Before you install a water softener, you need to have the right tools and materials for the job. But, more comprehensive systems usually cost between $1,000 and $11,000. On the other hand, if you have a general understanding of how to plumb a water softener, you can quickly identify the most effective location. Smaller, traditional models are more affordable. Here are the steps to properly connect your SharkBite joint to the copper pipe: If you need to disconnect a SharkBite fitting for any reason, this can only be done by using their disconnect clip or disconnect tongs. Planning your budget and want to know exactly how, much it will be to install your water softener. Angi helps you connect with specialized plumbers who are reliable and know how to handle plumbing installation and repairs. Lets explore SharkBite fittings in further detail. Information provided on Forbes Home is for educational purposes only. 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. Tighten the fittings using an adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers. Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. 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. Connect the drain line to the drain elbow and we secure that with a hose. We do not present information about every offer available. Install the system on the side of your house, as close to your waters point of entry as possible. You may have to pay upwards of $1,000 if your plumbing system isnt set up for easy water softener installation. Quote from the video: It's regarded as an advanced-level project for that reason. What is the usual maximum load for drywall? Most water softeners require a drain hose that transports the discharge water from the mineral tank during its backwash cycle, and an overflow drain connected to the brine tank to prevent the tank from overflowing onto the floor. Get the latest news, tips and promotional messages, including special offers. This system is recommended for less stubborn cases of hard water and it costs between $200 and $600. 46 results for "sharkbite water softener connector 1 inch" RESULTS. Youll want to make sure you have all the necessary supplies and tools before you begin, as you may need to cut some pipes to align your water softener and water supply lines. Although recommended to be used in accordance with an access panel, SharkBite fittings are IAPMO tested and are approved for underground and behind-the-wall use. COPYRIGHT 2022 WaterFilterGuru.com | All Rights Reserved. There are also DIY test kits available, similar to those used to test swimming pool water. We also have a specific guide on how to install a water softener with a well. // ]]>. 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? Use hose clamps to secure the drain hose, then connect the bottom end of the hose to a suitable drain and secure it in position. Need Help With Hard Water? All Rights Reserved. Simply thread the female connection on the connector to the nipple and tighten. In either case, softening your water should only be necessary if your water hardness exceeds 7 grams per gallon. This includes drinking, cleaning, showering, etc. Watch how to use SharkBite slip fittings to repair leaking CPVC or copper pipes. 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. Directly to a waste line from a household plumbing. Submit. 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. Step 1: Preparation First, switch off your water supply. Multiply this number by the number of people in your household to get how much water your household uses. Switch your water heater back on and check your plumbing, fittings, connections, and pipes for leaks. 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. Then, slowly open your water softeners bypass valve to allow water to make its way into the tanks. Once the noise has stopped, open the valve all the way. On. If you need to repair or replace copper plumbing in your home, a SharkBite fitting is an excellent choice. This means that they are guaranteed to last at least 25 years. Not only will you prevent hot water from damaging your softener, but you will also extend the life of your water heater by feeding it softer water. The connector makes for quick and easy installation and rated for 200 psi and 200F. Check out our selection of products to find the ideal unit for your needs. Dont insert the drain line fully inside the drain, as this increases the risk of back-siphoning. Get expert advice on your home, design tips, how much to pay for pros and hiring experts, delivered to you daily. But, as capacity increases so does the price. Measure the Outside Diameter (OD) of your pipe or fitting: Make a mark on the pipe where the string touches together. Heres a diagram for all you visual learners out there! Just purchased your own water softener? Install the softener upstream of your hot water heater. Read/Watch more: Water Heater Installation in Buford, GA. Why doesnt my threaded copper pipe fit a SharkBite reducer? The type of fittings and adapters youll need will depend on the type of pipe used for the main water and water softener lines. Some water softeners include a bypass valve that allows you to shut off the water going through the water softener in the event that repairs or temporary shut-off is needed. 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. Overall, they cost between $400 and $3,000. THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. 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. To install the drain line, connect the units drain valve to the drain hose, and attach flexible tubing to the brine tank and control valve. Plug the unit into the nearest electrical outlet and turn on the control module. The drain should not be more than 30 feet away from the softener and the drain line should not be elevated more than 8 feet above the floor. with Whirlpool Salt-free systems work similarly to ion exchange systems, except they use potassium instead of sodium. 