Water Softener Installation

A water softener is typically installed near the stop tap, which is usually located under the kitchen sink. It is commonly installed underneath the kitchen sink itself, as it is designed to fit neatly in that space. However, if there is limited space or if you have a large water softener, it can also be installed in the garage, utility room, plant room, or even outdoors using a specially designed insulated cabinet for frost and weather protection.

The installation of a water softener involves plumbing it into the pipes above the incoming mains supply of water. It is recommended to have a qualified plumber or installer perform the installation. While some people may choose to install it themselves, there can be a significant amount of pipework and rearrangement involved, so it is generally best to hire a professional.

The cost of a water softener installation can vary depending on the extent of the work and pipe rearrangement required. A softener installation could cost as little as £180 for a plumber's time, which typically takes a few hours.

For a water softener system installation, you will need a water softener installation kit. This kit usually includes drain and overflow hoses, a bypass set, and a plumbing out kit. In some cases, a pressure reducing valve may also be needed.

If you move home, you can take the water softener with you. The pipe work can be easily adjusted and rearranged during installation, and disconnecting the softener simply requires closing the valves and bypassing the pipework. You can then reinstall the system in your new home.

To find a water softener plumber near you, you can ask for recommendations from friends, family, and neighbours. Additionally, some water softener companies have a network of plumbers that they can recommend based on your location and specific requirements.

Common water softener installation problems can include leaks due to improperly tightened fixtures and fittings, choosing the wrong size installation kit for your pipe size, and pressure issues. It is important to ensure that your system does not have high pressure, as this can cause damage to the water softener. If the pressure is above 4.5 bar, a pressure reducing valve must be installed prior to the softener.

If you already have a water softener installed and want to replace it, you typically don't need to pay for installation or purchase an installation kit. It is usually a simple swap-over process that involves bypassing the old system, disconnecting it, and connecting the new softener.

It is possible to install a water softener outside, however, it is important to use a weather protection cabinet which are available in different sizes and materials. If you need to do so, remember to switch off and bypass the softener to provide hard water for your plants and fish.