Table of Contents
Where is the best place to put a water softener?
In most cases, water softeners are placed in a home’s basement or garage, away from your living space. For homes without a basement, the next best place is near the water heater—again, not exactly a main focus of the home.
Can a water softener be placed outside?
While most water softeners and filters are able to be installed outside, the combination of sun, wind and rain is not conducive to longevity. We recommend that if you are installing a water softener or other treatment product, that you protect it from the elements as much as possible.
Can I put a water softener in my garage?
For homes without basements or crawl spaces, a garage is another great option for water softener installation. Typically, a garage provides plenty of space and storing softener salt is more convenient than hauling it in the basement.
Can water softener be installed in attic?
If you live in an area with hard water, you need a water softener. A water softener is typically installed next to your water heater, which is usually in your garage or attic. A water softener can be installed outside, preferably in a covered area.
How much space do I need for a water softener?
A typical softener will fit an area about 3 feet by 1.5 feet. Height will be between 5 and 6 feet high. Additional space is required for salt storage and room to stand and work around the softener. Softeners require salt to work.
Is it OK to drink softened water?
Softened water is considered safe to drink in the majority of cases. In softened water, the sodium level increases. Sodium is not the same as salt (sodium chloride). The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) says that water with a sodium content of up to 200ppm is safe to drink.
How do I protect my outside water softener?
You can use a space heater to heat the area around the water softener and check on the area’s temperature during the coldest times. For extra protection, you can also insulate (winterize) your pipes and equipment with a specialized wrap.
Can GE water softener be installed outside?
Final Answer. To the question, “Can a water softener be installed outside,” the answer is yes. But understanding the strict requirements that come along with an outdoor installation is important. This is why these types of installations should be left entirely to a water treatment installation professional.
How do you drain an outside water softener?
How Can You Drain Your Water Softener Outside? The easiest way to drain your water softener backwash is to simply run it onto the ground, however, as there is a lot of salt in the backwash it can be very harmful to the ecosystem and the local water treatment facilities.
How far can you run a drain line for a water softener?
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.
Does a water softener ruin a water heater?
When a water softener system is installed, it removes the “hard” minerals and replaces them with “softer” ones such as sodium. Soft water can actually corrode the water heater anode faster. So if left alone, a water softener system can actually shorten the lifespan of a water heater.
Do water softeners need a floor drain?
A floor drain isn’t necessary to install a water softener system. It only hooks into your water lines into your house with output being to your house faucets and such. You need space near the water main so that a plumber can divert the water to your water softener.
Can I fit a water softener in the loft?
Very often (but not always) this main is in the kitchen or utility room. Sometimes the main rises in a downstairs cloakroom, under the stairs, or in the garage. In most cases the softener can be sited in any of these locations as well as outside (with a suitable frost protection cabinet) or even in the loft space.
How much does it cost to install a water softener loop?
A water softener loop installation costs $600 to $2,000 on average. Soft water loop costs depend on where the loop needs to be and where the existing plumbing is located. A loop is not always required, and some softeners have a softener loop and bypass built-in.
How far can brine tank be from softener?
Location of softener drain and brine tank: Place the softener close to a clean working drain and connect according to local plumbing codes. The brine tank should be located within 20 feet of the water softener. The drain cannot be elevated more than 36 inches or exceed 20 feet in length.
How much are home water softeners?
A water softener system cost ranges between $500 and $6,000, but the average cost is $1,500. The type of water softener you choose has the most significant impact on the price you pay.
