Advanced Water Softeners

Advanced Water Softeners Blog

Well, it's now 2024, and we all should try new things. So one of my New Year's resolutions was to start writing a blog about my customers, installations, water softeners, and water treatment in the Fareham, Gosport, Southampton, and Portsmouth areas. Here at Advanced Water Softeners, we have been installing and fitting Kinetico and Harvey water softeners for almost 20 years. It seems like only yesterday I started on this amazing and interesting journey, but I wouldn't change it for the world.

Being the largest and only authorised Kinetico dealer in South Hampshire for 12 years now has made me extremely proud. Thousands of happy customers and may more this year. For all your water softener needs contact me and I will be happy to help. 

Mark Smith 

The Essential Guide to Installing a Water Softener and Overflow Pump 

AUGUST 2024

When it comes to maintaining your home’s water quality, a water softener is one of the best investments you can make. Hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, can wreak havoc on your plumbing, appliances, and even your skin and hair. A water softener eliminates these minerals, providing you with softer water that is better for your home and health.

However, installing a water softener involves more than just connecting a few pipes. One crucial component that often gets overlooked is the overflow pump. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the importance of a water softener, the installation process, and why an overflow pump is a must-have.

Why You Need a Water Softener

Before diving into the installation process, let’s discuss why you need a water softener in the first place:

        1.      Protects Plumbing and Appliances: Hard water causes mineral build-up in your pipes, which can lead to clogs and reduce the lifespan of your appliances. A water softener prevents this by removing the minerals before they can cause damage.
        2.      Improves Skin and Hair Health: Hard water can leave your skin feeling dry and your hair dull. Soft water is gentler, helping to maintain your skin’s natural moisture and keeping your hair soft and shiny.
        3.      Enhances Cleaning Efficiency: Soft water allows soaps and detergents to lather more effectively, meaning you’ll need less product to get the job done. This not only saves money but also reduces the wear and tear on your clothes and dishes.

Installing a Water Softener

Installing a water softener is a job that requires plumbing knowledge. If you’re handy, you might be able to tackle this on your own, but many people prefer to hire a professional like us at Advanced Water Softeners to ensure the job is done correctly.

Here’s a general overview of the installation process:

        1.      Choose the Right Location: The ideal spot for your water softener is near your main water line and an electrical outlet, usually in a basement, garage, or utility room. Ensure there’s adequate drainage nearby for the system to discharge wastewater.
        2.      Shut Off the Water Supply: Before beginning, turn off your home’s water supply and drain the pipes by opening faucets. This prevents any water from spilling during installation.
        3.      Install the Bypass Valve: This valve allows you to divert water away from the softener if it needs maintenance. Attach this valve to your system as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
        4.      Connect the Inlet and Outlet Pipes: Connect your home’s main water line to the inlet of the softener and the softened water line to the outlet. This often involves cutting the pipes and fitting them to the softener using compression fittings or soldering, depending on your setup.
        5.      Install the Overflow Drain: The water softener will produce a brine solution that needs to be flushed from the system. Connect a drain hose to the overflow drain, ensuring it has a downward slope to prevent backflow.
        6.      Test the System: Once everything is connected, turn the water supply back on and check for leaks. Set the water softener’s controls according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

The Role of an Overflow Pump

An overflow pump is a critical component that helps manage excess water in your water softener’s brine tank, especially if the softener is installed in a basement or any location below the main drain level. The overflow pump works by automatically pumping out any excess water that accumulates, preventing the brine tank from overflowing and causing water damage to your home.

Why You Need an Overflow Pump:

        1.      Prevent Water Damage: Without an overflow pump, any malfunction or overfilling of the brine tank can lead to water seeping out, potentially flooding your basement or damaging your flooring and walls.
        2.      Ensure System Efficiency: An overflow pump ensures that the brine tank remains at the proper water level, allowing the water softener to function optimally. This helps maintain the longevity and efficiency of the system.
        3.      Peace of Mind: Knowing that an overflow pump is in place provides peace of mind, especially if your water softener is in a low-lying area prone to water accumulation.

Installing an Overflow Pump

Adding an overflow pump to your water softener setup is relatively straightforward, but it requires attention to detail:

        1.      Choose the Right Pump: Select a pump that’s compatible with your water softener system and has the capacity to handle potential overflow volumes.
        2.      Install the Pump at the Proper Height: The pump should be installed at the correct height relative to the brine tank to ensure it activates only when necessary.
        3.      Connect the Discharge Pipe: Run a discharge pipe from the pump to a suitable drainage point, ensuring the pipe is securely fastened and free from kinks.
        4.      Test the Pump: After installation, simulate an overflow situation to test the pump’s responsiveness. Ensure that it activates correctly and efficiently drains the excess water.

Final Thoughts

Installing a water softener is a smart move for any homeowner dealing with hard water issues. However, to ensure the system runs smoothly and to protect your home from potential water damage. If required it’s essential to include an overflow pump in your setup. While it may add a bit to the initial installation cost, the long-term benefits of protecting your home and maintaining your water softener’s efficiency make it well worth the investment.

If you’re not comfortable with the installation process, consider hiring a professional like us at Advanced Water Softeners to handle the job. This ensures everything is installed correctly and gives you peace of mind knowing your home is safeguarded against any potential mishaps.

By taking these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of soft water without worrying about the potential pitfalls, making your home more comfortable and your appliances more durable.

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