5
BEFORE STARTING INSTALLATION
"
WHERE TO INSTALL THE SOFTENER
S
Place the softener as close as possible to the
pressure tank (well system) or water meter (city
water).
S
Place the softener as close as possible to a floor
drain, or other acceptable drain point (laundry
tub, sump, standpipe, etc.).
S
Connect the softener to the main water supply
pipe BEFORE or AHEAD OF the water heater.
DO NOT RUN HOT WATER THROUGH THE
SOFTENER.
Temperature of water passing
through the softener must be less than 120
_
F
(49
_
C).
S
Keep outside faucets on hard water to save soft
water and salt.
S
Do not install the softener in a place where it
could freeze.
Damage caused by freezing is
not covered by the warranty.
S
Put the softener in a place water damage is least
likely to occur if a leak develops. The manufac-
turer will not repair or pay for water damage.
S
A 120V, 60 Hz electrical outlet, to plug the in-
cluded power supply into, is needed near the
softener.
Be sure the electric outlet and
power supply are in an inside location, to
protect from wet weather.
S
If installing in an outside location, you must take
the steps necessary to assure the softener,
installation plumbing, wiring, etc., are as well
protected from the elements, contamination,
vandalism, etc., as when installed indoors.
S
Keep the softener out of direct sunlight.
The
sun’s heat may soften and distort plastic parts.
"
TOOLS, PIPE and FITTINGS, OTHER MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED
G
In and out pipes to the softener must be at least 3/4”
size. Some local codes require a minimum of 1” pipe
size.
To plumb with 1” pipes, buy adaptors to fit the
1” pipe threads on the installation adaptors (see
page 6).
You should maintain the same, or larger,
pipe size as the water supply pipe, up to the softener
inlet and outlet.
G
Use copper, brass, or galvanized pipe and fittings.
Some codes may also allow CPVC plastic pipe.
G
ALWAYS install a bypass valve or valves. Either
use the optional valve (included with some models),
or 3 shut-off valves. Bypass valves let you turn off
water to the softener for repairs if needed, but still
have water in the house pipes.
G
Drain hose (3/8” or 7/16” inside diameter) is need-
ed for valve and salt tank drains. You can buy good
quality, thick--wall, flexible hose at most hardware
stores.
G
If a rigid valve drain is needed, to comply with
plumbing codes, you can buy the parts needed (see
page 8) to connect a 1/2 in. copper tubing drain.
G
Nugget or pellet water softener salt is needed to fill
the brine tank (see page 9 and 16).
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PLAN HOW YOU WILL INSTALL THE SOFTENER
You must first decide how to run in and out pipes to
the softener. Look at the house main water pipe at
the point where you will connect the softener. Is the
pipe soldered copper, glued plastic, or threaded gal-
vanized ? What is the pipe size?
Now look at the typical installation illustration on
page 6. Use it as a guide when planning your partic-
ular installation.
Be sure to direct raw, hard water
to the softener valve inlet fitting.
The valve is
marked IN and OUT.
