Water Softeners and Air Filtration Systems - Is this a good diagram to submit to my plumber?

I am having a new house built and have opted to put in a sediment filter and water softener. I would like to have the home "preplumbed" for these items so that I can more easily install them once Im in the home.

Is this a good diagram to submit to the plumber for what I need done? I have read on here prior something about needing 10 feet between the softener and the hot water heater to prevent hot water out of the heater into the softener during regeneration? How necessary is this or are there plumbing check valves that would prevent such a thing?

http://webpages.charter.net/bpm/plumbing.jpg

Thanks,

BPM

Looks fine, but any decent plumber should know what to give you when pre plumbing.......word of advice, use ball valves!!!, not gate!

Whats the difference in ball vs gate. Im assuming ball has a better seal?

Ball valves are a better design; gate valves hang up and go bad over time.



A check valve is required within 10 feet of piping from the softener to protect from thermal expansion from the water heater.


Same applies for any filter inline unless it is rated for higher temps.