Can I install a water softener myself, or do I need to call out a technician?

Whether you connect the water softener yourself or have a technician carry out the installation, both options are possible. Which choice suits you best depends on your own DIY skills and your preference for convenience. Mooiwater is here to support you, so that you can always count on soft, limescale-free water from the tap.

Advantages of installing it yourself

Installing it yourself saves you money straight away, as you don’t have to pay for a fitter. That makes a significant difference to the cost, especially if you already have some experience with plumbing or DIY. Another practical advantage is the speed. Once you’ve made your purchase, the water softener is dispatched straight away. So you don’t have to wait for a slot in a fitter’s diary. As soon as the parcel arrives, you can get started and enjoy soft water the very same day.

What does installing it yourself involve?

The average installation time is between 1.5 and 3 hours. Exactly how long it takes depends on the model you have chosen, the number of cylinders and the location where the water softener is to be installed. Installation in an easily accessible meter cupboard is usually quicker than installation in a utility room with limited space around the pipes.

Tools to keep to hand:

• Bahco (adjustable spanner);
• Water pump pliers;
• Screwdrivers (flat, Phillips and Torx);
• Drill;
• Cutting tool for copper pipe;
• Spirit level;
• Saw;
• PVC line (PTFE tape);
• Loctite thread;
• Tape measure.

Upon delivery, you will receive a comprehensive installation guide. This will take you step by step through the entire process, including diagrams and points to note for each model. This will ensure you are well prepared before you actually get started.

Steps for installing a water softener yourself

During installation, you’ll go through a number of standard steps. This begins with choosing the right location and preparing the water softener. You then turn off the main tap and relieve the pressure from the pipes. Next, you cut the water main by removing a 20 cm section and fit the water softener in between. You then connect the inlet and outlet pipes, including the drain for rinse water. Once everything is fitted, check the installation for leaks, set the correct settings and flush the system through before using it.

Extra tip

Please bear in mind that the water supply will be temporarily shut off during installation. You should therefore plan the job for a time when you have already run the washing machine and dishwasher the evening or morning before. Once the installation is complete and the water supply has been turned back on, all appliances will continue to work as normal.

Outsource the installation to a professional

Would you rather leave it all to us? Our engineers will professionally install the water softener at the location of your choice. They know the models inside out and will ensure a neat connection to your existing pipework. You’ll receive a quote in advance, so you know exactly where you stand and can avoid any surprises. 

Where can a water softener be installed?

Compact water softeners fit perfectly into the meter cupboard, which is also the most common location chosen. Once the property has been handed over, the unit may be installed here, provided the meter cupboard is safe and there is sufficient space around the meter and the fuse box. The meter cupboard is, just like a crawl space or cellar, for example, a practical choice. Wherever you choose to install it, the water softeners from Mooiwater are equipped to drain water away immediately should a leak occur, thus preventing any damage to the surrounding area

Can I take a water softener with me when I move house?

Yes, that’s possible. A water softener is easy to disconnect from the mains water supply. Simply disconnect the flexible connection hoses from the bypass, and you can then take the unit with you to your new home. At the property where the water softener was installed, you then activate the bypass. This allows tap water to flow through the taps in the property you’re leaving again. At your new address, you connect the water softener in exactly the same way. If you expect to move house within a few years, this is a major advantage of purchasing one.

Would you like to know which model is best suited to your situation, or do you have a question about the installation? Request a no-obligation quote and take contact Join our team.