Water Softener Drain Pipe Size

According to most plumbing codes a water softener drain line must not be connected directly to the household waste system.

Water softener drain pipe size.

This is where widespread incorrect information found on the internet and elsewhere can hide the real answer. By doni anto february 20 2019. This is to prevent non potable water from flowing backwards possibly mixing and contaminating potable drinking water. By code water softeners must be emptied into a laundry sink floor drain sump hole or properly trapped special outlet preserving an air gap of at.

So what size of water softener offers 21 000 grains of total softening capacity. A quick look online and in many stores will reveal an abundance of 24 000 32 000 48 000 and 64 000 grain capacity water softeners. Water softener drain pipe size. A cold water branch before the water softener doesn t necessarily indicate a problem.

Universal multi drain air gap for condensates water softeners and water filters with 1 2 inch and 3 4 inch pvc and copper pipe adapters 4 7 out of 5 stars 7 29 24 29. It s standard procedure to branch off one cold water line to supply outdoor hose connections and sometimes another to the kitchen sink and refrigerator icemaker if you don t want to drink softened water. A physical air gap of at least 3 inches 76 mm between the end of the drain line and the wastewater level in the drain pipe should be used to avoid contamination of the line. Drain fitting drain water comes out under line pressure so it can be run vertically to connect to an overhead drain pipe.

On water softener service calls in minnesota we find a wide variety of drain line material being used. Many of the home improvement stores sell big box water softeners and installation kits to get them connected.