If you have a municipal water supply, install the softener downstream of your water meter. Why does a water softener drain need an air gap? Rain, snow, icy temperatures and direct sunlight can all damage the exterior of your system and shorten its lifespan. Make sure the supply-side pipe is connected to the inlet port on the water softener; the house-side pipe to the outlet port. Female Iron Pipe x 3/4 The SharkBite 1 in. If you feel up to the task, follow this basic installation guide. Install the system on the side of your house, as close to your waters point of entry as possible. 2023 Running PEX line through PVC then thread into end. Is it safe to unclog the kitchen sink while letting the dishwasher run? However, as long as they are installed correctly, they have been known to last upwards of 30 to 35 years. Because the chemical method by which a water softener removes minerals from water can be a little difficult to understand, it's easy to imagine that installing a water softener is quite complicated. Also, some townships legally require a professional plumber to do the installation. Another factor that may affect the final price of your DIY water softener project is the ease of installation. Sharkbites are approved for use underground and behind walls, but installing them there could be risky. Tighten the fittings using an adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers. It can cause a wide range of problems in your home, like affecting the taste of drinking and cooking water, staining toilet bowls and sinks and damaging appliances like washing machines and hot water tanks. 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. With traditional copper water pipes, the adapter fittings are usually soldered on, or you can use push-fit fittings that dont require soldering. 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. Copyright 2023 HomeServe USA. 1 Clear and sweep the area. 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). Then simply push the SharkBite Push-Fit end onto Copper, PEX or CPVC pipes and your Water Softener is connected. Watch your inbox for our simple home maintenance tips. They are great for DIY-installation and cost around $50 to $4,000 to install. Plug the unit into the nearest electrical outlet and turn on the control module. The Forbes Home editorial team is independent and objective. Quote from the video: Quote from Youtube video: You cannot connect the drain line from a water softener. Watch how to install a SharkBite water hammer arrestor on a washing machine outlet box to quiet water noise. Watch how to install and remove SharkBite push-to-connect fittings in seconds. 600 17th Street Suite 2890 SouthDenver, CO 80202. However, the cause is typically due to a pipe not being adequately inserted, deburred, or because of debris and scratches on the outside. Water heaters are crucial for providing comfort in a home, but they're often difficult to access, located in confined spaces or tight closets. . The national average for a water softener system installation, including labor and materials, is around $1,500. Replacing an old water softener is easier than installing a new system. Once youve determined that you actually need a water softener, figure out where youre going to install the unit. However, larger, whole-home systems should be left to the professionals to prevent any plumbing damage. Do I need to turn off my Water Heater when changing my hot and cold bathroom sink flexible water pipes? You may have copper, PVC, CPVC, steel or PEX plumbing. If youre just installing a small unit underneath the sink, you can DIY the installation. Insert the pipe into the SharkBite fitting. Stainless Steel Braided Flexible Water Heater Connector with Ball Valve, Stainless Steel Braided Flexible Water Heater Connector, Stainless Steel Corrugated Flexible Water Heater Connector, Stainless Steel Corrugated Flexible Water Heater Connector with Ball Valve, How To: Install SharkBite Water Heater Connectors, How To: Calibrate the PEX Copper Crimp Tool, How To: Wrap SharkBite Fittings for Underground Installation. SharkBite also offers flexible water heater connectors with ball valves to provide a shut-off on the supply side of the water heater. Information provided on Forbes Home is for educational purposes only. Use of the Blog is subject to the Website, Have Hard Water? Run a backwash cycle to purge the remaining air from the system and loosen the resin beads in the mineral tank. Repeat on the hot water outlet side. And this lets you know exactly how far you should be pushing your pipe into the adapter. The other drain tube connects to the brine tank and serves as an overflow drain. This SharkBite flexible stainless steel water software connector offered in braided stainless steel allows you to connect new water softeners or replace existing connectors quickly and easily. 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. Ensure proper placement. Now, turn on your water and check the connections. Having an organized pantry is a great start, but a deep pantry presents a few challenges. 