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Water softeners are essential in areas with hard water as they help to remove minerals that can cause damage to plumbing systems, appliances, and even clothes. Installing should only be performed by professional water softener installation companies, such as Aquarius Water Conditioning. The reason is that too many amateur DIYers make mistakes that can result in costly damages. Here are the top five mistakes amateurs make when installing a water softener:
Choosing the Wrong Water Softener
One of the biggest mistakes that amateurs make is selecting the wrong water softener for their home. Water softeners come in different sizes and capacities, and choosing the wrong size can result in insufficient softening. On the other hand, selecting a larger system than what’s needed can be wasteful and increase installation costs. It’s essential to get a professional’s opinion or consider your household’s water usage to determine the correct size and capacity of the water softener.
Incorrect Placement of the Water Softener
Another mistake amateurs make is choosing the wrong location for the water softener. The ideal location should be indoors, preferably near the main water inlet, to make installation easier. Water softeners need to be placed in an area where there’s a power source, a drain and access to the main water supply. It’s also important to avoid placing the softener near heat sources, sunlight, or in freezing areas as it can damage the system.
Poor Connection to Plumbing System
Amateurs often fail to connect the water softener correctly to the plumbing system, which can result in leaks and water damage. Turning off the main water supply and draining the pipes before connecting the water softener is essential. The pipes and fittings must also be the right size and type to ensure proper connections. Using thread sealant or Teflon tape on fittings is also crucial to prevent leaks.
Incorrect Calibration of the Water Softener
Water softeners come with pre-set settings, but they must be calibrated according to the hardness of the water in your area. Amateurs often fail to calibrate the system, insufficiently softening or over-softening the water. A water test kit can determine the water hardness and set the system accordingly.
Poor Maintenance of the Water Softener
Finally, amateurs often neglect to maintain the water softener, resulting in reduced efficiency and potential damage. Regular maintenance includes checking the salt levels, cleaning the brine tank, and checking the resin beads. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance to ensure the system’s optimal performance.
As you can see, installing a water softener isn’t as easy as it may seem. If you’re unsure about installing a water softener, it’s best to consult a professional with Aquarius Water Conditioning to ensure that the system is installed correctly and avoid costly repairs.
Get in Touch with an Aquarius Water Conditioning Expert
If you doubt which company to choose, Aquarius Water Conditioning will erase them for good. We’re the leader among water softener installation companies in Woodbury, MN, and that’s the way it’s been for decades. If you would like to learn more about us or you’d like to schedule service, use our online contact form or give our Little Canada office a call at 888-741-9025.
