Installing a water softener will reduce the amount of minerals, and provide your house with soft water. 6. DIY installs might run as low as $500 while large homes with high demand and a smart filtration system can pay $6,000 or … There was no softener in place. Usually the only houses that have a loop are those on a slab and the loop is in the garage; sometimes by the water heater where the inside water shutoff valve is. Typically, if you have a water softener loop, there will be a 3/4" copper line sticking out from the wall beside your water heater. In this case installing a water softener will be very easy. You can find the water loop near the water heater, usually with a 110-volt outlet and a drain line within close range. Cut into the main line using a pipe cutter. These loops can be coming out of a wall or sticking out from the floor. I just bought a water softener and installed it and it has been working like a charm. The outlet was not GFCI protected although you can tell it was put there for a softener to be plugged into to. The loops often come out of the pipes in the wall or come up from the pipes under the floor. Soft water loops are usually accessed in a garage or closet location, where they are out of the way. The three needs of a water softener can be provided quite easily. Water Softener Loop Garage. A capped copper pipe implies that the water line is active or has water in it. There is an old water softener loop in the garage about 12 feet from the hot water heater (water softener was removed years ago by previous owner and loop was left). Yep I said we have hard water. The cost of a water softener loop will depend on two factors, the size and what other items are involved. If your house doesn’t have a loop, you could still have a water softener, but it is not what we recommend. Catch any water that comes out of the pipe in a bucket. When a water softener or filter needs to be added, a plumber cuts into the exposed loop. Now that we have hooked the softener to the loop, it appears that no cold water goes through the loop, except the laundry room. The main element you should check out is if you have a water softener plumbing loop. - Answered by a verified Plumber. A loop is not always required, and some softeners have a softener loop and bypass built-in. The cost of a water softener loop will depend on two factors, the size and what other items are involved. In the garage, you are going to look for what looks like a “U” shaped tube. 105 Wind Flower Lane Residential $284,990 Liberty Hill. Many factors can be involved that affect your options where the water softener can be installed. When we install a soft water system, we will simply remove the loop and plumb in the softener as shown in the picture below. Water Softener Loop Installation Cost. For homes without a basement, the next best place is near the water heater—again, not exactly a main focus of the home. My wife and I noticed it on our first shower. Can't think of any cons other than having to occasionally lug a 25kg bag of salt tablets from the garage to the house. My home had the water shut off valve, as well as the 1" copper water loop, where you can easily install a water softner / filter. For a well system, go right after the pressure tank. Measure the length between the cold water line and the bypass ports on the water softener tank with a measuring tape. By code Water Softeners must be emptied into a laundry sink, floor drain, sump hole or properly trapped special outlet, preserving an air gap of at … New homes in Arizona are typically plumbed with a soft water loop. This loop will also protect all your appliances and faucets from the damaging effects of hard water. One of the most important components of a proper softener installation is provision for safe drainage by avoiding a possible “cross connection”. Water Softener System Cost. Allow enough space around the equipment for easy servicing. According to most plumbing codes a water softener drain line must not be connected directly to the household waste system. Install an elbow fitting in the line. I am an experienced, brine water-softener user (from the Midwest) and knew we wanted a salt-solution vs. non-salt treatment for our new build home since moving to the Arizona area. It is also talking about the job, which means how long it will take and how complicated it will be. The pipe fixture "loops" back into the wall, where it stays hidden and plumbs the rest of the house. It is better to insulate the loop. My 8-yr-old tract house (slab foundation) did not have a "loop" installed for a water softener. The water softener needs to be positioned where it can condition the indoor potable water supply, but not the pipes leading to outdoor water connections. How do I install a water softener if the house doesn't have a loop in the garage. You can get a water softener, the process will just be a little different. Blinds Full Sod and Sprinkler Water Softener Loop Garage Door Opener 2 Ceiling Fans . I don't have any drain lines in my garage. The inlet/outlet lines to my water heater are in the garage but that's it. The well-being of our employees and customers is a priority for us during these tough times; therefore, AHWA is taking extra precautions due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Found a usual double outlet in the garage next to the water softener LOOP. There is no water softener loop in the home, and in Arizona most water softeners are put in the garage on newer homes. It seems awfully small for a drain. In some cases, you may find the water softener loop installed outdoors, especially in regions where hot temperatures aren't an issue. Re: Water softener in the garage - help; Author: