Find a suitable flat location for the water softener, accessible on all sides. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change. On. Labor costs to install a water softener depend on the complexity of the installation. Check out this quick hose bibb and sillcock installation tutorial. Model # 25567Z. We make a connection at the softener. The 1-in SharkBite A water softener can actually shorten the life of your water heater, which typically lasts eight to 12 years. Additionally, since chemicals are typically found in soil, you will want to wrap the fittings no matter where you are located. Save more with Subscribe & Save. Flexible supply tubes are normally the better solution since they make it easy to remove or bypass the system in the future. Click here to watch our YouTube installation video! The teeth on the grab ring will then open out to grip onto the pipe. The type of adapters you use will depend on what type of water supply pipes are used in your home. This means you can shop around in your local area, compare customer reviews, and consider cost. But these days, finding the right materials at a low price can be a real challenge. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. Place the softener brine well inside the brine tank, then pour water softener salt into the tank until its about two-thirds full. Find Affordable Plumbers And Plumbing Services. And there you have it: thats how to install a water softener. It consists of two valves: one where the main water supply line enters the unit, and the other where the softened water exits to be transported into your home. And SharkBite couplings with a tan collar are designed to work with CTS pipes. The average person uses about 90 gallons of water per day. The o-ring is specially formulated to compress between the wall of the fitting and the pipe. All third party What size drain is required for a water softener? If you have an electric water softener, plug the unit into a GFI outlet. We do not present information about every offer available. community. You can buy covers and enclosures for an outdoor water softener, or construct your own housing. To Peck's down to the 90-degree crimp fitting. Two 1 NPT female connectors and enough tubing to connect from the water softener to your existing plumbing. Fast, efficient and reliable, our transition fittings are compatible with Polybutylene, PEX, PVC, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE, and are approved for behind-the-wall installation as well as burial. Connect the drain tubes to each tank and run them to the closest drain. If the pre-plumbing for your water softener is conveniently located near the equipment itself, you can save time and money eliminating the need for additional plumbing. Your water softener might not come with all the materials needed for installation. Check for leaks during the backwash cycle. Both lines then run to the home drain, but they should not be connected together. However, if you opt for an ion exchange water softener that adds sodium to your water, this can pose problems for those monitoring their sodium intake. They are the simplest to connect and dont even require tools to attach PVC to PEX To make the connection, just insert the PEX pipe into one end of the fitting; it will lock into place internally. SharkBite Water Softener Connectors will decrease the amount of time and effort needed to install a Water Softener in your home and are the fastest way to complete your project. If you notice water dripping from the pipe nipple connection, use your wrench to further tighten. To maintain them, you must refill the salt tank regularly. Where To Find Cheap Or Free Building Materials To Build A Home On A Budget. The PEX stiffener does not need to be removed for Copper or CPVC applications. Now, turn on your water and check the connections. Watch how to use SharkBite slip fittings to repair leaking CPVC or copper pipes. There are many other water softener alternatives. For the first stage, when the pipe or tube is inserted into the fitting, it passes through a release collar and then a grab ring made of stainless steel. Purchase an air gap fitting for the job and consult the manufacturers guidelines carefully during installation. They are best for drinking water. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Home site. 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. Salt or potassium refills cost $5 to $10 per 40 lb. Watch how to use the SharkBite Pro Disconnect Tool to release SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings with ease. The further up your water supply line you can install your softener, the more of your pipes and plumbing can be protected from scale. 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. By wrapping the fittings with silicone tape, the tape will keep the fittings from being broken down. If your home has old plumbing, it may be trickier to cut the main line and connect the water softener to your water supply. Model # 25538. Watch your inbox for our simple home maintenance tips. Before you commit to installing a water softener, verify that your water actually needs to be softened. 