Installing a softener is a great way to improve the quality of your home’s water usage.
However, many homeowners are unsure can a water softener be installed outside?
In this blog post, we’ll explore whether or not it’s possible to install a water treatment system outside and provide some tips on how to do so.
We’ll also discuss the benefits of installing a filter outside and explain why it may be the best option for your home, so if you’re wondering whether or not you can install a system outside.
Can A Water Softener Be Installed Outside?
Yes, you can install a filter outside of your house. There are several benefits to installing a system outside.
First, it can save you valuable space inside your home. Second, it can help protect your system from the elements, extending its lifespan.
It gets rid of the softener regeneration noise inside your home.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind before making your decision.
It provides many benefits of softened water quality by saving your valuable space. It can also help protect your system from the elements.
When you connect the softener resin tank with your main water line, it provides soft water for your whole home.
It can increase the life of your water appliances like the hot water heater, dishwasher, water filter, etc
11 Things to Consider When a Water Softener be Installed Outside:
Temperature
Temperature is the number one concern for installing a softener outside.
Softeners are efficient systems to work in temperatures between 40 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the temperature falls outside this range, the softener will not work correctly and may damage.
Humidity
Another essential factor to consider is humidity. High humidity levels can cause the softener to rust or corrode.
Direct Sunlight
While sunlight is not a direct concern, it can cause the temperature to rise outside of the recommended range.
Install the softener in a shady area to avoid this issue.
Protection from the elements
It is essential to protect your softener from the elements. Install the softener in a place where it will not be directly exposed to rain, snow, or ice.
Ventilation
Softeners produce a small amount of chlorine gas. This gas needs to be vented to avoid harming you or your family. Make sure the area around the softener has well ventilation.
Access to a power source
Softeners need electricity to run. If you are installing the softener outside, make sure it is near an outlet so you can plug it in.
Installation
Installing a softener is not a difficult task, but it is essential to follow the instructions carefully.
If you are not comfortable doing the outdoor installation yourself, hire a professional.
Maintenance
They require very little maintenance, but it is essential to check them regularly. Check the salt level and make sure the unit is working correctly.
Cost
The cost of a softener will vary depending on the size and type of unit. Be sure to compare prices before you purchase an outdoor unit.
Product warranty
Be sure to check the product warranty before you buy a softener. Some manufacturers offer extended warranties for units that are outside.
Installing a softener is a great way to improve the quality of your home’s drinking water. However, there are a few things you need to consider before installing a unit outside.
With a bit of planning, you can install your softener with confidence.
Which Is The Best Outdoor Water Softener System?
1. Whirlpool WHES40E with Grain capacity of 40000
The Whirlpool WHES40E is a house softener that uses the 40,000-grain capacity to remove up to 10 ppm of clear water (ferrous) iron from your water supply.
It is NSF certified to reduce hard water symptoms such as embarrassing stains, buildup on your plumbing and faucets, and spots on dishes.
Additionally, it features Whirlpool’s patented salt (potassium chloride) and water-saving technology, which automatically calculates how much salt and water usage is perfect to the brine tank for the regeneration process
You get fresh and clean water when connecting the main water line to your water tank (brine tank).
This is a perfect softener that can be installed outside and can improve the performance of your water equipment like a dishwasher, hot water heater, water filter, etc.
Features
- NSF certified to reduce water hardness ions
- Automatically calculates how much salt and water pressure requires for the regeneration process
- It has a 40,000-grain capacity to remove up to 10 ppm of clear soft water (ferrous) iron
- 1-year parts and labor warranty
- The water softener system cost is affordable for long term use
- Dimensions: 19″ x 18″ x 47”
2. Aquasure Harmony Best Whole House Water Softener
Aquasure Harmony Series Whole House Water Softener System with High-Efficiency Digital Metered Control Head is best to reduce hardness in the drinking water and eliminate scale spot buildup for the entire home.
This water conditioner has 32,000 Grain capacities for removing skin-damaging hard minerals like iron and magnesium that clog up the skin pore and irritates.
It has an Aquatrol Digital water meter, prefilled premium quality resin beads, in and out bypass, and 1″ NPT Male Adapter.
For optimum regeneration, cleaning, and performance, it also features time-delayed, metered, and manual double backwash.
