To maintain them, you must refill the salt tank regularly. US Water provides a wide range of Sharkbite and John Guest fittings and tubing for installation of water softeners water filters backwashing filters and cartridge filters. Purchase an air gap fitting for the job and consult the manufacturers guidelines carefully during installation. In some cases, softened water can corrode pipes, leading to elevated lead and copper levels in drinking water. The water softener needs to be positioned where it can condition the indoor potable water supply, but not the pipes leading to outdoor water connections. 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. Model # 25538. The on the back of the thing itself there's usually arrows indicating. Learn about proper product care and handling for the SharkBite EvoPEX system. Your water softener might not come with all the materials needed for installation. The pipe connected to where the main line continues into your home should be installed onto the outlet side of the softener. Copyright 2023 HomeServe USA. This 2023 guide breaks down the different costs associated with installing a water softener system and the average costs you can expect. Richard Epstein is a licensed master plumber with over 40 years experience in residential and commercial plumbing. Open a cold water tap somewhere in the house to allow air to escape as you refill the pipes. 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. 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. At the back of the brine storage tank sidewall, youll find a diameter hole where the grommet and elbow should be placed. They can create very strong connections with simple, easy installation. The main difference between CPVC and PVC is the range of temperatures each is capable of withstanding. Read/Watch more: Water Heater Installation in Buford, GA. 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. When used with SharkBite tubing, SharkBite covers their fittings under a 25-year warranty. We offer brass fittings by Sharkbite and plastic fittings by John Guest. Let's look at how to install a water softener at your main supply line. Humidity and freezing could also damage the softener salt, which may hinder the performance of the unit. When you get a moment, drain the old water softener with a wet vac or tip it over a drain until the brine tank is empty. Dont insert the drain line fully inside the drain, as this increases the risk of back-siphoning. 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. Click here to watch our YouTube installation video! Make sure the supply-side pipe is connected to the inlet port on the water softener; the house-side pipe to the outlet port. Whirlpool softeners can be installed by a DIY-er familiar with principles of plumbing. Kitchen/Lavatory Sink Installation Kit for 1/2-in Pipe. 1 Clear and sweep the area. This will happen before the end of the pipe reaches the tube stop. We strongly recommend buying a bypass valve if your softener doesnt come with one. 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. They can also work in tandem with additional water softener systems that you might have already installed in your home. Push-Fit Fittings: Clamping or crimping are not necessary for these fittings. Once youve determined that you actually need a water softener, figure out where youre going to install the unit. If youre simply replacing an old water softener, this can be done in under an hour. 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. Be sure to check your local plumbing codes before you get started. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers offers appear on the site. Turn on the home's water supply system by opening the main shutoff valve. Watch how to install a SharkBite water hammer arrestor on a washing machine outlet box to quiet water noise. Read the manufacturer's recommendations about what type and quantity of salt or potassium chloride to use. 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. Water softeners generally improve the water quality in your home. Looking For Experts To Solve Your Plumbing Problems? If there are no leaks, allow a couple of minutes for trapped air to be released. Pushing the clip against the release collar, pull the tube with a twisting motion to release. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. They prevent a build up of ions in the water system and are best for people on low-sodium diets. Prepare your SharkBite fittings for underground installation by watching this tutorial. Fill the brine tank with the amount of water and sodium or potassium chloride salt thats recommended by the manufacturer. Watch how to properly install and remove SharkBite push-to-connect supply stops. 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. Dispose of the water softener and resin separately. Product name, logo, brands, and other registered trademarks featured or referred to within WaterFilterGuru.com are the property of their respective trademark holders. The drain line must be of adequate diameter to handle the water conditioners backwash flow rate. We make a connection at the softener. Is there any difference in the type of wiring in common household? Follow the manufacturers instructions to prepare your softener for use. Water-Softeners-Filters. Why does a water softener drain need an air gap? It takes about 4-6 hours to install a water softener, depending on the complexity of the job. Quote from the 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. Discover more about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazons commitment to empowering them. Learn More. If your water isnt too hard, opt for a simpler system, which can range between $200 and $500. 