This past weekend I replaced my old water softener with a new one. While looking at the different models at Lowes, I also noticed that they recommend a whole house water filter as a "pre-filter".

As long as I was replacing the water softener, I figured I might as well add the filter. While I was at it. I figured I would add in some shut-off valves to create a bypass. (Those are the three most dreaded phrases in the home owners lexicon. And the three most valuable phrases in the Contractors<grin>)

But, I discovered that the inlet to the filters were 1" and not the 3/4" I had at home. So, off to Depot I went to get more parts.

While looking at 3/4" to 1" fittings, most of them seemed real rough at the transition. (The pre-soldered ones were the smoothest, but, they were pre-soldered and I have not had any experience with them.)

Here's my question:

Am I being too picky in wanting smooth transitions?

As for the filter, I am planning on putting an elbow in the run to the softener so that I can start the bypass assembly.

I would make a short run, insert a T. One to go on to the filter, the other to go to a ball valve (to shut off the by-pass) and then to another T to connect back into the return from the filter.

From the T to the filter, I would insert another ball valve, then a 3/4" to 1" elbow and then to a union coupling to allow for easy removal of the filter assembly if needed. From the filter, I would reverse the assembly (run of 1" pipe, union, 1" to 3/4" elbow, ball valve, short run, then the T.

Or, is this all unnecessary?

speedball1

Hi Dan, Welcome back.

"Transitions"= "Solder joints". As long as the solder joint holds pressure it's probably OK.
. First let me show you how to bypass the softener,
All bypases have the same basic design. Yours may look different but they all work the same.
When the softener's in the system valve 1 and 3 are open and valve 3 is closed.
To bypass the softener close valves 1 and 3 and open valve number 2.

Let me show you a softener bypass. (see image) Good luck, Tom

kp2171

so true.

after my bath remodel took 3x as long as expected and went 30% over budget (unknown water damage) i expect anyday now for my wife to demand in writing (with witnesses) the cost and projected time for all projects, complete with penalties for not meeting deadlines or budgets. =)

such is the life of the home owner and d.i.y.'er