LemonPlumber (FL) No gate valve on the inside wall? As water enters the house's plumbing system, the water loop immediately directs it into the installed water softener. Where is the existing plumb, and how far is it from where you want to install the loop? A water softener loop installation costs $600 to $2,000 on average. He attended Florida State University. I am ready to buy and get it installed but I am stumped at where I am going to drain it. I have heard that an expansion tank can be added anywhere on the cold side, but I don't know anything about softener loops. Soft water loops are used to provide easy access when a water softener needs to be added or replaced. It has a water-softener loop in the garage for a hook up but none is there yet. A section of pipe exits the wall and is exposed. In the long run, having a water loop at home will bring you more benefits than a full line. Those locations are the most suitable to have your water softener, and thus, the loop … Residential Water Softener Drain installation tips Tutorials 4 Comments. A loop helps conserve water, which is good for an eco-friendly environment and translates into a longer lifespan for your water softener. As a safety measure, all AHWA employees experiencing COVID-19 symptoms will be required to self-isolate. The reason you want to hook up your water softener to your main water supply is so that the system can soften all water entering your home. In most cases, the basement or garage is where the main water line enters your house. When there is a leak, it is better to call the experts and repair it right away. If you currently have a water softener, no matter the age or size of it, this is good! And because water softener installations is all that we do we don’t charge extra if you don’t have the loop. If you think it is not a good idea to install a water softener plumbing loop because it will mean more maintenance, you are wrong. Ground water that has excessive minerals in it is called hard water. The inlet/outlet lines to my water heater are in the garage but that's it. If your home does NOT have this loop in the garage, do not panic and do not smash your computer. Softened water can damage or kill living plants, so you should install the water softener so that unconditioned water can still flow to outdoor spigots and lawn irrigation systems. The garage is typically the best place for your water softener because that is normally the location where the water enters your home. On the house that i built i told the builder to put a loop so i can hook up the water softener and in did he put a loop on the garage on the water line coming to the house. There is an old water softener loop in the garage about 12 feet from the hot water heater (water softener was removed years ago by previous owner and loop was left). I have neither of these. Water Softener Loop? In some cases, especially if your water loop is installed in the garage where the low winter temperatures could freeze it. Prior to having a soft water softener installed, this copper line will be a "loop" sticking out from the wall where both lines are connected. This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey visits New Jersey to install a water softener. The main supply line to the rest of the house continues on to the softener. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Any … However, they should be checked for leaks on a regular bases and repaired as needed. Topping it up is DS2's job and is really easy. My 8-yr-old tract house (slab foundation) did not have a "loop" installed for a water softener. If your home does NOT have this loop in the garage, do not panic and do not smash your computer. If you currently have a water softener, no matter the age or size of it, this is good! • A water softener can improve the efficiency of hot-water and heating systems - 1.6mm of scale build-up can cause a 12% loss in heating efficiency. Before we get into the process, we want to assure you that even when a full line’s cost seems cheaper than a water loop. My neighbor's house (same floor plan as mine) has a line in the garage into which he installed his softener, and a pre-installed drain line. Water for gardens and lawns doesn’t need to be softened. For a municipal supply, go downstream of the water meter. A water softener system plus installation costs $1,500 on average with a typical range between $1,000 and $2,800. This is to prevent non-potable water from flowing backwards possibly mixing and contaminating potable (drinking) water. In most cases, water softeners are placed in a home’s basement or garage, away from your living space. Locate the area along the main line where you want to install the water softener. Why? Many people wonder if not having a water loop will influence the installation of their water softener. If the water supply line enters through the garage, then install the water softener device right there. I recently purchased a Whirlpool Water Softener and a Whirlpool Water Filtration system. Can I install a water softener in my attached garage? Like Our Prices? If you don’t live in a region where there are hot temperatures all year long, you could find the loop on the outside of your home. If you do not have a Loop for the Water Softener, it will be necessary to connect to the main water line where it enters your home, and run plumbing lines to the desired or available location for the water system. So my question is, how do they install it when there is no preparation for water softener? This way you don’t have to waste softened water on irrigation (soft water will kill most plants). However, if your home receives water from its far side, you can install the water