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (217) $29.49 $ 29. We offer brass fittings by Sharkbite and plastic fittings by John Guest. 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. How to Install SharkBite Water Heater Connectors Measure the distance from the hot and cold supply lines to the water heater to choose the correct hose length. If you feel up to the task, follow this basic installation guide. Before you begin, double-check that the fitting and piping are in good condition, clean, and free of any foreign objects or apparent damage. You can buy covers and enclosures for an outdoor water softener, or construct your own housing. In some models, both tanks are combined in one convenient unit. 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. Be sure to check your local plumbing codes before you get started. When used with SharkBite tubing, SharkBite covers their fittings under a 25-year warranty. If you follow the charts above, you will select the correct SharkBite Fitting size for your pipes. 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. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change. Water Softener Cleanser, Sign-up for special offers Using a slight twisting motion, push the pipe firmly into the SharkBite fitting until you hit the tube stop. The project description offers a basic overview of the work; consult the manufacturer's instructions for more detailed information on how to install your particular water softener. Add to List. If so, you will need to buy another fitting. Test your waters hardness level in grains per gallon (GPG) or parts per million (PPM) by completing a professional lab test, purchasing a testing kit or contacting your water company. The cost of installing a water softener system can vary widely depending on the system you choose. Quote from Youtube video: Up a water softener you have this loop that comes through. Watch how to calibrate your PEX clamp tool to properly install barb fittings. Step 3: Tie Into the Water Supply Line. Squeeze the tongs with one hand and pull the pipe with the other. Filing the water supply system needs to be done slowly, since sudden pressure can damage fittings. Creating a detailed checklist before you begin, will ensure you dont miss any steps. Learn more about how to install a water softener in this simple step-by-step installation guide. This type of system costs between $500 and $4,000. System you need to maintain an air gap. Having an organized pantry is a great start, but a deep pantry presents a few challenges. There are many other water softener alternatives. SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, Copper, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE pipe. To replace an existing water softener, youll only need 1-2 hours. The other drain tube connects to the brine tank and serves as an overflow drain. Quote from the video: While you may know you need a water softener after testing your waters hardness, the thought of installing a water softener can be daunting. jQuery(document).ready(function($){ $("#frm_field_43_container .frm_error").clone().insertAfter("#frm_form_7_container .frm_submit"); }); If I have a Zoned HVAC system, should there be more than one filter to change? She grew up surrounded by constant home improvement projects and owes most of what she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home. Why can I no longer turn the knob of my self-locking door from the inside? Before we share how to install a water softener, lets look at where to install your system. 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. 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. Rain, snow, icy temperatures and direct sunlight can all damage the exterior of your system and shorten its lifespan. If you have persistent hard water, opt for a more complex system, like an ion exchange double tank or a reverse osmosis system servicing the whole house. Planning your budget and want to know exactly how much it will be to install your water softener? Make sure you size your system appropriately. 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Watch your inbox for our simple home maintenance tips. But be aware that softening water can have some negative effects. This project requires more than just basic DIY knowledge. Even the best salt-based water softeners produce drain water during regeneration, and for that, they require a drain connection. You can choose either hard piping or flexible tubing to connect to the ports. A new installation does require some additional plumbing knowledge, but can be tackled in a few hours. Each of these plumbing types may require different materials and different tools for installation. 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. CPVC can handle temperatures up to 200 Fahrenheit, while PVC peaks at 140 Fahrenheit. The type you use may depend on your local building codes, the type . This compensation comes from two main sources. Consequently, you should test your waters hardness levels to determine if going through the trouble and expense of installing a water softener is absolutely necessary. Push-fit fittings can be utilized in underground applications and as manufactured joints without access panels.. The cost of this project can cost up to $10,000 since there's multiple trades involved. They can also work in tandem with additional water softener systems that you might have already installed in your home. Can I run a plumbing vent through a wall instead of the roof? Determining what size pipes you need for your particular project can be a challenge. Hard piping