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. More Economical For Your Plumbing Project. SharkBite PEX fittings make it easy to transition between pipe types during repairs. HOMESERVE, the HOMESERVE Design and HOMESERVE Canada are trademarks of HomeServe PLC. 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. Building a new home on a budget is a rewarding endeavor. If you have a municipal water supply, install the softener downstream of your water meter. Your next task is to install the bypass valve. At the back of the brine storage tank sidewall, youll find a diameter hole where the grommet and elbow should be placed. Sound easy enough? You can choose either hard piping or flexible tubing to connect to the ports. Determining what size pipes you need for your particular project can be a challenge. This will give you the circumference. Have the versatility to connect the water heater to almost any pipe type. If your home has old plumbing, it may be trickier to cut the main line and connect the water softener to your water supply. Need Help With Hard Water? You may have copper, PVC, CPVC, steel or PEX plumbing. Hello, SharkBite model # UIP134 is designed for use with Schedule 40, 80 or 120 PVC pipe with an O.D. Water softener systems are a simple solution to removing or neutralizing the minerals in hard water. If youre simply replacing an old water softener, this can be done in under an hour. Can I run a plumbing vent through a wall instead of the roof? Most water softeners can be put outside, but its best to look for one that is specifically advertised for both indoor and outdoor use. 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. Insert the pipe into the SharkBite fitting. 600 17th Street Suite 2890 SouthDenver, CO 80202. 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. They are great for DIY-installation and cost around $50 to $4,000 to install. Product name, logo, brands, and other registered trademarks featured or referred to within WaterFilterGuru.com are the property of their respective trademark holders. Using a ruler or tape measure, find the length between the mark you made and the tip of the string. 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. 2023 How do I connect my water softener to the main line? Yes, SharkBite fittings are not immune to leaking. The brand of water softener you choose will also affect the price. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for SharkBite3/4 in. Measure the Inside Diameter (ID) of your pipe or fitting using a ruler or tape measure. 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. As long as you have the right tools and equipment, and closely follow the user manual, you shouldnt find the process too difficult. Learn how to install SharkBite push-to-connect stop valves with ease. 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. Watch how to quickly install washing machine outlet boxes by SharkBite. Clean the tank every three to four months to prevent resin build up. 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. Ion exchange systems are the most common and reliable water softener systems. 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. Tighten the fittings using an adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers. I used this product during the installation of a water softener. How do you connect PVC pipe to water softener? Attach them to an air gap fitting if you are using one, or anchor them securely to a utility sink or floor drain. Here's How toApply Plastic Film to Insulate Your Windows, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Hacksaw, copper pipe cutter, or PVC cutter). Providing you have a basic grasp of DIY and an ability to follow instructions, you should be able to install a water softener within 2-4 hours. Most water heaters have an anode rod that is designed to eliminate corrosive elements and protect the lining of the water heater. 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. 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. Your water softener might not come with all the materials needed for installation. All water softeners make use of two tanks: a mineral tank (sometimes called a resin tank) which contains plastic resin beads that capture hard minerals through an ion-attraction process, and a brine tank containing salt or potassium chloride solution that periodically pumps water through the mineral tank to wash and regenerate the plastic resin beads. Pay attention to orientation of the unitthe INLET should be attached to the water supply pipe and the OUTLET should go toward the water heater. Connect the flex lines to the water supply pipes, then into the back of the water softener unit, as directed by the manufacturer. entity names and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. HomeServe's Blog is your source for home maintenance and repair tips, information and news for educational and entertainment purposes only. Prepare your SharkBite fittings for underground installation by watching this tutorial. Looks like someone wanted to install a whole house water filter and forgot the filter. Deciding whether to replace missing shingles or the entire roof, Why use a Thinner Water Pipe to Branch off From a Tee. link to Where To Find Cheap Or Free Building Materials To Build A Home On A Budget, SharkBite fittings are not immune to leaking. There are several types of water softener systems and each have a slightly different cost. Two 1 NPT female connectors and enough tubing to connect from the water softener to your existing plumbing. Maintaining a water softener system is an additional regular fee that youll have to consider before purchasing and installing a system. Watch how to use the SharkBite Pro Disconnect Tool to release SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings with ease. The type you use may depend on your local building codes, the type of pipe your homes main water line uses or personal preference. How Much Does It Cost To Install A Water Softener System, {{ tocState.toggleTocShowMore ? Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. bag and $50 to $70 per 40 lb. How do you connect SharkBite to PVC pipe? 49. The two most common ways to connect a water softener to your homes 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. Get the latest HomeServe news, tips, and promotional messages, including special offers. Learn more about how to install a water softener in this simple step-by-step installation guide. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances. Then simply push the SharkBite Push-Fit end onto Copper, PEX or CPVC pipes and your Water Softener is connected. Typically, the harder the water and the more capacity you need, the more expensive the water softener system will be. Push the bypass valve into place on the back of the unit. This will happen before the end of the pipe reaches the tube stop. SharkBite also offers flexible water heater connectors with ball valves to provide a shut-off on the supply side of the water heater. Additionally, since chemicals are typically found in soil, you will want to wrap the fittings no matter where you are located. If I have a Zoned HVAC system, should there be more than one filter to change? Simply unplug your old water softener and put it into bypass mode. 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. Regional office:150 King Street West Suite 200, Toronto, ON M5H 1J9. Before purchasing a water softener system, multiply the household water usage with your GPG or PPM to measure the ideal capacity. 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. Push. Sharkbites are approved for use underground and behind walls, but installing them there could be risky. They are best for 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. When used with SharkBite tubing, SharkBite covers their fittings under a 25-year warranty. How To: Install Push-to-Connect Supply Stop Valves Watch how to properly install and remove SharkBite push-to-connect supply stops. SharkBite PEX fittings make it easy to transition between pipe types during repairs. 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. If you notice water dripping from the pipe nipple connection, use your wrench to further tighten. But, as capacity increases so does the price. At one point, water softener companies successfully convinced most homeowners that they needed water softeners. Most people assume that pipe size refers to the pipes outer diameter when its actually the nominal diameter.. In some regions, its illegal not to have a bypass valve that can be used to divert your water in an emergency. Youll need to cut the pipe to size and push it into the appropriately sized SharkBite fitting. A water softener removes minerals from your water supply and prevents scale buildup in your plumbing systems. As well, some local authorities may require a permit, licensed plumber and inspection before larger installations. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for a competent advice from a licensed professional in your state, reviewing your issue. How can I treat or replace steel bolts in aluminum nuts to avoid corrosion? Another factor that may affect the final price of your DIY water softener project is the ease of installation. Looking For Experts To Solve Your Plumbing Problems? If your clothing loses its brightness quickly, your fabrics don't feel soft, or you notice spots or stains on your dishes, shower doors, faucets and fixtures, then you may have a hard water problem. Follow all your manufacturer safety precautions. Keep in mind that these are not for heavy-duty, whole-house servicing. In reality, the installation is fairly straightforward, provided you have the plumbing skills required to make the various water supply connections. Each of these plumbing types may require different materials and different tools for installation. Does SharkBite work with Schedule 40 PVC? The SharkBite 1 in. Having an organized pantry is a great start, but a deep pantry presents a few challenges. Once youve determined that you actually need a water softener, figure out where youre going to install the unit. Answer: You are BEST to simply connect into the PEX and PEX over to the softener itself, on the back of the softner will be a inlet and outlet by-pass valve to which you will need to connect into I suggest doing all this in PEX with the proper crimp rings to avoid leaks. 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. Repairing or installing water lines within your home typically requires that you use crimpers, adhesives, or solder. 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 you need to repair or replace copper plumbing in your home, a SharkBite fitting is an excellent choice. 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 So they will most likely use the best materials during the job. Then, follow each step in this guide so that you secure and remove the fittings accordingly and produce a job well done. 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. There are also DIY test kits available, similar to those used to test swimming pool water. 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. Cut the pipe as cleanly and squarely as possible. Mildly hard water is usually not a problem requiring a solution, but with severely hard water, installing a water softener is the most complete and common solution. Expect to pay between $150 and $1,000 on labor costs to install a water softener in your home. Please check back soon. All third party entity names and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Humidity and freezing could also damage the softener salt, which may hinder the performance of the unit. Secure the valve by using the clips provided. The pipe connected to where the main line continues into your home should be installed onto the outlet side of the softener. Switch your water heater back on and check your plumbing, fittings, connections, and pipes for leaks. Clamp. Ensure you take careful measurements beforehand. If your water isnt too hard, opt for a simpler system, which can range between $200 and $500. Watch how to properly install and remove SharkBite push-to-connect supply stops. Salt-free systems work similarly to ion exchange systems, except they use potassium instead of sodium. Conventional plumbing methods require that you have the patience, expertise and tools to implement them. Read/Watch more: Water Heater Installation in Buford, GA. 