Reverse Osmosis Filter

You've researched and purchased a water softener, the next step is to learn how to install a water softener. In order to be sure that the machine that you've spent your time researching and money purchasing works properly, you must know how to install it properly.

Your water softener should have come with installation instructions and these will be important to pay attention to. Each water softener will have their own specifics when it comes to their actual installation, but there are several aspects of water softener installation that are common to all types.

The location that you choose for your water softener should be given much consideration. If the tank is kept indoors it is very important that it be kept in a dry area that does not have much fluctuation in temperatures. If the water softener that you've chosen is two tanks be sure that two are close together and the brine tank is the one that is most accessible.

That is the one that you will need to refill so you'll be able to get to it when necessary. If your tank will be installed outdoors it will need to be located in an area that is away from the direct sunlight. Many tanks can be purchased with a jacket that will protect the unit from the sunlight and other inclement weather.

In addition to the electricity outlet location, which needs to be less than 50 feet from the water softener unit, you will also need to have a drain in the vicinity that is at least 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You may use tubing to extend to a drain that is slightly out of the way. You may choose flexible tubing or a more rigid PVC tube. Either one should extend to the drain so that the backwash will be directed to that drain and not elsewhere.

If your media is not installed in your tank prior to installation, you will have to do this step as well. The way you install this will depend upon the size of your tank and whether or not your tank has a turbulator. A larger tank of 64,000 grains or a tank that does not have a turbulator will require a gravel underbed.

Once the gravel is in place you will be able to follow the directions and install the media in the tank. Following this you will be able to install the bypass valve and then the inlet outlet water connections according to the included instructions.

The next step in the water softener installation process will be to take the brine tubing and connect the water softener control valve and the brine tank. Once this tubing is in place you can connect the brine tank overflow. You can do this by attaching the 5/8'' tubing from the brine tank and run it to the drain.

Then you need to program the control that will be responsible for softening the water correctly. Run the backwash cycle and look for leaks and tighten any loose fittings. Watch the tank as it runs through a cycle of water to be sure that everything works correctly.

The preceding instructions are very general and should only be applied in combination with the instructions that have come with your unit. Learning how to install a water softener doesn't have to be difficult. In no time you'll have a working unit and will not have to deal with the expense or hassles of having someone else install your unit.