Outdoor Water Softener Enclosure – How To Install It Outside?

Outdoor-water-softener-enclosureA water softener is an absolute necessity because water is essential for leading a healthy life and you want to drink or use water that is of utmost quality in order to ensure you and your family remain protected from any kind of harmful diseases caused by hard water.

But what happens when your water softener is unsafe from harmful effects on the environment?

In some cases, like if you live in an area where the quality and hardness of water is high, you need to install a large and modified water softener system or it can be that your house is too small for the system or the family members are a lot in number. All these factors lead you to install the water softener outside of your house.

There is a lot you need to keep in mind when you install the water softener outside of the house; first, understand what your weather type is, too cold or freezing temperatures are just as unsuitable as hot and humid scenarios.

In addition, rain or storms are also to be kept in mind. Because the water softener has a plastic body, it is important to ensure that your water softener is stored in a safe outdoor water softener enclosure so you don’t have to worry about any mishaps related to its performance.

How to install an outdoor water softener enclosure?

Here’s a video to guide you further:

Before installing the water softener, you need to decide on some factors which are;

Location

First of all, you need to select an ideal location to install your water softener, make sure that it is a flat surface with equal levels and not a rough surface.

It should also be installed somewhere you can easily access it and do not have any difficulty in changing the settings, you would want to select a place so that it benefits you in the long run. Also, make sure that it is in line with the main water supply of the house, you would not want to keep a long-distance between that in order to ensure a smooth flow of water.

Ease of Use

Ease of Use

You always want the water softener to be installed at a place where you don’t have to walk miles in order to operate and adjust it. Because you are going to put in salts on a regular basis, and as you know, those salt bags are pretty heavy to carry around, you want a storage area where you can access all your stuff in one place so it’s easy for you to use.

Climate

ClimateIf we talk about the build of an average water softener, the whole body is made of glass fibre which is known to be a very bad conductor of cool temperatures and can get frozen pretty easily.

This would affect its performance and it is really an issue because you would want your water system to flow smoothly in every season. Because the resin tank’s body is made up of fibreglass, it makes it vulnerable and fragile to breakage if the temperature goes low, it might end up breaking and this will cause the beads to infiltrate in your water supply system.

Effects of daylight

Effects of daylight

Same goes for the high temperature, if you live in a pretty heated location, chances are that your water softener’s body will be affected by it.

Normally, the fibreglass can withstand around 500 degrees of heat and will not melt or cause damage but if you continue to use the water softener without a cover to protect it from excessive amounts of heat, then the heat will definitely affect the performance of the softener.

Facility of disposal and power

Facility of disposal and power

After a process of water softening, the resin beads that absorb the hard grains and soften your water need to be regenerated every week.

During this process, the beads go through a thorough wash with a brine solution and get ready to soften the water again. It is essential in this case to have a drainage system that allows the water softener to clean and refresh your water softener.

Steps for installing an outdoor water softener enclosure

  1. First of all, identify your water softener size, is it small or is it big? Usually, the water softener will be enclosed in an enclosure that is made up of plywood and lined with a polystyrene insulator.
  2. Next, you need to install the water softener on the part of the house (wall) where it is most heated, this will help the water softener stay warm in freezing temperatures.
  3. Thirdly, install the bypass system as you normally do then proceed to run the hoses through the wall. Ensure that the hoses (including drain pipe) pass through the wall inside the cabinet. The ideal location for passing the hoses is the base area so they can bend around.
  4. Make sure the drain does not run outside as it has more chances of freezing out in the cold.
  5. Also, the cabinet or enclosure should be screwed firmly to the wall to avoid any effects of the wind.
  6. Lastly, even though the water softener is covered by the enclosure, it is still important to be safe so you should position the water softener inside a safety tank.

FAQS

Is it better if I call for professional help for the installation of the outdoor enclosure?

Yes, it would be the most suitable option if your conditions stay that way for a prolonged period of time. The professionals make sure the product installation is according to the needs and preferences of the homeowner as well as provide helpful tips in order to maintain the water softener.

Final Thoughts

Usually the manufacturers suggest installing the water softener but if you do not live in a suitable climate or there are issues related to your home or family size, then desperate times call for desperate measures.

Do what you think is the most suitable for your water pipeline system and make sure to select an enclosure that increases the durability of your water softener accompanied by a great performance.