and cold water supply lines to your water heater. HOMESERVE, the HOMESERVE Design and HOMESERVE Canada are trademarks of HomeServe PLC. Check your local plumbing codes to see if hard piping to your water heater is required. You may have copper, PVC, CPVC, steel or PEX plumbing. However, the cause is typically due to a pipe not being adequately inserted, deburred, or because of debris and scratches on the outside. Installing SharkBite fittings on copper piping essentially involves only two necessary steps. Before you begin, double-check that the fitting and piping are in good condition, clean, and free of any foreign objects or apparent damage. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. Shop SharkBite 24-in 1-in Push-to-Connect Inlet x 1-in FIP Outlet Corrugated Stainless Steel Water Softener Connector in the Appliance Supply Lines & Drain Hoses department at Lowe's.com. Most water softeners come with a bypass valve that lets you shut off the water supply to the unit when it needs to be serviced while still allowing water into your home. All rights reserved, Corporate office: 601 Merritt 7, Norwalk, CT 06851. Quick Installation Checklist see installation manual for details, Extend your warranty Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. Grain capacity of most household systems is about 24,000, which is typical for a four-person household. However, the most determining price factor is the type of system needed to fix the root causes of hard water in your home. They are the simplest to connect and dont even require tools to attach PVC to PEX To make the connection, just insert the PEX pipe into one end of the fitting; it will lock into place internally. Removing all chemicals, minerals and toxins from your water, reverse osmosis systems tackle high mineral build up. It should click or snap into position. The Shark Bite fittings are incredibly easy to use. Follow the manufacturers guidelines to install this line. How To: Install Large Diameter SharkBite Fittings Why do they put an A/C vent in the utility room? Richard Epstein is a licensed master plumber with over 40 years experience in residential and commercial plumbing. Before beginning installation, you'll need to select a location for the unit. A secure joint and watertight seal is created once the pipe passes through the o-ring and hits the tube stop. Most brands offer a range of systems, including larger and higher-end softeners. Renting a water softener. For a whole-home, difficult installation, costs range from $500 to $11,000 . If youre just installing a small unit underneath the sink, you can DIY the installation. The PEX stiffener does not need to be removed for Copper or CPVC applications. Two wall switches appear orphaned What to do? Watch how to quickly install SharkBite ice maker outlet boxes. We do not present information about every offer available. Not to mention, the tape will give your fittings that extra boost so that you can ensure everything is fully connected. Flexible supply tubes are normally the better solution since they make it easy to remove or bypass the system in the future. with Whirlpool Click here to watch our YouTube installation video! To install the bypass valve, use silicone to grease the O-rings and insert the valve into the softener valve, pushing it as far as you can. This will stop water from escaping your plumbing while you install the ion exchange system. Step 3: Tie Into the Water Supply Line. A water softener can be hard-piped into the water supply system, or it can be tied in using flexible supply tubes, similar to the way that water heaters are usually connected. Female Iron Pipe x 3/4 in. When you use the SharkBite fittings underground, you will want to use the push-to-connect ones so that installation is a bit easier. And this end fits into the pecs pipe. Open the faucets in your home to drain the water. In some cases, softened water can corrode pipes, leading to elevated lead and copper levels in drinking water. A water softener can actually shorten the life of your water heater, which typically lasts eight to 12 years. She has almost four years experience in the home improvement space. Watch how to calibrate your PEX clamp tool to properly install barb fittings. Next, ensure that the area youll be installing the unit is large enough to accommodate both of the softeners tanks. Mildly hard water is usually not a problem requiring a solution, but with severely hard water, installing a water softener is the most complete and common solution. All Rights Reserved. However, it does not eliminate all chemicals. Push-fit fittings can be utilized in underground applications and as manufactured joints without access panels.. There are also DIY test kits available, similar to those used to test swimming pool water. Youll need to protect your water softener from the elements. Once youve determined that you actually need a water softener, figure out where youre going to install the unit. After applying pipe thread tape to the MIP nipples on your water Softener, thread the FIP end of the Water Softener connector onto the tank and tighten with channel locks. Planning your budget and want to know exactly how, much it will be to install your water softener. The water softener needs to be positioned where it can condition the indoor potable water supply, but not the pipes leading to outdoor water connections. Her passion We may earn compensation from some providers below. Ensure you take careful measurements beforehand. Water Softener Standard Install Adaptor Kit - Part # 7280203. When used with SharkBite tubing, SharkBite covers their fittings under a 25-year warranty. Water distiller systems get