Water Softener Installation: Can You Do It Yourself?

20 November 2017
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Pipe water usually contains hard minerals that cause water to be "hard." These minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium, can clog pipes and prevent items from dissolving in water. Water softening removes these ions and does so with the assistance of water softeners. If water is not softened, lime scale builds up and water heater systems can be less effective. There are many systems with a varying level of complexity; some can be installed by you, and others will require professional help. If you decide to install the system for yourself, there are some tips below that you can use.

Get Installation Help to Keep Your Warranty Intact

Do not assume that you know what to do. A lot of people install devices without following the manufacturer's instructions, thinking the installation will be intuitive. Making sure you know what to do ensures that you won't be messing up your warranty. If the instructions in your user manual are difficult, you can always request a technician to assist you with the installation. This may come at an additional fee to you, but it is the safer way for both you and the water softener. It's probably not a good idea to waste your money attempting to install it yourself and then subsequently damaging a crucial part.

What to Expect

Usually, you will be advised to take the water supply to your house on and then open all taps to drain any remaining water that is on the line. The installation may include some soldering work. It should not be too hard to do, but if it becomes a challenge, you should request assistance from a home water services professional. There is no shame in asking for help. Apart from having to solder, you also need to do some measuring, install an overflow tube, and place a bypass valve. It can take several hours to figure it out on your own, so be prepared.

Testing

No installation is complete without conducting testing on the system to see if it works as it is supposed to and to check that it meets the functional requirements. Of course, you will have to turn on your water connection to the house. You have to let the conditioner run. If you notice any leaks when the water is running, chances are that you will have to tighten your nuts and bolts or check the soldering on the pipes. Consider a professional service for installing your water softeners so you will not have to worry about the hassle. 

To learn more, contact a company like Hague  Quality Water of Kansas City Inc.