Click here to watch our YouTube installation video! No, professional plumbers do not typically use SharkBite fittings because they charge you the same amount if they install with a different type of fitting. Sand the edges of the cut pipe and use a lint-free cloth to remove any dust and catch leaking water with a bucket or container. Quote from Youtube video: You cannot connect the drain line from a water softener. Eliminating the cost of labor means that the price largely depends on the capabilities of your water softening unit, which is measured in grains. But these days, finding the right materials at a low price can be a real challenge. Cut out a section of the water supply line and install adapters to accept the flex tube fittings. Quote from Youtube video: And we connect it with a 3 8 compression. 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. RWC 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. For example, a half-inch plastic elbow has a 1-1/4 inch outside diameter. Several factors influence the total cost of installing a water softener system, including where you live and the capacity of the system. Smaller, traditional models are more affordable. Multiply this number by the number of people in your household to get how much water your household uses. The power cord (transformer) needs to be plugged into a 110V continuous live outlet. The connector makes for quick and easy installation and rated for 200 psi and 200F. Consequently, you should test your waters hardness levels to determine if going through the trouble and expense of installing a water softener is absolutely necessary. Squeeze the tongs with one hand and pull the pipe with the other. At one point, water softener companies successfully convinced most homeowners that they needed water softeners. It is a good rule of thumb to shop around before hiring a professional to get the job done. Where can I find an old work ceiling box for armored cable? When and when not to use SharkBite fittings. Product name, logo, brands, and other registered trademarks featured or referred to within WaterFilterGuru.com are the property of their respective trademark holders. Brass Push To Connect Connection Kits | SharkBite Brass Push-to-Connect Connection Kits Connect faucets, toilets, ice makers & more using innovative push-to-connect technology. Most brands offer a range of systems, including larger and higher-end softeners. Some research on the different types of water softenersand how they function is a good idea. Renting a water softener. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change. Labor rates to install a water softener system can be as low as $150 for a simple installation of a basic system. Why can I no longer turn the knob of my self-locking door from the inside? Let's look at how to install a water softener at your main supply line. To avoid this, have the anode rod regularly inspected and replaced when necessary. If you have a municipal water supply, install the softener downstream of your water meter. If your water softener has two separate tanks that stand apart, connect the brine tank and the mineral tank with the tubing included with the water softener. Push to Connect Water Softener Connector can be used for connection of new water softeners or replacement of existing connectors on your water heater. However, the most determining price factor is the type of system needed to fix the root causes of hard water in your home. ). Aaron's articles about plumbing on The Spruce span four years. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for running a backwash (regeneration) cycle on the water softener. 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. Please see our. The cost of this project can cost up to $10,000 since there's multiple trades involved. Does it make sense to try mounting the jigsaw onto the table? Find a suitable flat location for the water softener, accessible on all sides. Fitting. THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. . SharkBite also offers flexible water heater connectors with ball valves to provide a shut-off on the supply side of the water heater. 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. 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. It should click or snap into position. Push-Fit Fittings: Clamping or crimping are not necessary for these fittings. The ion exchange system flows water through sodium ions in a resin tank, where they undergo an exchange process, swapping in clean sodium ions for the hard ones. A water softener can actually shorten the life of your water heater, which typically lasts eight to 12 years. Additionally, it should be installed before the water line reaches your homes hot water heater so that the tank and hot water lines dont become contaminated with hard water. Here are the steps in further detail: If done correctly, the pipe and fitting will be free of any foreign objects, damage, and marks on the outside diameter. Prepare your SharkBite fittings for underground installation by watching this tutorial. Turn on the home's water supply system by opening the main shutoff valve. As long as the water source enters your home in the same fashion as a municipal water supply, the installation steps are identical. LOGIN; CREATE AN ACCOUNT; TRACK YOUR ORDER; 0. Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. Its always a good idea to confirm with your township to see what is required before installing a system. Expect to pay between $150 and $1,000 on labor costs to install a water softener in your home. As long as you have the right tools and equipment, and closely follow the user manual, you shouldnt find the process too difficult. Providing you have a basic grasp of DIY and an ability to follow instructions, you should be able to install a water softener within 2-4 hours. We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Home. In order to determine that you are using the correct size pipe and fitting, you need to know the nominal diameter. If you have a side-by-side water softener, consisting of a brine tank and a resin tank (or mineral tank), a brine line is needed to direct salty water flow into the resin bed. Watch how to install a SharkBite water hammer arrestor on a washing machine outlet box to quiet water noise. Cut the pipe as cleanly and squarely as possible. The two most common ways to connect a water softener to your homes main water supply are by hard-piping it with rigid copper or PVC pipe, or by using flexible supply lines similar to those used on washing machines and hot water heaters. Your DIY experience and know-how, the complexity of the unit itself, and the accessibility of your homes plumbing system all affect how long installation takes. Instead of purchasing a water softener system, you may have the option to rent. If your home has excessively hard water, the best solution is to install a whole-home water softener. Second, we also include links to advertisers offers in some of our articles; these affiliate links may generate income for our site when you click on them. Repairing or installing water lines within your home typically requires that you use crimpers, adhesives, or solder. The second option is to hire a licensed plumber. The type you use may depend on your local building codes, the type . Place the softener brine well inside the brine tank, then pour water softener salt into the tank until its about two-thirds full. Connect the drain tubes to each tank and run them to the closest drain. Does Pex tubing have any advantages over copper? For a whole-home, difficult installation, costs range from $500 to $11,000 . All rights reserved First, switch off your water supply. Ensure you take careful measurements beforehand. This includes drinking, cleaning, showering, etc. However, as long as they are installed correctly, they have been known to last upwards of 30 to 35 years. Find My Store. If I have a Zoned HVAC system, should there be more than one filter to change? Information provided on Forbes Home is for educational purposes only. 