A Comprehensive Guide to Water Softener Installation

Mark Alpers
August 31, 2023

Navigating the installation of a water softener can be as intricate as a dance. Though undeniably the optimal solution to combat hard water, the installation is a process that requires precision and sometimes, professional intervention.

Stage 1: Location and Preparation – The Foundational Steps

Determining the installation site is the inaugural step. Existing homes with a predecessor softener have the luxury of a predetermined location. For others, considerations extend beyond merely finding a spot.

The Ideal Location:

Convenience and accessibility to plumbing are paramount.
Opt for spaces like basements, garages, or utility rooms where the unit can be both unobtrusive and accessible.
Avoid freeze zones and direct sunlight – they’re the natural adversaries of your softener.

The Plumbing Pre-requisites:

An accessible drain and a non-switch controlled electrical receptor are non-negotiable.
For a whole-house soft water experience, position the softener pre-water heater.

Stage 2: The Installation Dance Begins

Armed with a bypass valve, a necessity mandated by most local plumbing codes, you dive into the plumbing aspect.

The Steps Unveiled:

Clear the stage: Ensure the softener’s position respects the ‘inlet to water supply’ and ‘outlet to water heater’ orientation.
Water supply hiatus: Turn it off, and open faucets to drain residual water.
The incision: Use a pipe cutter, introduce elbow fittings, ensuring the orientation directs hard water into the softener.
Pipe installation: Measure, cut, and solder before affixing to the bypass valve. Heed the heat – plastic and excessive heat aren’t companions.

Drain hose installation: Position it ensuring complete water drainage, observing the 10-feet above floor maximum height stipulation.
Brine tank’s overflow tube: Attach it, ensuring the discharge position is lower than the overflow fitting.

Bypass valve initiation: Switch to bypass, allow water to flow, ejecting sediments and air.
Backwash initiation: With the unit plugged in, prompt the backwash cycle.
Inlet control: Open partially, bleed air, and once the sputtering ceases, open fully.
Final regeneration: Initiate, let the unit cycle, and upon reaching the ‘Service’ setting, program the controls.

Victory: Installation Accomplished

With the softener installed, it isn’t just about softened water; it’s about the victory of having transformed a complex, intricate process into a successfully executed installation. Every drop of softened water is a testament to a job well done, echoing the precision and care woven into each step of the installation.

So, while the prospect of installing a water softener can be intricate, with meticulous adherence to each step, the dance from hard to soft water can be as graceful as a ballet, as precise as a symphony, and as rewarding as a masterpiece painting. Welcome to a world where every drop of water echoes the melody of success, precision, and quality.


Treats hard water UP TO 25 ppm (low to medium low hard water).	Treats hard water OVER 25 ppm (medium to extremely hard water).
Does NOT require electricity.	Requires electricity if using the electronic head monitor.
Control Your System With An App:? NO	Control Your System With An App:? YES
- Powerful salt-FREE water softener. - 1,000,000 one million gallon capacity. - Aquasana Rhino exceeds NSF standards. - Treats hard water WITHOUT salt. - Removes chlorine, bacteria, iron, sulfide, manganese, mercury, lead etc. - Includes pre-filter, copper-zinc and carbon filtration stages with standard fittings. - 90-Day Pure Satisfaction Guarantee. - Limited 10 year warranty.	- Powerful salt-BASED water softener. - 1,000,000 one million gallon capacity. - Also includes a multi-stage filter. - Easy installation (inside or outside) - Sufficient for 1-3 bathrooms (options for 4-6 and 7+ bathrooms also available). - 6 month money back guarantee. - Limited lifetime warranty.

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