It is true that installing a water softener is a lot like plumbing, because both require careful planning. If you are planning to install a water softener in your house, it is important that you have at least some idea of how plumbing works. A simple plumbing lesson from Plumbing can help you understand water softener installation better. Basically, softeners work by using salt crystals that are hooked up to your pipes. Whenever there is hard water, the minerals will build up and this causes a lot of problems in your household such as reduced softening, rusting of copper faucets and pipes, clogging of sewers, accumulation of lime scale deposits on bathtubs and showers, and hard water stains on shower doors and walls.
The basic plumbing lesson you need to know before installing softeners is to determine their power source location. Usually, you will have an old water line that is buried underground. You should be able to find it with a little bit of digging. When you have located the power cord, the next thing you have to do is to determine where you will be installing it. Usually, you will use a hole punch to make a hole in the ground that is big enough for the water line to pass through.
You have to remember that you should also calculate the amount of calcium and magnesium needed for your household when you are planning a water softener installation. These two elements are used to strengthen the pipes and make them resistant to the effects of hard water. Without this necessary amount of calcium and magnesium, your plumbing system will corrode quickly.
Another common plumbing lesson that you need to know before installing DIY water softeners is how to build yours in water softeners. There are basically three types of a dry water softeners: the salt solution, the resin bed, and the calcium-carbonate resin. Before you install your softened water line, you have to test whether your new unit is already in working condition or not. You can check out the valves and faucets to determine whether or not your new system functions correctly.
Before installing the water softener unit in your home, you must first consider the size of your water heater. For your water heater to function properly, it needs to have a constant flow of water supply. If the water supply in your household is erratic, the softener will not work properly. The best alternative for your water heater is to replace the softener with a tankless water heater. However, if you already have a tankless water heater, installing the DIY softener will not be a problem.
When it comes to softening the water in your household, you have to look at the salt type used in the system. There are two types of salt used in the water softener installation: calcium and magnesium salts. In installing new installations, you have to make sure that the size and type of salt you are using is suitable for the unit. In addition to the type and size of salt, you also have to consider your water softeners’ frequency of use.
If you have a house that has a single main plumbing system, then calcium or magnesium salt can be used for your water softeners. These substances are known as hard scale minerals. To be exact, calcium and magnesium are the two hardest substances found in nature. Thus, these substances are highly resistant to rusting and corrosion. The main plumbing pipes in your house use these substances in their installation. Thus, it is recommended that you consult the plumbers for the proper plumbing services for your house.
If you have a house with two or more plumbing systems, then you may need more than just calcium and magnesium salt for your water softener installation. There are substances called bicarbonate and carbonate that are also required in the installation process. Some plumbing companies provide services for installing all three substances for you. However, you have to make sure that the combination of substances is appropriate. You can find the information about the plumbing system in your home by referring to the owner’s manual.