Water softener installation
A softener that's sized and set correctly protects your plumbing without wasting salt. Here's what a good install looks like.
A water softener is a tank of resin beads that grabs calcium and magnesium as water passes through, plus a brine tank that holds salt or potassium to recharge the beads. The control valve on top decides when to regenerate. Getting the size, the valve type and the setting right is most of what separates a softener that quietly works for years from one that eats salt and still leaves spots.
What should happen before the install?
- Test the water at your tap. Hardness, plus iron and total dissolved solids if the installer offers it. St. George blends several sources, so don't rely on a neighbor's number.
- Size the system. Capacity depends on hardness, how many people live in the house and how much water you use. An undersized unit regenerates constantly; an oversized one can sit idle long enough to channel.
- Pick the valve. Demand-initiated (metered) valves regenerate based on water actually used, which usually saves salt and water compared with timer-only valves.
- Plan the plumbing. Find the softener loop if the house has one, or plan where the main line will be cut, where the drain line goes, and whether outdoor hose bibs stay on hard water.
What about the drain line?
Every regeneration sends brine and rinse water to a drain. The line should be secured and discharge the way the plumbing code requires, with an air gap so wastewater can't be pulled back into the softener. If your home is on septic rather than city sewer, tell the installer up front so they can talk through where the discharge goes.
Setting it for St. George water
The city's water services department suggests about 18 grains, higher only if needed and no more than 22. Its water quality report gives 13 to 24 grains per gallon as the effective range. Ask the installer to set the unit from your test result, show you the setting and explain how to check it after a season.
What affects the price?
- System capacity and valve type
- Whether a softener loop is already in place
- New plumbing, a drain line or a bypass for outdoor taps
- Add-ons such as a carbon pre-filter or an RO system
The water treatment company prices the job after learning about your house, your water and, for installs and repairs, the spot where the equipment goes. We don't quote prices, and any number given over the phone is only a rough starting point until someone has seen the setup.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Does my new home have a softener loop?
Many newer Washington County homes do. Look in the garage or utility area for two capped pipes near the main water line and a drain or outlet nearby. The installer can confirm.
Salt or potassium?
Both work in most softeners. Potassium chloride costs more per bag and adds potassium instead of sodium. Ask the installer what your unit is set up for.
Related services
More background: Washington County hard water guide.
Spots on the glasses, crust on the faucets, or a softener that quit?
Call now and a local water treatment company will help you sort it out.