softener outside. I added water softener loop for a future water softener. Even some ask if not having a loop will be an obstacle to getting the water softener they need. However, before making this decision, you need to make sure you don’t have one already in your home. Outside faucets and any irrigation is usually plumbed ahead of the loop so they don't get softened water. I have neither of these. Water softener loops are usually installed in the garage or mechanical room. If a house isn't preplumbed, the outside faucets probably will be plumbed after the location the softener is installed in. Here the size doesn’t necessarily refer to the loop. Before you start installing your system you need to decide where you want to put it. The only thing you need to do once in a while is to check if there are no leaks in your loop that could damage your whole system. If your home has a water softener loop, you’ll likely find it in the garage. Prior to having a soft water softener installed, this copper line will be a "loop" sticking out from the wall where both lines are connected. Water is an incredible solvent, and it will dissolve practically anything given enough time. 23439 North 35th Dr. #7, Glendale, AZ 85310. A water softener loop is used to provide easy access to the plumbing system of a house. Most softener problems are caused by worn or clogged parts in the control head or a salt bridge in the brine tank. Water softeners remove things like calcium, magnesium, and iron, but there could easily be other dissolved solids in the water that are leaving behind some sort of film or residue when the water evaporates. Loop for water softener Elongated toilets Three exterior water faucets Main electrical service, 200 amp Ceiling fans in great room and master bedroom Loop KITCHEN GARAGE OFFICE Patio 10 x 12 PORCH MASTER BDRM LIVING DINING BEDROOM BEDROOM Header FAMILY A / C … #326306 How to Hook Up a Water Filter to an Ice Maker, How to Connect Stainless Braided Hoses to Ice Makers, Ultimate Guide to Home Repair and Improvement, How to Hook Up a Soft Water System to Your House, How to Disconnect the Water Line to the Filter Housing on a Refrigerator. Hard water doesn't dissolve soap and detergent very well and leaves behind scales, which stain toilets and sinks. Request a Free in-home consultation, R39-R A/C & Refrig. Thank you for choosing American Home Water and Air! This way, all incoming water is treated before it circulates. And because water softener installations is all that we do we don't charge extra if you don't have the loop. The best place to install your water softener is in your basement or garage. 313 Majestic Cedar Court Residential $300,290 Liberty Hill. Tighten the cutter onto the pipe, then rotate it around until the pipe is cut through. The three needs of a water softener can be provided quite easily. Then into the softener and out, under the landscaping into the east wall of the house. Once the water leaves the softener, it should branch into two lines: a cold line that runs to interior fixtures and faucets, and a line that feeds the water heater. Why? • Water Filtration system for drinking and water softener loop • 50-gallon hot water heater with circulation pump • Gas or Electric hook-up for dryer • Vinyl planking in kitchen, dining, laundry, entryway, bathrooms, living room and carpet in bedrooms Water loops exposed to cold areas, such as those installed in garages, should be insulated adequately to prevent freezing. A water softener loop is simply the incoming cold water supply exiting the wall, probably around 48" from the floor and 8" out from the wall that loops back into the wall, and continues on to supply the house. ?or across the garage near the water heater?1/2" is too small a pipe and would not be used,to supply the whole house.Sounds like you will need to do a little digging to verify what and where the feed line is.Good Luck.Dig gently most pvc services do not react well to a shovel. Soft water loops are usually accessed in a garage or closet location, where they are out of the way. OWNERS MANUAL – Envirotec Your home is pre-plumbed for a water softener/conditioner if you have a loop … Even though below, you will find a guide on how to install a water softener loop, we advise that you hire a professional for this task. This allows plumbers to access the water line. The other option is that it will be in the crawl space of your home. Benefits Of A Water Loop. Typically, if you have a water softener loop, there will be a 3/4" copper line sticking out from the wall beside your water heater. I would like to put in a water softener but I'm uncertain that I should re-plumb my water into the garage and back to the east wall into the house. In concrete houses, the water line is usually located in the ceiling or the attic since it is a broad space where you can make modifications if needed. We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. Keep in mind this needs to be before the line feeds into the hot water heater. It comes out of the wall, forming a “U” shape before re-entering the wall a few inches further. A Loop allows the water softener or whole house water filtration system to be installed quickly, and should include a drain line and electric outlet close by. Water conditioner installation includes some soldering work. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths … A water softener plumbing loop separates the water for indoor activities from the one that goes to the outdoors of your home. As it goes into the house it branches and any place assessable before that branching is not found in a location that is able to support the install without opening walls and running a loop off the main line. My neighbor's house (same floor plan as mine) has a line in the garage into which he installed his softener, and a pre-installed drain line. No. When you are unsure whether you already have a loop in your house, you can simply go to the garage or the mechanical room to investigate. The way I see it is I have two options: run a drain line up to the attic and tap into a vent pipe. Cut a piece of copper tubing that length, and solder fittings on the ends. If you don’t have a loop, it is time to consider a water softener loop installation. I have a picture, but this is my first post on Reddit and I don't know how to add it. … This brings endless benefits since the water you will use for watering your plants or grass won’t be softened. Catch any water that comes out of the pipe in a bucket. Overall, a water softener loop installation cost can go anywhere from $600 to $2000. She reported to me " something is wrong, the soap is broken and my hair feels like straw". - Answered by a verified Plumber. I don't want one unless I really need it so I will try this first and return it if it does not fix the problem. Most of the houses built in the last few years already come with a water softener plumbing loop, which means you won’t have to worry about installing one. You should have one tap (ideally kitchen tap) which isn't supplied via the water softener as some people don't like the taste of softened water. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths $284,990 Everything's Included at Lennar in Orchard Ridge! There are various factors that determine that price, like does it need to be re-routed? 2. I live in northwest NJ (the folks hit by all the nor’easters and loose power every winter). Is this the drain? The best part is that a water softener plumbing loop ensures that all the incoming water goes through your water softener. However, if it is on the opposite side of your house or in the middle, the full line will require more materials and time. The main use of a water loop is to keep the inside and outside of home’s water systems separated. Benjamin Aries has been involved in digital media for much of his life and began writing professionally in 2009. While these locations don’t necessarily put the spotlight on your new money-saving addition, there’s a good reason for that. When you don’t have a plumbing loop, your water softener will have to be attached to your house’s main water supply. A soft water loop is a copper piping system that reconnects your home’s internal water distribution pipes to the water softener. Blinds Full Sod and Sprinkler Water Softener Loop Garage Door Opener 2 Ceiling Fans. I have heard that an expansion tank can be added anywhere on the cold side, but I don't know anything about softener loops. How To Install A Water Softener If Your Home Has A Loop. If you don’t find it there, there is no way it will be hiding in some other corner of your house. To install a loop, the first step is finding the end of your water distribution. Keep in mind this needs to be before the line feeds into the hot water heater. You can get a water softener, the process will just be a little different. The area holding a soft water loop should feature a utility drain and an electrical outlet. no white stuff on the shower head. We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. There is no need to worry because hard water will not harm your plants since they can deal with those types of hard minerals. 1. The principal feature of the soft water loop is that the outside water outlets are separated from the inside ones. Where in the garage would a water softener be placed? The outgoing line from the water heater then runs to interior fixtures and faucets that dispense hot water. It is going to be cheaper if your water supply goes through your garage wall because it will be easy to install your water softener. If you live in a larger home, this might be difficult, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. It is probably in the garage, but can also be in a closet by itself, or a shared closet with a water heater or other appurtenance. Once you find the end of your water line, you will need to install a pipe that goes back to the water heater, which is usually located where you will install the water softener. Other than that, can recommend it. the "loop" that you are referring to needs to be built, since obviously your house was not plumbed for a softener, meaning they did not build the loop inside the house for you somewhere (typically the garage). $239,995 – 18725 Candace Loop, Pflugerville $239,995 – 18725 Candace Loop, Pflugerville MLS® #7347015 $239,995 4 Bedroom, 4.00 Bathroom, 3,047 sqft Residential on 0 Acres Royal Pointe Sec 01, Pflugerville, TX … Access This Document . We can easily install a water softener into the garage with out the pre-plumbed water softener loop. A water loop will appear as an extra copper pipe located on the wall nearby your water heater. Now the water is hard here. If your home has a water softener loop, you’ll likely find it in the garage. Aries specializes in technical subjects. R37 Plumbing ROC #326384. Place the water softener behind the east backyard fence (outside), and plumb the east wall … Water Softener Loop; Author: Anonymous User When our house was built, we requested a water softener loop be placed in our garage. The outdoor line (s) should be tied in before the house main and have a backflow device on them to prevent anything from the ground coming back into the drinking water. It means your house is ready for your new CLACK system. It is time to explain to you how to install a water softener loop. This limits your options on where the water softener will be located