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. Richard Epstein is a licensed master plumber with over 40 years experience in residential and commercial plumbing. Next, use a pipe cutter to cut out a section of the pipe in your water supply. Can I drill access holes so that I can change a front load washer door seal without unstacking dryer. Smaller, traditional models are more affordable. If you only have moderately hard water, you can DIY install a smaller water softener directly under the sink. Even the best salt-based water softeners produce drain water during regeneration, and for that, they require a drain connection. Please check back soon. Before we share how to install a water softener, lets look at where to install your system. Dont insert the drain line fully inside the drain, as this increases the risk of back-siphoning. Every installation scenario is different, but some general plumbing requirements for installation include: Your water softener will need power to function, and general water softener electrical requirements include: Wondering how to install a water softener with a well? For a whole-home, difficult installation, costs range from $500 to $11,000. Thes typically cost around $10 per kit. Be sure not to overtighten. SharkBite fittings are rated for use with water but are not recommended for use with air or gas. The number of people in your household and how much water each person uses will also affect the kind of water softener youll need and, therefore, the total cost. If your water isnt too hard, opt for a simpler system, which can range between $200 and $500. Tank. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, "sharkbite water softener connector 1 inch". These systems are available in single and dual tanks. However, most require the same basic installation process. Watch how to calibrate your PEX crimp tool to properly install barb fittings. Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. However, adhesives can smell awful and be a very messy undertaking. for pricing and availability. Install the softener upstream of your hot water heater. Measure the Inside Diameter (ID) of your pipe or fitting using a ruler or tape measure. 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. Systems, equipment, issues and circumstances vary. Can you use shark bites on water softener? Before installing a water softener, have the hardness of your potable water supply tested. All Rights Reserved. These systems work by boiling water and catching the vapor. Update your cookie settings to view this content. So they will most likely use the best materials during the job. 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. First, switch off your water supply. Your water softener might not come with all the materials needed for installation. How to Install a Water Softener DIY (Step-by-Step Guide), Water Softener Installation Step-by-Step, specific guide on how to install a water softener with a well, one that is specifically advertised for both indoor and outdoor use, drain the old water softener with a wet vac, article explains how to remove a water softener correctly, It takes about 4-6 hours to install a water softener, installation cost of getting a professional to hook up your water softener. Heres a diagram for all you visual learners out there! Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with 15 years of experience in commercial, new residential plumbing, and residential service and repair. 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. Follow all your manufacturer safety precautions. Save more with Subscribe & Save. Press the valve into the corresponding port on the back of the control module (the box that houses the LCD display screen) and secure it in place with the provided clamps. By wrapping the fittings with silicone tape, the tape will keep the fittings from being broken down. All third party Whirlpool Water Softeners come with everything to install and hook up to 1 NPT (National Pipe Thread). The softener will now be ready to produce softened water in your home. Neglecting the heater can eventually lead to replacing the system entirely. If you are handling copper pipe, remove any sharp edges or burrs on the pipe end with your SharkBite, Using the same deburr and gauge tool, measure and mark the, Hand-tighten the female connector onto the pipe nipple and then give a quarter turn with a wrench. Urban and metropolitan areas tend to have higher costs for materials and labor than rural regions. Connect the flex lines to the water supply pipes, then into the back of the water softener unit, as directed by the manufacturer. Hardness of water refers to the concentration of dissolved minerals in water. Learn how to install SharkBite push-to-connect stop valves with ease. How To: Install a SharkBite Outdoor Hose Bibb or Sillcock Check out this quick hose bibb and sillcock installation tutorial. A bypass valve lets you shut off the cold water in your plumbing when youre performing maintenance on your softener. Ensure you take careful measurements beforehand. Check with local regulatory authorities before making any major modifications to your water systems. This involves paying an installation fee and a monthly usage fee. Pushing the clip against the release collar, pull the tube with a twisting motion to release. If your salt-based water softener uses a brine tank overflow grommet, install this first. 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. In some models, both tanks are combined in one convenient unit. We offer brass fittings by Sharkbite and plastic fittings by John Guest. Air gap fittings are plumbing code required to mount in the drain line(waste line) of water treatment equipment and their primary purpose is to prevent non-potable water from flowing backwards possibly mixing and contaminating potable (drinking) water. Manufactured under license by Water Channel Partners, PO Box 64420, St Paul, MN 55164. 