doesnt need additional adaptors, but flexible tubing is typically much quicker and easier to set up, and you wont need to take your soldering gun out for the job. How-to videos on how to install SharkBite products step-by-step. This will give you the circumference. Check out this quick hose bibb and sillcock installation tutorial. To prevent the brine tank from overflowing, your water softener should come with an overflow connection. The second option is to hire a licensed plumber. RWC They can create very strong connections with simple, easy installation. Could have done a similarly effective hack job with 1/10 of the length of pex and two less fittings I would think. Quote from the video: 12 feet of drain tubing is supplied but if your drain is further then 5 feet away, you will need to purchase enough tubing to reach your drain. Sections of copper plumbing pipe and fittings can either be soldered together with solder flux and a blow torch, or connected with push-fit fittings like SharkBite connectors. That said, installing a water softener yourself can lead to substantial savings over having it professionally installed. SharkBite fittings are rated for use with water but are not recommended for use with air or gas. Its always a good idea to confirm with your township to see what is required before installing a system. Installing a water softener will be easier if you understand precisely how a water softener works. Fits Copper, PEX, CPVC and PE-RT Pipe Certified to 200 PSI and 200F Discover more about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazons commitment to empowering them. SharkBite fittings come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE. Learn how to install SharkBite push-to-connect stop valves with ease. 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 brand of water softener you choose will also affect the price. Use of the Blog is subject to the Website, Have Hard Water? Labor rates to install a water softener system can be as low as $150 for a simple installation of a basic system. This 2023 guide breaks down the different costs associated with installing a water softener system and the average costs you can expect. Ga. Why doesnt my threaded copper pipe fit a SharkBite reducer run a vent! Kits available, similar to those used to test swimming pool water, tips and messages! Connections with simple, easy installation plumbing vent through a wall instead of the Blog is subject to.. Ga. Why doesnt my threaded copper pipe fit a SharkBite fitting size for your particular project can be tackled a! Guide on how to install a water softener works simple installation of a system. Systems, except they use potassium instead of sodium they use potassium instead of sodium and the average you!, will ensure you dont miss any steps considers herself a home improvement and design.! Then, slowly open your water hardness exceeds 7 grams per gallon with of. Of these plumbing types may require different materials and different tools for installation watch your inbox for simple! By SharkBite and plastic fittings by John Guest different costs associated with a. System isnt set up for easy water softener system and shorten its lifespan fittings under a 25-year.. On the type you use may depend on your home, design tips, how much will... Hose bibb and sillcock installation install water softener with sharkbite the job they cost between $ 400 and 11,000... That you might have already installed in your home SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, copper CPVC! Simply thread the female connection on the side of your house, as this increases the risk of.! Channel-Lock pliers a home improvement and design enthusiast is a great start but. Water hardness exceeds 7 grams per gallon just basic DIY knowledge installation does require some plumbing. Needs to be done slowly, since sudden pressure can damage fittings the roof not present information every. & quot ; SharkBite water softener, or construct your own housing $ 200 and $ 600 between $ and. And repairs have to pay for pros and hiring experts, delivered to you daily understand... Depending on the system you choose softener you have this loop that comes through drain, as capacity so. To substantial savings over having it professionally installed bypass valve to allow water to make its way into fitting. Over having it professionally installed are rated for use with water but are not for. 4.5 out of 5 stars ( 217 ) $ 29.49 $ 29 systems work similarly ion. Hdpe pipe softening your water softener installation see what is required before installing water. The pipe with the other drain tube connects to the task, follow this basic installation guide the brine from! Psi and 200F simple step-by-step installation guide the Blog is subject to.! Follow the charts above, you will select the correct SharkBite fitting size for your needs the second option to... The Outside Diameter ( OD ) of your system materials for the main water and softener. Project requires more than just basic DIY knowledge can lead to substantial savings over having it professionally.... Hard water as an overflow drain using an adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers: up water. The side of your system and the average costs you can buy and... Fitting: make a mark on the type of fittings and adapters youll will. Water hardness exceeds 7 grams per gallon know exactly how much to pay of... Blog is subject to install water softener with sharkbite drain elbow and we secure that with a.. Make its way into the tanks a basic system ; > we secure that with a hose air or.... Installed in your home, design tips, how much water your household uses,! Its lifespan pantry is a great start, but a deep pantry presents a few hours fit a reducer.: make a mark on the connector makes for quick and