Customer Installation Guide

This guide walks you through a straightforward residential installation of your Always Ready Water tank system. Read the full guide before beginning and confirm you have the required tools, fittings, and working clearance.

This guide is for Do-It-Yourself Tank Installation. We are happy to refer local plumbers to install your tank.

Before You Start

  • Verify household water pressure is below 100 psi before installation
  • Confirm the tank system will be installed downstream of the home’s pressure regulator
  • Shut off the home’s main water supply
  • Open a faucet to relieve line pressure
  • Verify tank orientation and port locations
  • Gather all required tools and parts

Water Flow Overview

  • Water enters the tank through the top port
  • Stored water returns to the home from the bottom return port
  • The remaining bottom port is used for the drain / hose bib
  • A vacuum relief valve must be installed at the top of the tank

Recommended Tools

  • Adjustable pliers or channel locks
  • Pipe wrench
  • PTFE tape or thread sealant
  • Screwdriver or nut driver
  • Drill and appropriate anchors for strapping
  • Level
  • Pipe cutter, depending on installation method
Download Tools List ↗

Installation Steps

Step 1. Install Main Water Line Tees and Ball Valves

After confirming that water pressure does not exceed 100 psi, shutting off the main water supply, and opening a faucet to relieve pressure, cut into the main water line at the planned tank location. Install the fittings needed to create three connection points: a supply-side ball valve for water going to the tank, a return-side ball valve for water returning to the home, and a mainline isolation ball valve between the two tees.

Important

  • Confirm which side will serve as the supply line to the tank
  • Confirm which side will serve as the return line back to the home
  • Position all three ball valves so they remain accessible after installation
  • Fully seat each fitting before tightening hose clamps
  • Avoid unsupported stress on tees, valves, or connected piping

Checkpoint

  • Main line connection is secure
  • Supply-side ball valve is installed and accessible
  • Return-side ball valve is installed and accessible
  • Mainline isolation ball valve is installed and accessible
  • Hose clamp connections are tightened securely

Note

The supply and return lines from the tank will be connected to these ball valves after the tank-side assemblies are completed.

Parts Used:

9/16-1-1/16" HOSE CLAMP (x12) ↗1 PEX BALL VALVE (x3) ↗1 X 1 X 1 PEX CRMP POLY TEE (x2) ↗

Step 1. Install Main Water Line Tees and Ball Valves

After confirming that water pressure does not exceed 100 psi, shutting off the main water supply, and opening a faucet to relieve pressure, cut into the main water line at the planned tank location. Install the fittings needed to create three connection points: a supply-side ball valve for water going to the tank, a return-side ball valve for water returning to the home, and a mainline isolation ball valve between the two tees.

Important

  • Confirm which side will serve as the supply line to the tank
  • Confirm which side will serve as the return line back to the home
  • Position all three ball valves so they remain accessible after installation
  • Fully seat each fitting before tightening hose clamps
  • Avoid unsupported stress on tees, valves, or connected piping

Checkpoint

  • Main line connection is secure
  • Supply-side ball valve is installed and accessible
  • Return-side ball valve is installed and accessible
  • Mainline isolation ball valve is installed and accessible
  • Hose clamp connections are tightened securely

Note

The supply and return lines from the tank will be connected to these ball valves after the tank-side assemblies are completed.

Parts Used:

9/16-1-1/16" HOSE CLAMP (x12) ↗1 PEX BALL VALVE (x3) ↗1 X 1 X 1 PEX CRMP POLY TEE (x2) ↗

Step 2. Assemble Top Port Feed Connection and Vacuum Relief Valve

Install the fittings required to connect the supply line from the home to the top port assembly of the tank. This top assembly includes the tee and vacuum relief valve, which allow incoming water to enter the tank while protecting the tank from collapse during draining

Note

The tank ports are 1-1/4". If your home’s plumbing is a different size, you may need reducer bushings or other adapting fittings to make the connection.

Important

  • Confirm this assembly will connect to the supply-side ball valve created in Step 1
  • Install the vacuum relief valve at the highest practical point of the top assembly
  • Confirm flow direction before tightening
  • Use thread sealant where needed
  • Do not overtighten threaded plastic fittings

Checkpoint

  • Top port assembly is aligned correctly
  • Supply-side connection point is clearly established
  • Tee is positioned correctly
  • Vacuum relief valve is installed correctly
  • Connections are snug and supported

Parts Used:

¾ MIP VACUUM RELIEF VALVE ↗1-1/4 X 3/4 PVC TT BUSHING 839 ↗1-1/4 PVC TEE TTT 805-012 SCH8 ↗1-1/4 X 1 PVC TT BUSHING 839-1 ↗1-1/4 X 2 PVC SCH 80 NIPPLE ↗

Step 2. Assemble Top Port Feed Connection and Vacuum Relief Valve

Install the fittings required to connect the supply line from the home to the top port assembly of the tank. This top assembly includes the tee and vacuum relief valve, which allow incoming water to enter the tank while protecting the tank from collapse during draining

Note

The tank ports are 1-1/4". If your home’s plumbing is a different size, you may need reducer bushings or other adapting fittings to make the connection.

