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Do you want to install a water softener to protect your home from limescale? Before you get started, it’s best to know the constraints related to the equipment.
Because not all water softeners are installed in the same way. Some models require an electrical supply, a regeneration water drain, a salt tank, and several adjustments during commissioning.
Whereas those without salt are much easier to install, with far fewer hassles.
In this article, discover where to install your softener, the steps to follow, the budget to plan, and whether it is preferable to do the installation yourself or to call in a professional.
Where to install a water softener at home?
A water softener is always installed on the main water supply of the dwelling. The goal is to treat the water before it is distributed throughout the house.
However, not all devices are mounted in the same way. Some impose more technical requirements than others.
Here are the recommendations for a proper commissioning of a water softener:
- to be installed close to the water supply;
- to have an electrical outlet;
- to be connected to the drain pipe;
- to be placed in a frost-free area;
- to allow space for the regenerating salt tank (sodium chloride);
- to create a direct cold water supply for the sink to continue drinking quality tap water, which is not always possible and can be costly.
In contrast, a new generation softener like ODOUCE is installed with much fewer constraints.
It does not require:
- any electrical supply;
- no drainage;
- no additional space.
Its installation is therefore possible both in a house and in an apartment.
To go further, discover our article dedicated to reviews of salt-free softeners. You will find a complete comparison of their advantages and limitations.
What are the installation steps for a water softener?
Installing a water softener to combat limescale can be more complex than one might think. Depending on the chosen technology, you either spend hours on it, or you connect it and it’s done.
Installing a traditional water softener: step by step
A water softener requires a precise and technical setup to ensure its proper functioning.
Here’s how it generally goes:
- Shut off the water supply to work on the network.
- Choose a protected location from frost, close to an electrical outlet and a wastewater connection.
- Install a by-pass, a system that allows the house to continue receiving water if the softener needs maintenance.
- Install a second by-pass for the cold water tap of the sink.
- Connect the model while respecting the indicated flow direction.
- Plug in the drainage and electrical supply.
- Fill the salt tank (sodium chloride), which will be used to regenerate the resins that reduce limescale.
- Turn on the softener and check for any leaks.
- Adjust the hardness of the water so that it is properly softened and drinkable.
As you can see, all this requires time and specific skills to ensure proper functioning. Therefore, calling in a professional is recommended.
Installing the salt-free ODOUCE softener: step by step
With ODOUCE, installation is much simpler and faster.
Here’s how to proceed:
- Choose the location on the main water line to protect the entire house from the effects of limescale.
- Respect the indicated flow direction of the water.
- Ideally, install a 50-micron sediment filter upstream to prevent impurities from accumulating in the equipment.
- Connect ODOUCE to the main pipe.
- Turn it on and check that the device has no leaks.
No salt to recharge, no energy consumption, no liters of water related to regeneration cycles, no complex adjustments. And thus no need to call a plumber.
With ODOUCE, you can simply enjoy softer water without worrying about system maintenance.
How much does it cost to install a softener by a professional?
Having a traditional softener installed by a professional represents a certain budget. On average, you should expect between €300 and €1,000, excluding the cost of the device.
Why such a difference? It all depends on your dwelling. An old house with hard-to-access pipes will require more time for installation. The type of softener chosen, the need to modify part of the plumbing, to create a wastewater drain, or to plan for an electrical supply can also increase the bill.
And that’s not all!
With a traditional softener, installation is just the beginning. To continue to operate the system correctly, the maintenance of the softener at least once a year is necessary.
Expect around €200 to €300 for this intervention, plus the regular purchase of salt, replacement parts, and water consumption related to regeneration cycles. The annual cost to reduce water hardness is therefore around €400.
In other words, between installation, maintenance, and refills, you will not be finished paying.
Before making your choice, consider comparing the price of a water softener in the long term.
ODOUCE: a softener that is easy to install and requires no maintenance
You are probably thinking now: “That’s quite a lot of elements to consider…”. Fortunately, there is a much simpler solution.
With ODOUCE, there is no need for an electrical supply, wastewater drainage, and complicated adjustments.
It installs quickly on the main water supply and easily finds its place due to its small size. Once installed, it provides long-lasting protection for your home against the effects of limescale while preserving essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.
You install your ODOUCE softener, then you forget about it. You enjoy quality softened water for your home and health.
No recharge needed, no annual maintenance, no consumables to buy.
Result: you save money.
Do you want to know about the different technologies before making your choice? Discover our comparison of the best salt-free softeners.
