How to Install Water Softener in Garage – Complete Guide

Having to deal with hard water at home can be both tough and annoying. For this reason, it is important to learn how to install water softener in garage.

This aqua filtration system can be life-changing for you. It helps get rid of minerals such as calcium and magnesium that are usually present in the water. This prevents the chances of getting limescale accumulated in the plumbing. The lime buildup can decrease the effectiveness of various home appliances. It can also leave residues on various fixtures throughout the house.

Usually, the unit is installed near the house’s main hydro supply. However, many homeowners opt to install it in their car sheds. This is a more effective and convenient location and helps save space.

Go over this blog to understand the process of installing a water softener in garage.

Know the Water Supply

Before starting with the setup, it is crucial to understand the water supply of your house and the process of how to install water softener in garage. You must know what constituents are present in it as well as the requirements of your plumbing. This information will help you decide what kind and size unit will be needed for your home.

The dimensions of the aqua pura softener have a direct impact on the space needed for assembly. Hydrotreatment experts consider several factors to determine the most appropriate size.

The factors that guide their decision-making process are as follows:

1-Rate of Flow

The rate of flow of water is a vital factor to consider before establishing the unit. This will make sure that you do not get short of the softened hydra fluid.  

The unit to measure flow rate is in gallons per minute (GPM). It is influenced by the simultaneous consumption of water by various fixtures, appliances, and places around the house.

During the installation of the filtration system, it is crucial to consider this rate. Neglecting it and installing an undersized unit can result in reduced pressure of water. As a consequence, the insufficient capacity of the system may allow hardness to get through, undermining its effectiveness.

2-Usage of Water

Try and determine, as accurately as you can, the total gallons of water consumed in your house per day. Consider the number of members present in the house and how much water they use. Take into account the amount of washing, cleaning, laundry, etc. that takes place. The approximate volume of water consumed per day can help you choose the right filtration unit for your family.

3-Water Hardness

It is also very important to determine the hardness of water that comes in your home’s pipelines. Determine this factor by calculating the concentration of calcium and magnesium dissolved in the water. The unit to measure this factor is grains per gallon (GPG).

For this, consulting an expert that treats water is vital. They will help you find out the required media amount in your softener. This appropriate amount will help remove the hardness to the maximum. The size of the system plays a significant role in determining the media capacity. This directly correlates to the amount of hardness it can eliminate. The expertise of a professional will ensure an accurate assessment of the hardness. It will further guide you in choosing the optimal media quantity for optimal results.

Can You Put a Water Softener in a Garage?

The hydra filtration unit can be installed in different places in the house. These include outdoor as well as indoor spaces. Basements, crawl spaces, and utility rooms are good options.

If you’re wondering how to install water softener in garage, you’re in luck! The garage provides an excellent location for this unit, especially if you lack spacious underground areas, basements, crawl spaces, or utility rooms. With its ample space, the garage is an ideal spot for the installation, offering additional storage capacity for various supplies, such as softener salt, right alongside the filtration assembly.

However, whether you choose to place your water softener outside or inside the garage, it’s crucial to ensure that the area is temperature regulated. This is particularly important because an unheated garage can potentially damage the water softener. Furthermore, there is a risk of the water softener freezing if left in the garage without temperature control.

Importance of Water Loops

Water loops are essential in keeping the fluid softened in your home. The water softener loop in garage will ensure the supply of soft water to the taps and essential appliances such as geysers. It will also prevent softened hydra fluid from getting wasted through external taps and hoses. Hence, water conservation can be managed through the loops.

Read About Complete Guide to Understanding Your Tankless Water Heate

If there is a loop already installed in your house, you can set up a quick softener unit on your own. This is advantageous as it significantly reduces the installation time and requires only basic skills.

To move further its is imp to have proper knowledge of how to install water softener in garage , you may need to mount new pipes if they are not already present. These pipes will create a connection that diverts water from the main supply line into your home’s plumbing system. Once this connection is established, you can easily attach the softener unit to the newly installed pipes.

It’s worth noting that these loops, which facilitate water diversion, are typically pre-installed in car sheds or garages. So, if you’re lucky, you may already have the necessary infrastructure in place for a smooth installation of your water softener in the garage.

Tools and Materials You Will Need for Installation

Before embarking on the learning process, it is best to get hold of the following tools and materials. This shall make the installation process go smoothly.

Here is a list of tools and materials you will require.

• Water softener unit
• Resin tank
• Brine tank
• Plumbing fittings such as adapters, valves, connectors, etc.
• Pipe cutter
• Hacksaw
• Slip joint pliers
• Torch
• Solder
• Pliers or adjustable wrench
• Pipe wrench
• Tape measure
• Teflon tape
• Air gap fitting
• PVC glue and primer (if you are using PVC pipes)
• Tubing or flexible connectors
• Drill
• Drill bits
• Screwdriver
• Level
• Safety goggles
• Gloves

Essentials Needed for the Installation Process

Here are a few requirements that are essential for a smooth and successful installation of water softener in garage.

Electric Supply

A 120-volt electric supply will be needed to get the unit working.

Drainage System

A proper drainage system that is close to the unit is necessary. This will ensure the correct disposal of drainage water that has been regenerated.

The softener setup should be present close to a floor drain, drain pipes, drainage tub, etc.

Near the Appliances

The way you position the softener is very important. It should be close to the appliances like the geyser and other systems that treat water. These include a sediment filter, an iron filter, a lead filter, etc. This will ensure high-quality flowing water from the unit throughout your home.

To optimize the performance of the appliances and ensure their longevity, you must follow a specific sequence for water treatment. First, the water should pass through a sediment or filtration unit. This will remove any particles or impurities. 

Then, it should flow into the water softener to address hardness issues. Finally, the treated water can reach the water heater. By adhering to this sequence, your appliances will receive enhanced protection and operate with improved efficiency.

