Piping to New Water Softener
#1
02-12-21, 11:23 AM
Piping to New Water Softener
I am planning to install a new water softener, outdoors, here is south Florida. The manufacturer says my location is OK. The present line from the water meter is 30’ of 3/4” pvc , then it changes to copper and comes up the outside of the house wall. It is about 20” deep. As it comes to ground level there is a hose bib and a gate valve and it makes a 90 degree bend thru the cement block house wall. I need to locate the tank and salt tub about 15’ away from where the water service is located. There is a bunch of irrigation valves and pipes and an a/c unit on one side and electrical panels on the other side of the water service pipes.
My plan is to run horizontal pipes from underground where the copper pipe is vertical, over 15’, then up the wall around 4’ and use flexible connectors to the bypass valve on the softener.
Should I use 3/4” copper, 3/4” PVC or 3/4” PEX? I am comfortable working with any of them.
My plan is to run horizontal pipes from underground where the copper pipe is vertical, over 15’, then up the wall around 4’ and use flexible connectors to the bypass valve on the softener.
Should I use 3/4” copper, 3/4” PVC or 3/4” PEX? I am comfortable working with any of them.
#2
02-12-21, 01:54 PM
Group Moderator
Most PEX is not UV resistant so that is out unless you enclose it somehow to keep it out of the sun. Copper could eventually leave stains on the side of the house. So, my vote is for PVC.
#3
02-12-21, 03:27 PM
Member
Personally I would go with copper. PVC is slightly effected by UV light but I've never had any issues with copper outside discoloring anything. My biggest concern would be strength if anything impacted it!
#4
02-14-21, 07:04 PM
I too would go with copper. PEX would be fine underground, but you'd need to convert to something else above ground anyway (and why start switching piping types). I agree with Marq, I've heard of PVC becoming brittle with UV exposure.
#5
03-13-21, 03:41 PM
Project completed. Went with the heavier wall copper 3/4” pipe. Added two new ball valves and a new hose bib. Nice having soft water again after 6 years. Thank you to those that gave me the much needed advise.
