Another plumbing question - Fleck 5600 Install

hcoles · 05-20-2021, 07:54 AM

This must be plumbing question week.
I'm asked to install a Fleck 5600 softener at my Son's house.
The main water line to the house is copper and passes above where the unit will sit in the garage. To reduce the time stress of having no water in the house and for other reasons I'm considering a three ball valve setup as shown.
Pros: after getting the ball valves installed the 5600 can be installed without a time constraint, in the future if there is a leak or the unit needs replacing/etc. water to the house can easily be enabled.
Cons: cost of valves, fittings, pipe and soldering time

Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks.

Evans, Marv · 05-20-2021, 07:59 AM

That's how my Fleck 7000 is plumbed. Mine is hard plumbed, and my only suggestion is to put flex pipes at the softener. The valve will have to be replaced or rebuilt in ten to fifteen years. Flex pipes make it easier to replace when the valve is superceeded and dimensions change.

911 Rod · 911 Rod's Garage

Remember to by-pass the softener for outdoor taps.

hcoles · 05-20-2021, 08:46 AM

We plan to put flex pipes to connect to the softener.
@Rod, good point, I'll see where the outdoor bibs are fed.
Thanks.

dad911 · 05-20-2021, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hcoles

.....
Cons: ..... and soldering time

Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks.
.....

Sharkbites or Pex.

911 Rod · 911 Rod's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by dad911

Sharkbites or Pex.

I've installed a couple using copper. Being ridged, I found the copper cleaner because the lines are floating from the wall to the softener. Flexible would sag.
Because of this they are very easy to get to for soldering.

Jolly Amaranto · 05-20-2021, 09:55 AM

I just replaced all this 45 year old setup on a filter with ball valves and PEX. The old gate valves were so eroded that you could not shut the water off all the way and the galvanized pipe was developing leaks. Don't have a photo of the new valves and all. I love PEX. Invariably I have leaks on pipe thread joints. For whatever reason I have to keep tightening till I break a fitting or something. Teflon tape and pipe dope don't give me different results. Glad I never had to make a living as a plumber.

hcoles · 05-20-2021, 11:35 AM

Yes, I had the dreaded galvanized hot and cold water pipes under my house.
After some emergency repairs I replaced all of it with PEX. I like PEX so far.

flipper35 · flipper35's Garage

Of course, if the outdoor is soft, washing the car without spots becomes much easier.

The drinking water should bypass it also.

hcoles · 05-20-2021, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flipper35

Of course, if the outdoor is soft, washing the car without spots becomes much easier.

The drinking water should bypass it also.

Good point/question. Some reading indicates there is an increase in salt in the water. I didn't find that the level poses an issue unless possibly for infants.

cabmandone · cabmandone's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by hcoles

Good point/question. Some reading indicates there is an increase in salt in the water. I didn't find that the level poses an issue unless possibly for infants.

I'll be able to tell ya how much of an increase there is once I figure out this titration salinity test I just purchased the reagents for.

flipper35 · flipper35's Garage

Soft water doesn't really have salt but it is ionized from the sodium. Won't hurt most people but it does taste bad. It would be an issue for someone with issues with sodium.