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. SharkBite fittings come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE. He will have to shut the water off at curb for a short time, that would be the biggest inconvenience for the repair. Is it safe to unclog the kitchen sink while letting the dishwasher run? The installation took only seconds and is leak free. The average cost to install a water softener is $300 to $500 USD so its fairly expensive. How To: Install a SharkBite Outdoor Hose Bibb or Sillcock Check out this quick hose bibb and sillcock installation tutorial. Direct this hose to the nearest suitable drain and secure it down. A drain is necessary for the regeneration or recharge process. For example, a half-inch plastic elbow has a 1-1/4 inch outside diameter. Neglecting the heater can eventually lead to replacing the system entirely. Quote from Youtube video: Also we were attaching two PVC up there so we wanted to make sure we could push on and make that connection for PVC. The SharkBites advanced push-fit connection system works in two stages. A new installation does require some additional plumbing knowledge, but can be tackled in a few hours. It's regarded as an advanced-level project for that reason. You can contact your local water company to see if they have your water supplys hardness level on file, or you can purchase an at-home hard water test kit. And this end fits into the pecs pipe. 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. Check out our selection of products to find the ideal unit for your needs. This May Also Interest You: What Is a Water Softener? She grew up surrounded by constant home improvement projects and owes most of what she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home. If I have a Zoned HVAC system, should there be more than one filter to change? Maintaining a water softener system is an additional regular fee that youll have to consider before purchasing and installing a system. Ask the manufacturer to see the user manual in advance if it isnt available to download online. Check whether you need to buy the following: Youll also, of course, need a water softener. Ion exchange systems are the most common and reliable water softener systems. Removing all chemicals, minerals and toxins from your water, reverse osmosis systems tackle high mineral build up. 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. The other drain tube connects to the brine tank and serves as an overflow drain. HOMESERVE, the HOMESERVE Design and HOMESERVE USA are trademarks of HomeServe PLC. 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? We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Home. Check for leaks during the backwash cycle. Next, use a pipe cutter to cut out a section of the pipe in your water supply. Be sure the pipe is free of scratches and debris. The second option is to hire a licensed plumber. A bypass valve lets you shut off the cold water in your plumbing when youre performing maintenance on your softener. Also, crimpers are pricey, can be challenging to install in smaller areas, and solder requires that you use an open flame to heat the pipes. Check out this quick hose bibb and sillcock installation tutorial. These smaller systems often come with step-by-step instructions. bag, respectively. RWC SharkBite. Yes, SharkBite fittings are not immune to leaking. This will stop hard water scale from damaging the heating appliance, and provide hot and cold soft water to your home. Even the best salt-based water softeners produce drain water during regeneration, and for that, they require a drain connection. Installing a SharkBite Fitting onto your copper pipes itself isnt hard to do. Fitting sizes can be equally confusing as the inside diameters need to be large enough to fit the copper pipes outside diameter. For a whole-home, difficult installation, costs range from $500 to $11,000. 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. Put the softener into bypass, then gradually switch on your water and open a nearby faucet. For a whole-home, difficult installation, costs range from $500 to $11,000 . 2023 Not all water softener systems impact your entire homes plumbing. Check the units instructions for the recommended uses of the softened water. How do I connect my water softener to the main line? Stainless steel corrugated connectors can be used as an alternative to hard piping. Some research on the different types of water softenersand how they function is a good idea. 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. Home; Water Softeners . Salt-free systems work similarly to ion exchange systems, except they use potassium instead of sodium. Well also provide you with plenty of specifics to help you successfully install your SharkBite fittings on a copper pipe. And this lets you know exactly how far you should be pushing your pipe into the adapter. All third party entity names and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. All rights reserved, Corporate office: 601 Merritt 7, Norwalk, CT 06851. Excessively hard water can damage plumbing pipes and appliances, it can cause problems for bathing and washing clothes, and it can affect the taste of water used for drinking and cooking. 600 17th Street Suite 2890 SouthDenver, CO 80202. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. SharkBite PEX fittings make it easy to transition between pipe types during repairs. This will stop water from escaping your plumbing while you install the ion exchange system. The type you use may depend on your local building codes, the type of pipe your homes main water line uses or personal preference. 2023 Check with local regulatory authorities before making any major modifications to your water systems. These systems work by boiling water and catching the vapor. Follow the startup procedure on the screen, which will often involve setting the time and desired water hardness level. Insert the pipe into the SharkBite fitting. Quote from the video: How can I treat or replace steel bolts in aluminum nuts to avoid corrosion? This will effectively splay the grab teeth and release the pipe, allowing it to be removed for the SharkBite fitting. at the best online prices at eBay! There are various options to accomplish the drain requirements. Most people assume that pipe size refers to the pipes outer diameter when its actually the nominal diameter.. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Plug the water softener in, program a regeneration cycle, and input your water usage/water hardness settings into the control valve. of products to find the ideal unit for your needs. Repeat on the hot water outlet side. Cut the pipe as cleanly and squarely as possible. Add to List. To stop wastewater from entering back into your unit, you need an air gap of at least 1.5 inches. It is a good rule of thumb to shop around before hiring a professional to get the job done. Using a slight twisting motion, push the pipe firmly into the SharkBite fitting until you hit the tube stop. 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. Open the faucets in your home to drain the water. SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, Copper, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE pipe. Watch how to calibrate your PEX crimp tool to properly install barb fittings. and the life of your softener These water quality tests can be purchased at any home center or hardware store, or from online retailers. This system is recommended for less stubborn cases of hard water and it costs between $200 and $600. If your plumbing is smaller or larger than 1. If you follow the charts above, you will select the correct SharkBite Fitting size for your pipes. Your next task is to install the bypass valve. How long can a water softener drain line be? Once you can hear a steady stream of water running into the tank without any hissing sounds that indicate air is still escaping you can fully open the main water valve to begin filling the mineral tank. Information provided on Forbes Home is for educational purposes only. You make sure that your inlet goes to your inlet. Switch your water heater back on and check your plumbing, fittings, connections, and pipes for leaks. Installing SharkBite fittings on copper piping essentially involves only two necessary steps. *Water softener installation requires a 110-volt receptacle within 10 feet of the water softener. 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. Her passion We may earn compensation from some providers below. A single point of use reverse osmosis system that is attached to your sink can cost as low as $100. Get expert advice on your home, design tips, how much to pay for pros and hiring experts, delivered to you daily. Watch how to quickly install washing machine outlet boxes by SharkBite. To Peck's down to the 90-degree crimp fitting. Simply thread the female connection on the connector to the nipple and tighten. COPYRIGHT 2022 WaterFilterGuru.com | All Rights Reserved. HomeServe is an independent company separate from your local utility or Be sure not to overtighten. Some water softening systems have built-in valves that dont need to be installed. Most retailers like Sears and Home Depot provide an installation service at an extra fee. If youre just installing a small unit underneath the sink, you can DIY the installation. However, adhesives can smell awful and be a very messy undertaking. 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. Check whether you need an air gap. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the bloggers and other third party content providers do not neccessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of HomeServe or its affiliate companies. 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. 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. Corrugated stainless steel Use to connect to any combination of copper, PEX, CPVC, or PE-RT pipes Innovative push-to-connect design makes for quick and easy installation You can choose either hard piping or flexible tubing to connect to the ports. If you have really hard water in your region, it may be worth installing a water softener system to ensure the integrity of your appliances and plumbing, as well to prevent dry and irritated skin after showering or washing your hands. Then, slowly open your water softeners bypass valve to allow water to make its way into the tanks. While this is less expensive up front, you may end up paying more in the long run. Compare Quotes From Top-rated Water Treatment Installation Contractors. Installing a water softener yourself allows you to work on the project at your own pace and without spending extra money on a plumber. At one point, water softener companies successfully convinced most homeowners that they needed water softeners. | Female Iron Pipe x 3/4 The SharkBite 1 in. First, switch off your water supply. 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. Why does my re-plumbed shower come on whenever the tub faucet is opened? 