Important

  • Confirm this assembly will connect to the supply-side ball valve created in Step 1
  • Install the vacuum relief valve at the highest practical point of the top assembly
  • Confirm flow direction before tightening
  • Use thread sealant where needed
  • Do not overtighten threaded plastic fittings

Checkpoint

  • Top port assembly is aligned correctly
  • Supply-side connection point is clearly established
  • Tee is positioned correctly
  • Vacuum relief valve is installed correctly
  • Connections are snug and supported

Parts Used:

¾ MIP VACUUM RELIEF VALVE ↗1-1/4 X 3/4 PVC TT BUSHING 839 ↗1-1/4 PVC TEE TTT 805-012 SCH8 ↗1-1/4 X 1 PVC TT BUSHING 839-1 ↗1-1/4 X 2 PVC SCH 80 NIPPLE ↗

Step 3. Assemble Bottom Return Connection

Install the fittings on the designated bottom port to create the return connection from the tank back to the home system. This is the outlet that carries stored water from the tank toward the return-side ball valve installed in Step 1.

Note

The tank ports are 1-1/4". If your home’s plumbing is a different size, you may need reducer bushings or other adapting fittings to make the connection.

Important

  • Confirm this is the designated return port
  • This connection will carry water from the tank back to the home
  • Support fittings while tightening
  • Do not overtighten threaded connections

Checkpoint

  • Bottom port return assembly is aligned correctly
  • Return-side connection point is clearly established
  • No cross-threading or fitting strain is present
  • Connections are snug and supported

Parts Used:

9/16-1-1/16" HOSE CLAMP ↗1” BARB X 1” MPT COP ADAPT ↗1-1/4 X 1 PVC TT BUSHING 839-1 ↗1-1/4 PVC 90DEG TT ELBOW 5/50 ↗

Step 3. Assemble Bottom Return Connection

Install the fittings on the designated bottom port to create the return connection from the tank back to the home system. This is the outlet that carries stored water from the tank toward the return-side ball valve installed in Step 1.

Note

The tank ports are 1-1/4". If your home’s plumbing is a different size, you may need reducer bushings or other adapting fittings to make the connection.

Important

  • Confirm this is the designated return port
  • This connection will carry water from the tank back to the home
  • Support fittings while tightening
  • Do not overtighten threaded connections

Checkpoint

  • Bottom port return assembly is aligned correctly
  • Return-side connection point is clearly established
  • No cross-threading or fitting strain is present
  • Connections are snug and supported

Parts Used:

9/16-1-1/16" HOSE CLAMP ↗1” BARB X 1” MPT COP ADAPT ↗1-1/4 X 1 PVC TT BUSHING 839-1 ↗1-1/4 PVC 90DEG TT ELBOW 5/50 ↗

Step 4. Assemble Top Port Feed Connection

Measure, cut, and install the plumbing runs that connect the tank to the ball valves installed in Step 1. Connect the supply line from the supply-side ball valve to the top port assembly, and connect the return line from the bottom return assembly to the return-side ball valve. Use 90-degree elbows as needed to transition between vertical and horizontal runs and to align the plumbing cleanly with the tank ports.

Important

  • Confirm the supply line connects from the home to the top port assembly
  • Confirm the return line connects from the bottom return assembly back to the home
  • Use 90-degree elbows where needed to create clean alignment between the tank ports and the horizontal plumbing runs
  • The bottom return connection will typically require a 90-degree elbow to transition from the tank port to the return line
  • The supply connection may also require one or more 90-degree elbows, depending on the height and alignment of the incoming line
  • Verify alignment before securing final connections
  • Tighten all hose clamps securely
  • Avoid creating side load or strain on tank fittings or valves

Checkpoint

  • Supply line from home to tank is connected correctly
  • Return line from tank back to home is connected correctly
  • Vertical and horizontal runs transition cleanly
  • Elbows are oriented correctly
  • Plumbing runs are aligned and supported
  • Hose clamp connections are tightened securely
  • System layout is complete and ready for leak testing

Parts Used:

1 PRO PEX EP ELBOW ↗9/16-1-1/16" HOSE CLAMP ↗1” BARB X 1” MPT COP ADAPT ↗

Step 4. Assemble Top Port Feed Connection

Measure, cut, and install the plumbing runs that connect the tank to the ball valves installed in Step 1. Connect the supply line from the supply-side ball valve to the top port assembly, and connect the return line from the bottom return assembly to the return-side ball valve. Use 90-degree elbows as needed to transition between vertical and horizontal runs and to align the plumbing cleanly with the tank ports.

