Water softener installation in Exeter
Professional water softener installation services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£160-£260
Typical Duration
3-5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Installing water softeners - plumb into mains supply, fit bypass valve, connect waste, set up and program system. Complete installation, tested and working.
Softer Water Throughout Your Home
Tired of limescale destroying kettles, coating taps, and making soap not lather properly? Exeter and most of Devon has hard water - high in minerals that cause all these problems.
A water softener removes those minerals, protecting your appliances, making soap and shampoo work better, and stopping limescale buildup. But it needs installing properly - plumbed into your mains supply with proper bypass and waste connections.
💡 Pro tip: Size your water softener properly for your household. Too small and it'll regenerate constantly (wasting salt and water). Too big and you're paying for capacity you don't need. I can advise on sizing.
What's Involved in Installation
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Position softener | Work out best location near mains and waste |
| Plumb in | Connect to mains, fit bypass valve |
| Waste connection | Run waste pipe to drain for backwash |
| Power | Connect to electrical supply (if needed) |
| Setup | Program for water hardness, test regeneration |
What You Get
🔧 The Installation
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Plumbing | Connect softener to mains with bypass valve |
| Waste & power | Connect waste pipe and electrical supply |
| Setup | Program hardness, set regeneration schedule |
| Test | Run regeneration cycle, check no leaks |
📦 You're Left With
- Water softener fully installed
- Bypass valve for drinking water tap
- System programmed and working
- Instructions on salt top-up and maintenance
Pricing Guide
| Job Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Straightforward installation | 3-4 hrs | £160-£210 |
| Complex plumbing or long pipe runs | 4-5 hrs | £210-£260 |
| Including new isolation valves etc | 5+ hrs | £260+ |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Water softener not included.
Perfect For Your Situation If...
✅ Hard water area - Exeter has very hard water
✅ Limescale problems - killing appliances and coating everything
✅ Sensitive skin - softened water is gentler
✅ Protecting investment - new boiler, expensive appliances
Why Choose Us for Water softener installation in Exeter?
Professionally plumbed in
Bypass installed for drinking water
System tested and programmed
Advice on salt and maintenance
What to Expect
Step 1: Position & Plan
Work out the best location for the softener - needs to be on the mains supply, with access to waste and power. Plan the pipe routing.
Step 2: Install Plumbing
Connect softener to your mains water with isolation valves and bypass. This lets you switch to hard water if needed (for drinking tap, outside tap, etc).
Step 3: Connect Waste & Power
Run waste pipe to nearest drain for the regeneration backwash cycle. Connect to power supply if it's an electric model.
Step 4: Setup & Test
Program the softener for your local water hardness, set regeneration schedule, add salt, run a test cycle. Make sure everything works and doesn't leak.
🔧 DIY Tips
Water softener installation is complex - not recommended as DIY unless you're very confident with plumbing:
🔧 What's involved
- Cutting into mains pipe and fitting T-pieces
- Installing isolation valves and bypass
- Running waste pipe to suitable drain
- Electrical connection (if powered model)
- Programming and setup
⚠️ Why it's tricky
- Working on mains water supply (house has no water while you work)
- Getting bypass valve configuration right
- Waste pipe needs correct fall and trap
- Hard to test properly until it's all done
- Electrical safety if wiring needed
💡 If you do attempt it yourself:
- Turn off water at mains stop tap first
- Plan exactly what you're doing before cutting any pipes
- Have all parts ready before you start
- Install isolation valves so you can work on it later
- Test thoroughly for leaks before pushing everything back
🚰 Ongoing maintenance (after installation):
- Top up salt regularly (every few weeks typically)
- Clean resin tank annually
- Check salt level isn't clogging (salt mushing)
- Test water hardness occasionally to check it's working
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🏠 Bypass for drinking water: Most people prefer unsoftened water for drinking - it tastes better and has beneficial minerals. I always fit a bypass valve so your kitchen cold tap (or whichever tap you choose) stays hard water.
Salt storage: Block salt is easier to handle than tablet or granular. Store it somewhere dry - damp salt clumps and won't flow properly. Budget for ongoing salt costs (typically £5-10/month depending on usage).
Not all water softened: Outside taps usually stay hard water (no point wasting soft water on the garden). Some people also keep bathroom cold taps hard for teeth cleaning. I'll set up whatever configuration you prefer.
Benefits beyond limescale: Softened water means you use less soap, shampoo, and detergent (they lather better). Clothes wash cleaner. Heating is more efficient (no limescale in boiler). Saves money long-term even after installation and running costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy the water softener myself?
Yes - softeners vary hugely in size, capacity, and price depending on your household size and water usage. You choose the model that suits you, I'll fit it. I can advise on sizing if you're not sure what capacity you need.
Can you fit a water softener anywhere or does it need a specific location?
Needs to go where your mains water comes in (usually near the stopcock), with access to waste (for regeneration backwash), and space for salt storage. Also needs power nearby for electric models. I'll advise on best location when I visit.
Do you fit a bypass so I can still get hard water for drinking?
Yes - I always fit a bypass valve so you can have unsoftened water at your kitchen tap for drinking and cooking. Some people prefer the taste of hard water, and it's got minerals that are good for you.
How long does installation take?
Usually 3-5 hours depending on how far I need to run pipes and how complex your existing plumbing is. Includes fitting the softener, bypass valve, waste connection, and testing the system works properly.
Will you set up and program the softener?
Yes - I'll set it up according to your water hardness (test your water or use local data), program the regeneration cycle, and show you how to top up salt and do basic maintenance. You'll know how to look after it properly.
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