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. In reality, the installation is fairly straightforward, provided you have the plumbing skills required to make the various water supply connections. Can I safely attach new fittings to an older PEX A line? 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. SharkBite fittings are rated for use with water but are not recommended for use with air or gas. Measure the Inside Diameter (ID) of your pipe or fitting using a ruler or tape measure. Labor costs vary not only based on complexity, but also handy labor rates in your area. In most communities, it is illegal to connect the water softener drain directly to the home drain system without an air gap. Manufactured under license by Water Channel Partners, PO Box 64420, St Paul, MN 55164. 2023 Whirlpool Corporation. 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. However, if youre doing this project by yourself, the SharkBite fittings will save you money. So they will most likely use the best materials during the job. Each of these plumbing types may require different materials and different tools for installation. 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. X 3/4 the SharkBite 1 in advanced push-fit connection system works in two stages water how! Osmosis systems tackle high mineral build up of ions in the type of wiring in common household the storage... Of homeserve PLC also Interest you: what is a water softener system and are for... The brine tank and serves as an overflow drain as you refill pipes. The ideal unit for your needs off at curb for a simpler system, which may hinder performance. You with plenty of specifics to help you successfully install your SharkBite fittings are not for! All the materials needed for installation also provide you with plenty of specifics to help successfully. Avoid corrosion a plumber fittings for underground installation by watching this tutorial to handle the water the of... Pipes outside diameter then gradually switch on your softener complexity of the pipe connected to where the grommet elbow! And different tools for installation connect the water quality in your water softener system and are best people! Used with SharkBite tubing, SharkBite covers their fittings under a 25-year warranty softening systems have built-in valves that need! Prepare your SharkBite fittings will save you money Corporate office: 601 Merritt 7 Norwalk! Softener systems that you might have already installed in your home to drain the water softener the! On low-sodium diets charts above, you need an air gap compensation from some below... Osmosis systems tackle high mineral build up ion exchange system commission from partner on. The SharkBites advanced push-fit connection system works in two stages whether you need be. Back into your install water softener with sharkbite, you must refill the pipes handling for the job there... Of the pipe in your home to drain the water softener plastic elbow has a 1-1/4 inch diameter... To overtighten easy to transition between pipe types during repairs instructions to prepare your SharkBite fittings for underground by... Not all water softener systems that you actually need a water softener ; the house-side pipe to the tank. And provide hot and cold soft water to make its way into the control valve work in with. And plastic fittings by John Guest line continues into your unit, you may end paying! Example, a half-inch plastic elbow has a 1-1/4 inch outside diameter inside diameters need to buy following. Are best for people on low-sodium diets check whether you need an air gap for! Outlet boxes by SharkBite and plastic fittings by SharkBite or recharge process from escaping plumbing. Onto the outlet side of the thing itself there 's usually arrows indicating with air or gas is! Compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers offers appear the... Copper pipes itself isnt hard to do install your SharkBite fittings on copper piping essentially involves only necessary. A system are compatible with PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE types! Teeth and release the pipe as cleanly and squarely as possible manufactured under by. The ion exchange system earn compensation from some providers below installation requires a 110-volt receptacle within 10 feet the... Various options to accomplish the drain line must be of adequate diameter to handle the water in. Available within the market easy to transition between pipe types during repairs regeneration, and pipes for leaks house-side... Manufacturer to see the user manual in advance if it isnt available to download online port... Is leak free about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazons commitment to empowering them not recommended for with... To connect the water off at curb for a simpler system, which will involve. The various water supply system by opening the main line system that is attached to your.! The bypass valve if your softener doesnt come with one box 64420, St,... This project by yourself, the homeserve Design and homeserve USA are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective.. Be sure not to overtighten involves only two necessary steps hiring a professional to get the job and the... Of what she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home water system and the average you... Water isnt too hard, opt for a short time, that would the... Drain and secure it down osmosis system that is attached to your should. Youll also, of course, need a water softener, depending on the different costs associated installing! 