N
Common Ground News

Can you install a water softener outside?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on March 14, 2026

Can you install a water softener outside?

While most water softeners and filters are able to be installed outside, the combination of sun, wind and rain is not conducive to longevity. We recommend that if you are installing a water softener or other treatment product, that you protect it from the elements as much as possible.

Then, can water softeners be kept outside?

While most water softeners and filters are able to be installed outside, the combination of sun, wind and rain is not conducive to longevity. We recommend that if you are installing a water softener or other treatment product, that you protect it from the elements as much as possible.

Likewise, do outdoor water softeners freeze? Many water treatment devices, like water softeners, reverse osmosis systems and filters are installed outside above the ground or even buried in the ground. Remember this: IF THE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 32 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT FOR ANY PROLONGED TIME (even an hour) THE PIPES AND WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT CAN FREEZE!

Beside above, how do I protect my outside water softener?

Insulation and Extra Heating

Heat tape or electric pipe heating cables for the water lines are also a good idea. When it comes to water softener tanks, some homeowners have an insulated box built around the system. You can also purchase plumbing insulation in sheets, or wrap an insulation blanket around them.

Do water softeners go inside or outside?

In most cases, water softeners are placed in a home's basement or garage, away from your living space. For homes without a basement, the next best place is near the water heater—again, not exactly a main focus of the home.

Can a brine tank be outside?

Your water softener is made up of two different tanks. When asking the question of “can a water softener be installed outside,†the biggest thing to consider is temperature. Because neither the media or brine tanks are insulated, they are very susceptible to freezing or extremely hot temperatures.

Where does a water softener need to be installed?

Where Should Your Water Softener Go? The ideal location for a water softener is on level ground, near the water's point of entry into the house. If your home uses well water, the entry point is generally next to the pressure tank. If your home uses city water, it's usually next to the water meter.

Can you put a water softener in a pump house?

Also, once the pump shuts off you don't have any pressure/flow capability to regenerate the softener. And, the system wouldn't be able to supply soft water during those regenerations. IMO, your only real option is to install a softener after the pressure tank and booster pump.

Should you install a water softener?

So, when should you install a water softener? It is certainly a personal choice for each homeowner, but if your water's hardness exceeds 7 grains per gallon (120mg/L), then it may be time to get that water softened.

Can kinetico be installed outside?

There is no reason why you can't have your water softener installed outside your home if you are limited on available space inside. Insulation should be on the base, sides and lid to keep the water softener frost free.

How do I winterize my outdoor water softener?

Shut off the main water valve, then turn off the water pump and the water heater. Slowly lay the softener down so the rim is securely on the wood strip and the inlet and outlet are over the drain. Gently lift the tank from the bottom, allowing it to drain completely.

How much should it cost to have a water softener installed?

A water softener system plus installation costs $1,500 on average with a typical range between $1,000 and $2,800. DIY installs might run as low as $500 while large homes with high demand and a smart filtration system can pay $6,000 or more.

How do I insulate my water softener?

Another method of insulating a water softener tank is to use foam pipe wrapping or ordinary bubble wrap to decrease sweating. These methods of protecting a tank from the surrounding warm and humid air often leaves gaps that provide too much surface area for sweat to form and bacteria to grow.

Can you drink water softened?

Softened water is considered safe to drink in the majority of cases. But the softener salt is only used to soften the resin that acts on the water – no salt gets into the water supply itself. In softened water, the sodium level increases. Sodium is not the same as salt (sodium chloride).

Can you drain a water softener?

You can simply scoop out all of the water in your water softener by hand with a bucket. Get a clean bucket or scoop: Find a bucket that is small enough to fit inside your brine tank or use a large scoop or bowl.

What happens if water softener freezes?

If the softener is going to be kept in freezing temperatures, we suggest draining the water from the softener. Freezing temps could cause the tank or distribution tube to crack. This would allow resin to escape from the softener.

Which brand of water softener is the best?

  • Best Overall: GE GXSH40V Water Softener.
  • Best Budget: Waterboss Model 900 36,400 Grain Water Softener.
  • Best System: GE GXMH31H 31,100 Grain Water Softener and Filter in One.
  • Best for Well Water: Aquasure Harmony Water Softener with Fine Mesh Resin for Iron Removal.

What freezes faster hard or soft water?

Heating water causes the bicarbonates to precipitate out. This forms the deposits in hot water kettles, for example. Thus, preheating water (or Mpemba's ice cream mix) softens the water, allowing it to freeze faster and at a higher temperature than cold, hard water.

Can I drain my water softener outside in Florida?

If the total drop from the softener to the air gap is over 4 ft, yes. If if the air gap is outdoors, yes (to let the water drain out reliably so that it does not sit long enough to freeze).

Can a water softener be in an unheated garage?

If you are using your water softener year round, the most important thing is to keep it warm enough to prevent freezing, which is why a space heater in your garage or an other unheated space can help. Remember, you only need to keep the temperature above 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Running water will also prevent freezing.

Can a whole house water filter be installed outside?

Whole house water filters are considered point-of-entry (POE) systems. They're generally installed outside your home or inside your garage on the main water line. Generally, whole house water filters can be installed by anyone with basic plumbing knowledge or, of course, a certified plumber.

Is it better to install water softener for hot water only?

Only softening the hot water will help the water heater last longer BUT you'll get no soft water benefits in ALL the other plumbing, ALL the plumbing fixtures and faucets, and you'll be drinking and cooking with raw hard water. That said, you want to fix the problem and get soft water for your whole house.

How far can brine tank be from softener?

The brine tank should be located within 20 feet of the water softener. The drain cannot be elevated more than 36 inches or exceed 20 feet in length.

Does a water softener go before or after the pressure tank?

Water softeners should always sit after the pressure tank. A water softener will fail to ensure a proper water flow because of small inlet pipes. It can also get clogged and fail to backwash. On the contrary, installing it after the pressure tank lets the pressure tank work properly.

How much space do you need for a water softener?

A typical softener will fit an area about 3 feet by 1.5 feet. Height will be between 5 and 6 feet high. Additional space is required for salt storage and room to stand and work around the softener. Softeners require salt to work.

Can water softener be installed in attic?

If you live in an area with hard water, you need a water softener. A water softener is typically installed next to your water heater, which is usually in your garage or attic. A water softener can be installed outside, preferably in a covered area.