Where to install a water softener
Installing a water softener in your home is a good way to protect your appliances and plumbing fixtures from damage caused by hard water. The location you choose should be protected from the elements and provide softened water only to the areas of your home that need it.
Keep these guidelines in mind when planning the location of a new water softener. It should be:
On the main water supply line, as close as possible to–but after–the water meter or well supply pump.
After the water line to outdoor faucets, so you don’t waste energy and water softener salt on water used outside.
Between the main water supply line and the water heater, but as far as possible from the water heater to prevent heated water from backing up into the softener.
As close as possible to a water drain such as a floor drain, laundry tub, sump or standpipe to allow for drain water during the regeneration cycle.
In an area unlikely to be damaged by water leaks.
Within 10 feet of a grounded 120V electrical outlet.
Protected from direct sunlight and freezing temperatures.
Protected from the elements, if installed outdoors.
Symptoms for water softeners
Choose a symptom to see related water softener repairs.
Main causes: faulty brine valve assembly, bad rotor valve…
Main causes: clogged drain hose, faulty rotor valve, leaky rotor valve seals…
Main causes: salt bridge inside the salt tank, bad timer, valve motor failure, faulty rotor valve, clogged venturi…
Main causes: loose water line connections, cracked water-carrying components, bad rotor valve seals…
Main causes: lack of electrical power, bad power transformer, faulty timer…
Main causes: empty salt tank, salt bridge, depleted resin, clogged or damaged venturi, broken rotor position switch, fai…
Main causes: broken resin tank screen, bad resin tank seals, cracked upper distributor in resin tank…
Main causes: broken water flow meter, faulty timer, water flow to softener is bypassed…
Repair guides for water softeners
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your water softener.
How to replace a water softener venturi
The venturi valve in your water softener draws brine water from the salt tank to the resin tank for regeneration. Follow…
How to replace a water softener rotor position switch
The rotor position switch detects the position of the valve rotor. If the rotor position switch fails, follow these step…
How to replace a water softener timer
The timer is the control board you use to program the water softener. If the timer isn’t accepting commands when you pus…
Articles and videos for water softeners
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your water softener.
Learn some of the most common symbols found in a wiring diagram and what they mean.…
Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…
Keeping a water softener clean inside and out improves operation and appearance.…