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Water Softener System: Finishing the Installation Water Softener System: Finishing the Installation From "Ed the Plumber" episode DETP-201

Now that the system has been connected to the water line, host Ed Del Grande explains how to finish the water softener installation.

Materials:

Curb key
Teflon tape
1/2 inch drain tubing
Cable ties
Compression fittings
Water softener salt

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H

1. Turn the water back on at the main.

2. Next, turn on the power to the water heater.

3. Open the stop valves at the water heater.

4. Check for leaks.

Installing the Drain-line:

1. Remove the barbed fitting behind the controls on the tank.

2. Apply Teflon tape to the threads (figure A).

3. Re-attach the barbed fitting, then attach the 1/2 inch drain tube to barbed fitting (figure B).

4. Secure the drain tube to the pipe using cable ties.

5. Continue the drain line until you reach the drain (figure C).

Note: the drain line needs a four inch gap between the end of the line and the open drain to prevent backflow. Also, follow your local drainage codes.

Installing the Brine Line:

1. Take the lid off to the brine tank.

2. Next, push the tube through the hole on the side of the tank.

3. Attach a compression fitting to the end of the tube.

4. Connect to the safety valve (figure D).

5. Run the brine line to the resin tank.

6. Install a compression fitting to the other end of the tube.

7. Attach the tube to the intake located on the side of the control valve (figure E).

8. Replace the lid.

9. Connect a drain tube to the overflow valve located on the side of the brine tank (figure F).

10. Run the tube to your drain.

11. Now, plug in the system.

12. Shut off the bypass, then open the valve going into the water softener system (figure G).

13. Check for leaks.

14. Open the service valve to allow the water to flow through.

15. Fill the brine tank with salt just below the top of the well.

    Note: be sure to check the salt level often.

16. Run the unit through all of the rinsing stations (figure H) for two to three minutes to clean the resin and flush out any built-up minerals.

17. Set the timer appropriately. Also, set the timer to run a rinse cycle when no one is home.

18. Finally, replace the cover on the tank.