Area Requirements

The area where the unit has been fit needs to be of a specific type. It must be flat, even, and dry. An electrical outlet must be near for a connection. There should also be 10 feet of minimum distance from the geyser and softener.

These attributes of the area are important. The adequate distance prevents the backflow of hot water into the machine as its cycle regenerates. If hot water gets into the machine, it may damage its pipelines adversely.

Steps to Setup Water Softener in Garage

Prepare the Car Port

Before you install the machine, it is important to prepare your car shed. Here are some important steps to follow:

1. Make sure there is ample room in the shed to accommodate the system and its associated plumbing.
2. Clear the area where the system will be installed. Get rid of any obstacles or debris.
3. Ensure adequate ventilation. This will prevent excessive build-up of moisture.
4. Place a protective barrier or mat beneath the unit. This will prevent potential damage to the floor of the room.
5. Check the local building codes to ensure compliance with any regulations related to hydra softener installations.

Turn Off the Water Supply

Turn off the supply of water. This will prevent the flow of water from the pipelines while the filtration system is being installed.

Drain Water

Turn on all the taps and let the water drain out.

Add the Overflow Grommet

Install the overflow grommet first if a brine tank is used in the salt-based softener.

Locate the hole present at the rear side of the brine storage container. This hole is of a specific size and diameter. Position the grommet and elbow at this point properly.

Make an Incision in the Pipe

After this, employ a pipe cutter to remove a segment of the water supply pipe. It is essential to take precise measurements beforehand.

Subsequently, smooth the edges of the cut pipe with sandpaper. Make use of a lint-free cloth to eliminate any residue. Remember to have a bucket or tub ready to collect any leaking water during this process.

Connect the Bypass Valve

Now you will have to connect the bypass valve. For this, take some silicon and lubricate the O-rings with it. Then place the valve into the unit’s valve. Make sure to firmly push it until it locks into position. You will hear a clicking or snapping sound. This means that it is locked securely in place.

The bypass valve is very important. This is because it blocks off the cold water through the plumbing when maintenance of the equipment is being done.

Attach the Inlet and Outlet Ports

Proceed by attaching the appropriate inlet and outlet ports to the corresponding inlet and outlet of your water softener.

Be careful not to interchange the port side. This can hinder the apparatus’ ability to generate softened water.

You have the option to use either hard piping or flexible tubing to establish the connections. Hard piping eliminates the need for additional adapters. However, flexible tubing is often more convenient and faster to set up. It also does not require the use of a soldering gun.Ensure that you apply an ample amount of plumber’s tape to create a secure seal for the connections.

Connect the Drainage Line

To accommodate the drain water produced during the regeneration process, a drain connection is essential. It is even required for the most efficient salt-based hydra softeners.

To establish the drainage line, begin by linking the unit’s drain valve to the drain hose. Attach flexible tubing to both the brine tank and control valve. Secure the drain hose in place using hose clamps. Simultaneously, ensure that the inferior end of the hose is connected to a suitable drain.

It is important not to fully inject the drain line into the drainage. The chances of back-siphoning can increase by doing this. To prevent the backflow of wastewater, make sure that there is a minimum of 1.5 inches air gap present.

For this purpose, acquire an air gap fitting and carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions during installation to ensure proper functionality.

 

Establish Overflow Connection

To avoid potential overflow issues, the filtration unit needs to have an overflow connection. Find the designated overflow valve and connect it to a hose. Make sure that it is firmly secured using a clamp.

Direct the other end of the hose towards the nearest suitable drain and secure it in position. It is advisable to assess if an air gap is necessary. If required, you will need to purchase an additional fitting to fulfill this requirement.

Link the Brine Line

For side-by-side water softeners, it is essential to establish a brine line to direct the flow of salty water into the resin bed. This type of unit includes both a brine tank and a resin tank (also known as a mineral tank). Adhere to the instructions provided by the manufacturer for proper installation and connection.

After-Installation Process

If your unit operates electrically, connect it to a GFI outlet. Proceed with the filling of the brine tank and configure the settings of the unit.

Before using your hydra softener, it is important to check if it requires sanitization. The manufacturer’s guidelines should provide instructions on how to sanitize the unit properly.

To begin, put the softener into bypass mode. Then, gradually turn on the water supply and open a nearby tap.

After confirming that there are no leaks, it is advisable to wait for a few minutes. This allows any trapped air to escape. During this time, slowly open the bypass valve of your apparatus to enable water to flow into the tanks. As water enters, you may hear a noise as air is expelled from the unit through the drain. Once the noise subsides, fully open the valve to allow unrestricted water flow.

Reactivate the water heater or geyser. Thoroughly inspect your plumbing, fittings, connections, pipes, etc. for any signs of leaks. Proceed by plugging in the unit and programming a regeneration cycle according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Configure the water usage and hardness settings into the control valve as required.

With these steps completed, the filtration machine is now fully prepared to generate softened water throughout your home.

Common Mistakes During Installation

There are many mistakes people do while installing this apparatus in their homes. Here are some of the common ones mentioned.

1-Following Multiple Sources

You will find various methods to install the apparatus. Choose the one you find works best for you. Follow just one guide for the whole process. By following multiple resources, you will end up getting more confused and will not be able to get the installation right.

2-Using Wrong Fittings

Make sure to use the right fittings and connections for your apparatus. The majority of the softeners have their pre-determined fittings required for installation. Use these only to ensure proper installation and high performance.

3-Wrong Softener Size

Check the amount of water consumption in your house. Choose a softener size that matches your requirement.

4-Improper Drain Hose Placement

Ensure that the drainage hose drains the excess water to proper disposal. If it is placed improperly, water may accumulate in the house and result in flooding.

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