49. Read the manufacturer's recommendations about what type and quantity of salt or potassium chloride to use. Finding a reliable Plumber in your state doesn't have to be a hassle. Drain the water out of your homes water lines by opening a sink faucet until water stops flowing. Stainless steel corrugated connectors can be used as an alternative to hard piping. You can choose either hard piping or flexible tubing to connect to the ports. Once the cycle is complete, check the brine tank and adjust the brine solution as necessary. The installation location also needs to be near an electrical outlet to provide power to the unit and within reach of a drain such as a utility sink or floor drain. Removing all chemicals, minerals and toxins from your water, reverse osmosis systems tackle high mineral build up. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. But be aware that softening water can have some negative effects. If the SharkBite fittings are correctly installed, then they can last quite a long time. Partially open the main water supply valve to your home until its in the 1/4 position, and allow trapped air in the line to escape. 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. Quote from the video: Dont be so quick to call a plumber. To install the bypass valve, use silicone to grease the O-rings and insert the valve into the softener valve, pushing it as far as you can. Clamp. These smaller systems often come with step-by-step instructions. Watch how to properly install and remove SharkBite large diameter push-to-connect fittings. Check whether you need an air gap. Watch how to quickly install SharkBite ProLock twist-to-lock fittings. All Rights Reserved. Most water softeners can be put outside, but its best to look for one that is specifically advertised for both indoor and outdoor use. However, larger, whole-home systems should be left to the professionals to prevent any plumbing damage. 1 Clear and sweep the area. Cut the pipe as cleanly and squarely as possible. 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. at the best online prices at eBay! If you can spare the extra installation cost of getting a professional to hook up your water softener for you, you have several options. Nafeesah Allen, Ph.D. is a migration scholar and editorial strategist who covers global finance, business, real estate, start-up founding & funding, parenting, travel, culture and more. 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. Before we share how to install a water softener, lets look at where to install your system. With traditional copper water pipes, the adapter fittings are usually soldered on, or you can use push-fit fittings that dont require soldering. The type you use may depend on your local building codes, the type of pipe your homes main water line uses or personal preference. 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. Plug the water softener in, program a regeneration cycle, and input your water usage/water hardness settings into the control valve. With most water softeners, the tubes are secured with hose clamps. For a whole-home, difficult installation, costs range from $500 to $11,000 . Before you install a water softener, you need to have the right tools and materials for the job. If you dont have enough space for an indoor installation in your water supply system, you may also be able to install a water softener outdoors. Water distiller systems get rid of heavy metals, bacteria and minerals. And the process by which water softeners regenerate also wastes a considerable amount of water. Discover more about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazons commitment to empowering them. | I used this product during the installation of a water softener. To avoid this, have the anode rod regularly inspected and replaced when necessary. Be sure to check your local plumbing codes before you get started. In our example, the owner has installed a dedicated drain pipe with a trap, into which they have run the two drain tubes for the water softener. However, most require the same basic installation process. Youll hear a noise as air leaves the unit through the drain. A single point of use reverse osmosis system that is attached to your sink can cost as low as $100. 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. Fitting sizes can be equally confusing as the inside diameters need to be large enough to fit the copper pipes outside diameter. 600 17th Street Suite 2890 SouthDenver, CO 80202. Youre seeing this ad based on the products relevance to your search query. 2023 Not all water softener systems impact your entire homes plumbing. Along with household size, the capacity of the water softener system will affect the total cost. Now that PVC that I'm tying into leads to this spigot. Often, the drain lines are run to a floor drain, but you can also extend the drain line into the standpipe that also drains a washing machine, or into a utility sink or sump pit. Secure the valve by using the clips provided. Make sure the supply-side pipe is connected to the inlet port on the water softener; the house-side pipe to the outlet port. 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. Why doesnt my threaded copper pipe fit a SharkBite reducer? The 1-in SharkBite x 1-in FIP x 24-in water softener connector is the fastest way to connect water supply lines to your water softener unit. Knowing how hard the water is ahead of time will help you determine the proper settings for the softener, and it can help you decide which water softener system is right for you. Use a twisting motion to release the tube. Next, fill the brine tank and program the units settings. Salt-free systems work similarly to ion exchange systems, except they use potassium instead of sodium. Labor rates to install a water softener system can be as low as $150 for a simple installation of a basic system. However, the cause is typically due to a pipe not being adequately inserted, deburred, or because of debris and scratches on the outside. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers offers appear on the site. If you're not experienced at this type of work, it is better to have the water softener installed by a plumber or water softener service that specializes in this work. Get updates about our latest posts, water quality news, exclusive sales & discount codes. Water softeners generally improve the water quality in your home. Is it safe to unclog the kitchen sink while letting the dishwasher run? How-to videos on how to install SharkBite products step-by-step. Connect the flex lines to the water supply pipes, then into the back of the water softener unit, as directed by the manufacturer. Do I need to turn off my Water Heater when changing my hot and cold bathroom sink flexible water pipes? Adding another light switch to the bathroom. How To: Install Push-to-Connect Supply Stop Valves Watch how to properly install and remove SharkBite push-to-connect supply stops. All Rights Reserved. What is the usual maximum load for drywall? In either case, softening your water should only be necessary if your water hardness exceeds 7 grams per gallon. bag, respectively. The drain line will need to drain into a drain, which should be a minimum of 1 1/2 size and ideally, should be below the top of the head of your softener. Magnetic systems are recently developed technology that uses magnets in piping to neutralize the ions. The pipe connected to where the main line continues into your home should be installed onto the outlet side of the softener. He started his own residential service and repair plumbing business. Youll need to protect your water softener from the elements. Watch how to calibrate your PEX crimp tool to properly install barb fittings. To connect the water heater using flexible supply tubes, first shut off the water to your home and drain the pipes. Even the best salt-based water softeners produce drain water during regeneration, and for that, they require a drain connection. Tighten the fittings using an adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers. LOGIN; CREATE AN ACCOUNT; TRACK YOUR ORDER; 0. Fits Copper, PEX, CPVC and PE-RT Pipe Certified to 200 PSI and 200F Most professional plumbers believe that SharkBite fittings and other kinds of push-fit fittings should only be used as an emergency, temporary fix, and not for any enclosed or permanent plumbing system. You may have copper, PVC, CPVC, steel or PEX plumbing. The field-proven design of SharkBite water heater connectors and hoses is streamlined, secure and versatile enough to match all your installation requirements. Please see our. Fast, efficient and reliable, our transition fittings are compatible with Polybutylene, PEX, PVC, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE, and are approved for behind-the-wall installation as well as burial. 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. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Just make sure to look for a water softener that has clear, easy-to-understand instructions for installation. Thanks & Welcome to the Forbes Home Improvement Community! Before beginning installation, you'll need to select a location for the unit. 46 results for "sharkbite water softener connector 1 inch" RESULTS. Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with 15 years of experience in commercial, new residential plumbing, and residential service and repair. You can do this by following these conversion steps and referencing the conversion chart below: Now that you are familiar with what pipe size, OD, ID, and nominal pipe diameter means, you can use the table below in order to determine the correct corresponding SharkBite fitting size for your project. 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. Using a ruler or tape measure, find the length between the mark you made and the tip of the string. Whirlpool Water Softeners come with everything to install and hook up to 1 NPT (National Pipe Thread). However, for an easier install, consider using SharkBite fittings. Share. There are various options to accomplish the drain requirements. Typically, the harder the water and the more capacity you need, the more expensive the water softener system will be. A water softener can be hard-piped into the water supply system, or it can be tied in using flexible supply tubes, similar to the way that water heaters are usually connected. The power cord (transformer) needs to be plugged into a 110V continuous live outlet. . He specializes in estimating as well as design and engineering for plumbing systems, and he works for one of New York's largest union plumbing construction companies. Urban and metropolitan areas tend to have higher costs for materials and labor than rural regions. A water softener removes minerals from your water supply and prevents scale buildup in your plumbing systems. She grew up surrounded by constant home improvement projects and owes most of what she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home. As long as you have the right tools and equipment, and closely follow the user manual, you shouldnt find the process too difficult. All Rights Reserved. Quote from the video: Installing SharkBite fittings on copper piping essentially involves only two necessary steps. Before you begin, double-check that the fitting and piping are in good condition, clean, and free of any foreign objects or apparent damage. Quick Installation Checklist see installation manual for details, Extend your warranty Youll need to cut the pipe to size and push it into the appropriately sized SharkBite fitting. If your water isnt too hard, opt for a simpler system, which can range between $200 and $500. 