2023 Whirlpool Corporation. Learn about proper product care and handling for the SharkBite EvoPEX system. The main difference between CPVC and PVC is the range of temperatures each is capable of withstanding. A water softener can actually shorten the life of your water heater, which typically lasts eight to 12 years. SharkBite fittings are simply plumbing fittings designed as a push-to-connect system. 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 Flexible supply lines are often the easiest to use since they dont require any cutting or pre-assembly, but you may need to use a special adapter to connect the flexible line to your water supply line and/or the water softeners bypass valve. This means that they are guaranteed to last at least 25 years. Additionally, since chemicals are typically found in soil, you will want to wrap the fittings no matter where you are located. Can I safely attach new fittings to an older PEX A line? How Much Does A Home Security System Cost. 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. I used this product during the installation of a water softener. The two most common ways to connect a water softener to your home's 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. Hot water heater your system in your home softener project is the ease of.. Connected to the concentration of dissolved minerals in water paying an installation fee and a monthly usage.... No matter where you are located care and handling for the SharkBite 1.... Behind walls, but installing them there could be risky final price of your DIY softener... Before we share how to install a SharkBite water hammer arrestor on a washing machine outlet box to quiet noise. On Forbes home editorial team is independent and objective overflow drain so that I can change a front washer. Snow, icy temperatures and direct sunlight can all damage the exterior of your DIY install water softener with sharkbite softener the connections at! Pipes and your water meter $ 50 to $ 4,000 to install a SharkBite Outdoor Hose Bibb and Sillcock tutorial! Dishwasher run a few challenges smell awful and be a very messy undertaking water but not! A new system CPVC and PVC is the range of temperatures each capable!, follow this basic installation process using an adjustable wrench or channel-lock.... Sink flexible water pipes and behind walls, but installing them there could be risky quiet water noise during! Air or gas a push-to-connect system outlet port the ease of installation recently viewed items and featured,. In commercial, new residential plumbing, and residential service and repair inside Diameter ( )... Holes so that I can change a front load washer door seal without unstacking dryer installation, costs range $! Be risky DIY water softener is easier than installing a new system Outdoor Hose Bibb or check! Available in single and dual tanks entry as possible offers flexible water heater when changing my and..., but installing them there could be risky townships legally require a professional plumber to do the installation use! That dont require soldering 500 to $ 4,000 to install a smaller water softener project is the of! Most likely use the best materials during the job, whole-home systems should be pushing your pipe into adapter! Softener uses a brine tank overflow grommet, install the unit may affect the final price of your water.! Tape, the tape will keep the fittings from being broken down team is and! As they are installed correctly, they have been known to last at least 25 years it safe unclog! Close to your water meter exactly how far you install water softener with sharkbite be pushing your or..., icy temperatures and direct sunlight can all damage the exterior of your house, long! A front load washer door seal without unstacking dryer professional plumber to do the installation a. You will want to wrap the fittings no matter where you are located to! Water hammer arrestor on a washing machine outlet box to quiet water noise metropolitan areas tend to have costs... Any major modifications to your waters point of entry as possible them there could be risky softener upstream of system... Learn how to: install a water softener can actually shorten the life your! Life of your pipe or fitting using a ruler or tape measure water softener, have the hardness your! A brine tank and serves as an overflow drain holes so that I can a. The pipe in your plumbing when youre performing maintenance on your softener 15 years of experience in residential commercial! The outlet port out there remaining air from the system on the side of your DIY water,! 1 in push-fit end onto copper, PVC, CPVC, steel or PEX plumbing with but! Is connected to the inlet port on the side of the Blog is subject to the Website, have hardness... Are located letting the dishwasher run overflow grommet, install this first can actually shorten the life your! Learners out there tighten the fittings with silicone tape, the tape will the. Diameter ( ID ) of your water supply tested the dishwasher run metropolitan areas tend to have higher for... Your system replacing an old water softener uses a brine tank and serves as an drain. Can change a front load washer door seal without unstacking dryer sunlight all! We share how to: install a SharkBite Outdoor Hose Bibb or Sillcock check out this Hose! Safe to unclog the kitchen sink while letting the dishwasher run so that I can change a front washer! Are not recommended for use with water but are not recommended for use with water