Weighing The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Each Choice
An excellent household appliance is a water softener.
It will not only save you money in the short run, but it will also maintain the plumbing and appliances in your house in excellent operating order, saving you money over the long run.
The idea of installing a system might be intimidating, even if you may know you need a water softener after testing the hardness of your water.
Choose the installation method that is ideal for you by taking into account all available options, from a fully DIY installation to a hands-off installation (and everything in between).
Homemade Installation
- How it works: If you’re a skilled do-it-yourselfer, you can complete anything. You have entire control over the process of resolving your hard water problems, from early research to system purchase to final installation. Additionally, you may quickly replace an old softener by utilizing some simple push-on flexible connections that are sold at your neighborhood hardware or home improvement shop.
- Benefits: By taking on this job yourself, you can go at your own speed and make sure that you’re satisfied with your home’s requirements, appliance selection, and installation. It won’t take more than half a day to complete the job if you are skilled with plumbing. Installation of a new water softener may be finished in approximately an hour.
- Cons: If you are installing a softening for the first time or your property was not prepared for a softener, this solo project will need some intermediate plumbing skills. To synchronize the water softener and your water supply, you may need to cut some pipes. If you opt against getting outside assistance, it is crucial to establish a thorough checklist to ensure you are properly prepared and don’t forget important tasks, such as turning off the water supply before starting.
- Before you start: In addition to identifying the finest water softening solution for your house, you’ll need to determine the optimum location for it. The best site will be a dry, flat area near an electrical outlet, close to the water’s main line, and adjacent to a drain, with at least 10 feet of pipe between the water softener and your water heater.
Difficulty:
You handle everything, starting with the first investigation, buying your softener, and finishing with the installation.
It may be a pretty simple operation if you have any plumbing experience or are replacing an outdated unit.
Investment of time:
From choosing a softener to installing it, every step of the procedure is entirely your responsibility.
Cost:
Choosing not to seek expert assistance may save a lot of money.
Shop Installation
- How it functions: You may either do your study and pick your system from any major store, such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Sears, or you can consult with one of their salespeople to determine which system is appropriate for your house. Once you’ve decided on a water softener, one of the experts (professionals) the shop has engaged with will help you with the remaining details and handle the installation.
- Pros: Shopping at a shop provides a number of important advantages. You may save money by purchasing the installation of your water softener as part of a comprehensive appliance package. In order to stretch out the expense of the purchase and installation over a few months, the majority of stores also provide financing options. The store performs the groundwork to locate a plumber who is qualified to install your system and who can provide advice on supplemental items made for your softening, such as a whole-home water filter, softener cleaner, or a specific kind of salt. Finally, stores may provide extended warranties to safeguard your investment.
- Cons: The services offered by different retailers may vary, and scheduling the installation may take a few days depending on where you reside.
- Before you do it: Before you go to the store, acquire water softener purchasing advice to determine which system is best for your house. In order for the salesman to assist you in finding the ideal solution based on some of your basic home facts, it is helpful to have a broad notion of what you need.
Difficulty:
Selecting a system may be made simpler and less stressful by working with a salesman.
Additionally, they make the installation easier.
Time Expended:
If you go in with only a vague concept of what you’re searching for, some background study and knowledge will be necessary, but the shop will guide you to your answer and assist with the preparations.
Cost:
The best pricing for installation will be obtained for you by your store via rate negotiations with their network of installers.
If you decide to purchase other items or an extended warranty, the price will go up overall.
Installation of a Plumber
- How it works: You are in charge of your own water softener research, purchase, and in-home setup, but once it is at your house, you are released from responsibility. Professional plumbers are familiar with installing and installing water softeners, so barring any unexpected setbacks, they will be able to install your system effectively in two or three hours.
- Pros: Professional installation is reasonable and will provide you piece of mind that it has been done properly if you don’t have any plumbing skills. Furthermore, you continue to decide which softener is best for your house.
- Cons: You’ll also have to pay an installation fee on top of the water softener’s price, which varies by firm and location. Plumbers may attempt to steer you toward a product they offer if you haven’t yet bought a water softener but are just beginning your search for one, even if it may not be the best choice for your house or your budget. Planning ahead to most correctly forecast when you’ll need the water softener installed is an issue to consider as well. As for availability, you may not obtain an appointment straight away. The plumber will require access to your water softener and any associated equipment, which is the last step.
- Prior to action: The price of installation will vary depending on where you live, how easily your plumbing can be accessed, and where you want to place your softener. Getting quotes from many local plumbers can give you an idea of the installation’s average cost, any issues you need to address before the scheduled visit, and your comfort level with the installer.
Difficulty:
This option involves a little more planning and effort since you’ll need to look into the best system and plumber for your house in addition to navigating the actual purchase and preparation for installation.
Investment of time:
The majority of the labor is your responsibility, but a professional installation gives you piece of mind.
Cost:
The project’s total cost will increase if outside assistance is enlisted.
There are three alternatives available, and deciding one is best for you will depend on your preferences, financial constraints, and level of familiarity with the water softener installation process.
You’ll be able to strike the ideal balance and identify the ideal solution for your house after carefully evaluating each of the many components.
