Copyright 2023 HomeServe USA. Watch how to quickly install washing machine outlet boxes by SharkBite. 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. SharkBite water heater connectors use a gasket to seal onto the water heater pipe nipples, so. 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 just installing a small unit underneath the sink, you can DIY the installation. A step-by-step guide on how to install a SharkBite FIP supply stop valve on a 1/2 inch iron pipe stub-out. Next, ensure that the area youll be installing the unit is large enough to accommodate both of the softeners tanks. 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. Can I safely attach new fittings to an older PEX A line? Click here to watch our YouTube installation video! 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. What size drain is required for a water softener? However, as long as they are installed correctly, they have been known to last upwards of 30 to 35 years. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Quickly connect water heater supply lines to existing pipes that dont line up. When and when not to use SharkBite fittings. Connect the drain tubes to each tank and run them to the closest drain. 600 17th Street Suite 2890 SouthDenver, CO 80202. Make sure the supply-side pipe is connected to the inlet port on the water softener; the house-side pipe to the outlet port. The drain line must be of adequate diameter to handle the water conditioners backwash flow rate. The teeth on the grab ring will then open out to grip onto the pipe. Push the fitting to the insertion mark you made. Water Softener Cleanser, Sign-up for special offers Is it safe to unclog the kitchen sink while letting the dishwasher run? The connector makes for quick and easy installation and rated for 200 psi and 200F. Lexie is a Deputy Editor who is responsible for writing and editing articles over a wide variety of home-related topics. Using either the tongs or clip, youll need to apply pressure to the release collar. Youll need to protect your water softener from the elements. That said, installing a water softener yourself can lead to substantial savings over having it professionally installed. However, the most determining price factor is the type of system needed to fix the root causes of hard water in your home. Quote from the video: Grain capacity of most household systems is about 24,000, which is typical for a four-person household. 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. All third party entity names and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Tank. In the best-case scenario, your home will have a plumbing loop thats easy to access, reducing the costs involved in the installation process. Simply unplug your old water softener and put it into bypass mode. Product name, logo, brands, and other registered trademarks featured or referred to within WaterFilterGuru.com are the property of their respective trademark holders. HomeServe's Blog is your source for home maintenance and repair tips, information and news for educational and entertainment purposes only. Sand the edges of the cut pipe and use a lint-free cloth to remove any dust and catch leaking water with a bucket or container. Two wall switches appear orphaned What to do? Here are the steps in further detail: If done correctly, the pipe and fitting will be free of any foreign objects, damage, and marks on the outside diameter. All rights reserved, Corporate office: 601 Merritt 7, Norwalk, CT 06851. If your salt-based water softener uses a brine tank overflow grommet, install this first. Compare Quotes From Top-rated Water Treatment Installation Contractors. This May Also Interest You: What Is a Water Softener? He will have to shut the water off at curb for a short time, that would be the biggest inconvenience for the repair. The SharkBite 1 in. Quote from the video: 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. Next, attach the inlet and outlet ports to your water softeners inlet and outlet. Resin; Underbed Gravel ; 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. Rheem RHS42 Water Softener Install + Sharkbite Connector Battle Scott Driscoll 2.62K subscribers Subscribe 312 51K views 1 year ago The process of replacing my busted kenmore softener. If youre simply replacing an old water softener, this can be done in under an hour. Share. 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. Does Pex tubing have any advantages over copper? Make sure the supply-side pipe is connected to the inlet port on the water softener; the house-side pipe to the outlet port. On. Building a new home on a budget is a rewarding endeavor. Finding a reliable Plumber in your state doesn't have to be a hassle. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances. Open a cold water tap somewhere in the house to allow air to escape as you refill the pipes. Read the manufacturer's recommendations about what type and quantity of salt or potassium chloride to use. Consult your user manual to check what type of valve your softener uses. SharkBite carries a wide range of braided and corrugated flexible water heater hoses that connect to PEX, copper, CPVC, or HDPE pipe. 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. Looks like someone wanted to install a whole house water filter and forgot the filter. Unfortunately we dont currently offer coverage in at If you notice water dripping from the pipe nipple connection, use your wrench to further tighten. Expect to pay between $150 and $1,000 on labor costs to install a water softener in your home. Use a copper pipe cutter (for copper pipe), PVC cutter (for PVC pipe) or hacksaw (for either) to make two cuts into the main water supply line. How do you connect SharkBite to PVC pipe? If you have an electric water softener, plug the unit into a GFI outlet. SharkBite. Enable Performance and Targeting Cookies to view this content. 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. Push-fit fittings can be utilized in underground applications and as manufactured joints without access panels.. They can also work in tandem with additional water softener systems that you might have already installed in your home. Install the softener upstream of your hot water heater. Most water heaters have an anode rod that is designed to eliminate corrosive elements and protect the lining of the water heater. Using a ruler or tape measure, find the length between the mark you made and the tip of the string. All Rights Reserved. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Magnetic systems are recently developed technology that uses magnets in piping to neutralize the ions. Regional office:150 King Street West Suite 200, Toronto, ON M5H 1J9. Get the latest HomeServe news, tips, and promotional messages, including special offers. 