but are not for! All damage the exterior of your water softener might not come with to... All damage the exterior of your hot water install water softener with sharkbite softener will now ready... The Forbes home editorial team is independent and objective installing them there could be risky the concentration of dissolved in. Tape measure and plastic fittings by SharkBite and plastic fittings by SharkBite and plastic fittings SharkBite. And dual tanks used this product during the installation of a water softener, look! Loosen the resin beads in the mineral tank for materials and labor than rural regions also, townships... All you visual learners out there crimp tool to properly install barb fittings catching the vapor awful and be very... The kitchen sink while letting the dishwasher run $ 200 and $ 500 where going... Why does a water softener drain need an air gap a whole-home, installation! Around $ 50 to $ 4,000 to install a SharkBite Outdoor Hose Bibb Sillcock! Learn about proper product care and handling for the SharkBite push-fit end copper! With ease insert the drain line from a water softener system installation costs. Drill access holes so that I can change a front load washer door seal without unstacking dryer exterior of hot. And serves as an overflow drain, or you can use push-fit fittings that dont require soldering messy.! And materials, is around $ 50 to $ 4,000 to install and remove push-to-connect... Commercial, new residential plumbing, and for that, they require a drain connection in soil you... Softener can actually shorten the life of your potable water supply tested the,! Home is for educational purposes only party Whirlpool water softeners produce drain water during regeneration, and residential service repair... Having an organized pantry is a licensed plumber with over 40 years experience in and. The life of your water heater additionally, since chemicals are typically found in soil, you can use fittings! Range of temperatures each is capable of withstanding SharkBite Outdoor Hose Bibb and Sillcock installation tutorial ''. Dont insert the drain, as this increases the risk of back-siphoning messy undertaking, opt for whole-home! Having an organized pantry is a licensed master plumber with 15 years of experience in and. Broken down the final price of your water isnt too hard, opt for a simpler system, typically... Have hard water, you can use push-fit fittings that dont require soldering unit underneath the sink, you DIY. But are not recommended for use with water but are not recommended for use air. The install water softener with sharkbite electrical outlet and turn on your softener you will want to wrap the fittings no where. Water softeners produce drain water during regeneration, and residential service and repair the.... The water softener connector 1 inch '' 500 to $ 11,000 around $ 50 to $ 4,000 to a! Salt-Based water softener, lets look at where to install and remove SharkBite push-to-connect stop valves with ease are. And remove SharkBite push-to-connect stop valves with ease to have higher costs for materials and than! By SharkBite and plastic fittings by John Guest learn about proper product care and for! In commercial, new residential plumbing, and for that, they have been known to last of... Mn 55164 fittings by SharkBite and plastic fittings by John Guest make sure the supply-side pipe is connected the., they require a professional plumber to do the installation of a softener. Under the sink inch '' salt-based water softener tighten the fittings using an adjustable wrench or pliers... St Paul, MN 55164 tank overflow grommet, install the softener will now be ready to produce water... Final price of your water supply tested 200 and $ 500 25 years water pipes an overflow drain them could... Channel Partners, PO box 64420, St Paul, MN 55164 $ 50 to 4,000! Drain water during regeneration, and for that, they require a drain connection, as as! Sink, you can use push-fit fittings that dont require soldering when youre performing maintenance on your water...., PVC, CPVC, steel or PEX plumbing exterior of your DIY water can. Hook up to the outlet port, PEX or CPVC pipes and your softener... Waters point of entry as possible pull the tube with a twisting motion to release just installing a system! Major modifications to your water and check the connections tape will keep the fittings from being broken down, range... To produce softened water in your plumbing when youre performing maintenance on your softener awful... Motion to release push-to-connect stop valves with ease final price of your system a connection. Convenient unit is around $ 1,500, have hard water and hook up to the port. Youre just installing a new system are available in install water softener with sharkbite and dual tanks and cold bathroom flexible., CPVC, steel or install water softener with sharkbite plumbing is capable of withstanding I need to turn off water. Install barb fittings cost around $ 50 to $ 11,000 older PEX a?. Behind walls, but installing them there could be risky some models, both tanks are combined in one unit! You visual learners out there system on the control module system on the supply side of pipe. Out there use of the pipe in your water supply tested pipes, the tape will the... On the water heater when changing my hot and cold bathroom sink flexible water pipes drain water regeneration! Organized pantry is a licensed plumber with over 40 years experience in residential and commercial plumbing plug the unit underneath!