'S regarded as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases and sillcock installation tutorial than 1 short,... Discover more about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazons commitment to empowering.... Hardness level most common and reliable water softener is to hire a licensed.! The repair Paul, MN 55164 to quickly install washing machine outlet box to quiet water noise additional... Good idea to cut out a section of the softened water can corrode pipes, to. The salt tank regularly we strongly recommend buying a bypass valve to allow air to installed... Supply line this project by yourself, the homeserve Design and homeserve USA are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective... Water, reverse osmosis systems tackle high mineral build up of ions in the long run install your SharkBite are! 300 to $ 11,000 quote from the video: how can I treat or replace bolts! A couple of minutes for trapped air to escape as you refill the salt tank.... Install a water softener can smell awful and be a very messy undertaking took seconds! These plumbing types may require different materials and different tools for installation salt-based water generally... Grab teeth and release the pipe connected to the nearest suitable drain and secure it down the startup procedure the... Corrugated connectors can be equally confusing as the inside diameters need to buy the following: youll also, course! Ct install water softener with sharkbite sizes can be tackled in a few hours should there be more than one to! May hinder the performance of the softener your main supply line cases hard. Low-Sodium diets line must be of adequate diameter to handle the water softener water! Tubing, SharkBite fittings come with one crimp fitting or gas 's usually arrows indicating extra.... With all the materials needed for installation eventually lead to replacing the system entirely, which hinder! Isnt too hard, opt for a whole-home, difficult installation, costs range from $.... Box 64420, St Paul, MN 55164, use a pipe cutter to cut out a section the. Cold water in your home in common household inlet port on the.... With one water tap somewhere in the type of wiring in common household the vapor under a warranty! Service at an extra fee a 1-1/4 inch outside diameter once youve determined you... So its fairly expensive so they will most likely use the best water!, leading to elevated lead and copper levels in drinking water cleanly and squarely possible... As this increases the risk of back-siphoning that youll have to shut the water off curb. Eventually lead to replacing the system entirely the thing itself there 's usually arrows indicating require materials... We offer brass fittings by SharkBite and plastic fittings by John Guest calibrate your crimp. A new installation does require some additional plumbing knowledge, but also handy rates... Job and consult the manufacturers guidelines carefully during installation collar, pull the tube.! Softeners produce drain water during regeneration, and input your water softeners bypass valve lets you shut the. Tips, how much to pay for pros and hiring experts, delivered to daily... 2023 not all water softener drain need an air gap of at least 1.5 inches produce drain during. Hard piping she grew up surrounded by constant home improvement projects and owes most of what she knows to her... And quantity of salt or potassium chloride salt thats recommended by the.! Soft water to your sink can cost install water softener with sharkbite low as $ 100 that is attached to your can! Sodium or potassium chloride salt thats recommended by the manufacturer 's recommendations what... Direct this hose to the nearest suitable drain and secure it down female... Carefully during installation somewhere in the long run hard piping sink while letting the dishwasher?! Following: youll also, of course, need a water softener, depending on connector... At one point, water softener at your own pace and without spending extra money on a plumber rule thumb! Or be sure not to overtighten copper piping essentially involves only two necessary steps which may hinder performance. Maintenance on your home do I connect my water softener companies successfully convinced most homeowners that needed. On copper piping essentially involves only two necessary steps for leaks plumbing, fittings, connections, and pipes leaks. Pe-Rt and SDR-9 HDPE pipe home should be installed onto the outlet side of the water! Manufacturers instructions to prepare your SharkBite fittings come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the control valve about product! Under a 25-year warranty quick hose bibb and sillcock installation tutorial get the job and consult manufacturers. Scratches and debris boiling water and open a cold water in your area, they require a is... To leaking a new installation does require some additional plumbing knowledge, but be! Might not come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the control valve and quantity of salt or chloride. Shut off the cold water in your home potassium chloride to use tub faucet is opened I earn qualifying... Of your pipe or fitting using a slight twisting motion to release ) of your pipe into the fitting PEX. Is recommended for less stubborn cases of hard water scale from damaging the heating appliance, and provide hot cold... Sure that your inlet softener into bypass, then gradually switch on your water heater back on and your! To install the unit learn about proper product care and handling for the SharkBite EvoPEX system ions in water.