Installation Requirements for Pentair Whole‑House Water Softening System: Insights from a Pentair Water Softening Company in Woodridge, Illinois

Installing a whole-house water softener involves more than choosing the right model. The softener also needs the right location, plumbing, power, and drainage to protect your home from hard water.

Below, this Pentair water softening company in Woodridge, Illinois is going to explain what’s needed for a successful installation.

Where should it be installed?

A water softener should be installed near the point where water enters your home so it can treat all the water before it reaches your faucets and appliances. Most people install theirs in the basement or utility room.

If the softener is installed too far downstream, like near a single appliance, only part of your home will get soft water. That leaves pipes and fixtures elsewhere exposed to mineral buildup. If you want to cover the whole house, the softener must be close to the main supply line.

An experienced Pentair water softening company in Woodridge, Illinois will locate this point during an in-home consultation. They will check for a pre-installed softener loop. Many newer homes have one. But if not, some plumbing adjustments may be needed.

Your plumbing needs to be ready.

The water softener also needs a working bypass valve. This valve lets water flow around the softener if required, like during maintenance, without cutting off your entire supply.

A Pentair water softening company will check if your plumbing has this valve. If the valve is missing, they will install one with a simple control, like a lever, knob, or button.

Having this done before installation will keep maintenance easy. You will still have running water when the system is being serviced.

You can’t skip power and drain.

A standard residential softener needs a grounded 120 V outlet connected to a protected circuit. Extension cords and power strips are not safe, especially in basements or garages.

If no outlet is nearby, one should be installed within the softener’s cord length.

The softener also needs a drain. It should be no more than 30 feet away and not more than 8 feet higher than the softener. You also need at least a 1½-inch air gap to keep the drain from backing up into the system.

A Pentair water softening company will check for a safe drain spot, like a floor drain, laundry sink, or standpipe. They will also check that the power source is safe and up to code.

Leave enough floor space.

Water softeners are compact but still need room around them. Most need 3 to 4 square feet of space, with clearance for maintenance.

You need space to refill salt, check the settings, or do repairs. Garages, basements, or mechanical rooms usually meet these needs. Avoid tight spots or closets where it is hard to reach the softener.

If space is tight, check out smaller softeners or cabinet-style models.

A Pentair water softening company will measure the area and suggest a model that fits.

Check your water pressure.

If the water pressure is above 70 psi, that might be too much. A pressure-reducing valve may be needed in those cases. At the same time, below 40 psi can cause flow problems.

If pressure is too high or too low, it can impact the softener’s performance and lifespan. It can also be a sign of other problems, like a clogged resin bed or a bad valve.

One way to test this is by comparing the pressure before and after the softener. If pressure improves when bypassed, the softener may be restricting flow.

A professional Pentair water softening company in Woodridge, Illinois will check the water pressure during an in-home consultation. If it is over 70 psi, they may suggest a valve to reduce the pressure. If it is too low, they might recommend a booster or regulator.

They will also match the softener size and settings to your home’s water use, so you get the best results.

Looking for a Pentair Water Softening Company in Woodridge, Illinois?

As the most trusted Pentair water softening company in Woodridge, Illinois, Johnson Water Conditioning will make sure your system is installed exactly where it needs to be. That way, you can enjoy a consistent supply of soft water in your home. Contact us today to request a free quote.