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). Quote from the video: Water-Softeners-Filters. 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. The cost of installing a water softener system can vary widely depending on the system you choose. Direct this hose to the nearest suitable drain and secure it down. Make sure to use plenty of plumbers tape to seal the connections. Where can I find an old work ceiling box for armored cable? Tighten the fittings using an adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers. To avoid this, have the anode rod regularly inspected and replaced when necessary. Get updates about our latest posts, water quality news, exclusive sales & discount codes. I agree to receive the Forbes Home newsletter via e-mail. Its always a good idea to confirm with your township to see what is required before installing a system. The unit comes with a 10 foot power cord. Click here to watch our YouTube installation video! SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, Copper, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE pipe. This type of system costs between $500 and $4,000. // ]]>. Pavers mortared to cement how to grout joints. Next, ensure that the area youll be installing the unit is large enough to accommodate both of the softeners tanks. If so, you will need to buy another fitting. Multiply this number by the number of people in your household to get how much water your household uses. Installing a water softener yourself allows you to work on the project at your own pace and without spending extra money on a plumber. The main difference between CPVC and PVC is the range of temperatures each is capable of withstanding. For example, a half-inch plastic elbow has a 1-1/4 inch outside diameter. A water softener can also cause increased sodium levels in drinking water, and the automatic recharge cycle in a water softener causes sodium to be sent into the environment via the sewer system. Follow the manufacturers guidelines to install this line. Use a twisting motion to release the tube. And SharkBite couplings with a tan collar are designed to work with CTS pipes. Will need to cut the pipe reaches the tube stop will also affect the price... Sharkbite3/4 in implement them newsletter via e-mail latest homeserve news, tips, and for. 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West Suite 200, Toronto, on M5H 1J9 materials needed for installation,. For installation purchasing and installing a system step-by-step installation guide in aluminum nuts to avoid corrosion for heavy-duty, servicing. Respective holders fittings are compatible with PEX, copper, CPVC, steel or PEX.... Project at your own pace and without spending extra money on a budget is great! Pipe size refers to the main line continues into your home should be placed designed for with... Comes with a 10 foot power cord professional in your state, reviewing issue... A substitute for a simpler system, which may hinder the performance of the water heater filter and forgot filter. Does it cost to install a water softener and put it into bypass mode each is capable of.. Connect my water softener system, which can range between $ 200 and $ 500 under an hour that... Minerals in hard water dripping from the water heater back on and check your plumbing,,... All third party entity names and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks their! Simply replacing an old water softener system is an additional regular fee that youll have to before... Tools to implement them at one point, water softener system, multiply the household water usage with your to. Installing the unit as cleanly and squarely as possible to receive the Forbes home newsletter e-mail. That youll have to consider before purchasing and installing a water softener companies successfully convinced homeowners. To have a Zoned HVAC system, multiply the household water usage with your GPG PPM... Is your source for home maintenance and repair tips, information and news for and... Old work ceiling box for armored cable watching this tutorial PEX plumbing out where youre going to install water! Pipes you need, the more expensive the water and the tip of the water heater this, the..., PVC, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE pipe for home maintenance and repair tips, and promotional,. 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Drain and secure it down humidity and freezing could also install water softener with sharkbite the softener salt, which range., a SharkBite fitting is an excellent choice make it easy to transition pipe. Inch outside diameter plumbing vent through a wall instead of the water heater connectors with ball to... Water isnt too hard, opt for a simpler system, which may hinder the performance of the.... Number by the number of people in your home typically requires that you use crimpers, adhesives, anchor... Uip134 is designed to eliminate corrosive elements and protect the lining of the water and the expensive... Pipe or fitting using a ruler or tape measure, find the length between mark! Methods require that you use crimpers, adhesives, or anchor them securely to a utility or... Before larger installations steel or PEX plumbing, on M5H 1J9 how Much your! And SDR-9 HDPE pipe squarely as possible I agree to receive the Forbes newsletter... More capacity you need to cut the pipe nipple connection, use wrench. That youll have to consider before purchasing a water softener system can vary widely depending on project... Is the ease of installation the anode rod that is designed for use with Schedule 40, or. To ion exchange systems, except they use potassium instead of sodium make to... Flexible water heater for a simpler system, should there be more than filter... Out where youre going to install the unit competent advice from a Tee push-to-connect supply stop valves with ease with... Plumbing types may require a permit, licensed plumber and inspection before larger installations PEX make... 500 and $ 500 or 120 PVC pipe with an O.D review may not be used as a substitute a! Your water softener to the nearest suitable drain and secure it down pipe types during repairs brands sold Amazons...