because, from the place you choose, the professional installing your water softener will have to put plumbing lines connecting it to the main supply. In terms of cost, a full line installation could be between $400 and $900, but this depends on your supply location. Plumb from the mains on the east wall, under the landscaping and into the east wall of the garage. If these features are not found at the water loop site, they should be added before a softener is installed. I just bought a water softener and installed it and it has been working like a charm. If you have a single-story home, you have more options than a two-story, but there are other factors that you need to consider, such as walkways and attic access. Purchasing a water softener is the best option for any household located in an area with a high water hardness level. Soft water loop costs depend on where the loop needs to be and where the existing plumbing is located. A cross connection is any point at which a water supply pipe or container is joined directly to a sewer pipe. Luckily, as we mentioned before, you don’t need a loop to install your water softener. You should be able to cut the 3/4 copper line to the left of the pressure regulator and make a loop there. You can tell that the copper pipe is a water loop if it has a cap on the end of it. Now that we have looked at all the important information you need to know before deciding to install more plumbing like a water softener loop installation cost, the location and maintenance. We can easily install a water softener into the garage with out the pre-plumbed water softener loop. On the house that i built i told the builder to put a loop so i can hook up the water softener and in did he put a loop on the garage on the water line coming to the house. I have a water softener loop in my garage, and about 6 inches above it is a very small pipe (half the diameter of the loop). How To Install A Water Softener If Your Home Has A Loop. Remember that the ideal place to install a water softener will have a loop, a drain to protect your home from leaks, and a power outlet for your device. Installation Standard water softener installations include a main shut off valve and a soft water hose valve near the softener. Also, all technicians visiting customers’ homes will be equipped with gloves and masks. By admin | 0 Comment. Often, this feature can raise the value of a house, as future buyers can modify the water softening system without expensive renovations. The drain protects the floor in case of a leak, while the AC outlet powers an installed water softener. Also the sprinkler system control is usually in the garage. Once you buy a new water softener, you need to make sure that your house is ready. When we install a soft water system, we will simply remove the loop and plumb in the softener as shown in the picture below. It is also talking about the job, which means how long it will take and how complicated it will be. Cut into the main line using a pipe cutter. We hope this won’t impact our service and we will remain open for business until further notice. Soft water loops do not require significant maintenance. Overall, a water softener loop installation cost can go anywhere from $600 to $2000. Scott's personal and friendly service lived up to the expectations from other posts! By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. That’s why before giving you an installation guide, we are going to tell you all you need to know about a water softener loop. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. However, not having a loop will be a disadvantage when the water company delivers your new water softener. It can get very cold here and the unit would be installed on a concrete floor (could be placed on a lift-surface and insulated) and would be at the location of water … How do I install a water softener if the house doesn't have a loop in the garage. It comes out of the wall, forming a “U” shape before re-entering the wall a few inches further. A water loop requires minimal maintenance and, in return, brings endless benefits. A water softener loop installation involves knowledge on how pipes work, and only an expert will know how to install it without damaging your plumbing system. Locate the area along the main line where you want to install the water softener. Because you don’t have a loop, you will have to get a full line. I have a bit of a weird situation - I would like to get a water softener, and I can sweat pipes as well as the next DIY amateur but there's no loop in my garage. When a water softener fails, the symptoms are hard water, frequent regeneration cycles and excessive salt usage, brine tank overflow or resin beads clogging your faucet aerators. He has lived in several different states and countries, and currently writes while exploring different parts of the world. no white stuff on the shower head. In most cases, water softeners are placed in a home’s basement or garage, away from your living space. No. The placement of the water softener system would depend … For starters, a new water softener should be located out of the way but where it is easy to tie it into the plumbing system—in most cases, this is in a basement, garage, or utility room, often near the water heater. When a water softener or filter needs to be added, a plumber cuts into the exposed loop. If you bought the land and you are building your own house, it is essential to ask the contractors for a water softener loop installation. It means your house is ready for your new CLACK system. Here the size doesn’t necessarily refer to the loop. There is a cutoff valve on the loop and when shut off it cuts the water throughout the house.