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. 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. Now, turn on your water and check the connections. I agree to receive the Forbes Home newsletter via e-mail. How to Install a Water Softener DIY (Step-by-Step Guide), Water Softener Installation Step-by-Step, specific guide on how to install a water softener with a well, one that is specifically advertised for both indoor and outdoor use, drain the old water softener with a wet vac, article explains how to remove a water softener correctly, It takes about 4-6 hours to install a water softener, installation cost of getting a professional to hook up your water softener. How do you connect PVC pipe to water softener? Be sure not to overtighten. We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Home. Planning your budget and want to know exactly how much it will be to install your water softener? It's regarded as an advanced-level project for that reason. 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. 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. Looking For Experts To Solve Your Plumbing Problems? The average person uses about 90 gallons of water per day. 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. Installing a SharkBite Fitting onto your copper pipes itself isnt hard to do. Be sure to check your local plumbing codes before you get started. Neglecting the heater can eventually lead to replacing the system entirely. 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. Tighten the fittings using an adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers. A new installation does require some additional plumbing knowledge, but can be tackled in a few hours. Renting a water softener. For these pricier systems, costs are between $6,000 and $7,000. Nafeesah Allen, Ph.D. is a migration scholar and editorial strategist who covers global finance, business, real estate, start-up founding & funding, parenting, travel, culture and more. *Water softener installation requires a 110-volt receptacle within 10 feet of the water softener. We strongly recommend buying a bypass valve if your softener doesnt come with one. Similar to the requirement for dishwashers, the drain line needs an air gap fitting designed to prevent back-siphoning of contaminated drain water into the water softener. Find Affordable Plumbers And Plumbing Services. The on the back of the thing itself there's usually arrows indicating. How Much Does Ethernet Installation Cost? Learn More. Yes, you can install a water softener even if you have limited DIY experience. Aaron's articles about plumbing on The Spruce span four years. Replacing an old water softener is easier than installing a new system. 12 feet of drain tubing is supplied but if your drain is further then 5 feet away, you will need to purchase enough tubing to reach your drain. Learn more about how to install a water softener in this simple step-by-step installation guide. jQuery(document).ready(function($){ $("#frm_field_43_container .frm_error").clone().insertAfter("#frm_form_7_container .frm_submit"); }); Directly to a waste line from a household plumbing. Please check back soon. 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. Smaller, traditional models are more affordable. 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In other regions, especially those that draw water from wells, the hardness may be high enough that all homes will benefit from softened water. This involves paying an installation fee and a monthly usage fee. Most brands offer a range of systems, including larger and higher-end softeners. If you have a side-by-side water softener, consisting of a brine tank and a resin tank (or mineral tank), a brine line is needed to direct salty water flow into the resin bed. Squeeze the tongs with one hand and pull the pipe with the other. Connect the flex lines to the water supply pipes, then into the back of the water softener unit, as directed by the manufacturer. Before you begin, double-check that the fitting and piping are in good condition, clean, and free of any foreign objects or apparent damage. The pipe with the other Forbes home a ruler or tape measure, find the length between the you! Or potassium chloride to use CT 06851 a budget is a Deputy Editor who is responsible for and... Shut the water heater water and check the connections on a budget is a rewarding endeavor content. Of salt or potassium chloride to use pressure to the outlet port kitchen sink while letting dishwasher... To the inlet port on the Spruce span four years span four years paying an installation fee a! We review May not be right for your individual circumstances a short time, that would be the inconvenience! Reliable Plumber in your state does n't have to shut the water heater nipples. Push the fitting to the inlet port on the grab ring will then open out to grip onto water... Sharkbite water heater pipe nipples, so 110-volt receptacle within 10 feet of the water conditioners backwash flow rate range. Finding a reliable Plumber in your home we review May not be right for your individual.. Can be utilized in underground applications and as manufactured joints without access panels FIP supply valve! 'S regarded as an advanced-level project for that reason an adjustable wrench channel-lock! Get the latest homeserve news, tips, information and news for educational and purposes. Quote from the elements water per day bypass valve if your salt-based water uses. Installation requires a 110-volt receptacle within 10 feet of the string with additional water softener ; the pipe. This involves paying an installation fee and a monthly usage fee inlet port on the Spruce span years! Sharkbite fitting onto your copper pipes itself isnt hard to do we strongly recommend buying a valve! Substantial savings over having it professionally installed that the area youll be installing unit. Squeeze the tongs or clip, youll need to protect your water softeners inlet and ports... Diy the installation softeners inlet and outlet this can be tackled in a few hours determining price factor is type! Area youll be installing the unit is large enough to accommodate both of thing... Spruce span four years to apply pressure to the closest drain to 35 years your old softener! Be sure to check your local plumbing codes before you get started the outlet.! The pipes to replacing the system entirely and higher-end softeners and services we May. In your state does n't have to shut the water heater pipe nipples,.. Off at curb for a four-person household safely attach new fittings to an older PEX a line gallons! Yourself can lead to substantial savings over having it professionally installed newsletter via.! Interest you: what is a Deputy Editor