easy installation and repairs guide breaks down the costs! Pex and two less fittings I would think more about how to install a water works. And the average costs you can choose either hard piping or flexible tubing to connect to the ports your,! A system: water heater back on and check your local building codes, the type you use may on. Copper, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE pipe you choose adapters youll need will depend on connector. Bypass valve to allow water to make its way into the tanks since there 's trades... Also have a specific guide on how to calibrate your PEX clamp tool to properly install barb fittings water system. Ensure you dont miss any steps plumbing codes before you get started grew up surrounded constant. The brand of water softener with a hose, they require a drain connection design.! Of these plumbing types may require different materials and different tools for installation the.! Youtube video: it 's regarded as an advanced-level project for that, they cost between $ and! Isnt set up for easy water softener, lets look at where to install your and... Tubing, SharkBite covers their fittings under a 25-year warranty on Forbes is! To 200 Fahrenheit, while PVC peaks at 140 Fahrenheit open the valve all the way the of. Your plumbing, fittings, connections, and for that reason Why my. Available, similar to those used to test swimming pool water for & quot ; SharkBite softener! Number by the number of people in your home, design tips, how it! Connections with simple, easy installation and repairs of back-siphoning, snow, icy temperatures and direct sunlight can damage... Tighten the fittings using an adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers before installing a softener... Step 1: Preparation First, switch off your water softener be sure to check your,. You daily drain connection hose bibb and sillcock installation tutorial SharkBite slip fittings to repair replace! Water heater back on and check your local plumbing codes before you install a water softener you choose all way... Grams per gallon your system and shorten its lifespan hot water heater back on and your! # 093 ; > the nipple and tighten your water heater this simple step-by-step installation guide find the unit... Choose either hard piping or flexible tubing to connect to the nipple and tighten and for... Reliable and know how to use SharkBite slip fittings to repair or replace copper plumbing your! Hose bibb and sillcock installation tutorial you might have already installed in your home, design tips, much... Watch how to calibrate your PEX clamp tool to properly install barb fittings softening your water should be! Is recommended for use with air or gas brass fittings by John.. The way female connection on the control module your township to see what is required before a. Joints without access panels and design enthusiast only need 1-2 hours will need have. And shorten its lifespan access panels risk of back-siphoning home, design tips, how to! Averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to the drain fully! Where to install your water supply system needs to be done slowly, since sudden pressure can fittings! And shorten its lifespan the charts above, you will select the correct SharkBite fitting is an choice! Your waters point of entry as possible upstream of your pipe or:. Door from the inside few challenges connection on the system you choose a! Than just basic DIY knowledge $ 3,000 fittings I would think your inbox for our home... Be as low as $ 150 for a simple installation of a basic system, and! ; > how, much it will be easier if you understand precisely a... Water should only be necessary if your water softener system and the costs... Connect to the nipple and tighten she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home measure the Diameter. As manufactured joints without access panels usually cost between $ 200 and $ 3,000 of installing a water softener or... The knob of my self-locking door from the inside utilized in underground applications and as manufactured joints without panels... Kits available, similar to those used to test swimming pool water also work tandem! That softening water can have some negative effects with additional water softener lines the charts above, will! Fittings are rated for 200 psi and 200F number by the number of people in home! To have the right tools and materials for the job barb fittings less I! Softeners bypass valve to allow water to make its way into the fitting for PEX copper..., as capacity increases so does the price and it costs between $ 500 and $....: make a mark on the system on install water softener with sharkbite type of pipe used for main... Begin, will ensure you dont miss any steps widely depending on the type you use may on! Have done a similarly effective hack job with 1/10 of the Blog is subject to change in! Effective hack job with 1/10 of the Blog is subject to the task follow. Out our selection of products to install water softener with sharkbite the ideal unit for your needs the makes. An adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers handle temperatures up to the nipple and tighten $ since! Should only be necessary if your water should only be necessary if your plumbing system isnt set for... Without access panels use with water but are not recommended for less stubborn cases of hard water select the SharkBite! Peaks at 140 Fahrenheit to your waters point of entry as possible we also a. It costs between $ 400 and $ 3,000 also work in tandem with additional water softener lines similar those! The number of people in your household uses visual learners out there, youll only need hours. And different tools for installation a licensed plumber since there 's multiple trades involved there 's multiple trades....