Installing a water softener outside requires some knowledge and the right tools for installing the water softener outside. A water softener is an integral need of the house situated in a hard water area. For the house owner, it becomes essential to save the plumbing system as well as home appliances. Moreover, the right knowledge on the part of the user can save money as well.
Where to Install a Water Softener
Having the specific information and knowledge of “how to install a water softener outside” can create a lot of difference with your right pair of hands. Moreover, if you got the art, you don’t need to call a plumber even. You can do everything yourself. Before starting the procedure, you must decide the place where to install the water softener.
Moreover, most people take the basement or garage as the best places because they are close to the main water line as the main water line has a path through the main entrance or basement of the house. In addition to this, choosing a good location is particularly essential. So, the various locations need some interpretations to get a good idea of the whole situation.
Main Supply
The first point is why you need to install a water softener to the main supply because you can supply the soft water to the whole house. As a result, you can make your entire plumbing system safe from unnecessary build-up and other minerals in the hard water.
Besides, for using water for plants and other untreated drinking water, you can separate a cold-water line because the soft water can damage the plants, as it is not beneficial for the plants. Apart from that, there are various usages where you don’t need to use soft water.
Good Space
The next important thing to all is, the place where you want to install the water softener must be spacious. The components need to be changed, and a lot of repairing work can be there. So, it must have some space for maintenance and margin for finding the problem.
In the little place, it will always be difficult for you to fix the issue.
Safe Place
Keep in mind the place where you intend to install the water softener should be safe.
To add this, if it is underground, there should not be moisture and water, etc. If it is on the ground, it should be safe from sunshine. The sunshine can destroy the components over time. So, the place must be safe from these elements.
Upstream of the water heater
You can improve the heat efficiency at lower energy bills and reduce the scale forming by installing the water softener upstream of the water heater.
Moreover, going back to the hot water in the water softener system during the regeneration cycle can damage the system. According to our experts, you can stop this migration by having 10 ft. of piping between both appliances.
Position Of Water Softener
Keep in mind that don’t place water softener systems far away from the drain of wastewater disposal. Doing this can cause air brakes and backflow. To settle the extra water load, you can prefer the other possible option like a floor drain or a laundry tub.
Electricity
Most modern water softener system takes electric power to work. They don’t take support from human factors.
Placing The New System
If you go shifted to any other house and want to install the water softener system, it is probably better for you to install the new unit at the place where there was the old unit was installed. By doing this, you will Get good results.
Soft Water LOOP
Mostly house in the areas with hard water has a build-up system named “soft water loop.” This system contains a copper line that lets you join your homes inside water distribution pipes to a water softener, the” loop” in this system sticks to the wall.
So, you can install a softening system without any extra charges on the plumbing system. The most important feature of this soft water loop is that hose bibs are separated outside of the house. It keeps you safe from using soft water for gardening and other outdoor purposes.
Installing Water Softener Outside
Most experts recommend not installing a water softener where the heavy sunshine can spoil your unit or at the point where the temperature is low. Neglecting these points can damage your product and spoil the components entirely.
If you are left with no other choice, you need to consider weather protection factors. Surely these factors can enhance the working life of your water softener system for your service.
Moreover, before installing the water softener system, you must keep all the necessary points in mind and arrange the tools that you need for the procedure.
The Tools for Installing Water Softener System
Below is the list of the tools you need to show the wonders of your art for installing a water softener system.
Copper/flexible (PEX) tubing- depending on the plumbing material, you also need:
Torch and solder
Pipe Cutter
Plumber’s Tape
Tape Measure
Slip Joint Pliers
Multiple valves, tees fittings, and adaptors.
Step by Step Guide to Water Softener Installation
Installation of water softener systems does vary based on models. This thing varies from system to system. Moreover, the plumbing rules of your area matters a lot in this respect. You can install a water softener system if you follow the below step-by-step guide of how to install a water softener.
Furthermore, to do the best to understand the manufacturer’s instruction. It provides you a lot more information regarding the installation of your water softener system.
Before installing the system, you need to focus on these points:
Stop Water Supply
To avoid any damage on the proper basis, you must turn off your house water supply. But, unfortunately, doing it is too much essential.
Turn Off Electrical Water Heater
If you have an electric water heater, to avoid any damage, turn it off.
Hook Up
The next step hook up contains the element;
Install Brine Tank Overflow Grommet
This is not for all the systems; some systems need to install the brine tank overflow grommet and elbow in the diameter hole at the back of the storage tank sidewall.
Put Softener in Place
Be careful about the position of the water softener system. It should be at the right level.
Cut into Main Supply Line
Next, hit a cut in the main line using a cutter. The water will spread here and there. It would help if you had a bucket or water tub to collect the coming water.
Install Bypass
Most softeners have a built-in bypass valve. But despite this, you need to install it. Using the silicon, grease the bypass valve O- rings. Merge both valves (the bypass valve into the softener valve), snapping the holding clips into place.
