Written by: Alexandra Uta // Last Updated: Nov 15, 2022
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Water treatment systems are barely used in isolation anymore.
As such, if you’re combining two treatment systems like UV light and water softener, it’ll help to know which one comes first.
So should a UV light system be installed before or after a water softener? This article has all the answers.
Key Takeaways
UV water purifiers should always be installed after a water softener. The reason for this is pretty simple: Hard minerals in water can block UV rays, leading to an inefficient disinfection process.
So, a water softener must be installed first to remove any hardness minerals that may interfere with the UV rays during the disinfection process.
UV purifiers also generally work best with soft water. Soft water means no hard minerals to clog the unit or block the UV light.
Whether there’s a water softener involved in your treatment process or not, you should always install your UV water purifier last.
The UV system must come after all other treatment devices to provide for optimal water conditions once the UV disinfection starts.
Examples of systems that should come before a UV light system are:
Here’s an installation tip: Install shut-off valves (or a bypass) before and after your UV purifier. Adding the valves allows the purifier to be separated from the water supply. This isolation makes replacing the UV light bulb and quartz sleeve easier, providing for a seamless maintenance process.
Another tip you should note is installing a drain pan under the unit. You can install a drain pan under the purifier to give the system extra protection and prevent water damage in case of a leak.
If you have any questions about installing a UV light system before or after the water softener please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
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