Many homeowners often overlook this aspect of their system, which is why you want to carefully consider where the backwash is going to flush before you start your installation. In this case, you should consider hooking your water softeners drain pipe to your sewage connection. Conclusion During regeneration, water is flushed through the system. Water softeners have been a game-changer for homeowners that want to take control of the quality of their tap water, but where can you drain the backwash? Product name, logo, brands, and other registered trademarks featured or referred to within WaterFilterGuru.com are the property of their respective trademark holders. Therefore, it is best to look into structural solutions that will allow you to drain your system automatically. One way to do this is by converting an old septic tank by disconnecting it from the outlet pipe and drilling holes at the bottom of the tank. 2. Areas rich in animal and plant habitats: Backwash brine water with high levels of minerals like sodium can be harmful to both humans and the surrounding environment. Lets talk about the places to avoid during discharge: The backwash is the water that flows upward through the resin tank with high pressure to clear out the extra hard minerals settled in the resin bed. The type of water softener also affects water softener drainage volume a demand-initiated water softener discharges water less frequently than a time-based softener. Where to Discharge Water Softener Backwash? . Even if you do, your municipality might have specific restrictions that could mean that you cant discharge backwash into your sewage system. Septic tank. Septic drain fields are quite common in the US, but not all states allow them. What Materials Are Included in a Tiny House Kit? The best way to properly discharge backwash is by draining it into a dry well or French drain. The hardness level of your water softener discharge is not that much, 3. When draining onto the subsurface, maximize the distance between the point of brine discharge and the well. We may earn compensation from some providers below. Where To Discharge Water Softener Backwash. There are a few places that you must avoid while discharging backwash water. Finally, you can send the contents of your water softeners drain line to your own OWTS (onsite wastewater treatment system). Continue Reading: Do all water softeners need a drain? The backwash solution contains several salts and other harmful minerals. Draining the backwash outside It is fairly simple to drain the water softener backwash onto the ground outside. This can be done quickly by hand. To ensure optimal results, it's best to place the drywell over a water table. your states Health and Environmental Agency, Septic drain fields are quite common in the US, 3. The choice is really up to you, but here are some recommended ways that you could follow. French drain ensures that the solution is dispersed horizontally over a larger surface area. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its also best to make sure the pump isnt submerged in water for extended periods of time, which could shorten its lifespan. A drywell is a deep hole with porous walls that allow the backwash to slowly soak into the ground. We recommend getting an ejector pump made of plastic or steel rather than iron. Should I Use a Water Softener When I Have a Septic System? - ArtyWater By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your water softener is working efficiently and safely. Plus, get a FREE 21-page "2023 Water Defense Guide" with exclusive content NOT on this site! Before moving ahead, go through the local regulations regarding softener drainage solutions. However, how often you actually need to drain your backwash can vary depending on a number of different factors. Where to Discharge Water Softener Backwash? - Oasys Water Ouch! A softener can dispel around 50-100 gallons of water on every backwash cycle. You can do regeneration and backwashonce every week. Discharging backwash water into a septic system can be an efficient solution, as long as the system has a drain field. Without an air gap you risk having sewage get into your drinking . If you do opt for a pump to assist with drainage, make sure to choose a plastic or stainless steel pump, which wont be affected by the corrosive nature of your softeners wastewater brine. A french drain is similar in function to a dry well. If your drain pipe becomes blocked, excess hardness minerals, iron and dirt will accumulate in the softener resin. Backwash contains sodium, which may damage your local ecosystem. Contrary to what some people say, water softener backwash poses a problem, not only to septic tanks and drainfields, but also to advanced treatment systems. Salt is very difficult to separate from water. The final step is to empty the brine tank into the drain. There are also advanced septic