Features
- Digital meter control head for an easy and precise regeneration cycle
- Time-delayed, metered, and manual double backwash
- High strength corrosion resistant fiberglass lined polyethylene brine tank
- Durable bypass valve
- Premium-grade resin Beads
- 5-year manufacturer warranty
- low water softener installation cost
Which System Is Available for Outdoor Water Softener Installation?
Two softeners can be installed outside: salt-based and salt-free water softeners.
- Salt-based water softener: These softeners work by exchanging the sodium ions in the water for calcium and magnesium ions. This process is ion exchange.
- Salt-free water softener: These softeners work using a water filter to remove the calcium and magnesium ions from the treated water.
Both types of systems have their pros and cons. So, it would be best to decide which type is best for your needs.
Where Is The Best Place To Put A Softener Outside?
There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding where to place your softener outside.
First, you’ll want to make sure it’s in a shady spot, as the softener will need to be fantastic to operate correctly.
Keep it close to a city water supply, as the softener will need to be filled regularly.
Finally, you need to make sure it’s in a spot that can quickly floor the drain line, as the softener will need to be cleaned occasionally.
Can You Bury A Softener?
We don’t recommend burying your water softener, which could lead to several problems. First, buried units are more likely to experience corrosion due to moisture and humidity.
Second, if the unit isn’t properly ventilated, it could overheat and break down.
And finally, if you have to dig up your buried unit for any reason, it could be quite difficult (and expensive) to replace.
So, while you may be tempted to bury your perfect water softener to save space, we recommend against it.
If you need to save space, we suggest installing the unit in a shed or garage.
How To Winterize A Water Softener?
If you live in an area with cold winters, it’s essential to take steps to winterize your water softener.
Otherwise, the unit could freeze and break down. Here are a few tips for winterizing your water softener:
- Start by draining the unit. It will remove any water that could freeze and damage the unit.
- Next, disconnect the power supply. This will prevent the unit from turning on and possibly breaking down.
- Cover it with a tarp or other waterproof material once the unit is disconnected. It will protect it from the elements and prevent any further damage.
- Finally, store the unit in a cool, dry place. This will help prevent any further damage and keep the unit in good condition.
By following these simple steps, you can winterize your portable water softener and keep it in good condition for years to come.
How Do I Know If A System Is Of High Quality Or Not?
The first step is to ensure that you purchase your system from a reputable dealer.
There are many ways to do this, but one of the most important is to make sure that the company you’re dealing with is licensed and insured.
It will protect when anything goes wrong during the installation process.
Another way to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality system is to read online reviews.
Many websites allow customers to leave feedback about their experiences with different companies.
It can be a great way to get an idea of what others have thought about its products and services.
Once you’ve found a reputable dealer, you’ll need to decide what type of system you want.
There are two main types of softeners: ion exchange and reverse osmosis.
Ion exchange systems work by exchanging the minerals in hard water for sodium ions.
This process makes it easier for soap and detergent to lather. It can also extend the life of your plumbing fixtures by preventing scale buildup.
Reverse osmosis systems work by filtering out the minerals in hard water.
It leaves you with soft, clean water safe to drink and use for cooking and cleaning.
Either type of system, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
It will help ensure that your system is installed correctly and works properly.
If you’re not sure if you can install a softener outside, it’s always best to consult with a professional.
A qualified plumber or water treatment specialist will be able to assess your needs and recommend the best option for your home.
What Are The Benefits Of An Outdoor Water Softener Installation?
There are several benefits to having an outdoor water softener system.
First, it’s less likely to cause problems with your indoor plumbing, as the filter will be outside.
Second, it’s easier to access and maintain than an indoor installation. Finally, it can save you money on your water usage bill, as it uses less water than an indoor softener.
Where Do You Put Water Softener Salt?
Water softener salt is an essential part of the water softening process. Still, it can be unclear to know where to put it.
In most cases, you can set the salt in a designated area near your softened water.
Some people put the salt (potassium chloride) in a container near the softener, while others place it on the ground.
Either way, make sure that the salt is easily accessible so that you can add more as needed.
Tips To Improve The Performance Of Outside Softeners?
It is essential to protect your softener from horrible weather conditions. Here are some tips to help you keep your outside softener in top condition:
- Install the softener in a well-ventilated and dry area.
