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. 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. Once youve secured the correct size fitting and piping, you can begin installing the SharkBite fitting onto your copper pipe. This means that they are guaranteed to last at least 25 years. This will give you the circumference. Eliminating the cost of labor means that the price largely depends on the capabilities of your water softening unit, which is measured in grains. To connect the water heater using flexible supply tubes, first shut off the water to your home and drain the pipes. SharkBite fittings are simply plumbing fittings designed as a push-to-connect system. LOGIN; CREATE AN ACCOUNT; TRACK YOUR ORDER; 0. Purchase an air gap fitting for the job and consult the manufacturers guidelines carefully during installation. Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with 15 years of experience in commercial, new residential plumbing, and residential service and repair. Multiply this number by the number of people in your household to get how much water your household uses. However, the most determining price factor is the type of system needed to fix the root causes of hard water in your home. Next, fill the brine tank and program the units settings. 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. They prevent a build up of ions in the water system and are best for people on low-sodium diets. Watch how to use SharkBite slip fittings to repair leaking CPVC or copper pipes. Labor costs vary not only based on complexity, but also handy labor rates in your area. She has over five years of experience in the home improvement space and harnessed her expertise while working for companies like HomeAdvisor and Angi (formerly Angies List). Check for leaks during the backwash cycle. But be aware that softening water can have some negative effects. Make sure the supply-side pipe is connected to the inlet port on the water softener; the house-side pipe to the outlet port. link to Where To Find Cheap Or Free Building Materials To Build A Home On A Budget, SharkBite fittings are not immune to leaking. Where can I find an old work ceiling box for armored cable? and the life of your softener Measure the Inside Diameter (ID) of your pipe or fitting using a ruler or tape measure. Watch how to quickly install SharkBite ice maker outlet boxes. Install the softener upstream of your hot water heater. Check whether your water softener needs to be sanitized before use. However, for any other system that requires larger installation, you should (and may be required by law to) hire a professional to complete the installation. When soldering copper, you should cut and preassemble the pipes and fittings before installing them onto the water softener, because the heat from the blow torch can damage the softeners plastic components. If you have a municipal water supply, install the softener downstream of your water meter. 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. A new installation does require some additional plumbing knowledge, but can be tackled in a few hours. Jennifer has over 18 years of experience in the water treatment industry by providing filtration solutions for residential ,commercial and industrial clients. This May Also Interest You: What Is a Water Softener? Information provided on Forbes Home is for educational purposes only. Humidity and freezing could also damage the softener salt, which may hinder the performance of the unit. Install the system on the side of your house, as close to your waters point of entry as possible. Water Softeners. To maintain them, you must refill the salt tank regularly. Ensure the whole system is protected against water damage, including any pipes and cables. System you need to maintain an air gap. Use of the Blog is subject to the Website, Have Hard Water? Push to Connect Water Softener Connector can be used for connection of new water softeners or replacement of existing connectors on your water heater. Your DIY experience and know-how, the complexity of the unit itself, and the accessibility of your homes plumbing system all affect how long installation takes. SharkBite carries a wide range of braided and corrugated flexible water heater hoses that connect to PEX, copper, CPVC, or HDPE pipe. If you feel up to the task, follow this basic installation guide. The unit comes with a 10 foot power cord. How do I connect my water softener to the main 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. Systems, equipment, issues and circumstances vary. Knowing how to organize Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. 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. Why does my re-plumbed shower come on whenever the tub faucet is opened? Installing a water softener will be easier if you understand precisely how a water softener works. Read the manufacturer's recommendations about what type and quantity of salt or potassium chloride to use. Water-Softeners-Filters. And there you have it: thats how to install a water softener. Pipe Compatibility 9 Total Available Products Display 12 | 18 | All Toilet Connection Kit Shower / Tub Connection Kit The SharkBites advanced push-fit connection system works in two stages. Next, follow the start-up steps for your water softener, which will include plugging in the appliance, then setting the time of day and the water hardness level. Whether youre installing a new water heater or servicing an older one, SharkBite water heater connectors enable you to: All SharkBite hot water heater connectors are approved for use on electric and gas water heaters with a flu vent. Determining what size pipes you need for your particular project can be a challenge. If your water isnt too hard, opt for a simpler system, which can range between $200 and $500. She grew up surrounded by constant home improvement projects and owes most of what she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home. And SharkBite couplings with a tan collar are designed to work with CTS pipes. When white film (calcium) builds up around your faucets and shower heads or your skin feels dry and itchy after showering, you might have hard water. Fitting sizes can be equally confusing as the inside diameters need to be large enough to fit the copper pipes outside diameter. Please check back soon. You shouldnt need to plumb the system into your water line because youll already have a dedicated setup for your existing softener. When a project requires this kind of investment, designating it to a professional is often the best route. Step 1: Preparation First, switch off your water supply. If your home has excessively hard water, the best solution is to install a whole-home water softener. 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. 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). For homes with accessible plumbing, installing a water softener isnt hard its just a lengthy, fiddly process. 'Show more' : 'Show less' }}. SharkBite fittings come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE. of 1.050. Learn More. 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. So they will most likely use the best materials during the job. However, buying a water softener from a hardware store is often more expensive than purchasing the same one online. However, most require the same basic installation process. The guidelines for sanitizing should be outlined by your manufacturer. However, weve made this easier for you. Fill the brine tank with the amount of water and sodium or potassium chloride salt thats recommended by the manufacturer. 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. Dispose of the water softener and resin separately. Fits Copper, PEX, CPVC and PE-RT Pipe Certified to 200 PSI and 200F Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Conventional plumbing methods require that you have the patience, expertise and tools to implement them. Directly to a waste line from a household plumbing. Before purchasing a water softener system, multiply the household water usage with your GPG or PPM to measure the ideal capacity. How do you go from SharkBite to PVC pipe? HomeServe's Blog is your source for home maintenance and repair tips, information and news for educational and entertainment purposes only. Urban and metropolitan areas tend to have higher costs for materials and labor than rural regions. Check the units instructions for the recommended uses of the softened water. Two 1" NPT female connectors and enough tubing to connect from the water softener to your existing plumbing. Find My Store. Ask the manufacturer to see the user manual in advance if it isnt available to download online. The main difference between CPVC and PVC is the range of temperatures each is capable of withstanding. Can I safely attach new fittings to an older PEX A line? Keep in mind that these are not for heavy-duty, whole-house servicing. How can I treat or replace steel bolts in aluminum nuts to avoid corrosion? Also, some townships legally require a professional plumber to do the installation. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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