Where To Install Water Softener Systems

A water softener is designed to address the calcium and magnesium responsible for hard water problems in your home. For installation, these systems should be strategically placed to treat your water at its source and ensure they work reliably and effectively without being obtrusive.

The most common water softener installation locations include basements, garages, utility rooms and outdoors. If you’re working with a local water expert for your installation, they can determine the best placement based on your system, plumbing and preferences.

Here’s what to know about where to install water softener systems, including expert insights from Culligan Problem Water Specialist Gary Falkengren.

How To Decide Where To Install Your Water Softener

Here are the top considerations when choosing where to install a water softener:

Water Source and Plumbing

According to Falkengren, the first consideration is your house’s water supply. “Generally, you want the softener to treat the water going to the whole home,” he says. This means the system should be installed close to your home’s water source, as it will be connected there in order to provide whole-home treatment.

“You’re trying to find a central point before all the pipes start branching off to other parts of the house,” Falkengren says.

Systems installed in this manner are often known as point-of-entry systems (versus point-of-use systems, which are installed at an individual tap).

If you’re working with Culligan on your installation, your water specialist will review your water hardness levels, recommend a softener system and work with you to choose an installation location during your free, in-home water test and consultation.

Ambient Temperature

Water softeners must be protected from extreme conditions, especially freezing temperatures. “In the northern climates, water softeners are usually installed in the basement,” says Falkengren.

However, he notes that outdoor installations are possible, too. “If you’re in a warmer climate, it’s not uncommon to see a water softener in someone’s front yard. That’s especially true for homes with no basements or garages.”

In these cases, you’ll need a water softener unit specifically designed for durability. “Systems have to be evaluated for use outdoors. There’s different engineering and regulatory certification,” says Falkengren. “Outdoor systems need different control valve components. They also need to be waterproof and able to withstand ultraviolet light exposure from the sun.”

For example, Culligan’s outdoor models feature:

• Exclusive, non-corrosive valves with highly reliable motorized pistons
• Unique four-layer tanks that resist UV rays, rust and corrosion
• Limited lifetime warranties on specific components

Accessibility

To work correctly and effectively, your water softener will need regular salt replacement. You can do this yourself, but you’ll need easy access to your softener system and room to maneuver salt bags. Service experts may also need to reach the unit for maintenance or repairs. As such, water treatment experts always think about easy access as part of the installation process.

That said, you also likely don’t want the softener system to be highly visible or constantly in your way. In addition to plumbing considerations, it’s best to think about the floorplan of your home to choose a spot that’s both accessible and unobtrusive.

Additional Considerations

According to Falkengren, water softener systems also need a drain connection, a nearby electrical outlet and protection from dampness like rain (if it’s installed outdoors). Flat ground is also a requirement; in some cases, you might need to lay a concrete slab to create a proper surface in basements or outdoors.

Most Common Water Softener Locations

There are many options for water softener placement. Here’s how to think about potential water softener system locations for your home:

Indoors

If you live in a cooler climate or just want your system inside, you’ll likely choose between areas like closets, utility rooms and the basement.

To narrow down your options, think about what works best based on how you use your home. For example, if a closet in your main living space might be used for additional storage later, you should consider a different location for your softener. If you’d rather avoid having to use the stairs to access your softener, the basement would be less preferable.

Outdoors

While you don’t always have the option to place your water softener system outside, there are plenty of potential locations to choose from when it is possible. You might put the unit in your garage, behind your house or,, if you’re a well water user, next to your well tank.

Of course, there are considerations here, too. If you have larger vehicles or use your garage as storage, you might want your softener in the backyard instead. There are plenty of ways to conceal the system to maintain your outdoor view, like installing DIY fencing. Keep in mind that even if outdoor placement is an option, you likely can still choose an indoor location if preferred.

What To Know About Water Softener Installation

Although water softener placement is important, it isn’t the only factor that should be on your radar. Here’s a look at what else you should know:

H3: Process

If you think you have hard water, the best approach is to begin with a water test to identify your water hardness levels. This is an important step because hardness levels help determine the best water softener size and capacity for your needs. If you work with a local water treatment partner like Culligan for testing, they also can provide recommendations and help you choose a softening solution that fits your budget and needs. They can also let you know if any other water treatment solutions are needed, like drinking water filtration.

Keep in mind that softening and filtration are separate processes. Softening addresses the calcium and magnesium responsible for hardness. If you’re worried about odors, tastes, discoloration or contaminants in your tap water that may impact your health, you may need filtration.* Fortunately, the same free test can help guide your filtration needs, too.

If you’re purchasing a filtration system too, it’s helpful to know that the two systems don’t need to be placed together or otherwise connected, even if they’re both treating water where it flows into your home. Although they are complementary, these solutions work separately.

Installation: DIY or Not?

While the concept of DIY can sound appealing, the reality of it isn’t always so ideal. Figuring out the right pipes to access, cutting pipes as needed and making sure the system is installed and programmed for optimal operation can be a daunting task.

Fortunately, you don’t have to install your new system yourself. Professional water softener installation is the best way to ensure you don’t encounter electrical or plumbing problems, and with an experienced company like Culligan, installers are experienced, reliable and comfortable with a variety of challenges. When the process is complete, you’ll also get an expert walkthrough on using and maintaining your system and often, a follow-up a few weeks post-install to ensure all is running smoothly.

What Happens After Installation

Once your water softener is installed, your cold water should be soft immediately. For hot water, you’ll need to run through any water left in your water heater tank before it can fill with softened water. This can take up to two days depending on how quickly you use that hot water.

From there, you’ll have access to soft water throughout your home. This means you’ll likely notice fewer issues such as:

• Limescale
• Spotty dishes
• Stiff, smelly, faded laundry
• Dry skin, hair and nails
• Low water pressure
• Reduced lifespan for water-using appliances

Your water softener needs only minimal maintenance – mainly salt refills – to continue addressing those hard water problems. If the old complaints begin to return, you might need to replace your softener salt more often or call your local expert for support.

Get Soft Water the Easy Way

A water softener addresses calcium and magnesium content to fix problems ranging from soap spots on dishes to reduced appliance longevity. Your water test results and a local expert will tell you which system fits your home — both literally and figuratively.

Fortunately, placement considerations aren’t a hassle with Culligan. Our knowledgeable experts, stress-free processes and professional installation make water softening easier than ever.

Get started by scheduling your free, in-home water test and consultation today.

*Contaminants may not be present in your water.