systems that evaporate or disinfect wastewater before discharging it into the soil. (Sorry But No), Do Water Softeners Remove Iron? The best location for a water softener drain line is about 1.5 inches above a floor drain, a drain standpipe, or a laundry sink rim. You can convert an old septic tank, disconnect it from the outlet pipe and make holes at the bottom of the tank. If so, you may want to use it to empty your water softener. You can run your water softeners drain straight into a sump basin. This water is then directed to a drainage system. For your safety, the discharge shouldnt be uphill from any wells used for drinking water. Your email address will not be published. Add some pea stones to the tank and connect it to the water softener. Solved! He is associated with ventures like Glacier Fresh Filter and Simpure Filter Systems. This is a safe option if tap water is the main water source in your locality. 2. Lets dive into the different methods for draining your water softener backwash. Is Florida Tap Water Safe To Drink in 2022? Heres What Experts Say [2023], Is Well Water Good For Your Hair? Some areas dont have direct sewage connection and even if you live in an area with one, there are still better and safer ways to discharge the backwash. When the water softener resin is backwashed two or three times a week, concentrated brine enters the wastewater stream as a slug of 38 to 112 gallons each backwash cycle. Water Defense, 542 600 W, Provo, UT 84601 USA, (385) 314-3204. Water Softener Installation Requirements & Cost. Can Salt in Water Softener kill Grass? This requires a drain connection. Why Does a Water Softener System Need a Drain Line? For most people, attaching their water softener's drain line to their local sewage system during the installation process is the most convenient means of getting rid of backwash water. Freedom Residence4441 Six Forks Road Ste 106-205Raleigh, NC 27609. My research has indicated that it is important to find a safe and reliable method for draining your water softener backwash, as it can have a negative environmental impact or potentially damage your water source. If you want your water softener system to function optimally, you need to ensure that you are draining your backwash routinely. Using Rebar For A Fireplace Grate: What You Need To Know. Dont Try Before You Read [2023], Is Sulfur In Water Bad For You? Other than this, high levels of sodium will have a negative impact on your health, but still . The backwash process is a crucial step in maintaining a water softener system. The more efficient softeners will regenerate only when necessary. Backwashing removes particles and the trapped gases in between. Im a huge fan of alternative living arrangements and the many ways people are escaping the 9 to 5 grind. If rain pours down on your lawn and thins out the salt intake. [2023], SimPure Y7P Review: Best Countertop RO In 2023? An alternative pump option is a sewage ejector pump. The septic is a popular method used to drain water; this is an underground tank built like a chamber with concrete walls. Are Composting Toilets Legal In Michigan? A septic system typically consist of a septic tank, a drain field or a soil absorption field. To discharge backwash via french drain, youll need a long pipe and a ditch. You can use the Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems. The well should be capable of holding and absorbing large volume of backwash discharge at a slow pace. It leaves unsightly spots on your dishes, makes your laundry feel rough, and can even lead to buildup in your pipes. When you install your water softener system into your home, you need to connect a line that will determine where your backwash is going to flow during the regeneration cycle. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. A pipe is placed horizontally along the ditch in a French drain. This makes the backwash brine solution rich in salt and mineral content. Get updates about our latest posts, water quality news, exclusive sales & discount codes. The options below are best for draining your softener backwash from your basement. Discharging the backwash in water sources should also be avoided because it has a lot of salt, specifically sodium, so for that reason, you need specialized equipment to separate it from the water. That's it! You should also check for leaks in your water outlets, piping and faucets. This might make the system not work as well, so you would need to clean it more often. DIY Water Softener: A Comprehensive Guide. PDF Best Management Practices for the Discharge of Water Softener Recharge Instead of up and down arrows, your unit may have a "+" and a "-.". Over the resin, beds get covered up with hardness ions and minerals with frequent use. If you decide to use it for watering vegetation, and your plants cannot survive in high salt concentrations, be sure to properly dilute the