Hard water causes multiple problems for your skin and most household functions. But you can prevent these issues by installing a water softener. The installation can be simple or difficult, depending on the location site, type of softener, and the plumbing state of your home.
For a pre-plumbed house, you don’t have to be a professional to install the system. You only need the right materials and knowledge. Here’s how to install a water softener in a pre-plumbed house.
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
To avoid causing a major leak inside the house, turn off the mainline’s water supply.
2. Drain Out the Pipes
Ensure all pipes are drained out. Open the tap at the lowest level and let the water run out.
3. Turn Off Electric Water Heater
If you have an electric water heater, ensure to turn it off and all the power to the water heater, as well.
4. Locate Where to Install the Softener
If you intend to install a whole-house system, you should place the softener near the main water entry point. This should be before the water line leading to your water heater.
5. Put the Softener in Place
Place your water softener in position and ensure it stands level.
6. Cut the Main Water Supply Line
Cut into the mainline using a pipe cutter. This allows for the installation of elbow fittings. You can put a bucket under the cutting point to collect any water remaining in the pipe.
To cut the pipe, tighten the pipe cutter onto it and rotate it around the pipe until it cuts through. Thereafter, sand down the edges.
7. Install an Elbow Fitting
An elbow fitting will enable you to feed the softener. A bypass valve allows you to feed water around your softener. The elbow fitting will enable you to run two lines to both the inlet and outlet ports of the valve.
In case you want the hard water to flow outside, put a T-fitting at some point before the mainline reaches your softener’s inlet.
8. Install the Pipes
You need to cut the pipes leading to the bypass valve and solder the fittings and nipples to the pipes. Next, install the pipes to the bypass valve(s).
If the pipes are of different sizes, you can use a small-size fitting to get the right size. You can also use compression fittings to enhance the attachment of the pipes to your softener.
9. Connect the Drainpipe
Connect the drainpipe to the water softener. You’ll need clamps to hold it in place and conveniently direct the pipe to the utility sink or the drain. The drainpipe should be at least 2 inches from the drain hole to prevent brine water from siphoning back to your softener.
10. Connect the Overflow
You’ll need to attach an overflow tube to the overflow valve to prevent any overflow in the brine tank. You’ll also have to clamp and direct the tube to the drain. Ensure that it’s above the drain hole and it doesn’t whip.
11. Install the Brine Line
The brine line will enable the brine to flow into the resin tank during the regeneration process. With this step, your softener should be ready for use. But first, ensure that all the pipes lead to the right places and all connections are secure.
12. Place the Softener in Bypass
Now, turn on the water and let it run through the water softener. This helps ensure there are no sediments in the pipes and allows you to locate any water leaks.
13. Change the Valve to Backwash Position
Press the regenerate button and hold it down to allow the unit to cycle. Wait for it to reach the backwash position, then plug in the softener.
14. Partially Open the Bypass Valve
Allow the water to flow into the resin tank and out the drain. Open the main water supply until the water starts flowing with no spurts and abnormal noise. Next, fill both tanks with water and salt – follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
15. Plug in the Softener
Using the regeneration button, allow the unit to finish a full cycle again until the service setting is on.
16. Configure the System
Use the manufacturer’s instructions to program your softener as per the hardness level, regeneration period, and system type. Some softeners regenerate on demand, hence saving you the need to frequently refill the salt.
Note that even the best water softeners will only soften hard water. They may save your plumbing system, water appliances, and improve your shower experience, but they won’t remove contaminants other than hard minerals.
A water softener will not remove sediments, chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals, or other contaminants that may affect your health or leave a bad taste and smell in your home water. You may have to learn how to install a whole house water filter to remove those contaminants.
That’s your straightforward step-by-step guide on how to install a water softener in a pre-plumbed house. The installation process should take you between 1-4 hours.
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]
The integration of screening evergreen trees serves as an artful blend of practicality and natural beauty. These screening evergreen trees, with their lush foliage and diverse benefits, play a crucial role in enhancing privacy. It also blocks unwanted views, and contributes to the overall well-being of homeowners. From the majestic Jamun trees to the versatile […]
Gate Design is an important feature of any home. Numerous scopes for experimentation open up when delving into the design possibilities. Materials like wood and black steel are popular options in Indian homes. At the same time, designers also experiment with a combination of materials that suits their aesthetic. Buying mass-produced Sydney automated gates has […]
Hyderabad is a city that boasts a rich and diverse architectural heritage that has been shaped by its history and cultural influences. The city has been ruled by various dynasties, including the Qutb Shahis, the Mughals, and the Nizams, who have all left their mark on its architecture and influenced young architects in Hyderabad. The […]
The word “Vastu” refers to the dwelling place of humans and gods, while “shastra” means science or knowledge, hence Vastu Shastra for house is the science of architecture. Vastu Shastra for house is an ongoing practice in India since one can remember. Almost every architect and designer wields it in conceptualizing their projects. Vastu Shastra provides […]
Turning an empty plot and executing an entire design from plinth to top is like taking a blank canvas and painting an entire story on it! Architects are creators; creators of spaces, giving life and meaning to them. The Architects not only represent their city, but are also extraordinarily responsible in shaping the city’s skyline.The […]
We have listed the 20 Best Architects and Designers in and around Ahmedabad, Gujarat who has shaped some of the best architectural residences and commercial spaces. Of the many architects in Ahmedabad, these shortlisted few are the ones with an array of award-winning projects done by them that puts them over the edge which will […]