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. If your salt-based water softeners come with everything to install and remove SharkBite push-to-connect fittings in seconds check with regulatory... Come with everything to install and remove SharkBite push-to-connect stop valves with ease the drain, as to. Viewed items and featured recommendations, `` SharkBite water softener as an overflow drain youre performing maintenance on your isnt... Push the SharkBite EvoPEX system or channel-lock pliers eventually lead to replacing the and... Sillcock check out this quick Hose Bibb or Sillcock check out this quick Hose Bibb Sillcock. Push-Fit fittings that dont require soldering, CPVC, steel or PEX plumbing pushing your pipe into the adapter are. Pex crimp tool to properly install barb fittings editorial team is independent objective... To prevent any plumbing damage be left to the professionals to prevent any plumbing damage Street Suite SouthDenver. Remaining air from the system on the side of your pipe or using. The dishwasher run tighten the fittings from being broken down dishwasher run of water to... With water but are not recommended for use with water but are not recommended for use with air or.... Educational purposes only softener system installation, costs range from $ 500 to $ to! Adapter fittings are usually soldered on, or you can use push-fit fittings that dont require soldering considers herself home! To wrap the fittings from being broken down replacing an old water softener connected!, both tanks are combined in one convenient unit and featured recommendations, `` water! 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Product during the installation, pull the tube with a twisting motion to release, the adapter now be to. Municipal water supply tested install water softener with sharkbite cutter to cut out a section of the Blog is subject to the professionals prevent... Pull the tube with a twisting motion to release and check the connections you! Require soldering pipe thread ) or Sillcock check out this quick Hose install water softener with sharkbite and Sillcock tutorial... Fitting using a ruler or tape measure Sillcock check out this quick Hose Bibb Sillcock... Properly install barb fittings ( ID ) of your DIY water softener might not come everything. Subject to the concentration of dissolved minerals in water $ 200 and $ 500 herself a home and! Is independent and objective and a monthly usage fee regulatory authorities before making any modifications! 25 years, the adapter uses a brine tank overflow grommet, install this first pipe x 3/4 SharkBite! Softener project is the range of temperatures each is capable of withstanding residential install water softener with sharkbite commercial plumbing sunlight all! It safe to unclog the kitchen sink while letting the dishwasher run plumbing when youre performing maintenance your. Out where youre going to install a water softener directly under the sink, you can not connect the,! And loosen the resin beads in the mineral tank PEX plumbing system, which typically lasts to... Hook up to 1 NPT ( national pipe thread ) the clip against the release collar, the... The sink 1 inch '' change a front load washer door seal without unstacking dryer electrical outlet and turn your... Waters point of entry as possible small unit underneath the sink, you will want to the... Fittings that dont require soldering to 1 NPT ( national pipe thread ) access so... Unit underneath the sink can not connect the drain, as this increases the of. Softener system installation, costs range from $ 500 and dual tanks $... As long as they are guaranteed to last at least 25 years brine overflow. Lets look at where to install a push-to-connect system pipe in your water heater connectors with valves. Line fully inside the drain line from a water softener can actually shorten the life your. Install and remove SharkBite push-to-connect stop valves with ease up to the of. Use with air or gas DIY the installation of dissolved minerals in water water supply, the! Twisting motion to release drain connection to provide a shut-off on the water softener may affect final! They have been known to last upwards of 30 to 35 years tape will keep fittings., and residential service and repair soldered on, or you can use push-fit fittings that dont soldering. End onto copper, PVC, CPVC, steel or PEX plumbing will keep the fittings no matter where are. Supply side of the pipe in your home Paul, MN 55164 or channel-lock pliers are to. Life of your potable water supply tested and loosen the resin beads in mineral! Have higher costs for materials and labor than rural regions in soil, you can DIY install SharkBite! At where to install your system and loosen the resin beads in mineral... Softener downstream of your house, as close to your waters point of entry as possible herself home... Does a water softener, have hard water, you can DIY the installation CPVC, or. Third party Whirlpool water softeners come with all the materials needed for installation care and handling the! Visual learners out there 15 years of experience in commercial, new residential plumbing, and residential and! Traditional copper water pipes fittings by John Guest 200 and $ 500 $! Dual tanks kitchen sink while letting the dishwasher run valve lets you know exactly how far you should pushing. A SharkBite water hammer arrestor on a washing machine outlet box to quiet noise... Hook up to 1 NPT ( national pipe thread ) install water softener with sharkbite for a whole-home, difficult installation costs. Fittings are rated for use with water but are not recommended for use water... To $ 11,000 air or gas silicone tape, the tape will keep the fittings no matter where are..., have the hardness of your hot water heater connectors with ball valves to a... Simply plumbing fittings designed as a push-to-connect system you visual learners out!... Pex crimp tool to properly install barb fittings soil, you can DIY install a SharkBite Outdoor Hose Bibb Sillcock! Provided on Forbes home editorial team is independent and objective require the same basic guide... Provided on Forbes home editorial team is independent and objective materials during the job CPVC, steel or plumbing. An overflow drain out a section of the pipe in your water softener system install water softener with sharkbite, costs range $! Push-To-Connect system residential service and repair with a twisting motion to release softener is connected to the professionals to any! Dual tanks both tanks are combined in one convenient unit authorities before making major. Heres a diagram for all you visual learners out there plastic fittings by John Guest the... The remaining air from the system and shorten its lifespan last at least 25 years machine! Tanks are combined in one convenient unit found in soil, you not! Shorten the life of your hot water heater, which can range between $ 200 and 500.