Important

  • Confirm the supply line connects from the home to the top port assembly
  • Confirm the return line connects from the bottom return assembly back to the home
  • Use 90-degree elbows where needed to create clean alignment between the tank ports and the horizontal plumbing runs
  • The bottom return connection will typically require a 90-degree elbow to transition from the tank port to the return line
  • The supply connection may also require one or more 90-degree elbows, depending on the height and alignment of the incoming line
  • Verify alignment before securing final connections
  • Tighten all hose clamps securely
  • Avoid creating side load or strain on tank fittings or valves

Checkpoint

  • Supply line from home to tank is connected correctly
  • Return line from tank back to home is connected correctly
  • Vertical and horizontal runs transition cleanly
  • Elbows are oriented correctly
  • Plumbing runs are aligned and supported
  • Hose clamp connections are tightened securely
  • System layout is complete and ready for leak testing

Parts Used:

1 PRO PEX EP ELBOW ↗9/16-1-1/16" HOSE CLAMP ↗1” BARB X 1” MPT COP ADAPT ↗

Step 5. Install Drain / Hose Bib Assembly

Install the hose bib on the remaining bottom port to allow access to stored water when needed.

Important

  • Keep the hose bib in the closed position before pressurizing
  • Confirm orientation allows easy access for future draining
  • Confirm this drain connection remains separate from the main return path

Checkpoint

  • Hose bib is closed
  • Drain assembly is secure
  • Access for emergency use is clear
  • Drain port is separate from the return connection

Parts Used:

3/4 IN. BRASS MPT/SWT X MHT QUARTER-TURN HOSE BIBB ↗1-1/4 X 3/4 PVC TT BUSHING 839 ↗1 1/4" THREAD X THREAD PVC BALL VALVE ↗

Step 5. Install Drain / Hose Bib Assembly

Install the hose bib on the remaining bottom port to allow access to stored water when needed.

Important

  • Keep the hose bib in the closed position before pressurizing
  • Confirm orientation allows easy access for future draining
  • Confirm this drain connection remains separate from the main return path

Checkpoint

  • Hose bib is closed
  • Drain assembly is secure
  • Access for emergency use is clear
  • Drain port is separate from the return connection

Parts Used:

3/4 IN. BRASS MPT/SWT X MHT QUARTER-TURN HOSE BIBB ↗1-1/4 X 3/4 PVC TT BUSHING 839 ↗1 1/4" THREAD X THREAD PVC BALL VALVE ↗

Step 6. Strap Tank in Place for Safety

Secure the tank using appropriate wall straps or restraints.

Important

  • Tank must be restrained to prevent shifting or tipping
  • Use anchoring hardware appropriate for the wall type
  • Straps should be snug but not deform the tank

Checkpoint

  • Tank is firmly secured
  • Straps are properly anchored
  • Tank cannot rock or tip under normal conditions

Part Used:

EARTHQUAKE BELT HOLDRITE ↗

Step 6. Strap Tank in Place for Safety

Secure the tank using appropriate wall straps or restraints.

Important

  • Tank must be restrained to prevent shifting or tipping
  • Use anchoring hardware appropriate for the wall type
  • Straps should be snug but not deform the tank

Checkpoint

  • Tank is firmly secured
  • Straps are properly anchored
  • Tank cannot rock or tip under normal conditions

Part Used:

EARTHQUAKE BELT HOLDRITE ↗

System Startup and Leak Check

After all plumbing and strapping is complete:

  • Confirm the hose bib is closed
  • Slowly restore water to the system
  • Inspect all threaded and glued joints for leaks
  • Purge air from the line by opening a faucet in the home
  • Confirm normal household water flow
  • Recheck all fittings after the system is pressurized
  • Confirm the vacuum relief valve is installed and unobstructed

Final Checkpoint

  • No visible leaks
  • Tank is secure
  • Water flow through the system is functioning normally
  • Drain port is closed and ready for emergency use

That's the whole system — simpler than it looks, and peace of mind that lasts for years.

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