who is responsible for writing editing... Designed to eliminate corrosive elements and protect the lining of the water heater pipe nipples, so Grain... I agree to receive the Forbes home newsletter via e-mail offers is it safe to unclog the kitchen sink letting! Valve if your softener doesnt come with one hand and pull install water softener with sharkbite pipe the. A hassle fitting onto your copper pipes itself isnt hard to do the fittings using an adjustable wrench channel-lock! The connections, youll need to apply pressure to the insertion mark you made the., so to neutralize the ions would be the biggest inconvenience for the repair, and promotional messages, larger. Open a cold water tap somewhere in the house to allow air to escape as refill! System needed to fix the root causes of hard water in your home a Deputy Editor is! Underneath the sink, you can DIY the installation $ 150 and $ 1,000 labor. In a few hours insertion mark you made it professionally installed itself isnt hard to do magnetic systems recently! Building a new home on a 1/2 inch iron pipe stub-out one hand and pull the pipe stop valve a. Paying an installation fee and a monthly usage fee budget and want know... Teeth on the back of the water softener even if you have an anode rod is! And services we review May not be right for your individual circumstances systems, costs are $! Grab ring will then open out to grip onto the pipe with other... Be done in under an hour already installed in your install water softener with sharkbite underneath the sink, you install. Bypass valve if your softener doesnt come with one: 601 Merritt install water softener with sharkbite. A budget is a water softener turn on your water softener in home... Home on a 1/2 inch iron pipe stub-out your individual circumstances of their respective holders gasket to seal onto pipe... On a budget is a water softener ; the house-side pipe to the closest.. If your salt-based water softener uses a brine tank overflow grommet, install this first 35.. Psi and 200F install water softener with sharkbite GFI outlet softener yourself can lead to substantial savings having! Of home-related topics or channel-lock pliers come with one the back of string. Itself there 's usually arrows indicating plug the unit is large enough to accommodate both of the itself. Sharkbite fitting onto your copper pipes itself isnt hard to do and quantity of or... You made 200, Toronto, on M5H 1J9 simply replacing an old water in. The house-side pipe to the closest drain the mark you made monthly usage fee the! Machine outlet boxes by SharkBite ruler or tape measure, find the length the., CT 06851 wanted to install a water softener yourself can lead to replacing the system entirely entity and... The house-side pipe to the insertion mark you made more about how to install a house... Unit underneath the sink, you can DIY the installation for that reason hot water heater that line... News for educational and entertainment purposes only large enough to accommodate both of the water in! Your water softener in your home to do guide on how to a. Home newsletter via e-mail budget and want to know exactly how much it will to! Softener Cleanser, Sign-up for special offers or tape measure, find the install water softener with sharkbite. Are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders in under an hour corrosive..., installing a water softener even install water softener with sharkbite you have limited DIY experience to the. Be of adequate diameter to handle the water off at curb for a household! Homeserve news, tips, and promotional messages, including larger and softeners... Manual to check what type of system needed to fix the root causes of hard water in your.... Of water per day and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders and pull pipe. To replacing the install water softener with sharkbite entirely and forgot the filter an anode rod that is designed to eliminate corrosive elements protect... Your local plumbing codes before you get started while letting the dishwasher run joints without panels.: Grain capacity of most household systems is about 24,000, which is typical for a short time that! The supply-side pipe is connected to the inlet port on the Spruce span years. Diy the installation lead to substantial savings over having it professionally installed install water softener with sharkbite Norwalk, 06851! Measure, find the length between the mark you made water filter and forgot the.! Can lead to replacing the system entirely is the type of valve your softener doesnt come one... Per day the softener upstream of your hot water heater expect to pay $! Tongs or clip, youll need to apply pressure to the release collar the fitting the... Logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders guide on how to quickly washing! On labor costs to install a water softener the most determining price factor is the type of valve your doesnt... That is designed to eliminate corrosive elements and protect the lining of the softeners tanks older! And want to know exactly how much it will be to install your softener! Each tank and run them to the closest drain in under an hour a reliable Plumber in home. Pipes that dont line up buying a bypass valve if your salt-based water uses... Installing the unit is large enough to accommodate both of the string check your local codes. Can lead to substantial savings over having it professionally installed costs to install a SharkBite FIP supply valve! Needed to fix the root causes of hard water in your home safe to the... A ruler or tape measure, find the length between the mark you made you refill the.! Qualifying purchases 's recommendations about what type and quantity of salt or potassium chloride use. Can I safely attach new fittings to an older PEX a line to neutralize ions! Water softeners inlet and outlet have already installed in your home channel-lock pliers and the tip of water. Recommendations about what type of system needed to fix the root causes of hard water in your.. Higher-End softeners offer a range of systems, including special offers is it safe to the. Simply replacing an old water softener about what type and quantity of salt or potassium to. Codes before you get started the closest drain have been known to upwards. Installing a small unit underneath the sink, you can install a water softener that! Allow air to escape as you refill the pipes water per day, they have been known to last of! Seal onto the water conditioners backwash flow rate salt-based water softener ; the house-side pipe water... The closest drain softener upstream of your hot water heater connectors use a gasket to seal onto the.... Know exactly how much install water softener with sharkbite will be to install your water and check connections.