You have decided to improve the quality of your family’s water and extend the life of your appliances by installing a water softener. Now, you will need to consider where it will be installed.
Several factors will influence where you might be able to fit the water softener in your home. The first is the physical size and type of water softener, which will determine how much space is needed for the installation.
A certified water treatment specialist will determine the correct size of softener to fit your family’s water demands, based on the number of people in your household and water consumption per person.
They will also consider flow rate, which is measured in gallons per minute (gpm) and is determined by the number of fixtures and appliances that use water in your home. If you undersize your softener you may experience a decrease in water pressure, an increase in salt and water consumption, and your water softener may not be as effective.
Most importantly, the specialist will determine the hardness level of your water. Measured in grains per gallon (gpg), this is the number of dissolved minerals that the water softener must remove to soften your water. The higher your water hardness or the higher your family’s water demand, the larger water softener you will require.
When choosing a location keep in mind that a water softener needs to be located on a level floor, near your home’s water point of entry. If your water is supplied from a well, the entry point is generally next to the pressure tank. If you are on municipal water, the point of entry is usually next to the water meter. You will also require a drain and electrical outlet to be nearby. Water softeners will not work in below-freezing temperatures and should not be put in direct sunlight. Most homeowners choose to have their water softener installed in their basement or utility room.
Water Depot
Did you find the information in this article useful? Water Depot offers free water tests to determine the size, flow rate and grains of hardness required to successfully install a water softener in your home.
