I would like to add a water softener to my house. The main line in runs across the front of the house before entering. I am wondering if I can tap into the line and run it to the water softener and then to the cold water line to the hot water heater. I figure it would fill the hot water heater and also run back through the cold water line to the rest of the house. I would plan on capping the line where it currently enters the house. My concern is if this would cause an issue by having a stagnate leg of water line from where it currently enters the house. Should I put a hose bib on it? I know I don't want to use the softened water for the lawn or plants but could use it for washing the car, etc. Am I over thinking it and would just capping the line be okay?

It is often done that way.

Thanks.

'Dead ends' should be kept as short as possible to prevent bacterial growth.

Well the plumbing lines are in the slab so it is hard to tell but there could easily be 20' of "dead leg". Makes me think a hose bib would be a good idea.

Christopher

20' is too long. A hose bibb is helpful only if you will flush the line on a very scheduled interval.

Seems the only other alternatives would be to either bring the line in to the softener and then back out to the original line or replumb the house. The first option wouldn't be so bad except the line enters at the front of the house so I end up with three pipes coming out of the ground and into the house within 15' of each other. I'm thinking hose bib and calendar alarm on my phone might be the way to go.

Christopher