Anyone here replaced their water softener on their own?

[sixdogs]

OK, as noted, the project is a few months out and this is the getting ready stage. I d like the GE unit because I can get it locally and it has a high rating. When the time comes, you guys can walk me through it. I know I can do it. Doesn't seem like it's worth it to pay $500 to $700 installation for a simple job.

 

[oldpilgrim]

Rather than Sharkbite or PEX, that are new to me, I plan on plain old pipe unless there's an issue. When I get closer to this, I'll revive this thread and you guys can help me over any rough spots.

Shop shark bite couplings at Lowes.com: Search Results

Lowes has a less expensive brand of 'sharkbite' (actually called push fittings) - Blue Hawk. If you're not familiar with them, they just replace soldered fittings. Cut the copper to the correct length and instead of putting on a soldered fitting, press the pipes into the push fitting and you're done.Ever tried to solder when there is a drop of water in the pipe? You can't do it. You don't need to worry about that with the push fitting. You can even cut the pipe with water in it and quickly push on a push fitting shut off to stop the water. Are the elbows you need really close to a wall or some other combustible material? Use a push fitting and avoid burning down your house with the torch.

You can probably do the whole job with out picking up a torch. Once you use one, you'll want to use them every time.

 

[Gunny]

The GE softeners sold by the big box stores use a plastic manifold/bypass with 1 inch snap in couplings, the couplings terminate with a 1" male threaded end. As long as you re-plumb your lines to the right height, they're very easy to hook up since the softener can stay in the box. Once you've got the manifold plumbed up, slide the water softener up to it and snap it into place.

Piece of cake

 

[Stimw]

I have installed 3 in the last 2 years, 1 at my old house, 1 at my new house and 1 for a friend. Now- $377.00

Shop Whirlpool 33,-Grain Water Softener at Lowes.com

Mine worked so well that I put the same in friend's house and my new house!
These are self control for cleaning, no timer and use WAY less salt than my old Clear Water system.
Be sure to keep the filter before the softener. Any sediment can stop up the fine orifice in them.

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

I did apartment maintenance and we always used sharkbites, In my own house that's all I use also.

So far I have put in a 10in whole house water filter on the main coming into the house. I put a water Spicket so I can hose things off in the basement when needed, and I installed a new twin tank CSI water softener. The water softener I chose was more of a commercial unit and I think I paid $1200 for it at a supply house, installed there $3500+, assembling the thing was the most difficult part lol.

All I did to hook it up was cut the copper, cleaned the copper with emery cloth and looked for defects on the copper, I used two 12" sharkbite to threaded end supply lines and was done in two mins, it's never leaked and has served me well.

The supply house I bought the softener from did free water tests and that's how I set the softener up. I love my softener, I never run out of softened water like I would with a single tank set up, it was a bit pricy but worth it.







Mine is double tank with the brine tank separate, my softener is double tank with a single controller.

 

[bjr]

Our water softener is 15 years old and winding down. The dealer that put it in wants over $1,000 to replace it and I'm thinking I should maybe do it myself. I see units for sale at Costco and Walmart so if their customers can do it I sure can. I'm handy with tools, mechanically inclined and reasonably intuitive. The unit has an inlet, an outlet and a plug so how much trouble can I get in? Trouble is, I've never done it before.

Has anyone here replaced their water softener unit that can offer any commentary or words of advice?

I've installed two of the Fleck 5600. Best buy in my book. They are both still going strong one is 15 yrs old and the other is 10 yrs. old. Not a problem installing if you can use simple plumbing tools. The 5600 get the standard timer type not the electronic things. They just keep going and going. Order online and save a bundle. bjr

 

[Byrdnyrd]

Six Dogs,
I'm running 2 Fleck 5600 Heads as well. They are awesome, simple as a Land Rover ( but more reliable!) I have an acid neutralizer and a softener. I do all my own maintenance, which is rebuilding the heads every two years and rebedding the Calcite and gravel. I just replaced the filter media in the softener ( plastic beads) after 20 years!

Like BJR says-Fleck heads are the best bang for the buck, parts are readily available from lots of sources!
I buy most of my stuff from "Softenerparts.com" good guys, great service.

The plumbing is the easy part-you really want to get good hardware so the system runs without issue!

I put 1 40lb bag of salt in a month! 2 people, one small dog ( who only showers every 3 weeks)

Like they say at Lowes: " You can do it-we can help "

Cheers,
BN

 

[sixdogs]

Thanks. Byrdnyd and bjr--when the time comes I do plan on asking for help. It's still a few months out till things warm up and I get my spring chores done. Just an FYI---I know how to solder copper pipe if need be.

 

[KYErik]

Have you considered repairing your old unit? You can buy new resin and replace the resin bed for around $100. You can buy new resin on ebay and unscrew the top of the resin tank, dump the old out and pour in the new. I was planning to replace the resin in my old softener when I got a great deal on another used one.

 

[vlcakc]

Another plus for the Fleck 5600. I replaced an old Sears unit with the Fleck about 3 years ago. I have the ProFloSXT model. The unit has separate resin and salt tanks which makes dealing with salt bridges a little easier. The resin tank developed a crack after about a year and was replaced at no cost under warranty. The Fleck control unit has been flawless. Vic