January 27, 2015

Where to install a water softener

Where to install a water softener.
Where to install a water softener.

Installing a water softener in your home is a good way to protect your appliances and plumbing fixtures from damage caused by hard water. The location you choose should be protected from the elements and provide softened water only to the areas of your home that need it.

Keep these guidelines in mind when planning the location of a new water softener. It should be:

  • On the main water supply line, as close as possible to–but after–the water meter or well supply pump.

  • After the water line to outdoor faucets, so you don’t waste energy and water softener salt on water used outside.

  • Between the main water supply line and the water heater, but as far as possible from the water heater to prevent heated water from backing up into the softener.

  • As close as possible to a water drain such as a floor drain, laundry tub, sump or standpipe to allow for drain water during the regeneration cycle.

  • In an area unlikely to be damaged by water leaks.

  • Within 10 feet of a grounded 120V electrical outlet.

  • Protected from direct sunlight and freezing temperatures.

  • Protected from the elements, if installed outdoors.

Symptoms for water softeners

Choose a symptom to see related water softener repairs.

Main causes: clogged drain hose, faulty rotor valve, leaky rotor valve seals…

Main causes: broken water flow meter, faulty timer, water flow to softener is bypassed…

Main causes: faulty brine valve assembly, bad rotor valve…

Main causes: broken resin tank screen, bad resin tank seals, cracked upper distributor in resin tank…

Main causes: salt bridge inside the salt tank, bad timer, valve motor failure, faulty rotor valve, clogged venturi…

Main causes: lack of electrical power, bad power transformer, faulty timer…

Main causes: empty salt tank, salt bridge, depleted resin, clogged or damaged venturi, broken rotor position switch, fai…

Main causes: loose water line connections, cracked water-carrying components, bad rotor valve seals…

Repair guides for water softeners

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your water softener.

How to replace a water softener venturi

How to replace a water softener venturi

The venturi valve in your water softener draws brine water from the salt tank to the resin tank for regeneration. Follow…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a water softener rotor position switch

How to replace a water softener rotor position switch

The rotor position switch detects the position of the valve rotor. If the rotor position switch fails, follow these step…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a water softener timer

How to replace a water softener timer

The timer is the control board you use to program the water softener. If the timer isn’t accepting commands when you pus…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Articles and videos for water softeners

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your water softener.

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Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

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How to read a wiring schematic video

Learn how to decipher symbols so you can buy the right part for your problem.…

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How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…