Removing Water Softener

[<Pyro>]

Hey all-
I'm looking to remove my water softener and hoping someone can help give some advice.

It looks as though the water softener is cut into the main line prior to the water going anywhere (faucets, hot water heater). Can I just remove it where the softener was put in at the main line then install a pipe to continue the line? Where the line comes in, it's cut then routed to the softener, then routed back to the original line going into the home. The distance from what appears to be cut points in original line is only about a foot or two. I'm thinking I can just remove it at the points where the softener is branched off, then just continue the original line straight into the home. It's a straight shot of only about a foot or two.

A bit confusing to explain, if anyone has any suggestions or needs more clairification, let me know. :rolleyes:

I was going to attach a photo, but it doesn't look like newbs can.

[Gary Slusser]

Yes that's the way to do it. But how do you know if you'll like the hard water spots and maybe rust stains etc.? You can run a test, simply put the softener in by-pass for a week or so. I suspect it hasn't been working though...

Gary
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Doug Aleshire, Super Moderator 2

[<Pyro>]

Thanks for the reply.

The water softener works just fine. I would just rather do without it. We just moved into the place and when it was built, they didn't have city water. Now they do. The city website says the water is at 8 grains/gallon for hardness and that well water averages 55. The person I spoke to at the water commission said that a water softener wasn't necessary with the water they have, but some people prefer it. In all the places I've lived in around the city, I've never had a softener. Just a preference I guess. I really haven't replaced any salt, so what we've been getting is pretty much straight. I could try the bypass just to be sure. If I try the bypass, should I unplug the unit so it doesn't auto regenerate?

And if I decide to take it out, should I use the similar type pipe that is already being used or use a piece of flex tubing? I'm thinking it's time to get the torch and solder out.

Thanks again for your reply!

[Gary Slusser]

The water companies always tell their customers that their hard water is not a problem; frankly it's a CYA type comment. Truth be that at 8 gpg, you'll do much better moneywise if you fed the softener some salt once in awhile.

You can use anything that puts the plumbing back together without leaking and isn't smaller in ID than the rest of the tubing.

Gary
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Doug Aleshire, Super Moderator 2