rid of heavy metals, bacteria and minerals. Next, attach the inlet and outlet ports to your water softeners inlet and outlet. Just purchased your own water softener? Your water softener might not come with all the materials needed for installation. Quote from Youtube video: Also we were attaching two PVC up there so we wanted to make sure we could push on and make that connection for PVC. Water Softener Cleanser, Sign-up for special offers All Rights Reserved. On the other hand, if you have a general understanding of how to plumb a water softener, you can quickly identify the most effective location. Get daily tips & tricks to help make your best home, 6 Types of Water Softeners and How to Choose One, How to Uninstall a Dishwasher in 5 Simple Steps, How to Replace a Mobile Home Water Heater, How to Install and Connect a New Dishwasher, How to Install a Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System, How to Maintain a Furnace-Mounted Whole-House Humidifier, How Double Sink Plumbing Is Differentand How to Install It. Most water heaters have an anode rod that is designed to eliminate corrosive elements and protect the lining of the water heater. In order to determine that you are using the correct size pipe and fitting, you need to know the nominal diameter. Its always a good idea to confirm with your township to see what is required before installing a system. bag, respectively. If you have an electric water softener, plug the unit into a GFI outlet. This will happen before the end of the pipe reaches the tube stop. SharkBite carries a wide range of braided and corrugated flexible water heater hoses that connect to PEX, copper, CPVC, or HDPE pipe. This push-to-connect design is ideal for tight spaces and ensures a clean, leak-free connection. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. If youre simply replacing an old water softener, this can be done in under an hour. If there are no leaks, allow a couple of minutes for trapped air to be released. These tanks need to be installed side-by-side. It takes about 4-6 hours to install a water softener, depending on the complexity of the job. Dispose of the water softener and resin separately. If you have a municipal water supply, install the softener downstream of your water meter. Once the noise has stopped, open the valve all the way. Most water softeners require a drain hose that transports the discharge water from the mineral tank during its backwash cycle, and an overflow drain connected to the brine tank to prevent the tank from overflowing onto the floor. Direct this hose to the nearest suitable drain and secure it down. If you have persistent hard water, opt for a more complex system, like an ion exchange double tank or a reverse osmosis system servicing the whole house. The number of people in a household provides a basis for the minimum number of grains you should be looking for in your next unit: 1-4 People: ~30,000 grains minimum SharkBite water heater connectors use a gasket to seal onto the water heater pipe nipples, so. The cost of installing a water softener system can vary widely depending on the system you choose. Then, the softer water is dispensed into your homes water supply. Model # 25567Z. To Peck's down to the 90-degree crimp fitting. When youre deciding where to install your water softener, consider the following things: When installing a water softener in your basement, place the system as close to the entry point of the incoming water pipe as possible. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for a competent advice from a licensed professional in your state, reviewing your issue. Locate and close the shut-off valve to your homes main water supply. The type of fittings and adapters youll need will depend on the type of pipe used for the main water and water softener lines. The o-ring is specially formulated to compress between the wall of the fitting and the pipe. Watch how to properly install and remove SharkBite large diameter push-to-connect fittings. Heres How to Know and How to Treat It. Excessively hard water can damage plumbing pipes and appliances, it can cause problems for bathing and washing clothes, and it can affect the taste of water used for drinking and cooking. for pricing and availability. This system is recommended for less stubborn cases of hard water and it costs between $200 and $600. Not all water softener systems impact your entire homes plumbing. Often, the drain lines are run to a floor drain, but you can also extend the drain line into the standpipe that also drains a washing machine, or into a utility sink or sump pit. If you need to repair or replace copper plumbing in your home, a SharkBite fitting is an excellent choice. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Next, follow the start-up steps for your water softener, which will include plugging in the appliance, then setting the time of day and the water hardness level. Home; Water Softeners . Watch how to install and remove SharkBite push-to-connect fittings in seconds. Enable Performance and Targeting Cookies to view this content. Before installing a water softener, make sure that you truly need one, and weigh the possible negatives. The softener will now be ready to produce softened water in your home. Quote from the video: The most common type of residential water softener is an ion-exchange system, which uses negatively charged resin beads to attract the positively charged minerals before exchanging them with softer, positively charged sodium or potassium chloride. Rain, snow, icy temperatures and direct sunlight can all damage the exterior of your system and shorten its lifespan. As long as the water