Question on which water line to tap into for water softener.

[thomasmd77]

Recently bought a house and it appears it is already setup (At least I hope) for water softener hookups. I bought a Fleck 5600 SXT Iron Pro water softener.

My question is ... Which one to tap into ... Water line 1 or 2 as the input? If Line 1 is the input then Line 2 would be the out from the water softener??

Also ... there appears to be about a 1/2 inch pipe sticking out. Could that be the drain line?

Any other tips would be appreciated ...

Thanks!!

 

[TomFOhio]

Where is your water meter or the main line coming into the house.

 

[thomasmd77]

The main valve is outside. I hope I do not need to tap it outside.

 

[Twowaxhack]

You’ll need to take those copper lines apart and do some simple testing to see if those pipes could help you.

You need to determine if that’s the main incoming and outgoing right there.

 

[thomasmd77]

Can you please tell me how to determine that. I know that Shutting the water off disrupts the flow to the water valve that you see on the left. If I create two new water valves on line 1 and line 2 shut off the water valve at the main line outside then let both of them drain. Then turn the main water line on again and find out which one has the pressure going out. Is there an easier way or am I overthinking this. Thanks.

 

[RS]

If you have a lawn sprinkler system you don't want to soften that water.

 

[TomFOhio]

Don't you have a valve coming into the house someplace that shuts the who house off.

 

[thomasmd77]

Yes ... There is an outside valve as stated above ... I think the easiest way would be to add a shutoff valve on Line 1 from the pic ... When I shut off the outside water from the valve (Located outside) then if no water comes out of faucet then I know Line 1 is the incoming water line.

I believe there was a water softener here before but the prior owner took it with him like he did the refrigerator and other items in the house.

 

[SHEPLMBR]

You really need to make sure that this is what these lines are for. Also, if it is piped it backwards, you will be in a money pit for sure. Can you ask the former owners or the listing agent?