Moreover, bypass is an essential part of the water softener system. If your water softener system does not haveanin-built valve, we recommend adding one to your system. It is very helpful during reparation or in case of any other problem. It saves you from cutting the connection of the house. You can do your job just by stopping the water supply of the system only.
Moreover, in some of the areas with hard water, there is the law that your system must have a bypass valve. Because in case of emergency, it helps disconnect your system.
Connect Ports
Connect the incoming and outgoing water to your systems’ inlet and outlet port. The most important is to keep the flow direction right. If the direction is not right, your softener will not work as it will not provide soft water. It is very important as it is an essential element and a big mistake if you neglect it.
In addition to this, for the pipe connections, you can use either hard or flexible tubing. The flexible tubing needs extra adapters to do work efficiently. Furthermore, using flexible tubing is much easier to remove and set up. These fittings save you from soldering. But if you want to do keep great care of plastic components. Keep the components away from the heat.
The important point is to fix all the remaining threads with the plumber’s tape.
Drain Connection
Salt-based water softener systems need a drain connection. So, connect the drain hose to the softener’s drain valve fitting. It would help if you used clamps to fix the hose. Then route the other end of the drain hose to a drain and save it.
To add this, to avoid the back siphoning of wastewater, avoid pushing the drain hose directly into the drain. Mostly, (1.50”) is best, but you also need to consider the plumbing codes of your area. To use air gap fitting for this. Above all, follow the directions of the manufacturer company of the water softener system.
Overflow Connection
Overflow connection is essential in case if your brine tank gets overflowed. In other words, it is an additional safety measure. Connect a second hose to the overflow valve securing it with a clump. Set the overflow hose to the drain. Secure the hose, so it does not whip.
Another important condition is the air gap. Securing the hose an air gap is needed.
Install Brine Line
The brine allows the side-by-side system to take brine from the brine tank into the resin tank. As a result, the cabinet-style softeners do not need a brine line to install.
Post Installation
The post-installation steps of the water softener system are:
Fill Salt into the brine tank
Place the brine well inside the brine tank. After that, fill the brine tank with Salt. For the right quantity of Salt, consider the manual. Most of the softeners need a tank having Salt to almost two-third.
Moreover, you can stop the Salt from falling in by taping over the brine well.
Sanitizing
You can sanitize the whole system before starting its work.
Before Starting, put softener in bypass and slowly turn the water supply on. If you turn it on hasty, sudden air pressure can damage your plumbing system.
Soi, avoid risks. Open a cold-water faucet close to your hand. Wait for a minute to allow air to come out.
Besides, check for all the leakages.
Half Open the Bypass Valve
For a smooth flow of water to the resin tank, slowly open the bypass valve. Air will shorten the drain line. You can open the valve as soon as the noise stops.
To add this, it is the best time to turn on your electric water heater.
Check All the Leakages
It is important to draw your attention to checking all the valves, connectors, and fittings in this step. It makes it better to start your system.
Plug-In
Plugin water softener system to start work.
Regeneration Cycle
Start a regeneration cycle.
System Configuration
In this step, you have to set the time of the day, and you must test the hardness of your water and set the number of cycles for regenerating your system.
Above all, it is only to check the system’s efficiency and get the most of your system.
Taking the New Softener
Taking the new softener and replacing the old one is pretty easy. Furthermore, it is easy to install a new one at the place of the older unit because all the fittings are already there.
Moreover, before you start setting the softener according to the above-mentioned process, unplug the old unit and put it into bypass. Then separate the unit from plumbing.
After that, move the system to the suitable drain and tip it over, confirming that all the water is drained before disposal.
Furthermore, it is good to save the left-over Salt if something is there in the brine tank.
How to Lessen the expenses of installing a Water softener
It is always a good idea that doing something with your blessed hand is fruitful. If you are ready to use your talent, you can save your hard-earned money.
In other words, doing yourself means fewer expenses on installing the water softener system. The cost of installing a water softener depends on the capabilities of your water softening unit, which is measured in grains. The higher the grain cost, the higher the water softener cost is. In other words, the number of people living in a house maintains the expenses to install the unit.
Furthermore, the ease of installing the unit also determines the expenses. Therefore, if all the things are easy to access and close to one another, it can save you money and time.
Whom to Call for Installation Water Softener System
It is pretty easy to call a professional to install a water softener. However, it is safe to call for a person licensed and experienced in this regard for better results. It will ensure you that everything is good and on time.
Local Plumbers
Moreover, you can call for the task to a local plumber who knows everything like legal codes and installing the softener system. Of course, the appointment can be late, but you will get a good idea about all the system installation requirements.
Retailers
If you buy the unit from a retailer, then you can have an appointment with the retailers. The weak point is that it can take a couple of weeks for the installation, but the plus point is that you can have some benefits free of cost from the retailers.
In addition to this, you can get a higher dealer for installing the water softener system. You can get your hard water tested for TDS, iron, and hardness, etc.
Final Words
In the end, we hope our guide “how to install a water softener outside” will assist you a lot.
Moreover, if you find this guide helpful, please let us know through the comments below.
Enjoy installing the Water Softener System!