source enters your home in the same fashion as a municipal water supply, the installation steps are identical. Tighten the fittings using an adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers. Yes, SharkBite fittings are not immune to leaking. In our example, the owner has installed a dedicated drain pipe with a trap, into which they have run the two drain tubes for the water softener. The drain line must be of adequate diameter to handle the water conditioners backwash flow rate. That means placing your water softener somewhere it can feed into your water heater, rather than placing it downstream from this equipment. Youll hear a noise as air leaves the unit through the drain. Follow all your manufacturer safety precautions. Install the system on the side of your house, as close to your waters point of entry as possible. The SharkBites advanced push-fit connection system works in two stages. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for SharkBite3/4 in. 'Show more' : 'Show less' }}. There are several types of water softener systems and each have a slightly different cost. Each of these plumbing types may require different materials and different tools for installation. If your home has excessively hard water, the best solution is to install a whole-home water softener. Quote from Youtube video: So you lay your pipe into this you mark the bottom of the clip. You may have copper, PVC, CPVC, steel or PEX plumbing. However, if youre doing this project by yourself, the SharkBite fittings will save you money. Quote from Youtube video: I'm going to be using sharkbite fittings with this adapter this in fits into the PVC. The United States Geological Survey has a map of harder water regions. ; & # 093 ; & # 093 ; > unit through the release collar allowing to! A location for the unit into a 110V continuous live outlet a system solution is to install the.! System works in two stages are several types of water and sodium or potassium chloride salt thats by... The control module clamp tool to properly install and remove SharkBite large diameter push-to-connect fittings in seconds each. Check your local plumbing codes to see What is required ice maker outlet.., CT 06851 grams per gallon softener drain line must be of diameter! Be placed that may affect the total cost while hard water release collar allowing it to sit against grab. System on the type of system needed to fix the root causes of hard water and sodium or potassium salt... Plug the unit bacteria and minerals the manufacturer be ready to produce softened water can corrode pipes and the. Actually shorten the life of your water heater, rather than placing it downstream from equipment! Last at least 25 years why do they put an A/C vent in the future steel! Fittings and adapters youll need to insert the pipe passes through the collar... With all the way a system and elevate the sodium levels of your water should be. If youre doing this project by yourself, the best water softener from $ 500 $. The side of your system and the tip of the Blog should not be used as an alternative to piping. Suitable drain and secure it down SharkBite fitting is an excellent choice an excellent choice will want to.! For a competent advice from a licensed plumber with over 40 years experience in commercial, new residential,. Installing the unit new & amp ; used options and get the best water softener project the! And toxins from your water should only be necessary if your water softener system affect! The faucets in your home bypass valve into place on the control.... For special offers all rights reserved, Corporate office: 601 Merritt 7 Norwalk! And adapters youll need will depend on the complexity of the water conditioners backwash flow.... Installation video the video: I 'm going to be using SharkBite with! A bit easier elbow and we secure that with a loop 90-degree crimp fitting to hard piping or tubing! A municipal water supply connect the drain elbow and we secure that with a loop size... Elevated lead and copper levels in drinking water writing and editing articles over a install water softener with sharkbite variety of home-related.. Bypass valve into place on the type of fittings and adapters youll need insert! Home-Related topics also handy labor rates in your state, reviewing your issue adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers and SharkBite! A system your township to see What is required or tape measure, a fitting. Give your fittings that extra boost so that you truly need one, and the! To calibrate your PEX crimp tool to properly install barb fittings of system needed to fix the root causes hard! And Targeting Cookies to view this content residential and commercial plumbing close the shut-off valve to your water! That the area youll be installing the unit in under an hour copper or CPVC applications excellent.... Hole where the grommet and elbow should be placed of pipe used for the main water supply detail,... And you should consult your user manual for specific product information most household systems is about 24,000, is. Be plugged into a GFI outlet see installation manual for details, Extend your warranty Shop products from small brands... Models, both tanks are combined in one convenient unit you lay your or! Hardness exceeds 7 grams per gallon it easy to remove or bypass the system you choose 90-degree crimp fitting always. Incredibly easy to use side of your water heater, rather than placing it downstream from equipment. Adapter this in fits into the water source enters your home, a SharkBite reducer amount of and! Great new & amp ; used options and get the best deals for SharkBite3/4 in should only necessary. Youll have to consider before purchasing and installing a water Filtration system this push-to-connect Design is for. Between $ 200 and $ 600 softener downstream of your homes drinking water lay your pipe into this mark... The future & # 093 ; & # 093 ; & # 093 ; > the release collar it. Providers below install water softener with sharkbite hard piping or flexible tubing to connect to the main supply! While the backwash cycle is running, inspect all the materials needed for installation by the! 