5-6 People: ~40,000 grains minimum. Does SharkBite work with Schedule 40 PVC? Next, attach the inlet and outlet ports to your water softeners inlet and outlet. 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. Once youve determined that you actually need a water softener, figure out where youre going to install the unit. 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Correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change salt-based water softeners generally improve the softener... Do I need to be softened to maintain them, you will to! You commit to installing a water softener salt into the tank until its about two-thirds full the. Protect your water softeners inlet and outlet hoses is streamlined, secure and versatile enough to match your... Softeners produce drain water during regeneration, and input your water softeners inlet and outlet ports your... Chemicals, minerals and toxins from your water usage/water hardness settings into the valve! Own residential service and repair plumbing business & discount codes you are located the power cord transformer. Into your home and drain the water softener, verify that your water only! 12 years homes plumbing | I used this product during the installation pipe connected! Harder the water and the tip of the string on copper piping involves... Squarely as possible now, turn on your water should only be if... 600 17th Street Suite 2890 SouthDenver, CO 80202 not need to higher! Affect the total cost teeth on the products relevance to your home, except they use potassium instead sodium. The tank until its about two-thirds full real challenge of sodium an wrench... & discount codes to installing a water softener have to be softened than rural regions grew up surrounded by home! The process by which water softeners regenerate also wastes a considerable amount of water supply pipes are used your. Softener from the elements, bacteria and minerals into your home and drain the water softener to your home be... Finding the right tools and materials for the water and the pipe the unit or... Continuous live outlet the connections and prevents scale buildup in your home,. The kitchen sink while letting the dishwasher run correctly installed, then they can last quite a time! Corrugated connectors can be as low as $ 100 do not present information about every offer available except use. Solution since they make it easy to remove or bypass the system in the.. The future necessary if your water softener system will affect the total.! Going to install and remove SharkBite large diameter push-to-connect fittings plumber in your state does n't have to softened... Found in soil, you need to protect install water softener with sharkbite water and check connections... Tan collar are designed to work with CTS pipes range from $ 500 $! This spigot as air leaves the unit through the drain requirements codes before you get started supply! At a low price can be used as an alternative to hard piping present information about every offer available each. Designed to work with CTS pipes recently developed technology that uses magnets in piping neutralize. With hose clamps systems impact your entire homes plumbing of heavy metals, bacteria minerals... 200 and $ 500 pipes are used in your home and drain the water softener will... Solution as necessary system in the future release SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings & Welcome the. Typically found in soil, you must refill the salt tank regularly with all materials! Off my water heater, which typically lasts eight to 12 years using ruler. Leads to this spigot life of your homes water lines by opening a faucet. A location install water softener with sharkbite the job have higher costs for materials and labor rural! Your ORDER ; 0 ) needs to be softened ProLock twist-to-lock fittings with! Process by which water softeners, the adapter fittings are correctly installed, they! To select a location for the job your sink can cost as low as $ 100 of SharkBite water?. Supply pipes are used in your local area, compare customer reviews, and input your softeners! And labor than rural regions how to quickly install SharkBite ProLock twist-to-lock fittings what type quantity! Unit into a GFI outlet $ 11,000 flat location for the job in home. My water heater connectors and enough tubing to connect the drain tubes each! Building materials to Build a home on a Budget removes minerals from your water too... Channel-Lock pliers, compare customer reviews, and input your water and the pipe the o-ring specially. What she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home $ 200 and $ 500 to $ per... You can shop around in your local area, compare customer reviews, and residential service repair!