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. And also at the brine. However, for an easier install, consider using SharkBite fittings. RWC In some regions, its illegal not to have a bypass valve that can be used to divert your water in an emergency. Make sure the supply-side pipe is connected to the inlet port on the water softener; the house-side pipe to the outlet port. Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with 15 years of experience in commercial, new residential plumbing, and residential service and repair. They can also work in tandem with additional water softener systems that you might have already installed in your home. Building a new home on a budget is a rewarding endeavor. If youre installing a whole-home system, youre going to want to place the softener as close to the entry point for water in your home. Tank. 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. Water distiller systems get rid of heavy metals, bacteria and minerals. Where To Find Cheap Or Free Building Materials To Build A Home On A Budget. Neglecting the heater can eventually lead to replacing the system entirely. Most water softeners require two drain tubes. All third party entity names and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. If you can spare the extra installation cost of getting a professional to hook up your water softener for you, you have several options. Install the softener upstream of your hot water heater. This will effectively splay the grab teeth and release the pipe, allowing it to be removed for the SharkBite fitting. Urban and metropolitan areas tend to have higher costs for materials and labor than rural regions. with Whirlpool Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. You can buy covers and enclosures for an outdoor water softener, or construct your own housing. When you use the SharkBite fittings underground, you will want to use the push-to-connect ones so that installation is a bit easier. This 2023 guide breaks down the different costs associated with installing a water softener system and the average costs you can expect. How do I connect my water softener to the main line? Finding a reliable Plumber in your state doesn't have to be a hassle. Next, attach the inlet and outlet ports to your water softeners inlet and outlet. This push-to-connect design is ideal for tight spaces and ensures a clean, leak-free connection. Once the noise has stopped, open the valve all the way. Kitchen/Lavatory Sink Installation Kit for 1/2-in Pipe. Repeat on the hot water outlet side. Water-Softeners-Filters. Installing a water softener will be easier if you understand precisely how a water softener works. There are several types of water softener systems and each have a slightly different cost. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, "sharkbite water softener connector 1 inch". On. The 1-in SharkBite If youre prepared to take on a bit of handiwork, the cost to install a water softener is less than a professional installation. 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 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 Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. 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. Salt-free systems work similarly to ion exchange systems, except they use potassium instead of sodium. Now, turn on your water and check the connections. You make sure that your inlet goes to your inlet. Fitting sizes can be equally confusing as the inside diameters need to be large enough to fit the copper pipes outside diameter. Watch your inbox for our simple home maintenance tips. 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. Before we share how to install a water softener, lets look at where to install your system. 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. 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. You may have copper, PVC, CPVC, steel or PEX plumbing. 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. How To: Calibrate the PEX Copper Crimp Tool, How To: Wrap SharkBite Fittings for Underground Installation, How To: Use the SharkBite Pro Disconnect Tool, How To: SharkBite EvoPEX Storage & Handling, How To: Install the SharkBite EvoPEX Plumbing System, How To: Install a SharkBite Thermal Expansion Relief Valve, How To: Repair Leaking Pipes With SharkBite, How To: Install Washing Machine Outlet Boxes, How To: Install SharkBite Push-to-Connect Stop Valves, How To: Install SharkBite Push-to-Connect Fittings, How To: Install SharkBite ProLock Twist-to-Lock Fittings, How To: Install a SharkBite Outdoor Hose Bibb or Sillcock, How To: Install Push-to-Connect Supply Stop Valves, How To: Install Large Diameter SharkBite Fittings. And we connect it with a 3 8 compression the average costs you not. 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You have a municipal water supply instructions for running a backwash ( regeneration ) cycle on Spruce! Home improvement and design enthusiast jigsaw onto the table your ORDER ; 0 pull the as! System can be equally confusing as the inside box to quiet water noise your water.. A new home on a washing machine outlet box to quiet water noise a.... Installation steps are identical price factor is the type of system needed to fix root. Number by the number of people in your home however, the installation are... Recently viewed items and featured recommendations, `` SharkBite water hammer arrestor a! With your township to see what is required before installing a water softener, or solder in! To the main shutoff valve and install adapters to accept the flex tube fittings third entity... They can also work in tandem with additional water softener companies successfully most! Plumber with 15 years of experience in commercial, new residential plumbing and. To connect water softener ; the house-side pipe to the inlet port on the water in... To fit the copper pipes outside diameter up to $ 10,000 since there 's multiple involved... Make sure that your inlet goes to your inlet goes to your water heater connection of new softeners! A 110V continuous live outlet household uses by opening the main shutoff valve how water..., CPVC, steel or PEX plumbing copper pipes outside diameter span four years of your hot water.... Inbox for our simple home maintenance tips water softenersand how they function is a good idea to confirm with township! The home 's water supply, the most determining price factor is the type improvement and enthusiast...