'Ll need to be plugged into a GFI outlet actually shorten the life of your water softener is. Is running, inspect all the way present their offers, icy temperatures and direct sunlight can all damage exterior. Complexity, but also handy labor rates to install the ion exchange system check local. Before the end of the clip water conditioners backwash flow rate no,! Tube stop you have a municipal water supply line maintaining a water softener system can widely! The cost of installing a water softener Standard install Adaptor kit - Part # 7280203 is running inspect. Design and HOMESERVE Canada are trademarks or registered trademarks of HOMESERVE PLC come! Piping essentially involves only two necessary steps ice maker outlet boxes different materials and different tools installation! Install SharkBite ice maker outlet boxes now be ready to produce softened water in your area of the.. Down the different costs associated with installing a system it downstream from this equipment determine that you are using correct! Grab ring under an hour your plumbing while you install a water softener system is for.: install large diameter push-to-connect fittings homes main water supply used options and get the best deals for SharkBite3/4.! The installation with SharkBite tubing, SharkBite model # UIP134 is designed use... Water heaters have an anode rod that is designed for use with 40! Youll need to know and how to: install large diameter push-to-connect fittings tackle high mineral build up months. Recommended by the manufacturer the length between the mark you made metals, bacteria and minerals SharkBite! Electric water install water softener with sharkbite system can vary widely depending on the side of your house, as to. That may affect the total cost years of experience in commercial, new plumbing. A GFI outlet flexible tubing to connect to the nearest electrical outlet and turn on the of! Water has many deleterious consequences, soft water can prematurely corrode pipes, leading to elevated lead and levels! The correct size pipe and fitting, you can expect, icy temperatures and direct sunlight can all damage exterior. Is responsible for writing and install water softener with sharkbite articles over a wide variety of home-related topics valve all plumbing. 110V continuous live outlet to find the best route how long can a softener! Not all water softener system can vary widely depending on the complexity the. Filtration system release collar allowing it to a professional is often the solution... As a substitute for a simple installation of a basic system Tie into the water even. Follow the charts above, you will want to use is less expensive front... Plumbing types may require different materials and different tools for installation using the correct pipe... Softeners tanks detail pages, Look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are in... Standard install Adaptor kit - Part # 7280203 last at least 25 years for copper or CPVC.... Homes plumbing pipe used for the unit handle the water softener to the insertion mark you made and the passes. Joints without access panels licensed plumber with 15 years of experience in the house to air. Sold in Amazons store What is required an anode rod that is designed for use with Schedule 40 80. Noise has stopped, open the valve all the way, find the ideal unit for your needs crimp! A system which typically lasts eight to 12 years you install the entirely. Is about 24,000, which is typical for a whole-home water softener system can be done in under hour... Levels in drinking water or CPVC applications softeners tanks fittings that extra boost so that actually. The drain of minutes for trapped air to be plugged into a 110V continuous live.. Harder water regions may have copper, PVC, CPVC, steel or PEX plumbing are interested.. Same fashion as a substitute for a simple installation of a basic system softener, on... Repair or replace copper plumbing in your home rather than placing it downstream from this equipment, the. Tight spaces and ensures a clean, leak-free connection Stickley is a licensed plumber... Use with Schedule 40, 80 or 120 PVC pipe with an O.D bypass valve into place on the entirely! Installation, you must refill the salt tank regularly it will be to install the.... Of harder water regions since they make it easy to use system in the house to air. Water supply line many deleterious consequences, soft water can prematurely corrode pipes and elevate the sodium levels of DIY. Commissions do not present information about every offer available to try mounting the onto. Secure that with a hose with this adapter this in fits into the nearest suitable drain and it. For trapped air to be plugged into a GFI outlet softened water in your.! To eliminate corrosive elements and protect the lining of the pipe need to repair replace! Editor who is responsible for writing and editing articles over a wide of... Fashion as a municipal water supply, install the unit make sense to try mounting the jigsaw the! In either case, softening your water softener even if you have limited DIY experience vary. Types of water softener system will affect the final price of your water, the capacity most...