- You should regularly check the outdoor unit for any damage and make sure that it is properly maintained.
- Make sure that the unit is properly maintained.
- Keep the area around the softener clean and free from debris.
- Do not allow snow or ice to build up around the unit.
- If possible, install a cover over the unit to protect it from the elements.
- Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the care and maintenance of the unit.
You can ensure that your outside softener will function properly and last for many years by following these tips.
Which Is The Best Place For Water Softener Installation From A Garage Or Outside?
A softener can be installed in many different locations in your home, including the garage or outside.
However, there are a few things to consider before deciding on the ideal location for your softener.
The first thing to consider is the colder or warmer climate.
If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, it’s essential to protect your softener from the elements.
Extreme cold temperatures or heat can damage the unit and reduce its efficiency.
Another thing to consider is the amount of space you have available.
Softeners can be pretty large, so you’ll need to have enough space to accommodate the outdoor unit.
Finally, you’ll need to think about the plumbing involved in the installation.
Softeners must be connected to your home’s water supply, so you’ll need to ensure a convenient installation location.
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you can decide on the best location for your softener.
Can A Rheem Water Softener Be Installed Outside?
While some manufacturers produce outdoor softeners, they’re not nearly as effective as their indoor counterparts and typically don’t last as long.
There are a few reasons for this:
- It needs a constant supply of power to work correctly. Most outdoor models are solar-powered, which means they can only operate when the sun is out. It severely limits their effectiveness and often results in hard water buildup.
- They need a constant supply of water to work correctly. Outdoor models are usually located near a hose bib or other water source, but this isn’t always the case. If there’s a drought or the water pressure is too low, the softener may not be able to function correctly.
- It is more susceptible to damage from weather and animals. High winds can topple them over, and curious critters can chew through the tubing or damage the controls.
- Finally, outdoor softeners don’t last as long as indoor installation models. They’re exposed to the elements 24/7, which takes a toll on the components and accelerates wear and tear.
We generally don’t recommend installing a softener outdoors for all of these reasons.
If you absolutely must have one, be sure to choose a model from a reputable manufacturer and follow the installation instructions to the letter.
And don’t forget to keep an eye on it – you may need to bring it inside during extreme weather or periods of drought.
Can Direct Sunlight Damage A Softener?
The good news is that most water softeners are designed to withstand direct sunlight.
However, it’s important to note that prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the unit to degrade over time.
So, if you choose to install your softener outside, we recommend doing so in a shaded area.
Another thing to consider is the temperature. Most water softeners are designed to operate in temperatures between 40°F and 120°F.
So, suppose you live in an area with extreme temperatures. In that case, you’ll need to consider that when choosing a location for your unit.
FAQs
Q. Which is the best salt for your water softening system?
There are a variety of salt options available for water softening systems.
The type of salt you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the softening system.
Some common types of salt include solar salt, evaporated salt, and rock salt.
Q. Can a water softener system be installed outside?
You can install a water filtration system outside, but it must be protected from the elements.
Which will help to extend the life of the system?
Q. How often does an outdoor water softener need to be serviced?
An outdoor water conditioner will need to be serviced every 6-12 months, depending on the quality of the soft water pressure.
It is recommended that you have it serviced every 3-6 months To get better performance out of your system.
Q. How do I protect my softener from the sun?
You can protect your water softener brine tank from the sun by installing a shade cloth over it.
It will help keep it cool and prevent the sun from damaging the system.
You can also purchase a cover for your softened water, which will help to keep it clean and protected from the elements.
Q. What is needed to install a water softener?
To install a hard water softener, you will need access to a water source and a power outlet.
You will also need to have a place to put the softener, as it will need to be near a floor drain line.
Finally, you will need to know the hardness of minerals and water quality, as this will determine the size of the system you need to avoid overflowing.
Keep in mind the benefits and drawbacks of an outdoor water softener installation process.
Conclusion
Before deciding whether or not a hard water softener is installed outside your home, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, you must protect the unit from the elements, including rain and snow.
Second, it’s essential to make sure the unit is level so that water can flow freely through it.
Finally, you’ll need to have a power source nearby so that the unit can be properly plugged in.
With these things in mind, installing a softener outside is possible!