brine with extra water to lower the salt concentration. The entire process usually takes around 10 minutes to complete. Where To Discharge Water Softener Backwash? - Watery Filters You should look at your water softeners instructions to learn more about the exact steps you need to follow to install your water softeners drain lines. (Read Before Trying), Can You Use Water Softener Salt To Melt Ice (Confirmed 2023), Deionized Water VS Distilled Water: Dont Try Before You Read [2023], Do Water Softeners Remove Chlorine? Remember - The grass of your lawn may survive the water softener backwash if - 1. (Time To Swap), How To Dechlorinate Tap Water For Drinking, Fish, & Plants [2023], How To Fix Cloudy Tap Water: 7 Smart Ways [2023], How to Get Rid of Black Sediment in Well Water (7 Reasons & Fixes), How To Increase Water Pressure In RO System: 7 Effective Ways, How To Make Tap Water Taste Better: Methods You Didnt Know, How To Reduce TDS In Water: 3 Practical Solutions [2023], How To Remineralize Reverse Osmosis Water: 5 Best Methods [2023], How To Remove Copper From Drinking Water: 7 Effective Methods In 2023, How To Remove Fluoride From Water Cheaply: Easiest Methods [2023], How To Remove Sodium From Softened Water (5 Simple Methods), How To Remove Uranium From Well Water (Research Backed), How to Reset Water Softener: Actionable Guide (2023), How To Sanitize Reverse Osmosis System: Step-By-Step [2023], How To Set Water Softener Hardness Level (Heres a Good Number), How To Soften Hard Water: For Laundry, Kitchen, & Bathing (2023), How To Take Apart Brita Pitcher For Cleaning [In 4-5 Minutes! Water softener discharges do harm septic systems - WaterWorld ], Reverse Osmosis Vs Alkaline Water: Which Is Better? This permitted facility discharges treated Greensand Filter rinse/backwash wastewater to an unnamed tributary to the Neuse River in the Neuse River Basin. Posts: 96 Report to Moderator Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 5:31 pm Post subject: Dry Well for Water Softener I am in the process of installing a water softener and need to dig a drain field to handle the backwash discharge. From solar power to worm farming, if theres something out there that helps us live differently I want to know about it! Where To Drain Water Softener Backwash: 4 Safe Options However, this should be a last resort approach and you should consider an environmentally sound method before relying on outdoor drainage. If you still choose to discharge into the bare ground despite owning a well/groundwater source, then its very important to consider the distance between your well and the drain. Some systems regenerate every night. Dry wells are common in certain parts of the country especially those that experience frequent storms. 5. Maximize Your Culligan Water Softener: A Step-by-Step Guide to The water table allows the backwash to be gradually released into the surrounding area, preventing a sudden increase in sodium concentrations in the soil. Backwash Drain Options for the Basement, Backwash Drain Options for Outdoor Discharge, How to Install a Water Softener Drain Line, During ion exchange, these minerals are removed from water, options for draining water softener backwash, Water Softener and Septic Systems: How to Ensure Compatibility. For more ideas and information about drainage solutions for your water softener system check out this article. If everything goes as it should, your backwash should be dispersed across a wider area and not harm the ecosystem in any way. Conventional water softeners use the ion exchange process to swap hard water minerals for sodium ions. By Jeff Gilden December 19, 2022 December 19, 2022. You dont have to discharge your water softeners backwash straight into the surrounding ground if you dont want to. The benefit of this is that you should avoid a buildup of backwash in one area, which will prevent damage to the environment. Know Before You Go! Slugs hate salt as it dries them out and can potentially kill them. To ensure that your septic drain field is over a drain field, how you can do this is take an old septic tank, remove its outlet pipe, and poke small holes at the bottom of it. Discharging softener backwash can be very challenging due to the local restrictions and environmental factors that needs to be considered. Once you think youve cleaned enough, rinse the tank thoroughly. How Water Softeners Work - a Guide to Water Softener operation Required fields are marked *. While septic drain fields are easy and affordable to use, your local authority may have regulations regarding discharging your water softener backwash in this manner due to potential ecological effects. Regeneration involves replacing the sodium ions exchanged during the ion exchange process in water softening. Because the salt could hurt your plants be careful with the amounts of backwash you add as well as the proximity to your garden.