Installation Manual: Harvey Hv3 Water Softener

Installing a Harvey HV3 water softener involves placing the non-electric, twin-cylinder unit on a level surface, connecting it to the mains via a bypass manifold, and establishing proper drain and overflow lines. The installation requires 1–6 bar of pressure, with specialized kits for 15mm or 22mm pipes to manage inlet and outlet connections. For detailed technical guidance and installation procedures, consult the official documentation at Harvey Water Softeners.

Harvey water softener review, types and step by step installation.

Step 3: Connecting the Plumbing

The manual strongly recommends installing the softener on a dedicated cold water line, just after the main stop cock. harvey hv3 water softener installation manual

Plumbing options:

Use 22mm copper or plastic pipe with compression fittings.
Alternatively, use the supplied flexible hoses (max length 1 meter).

Critical note: The INLET and OUTLET are clearly marked on the control valve. Reversing them will destroy the softener’s internal components. Installing a Harvey HV3 water softener involves placing

Flow direction:

Inlet = from main water supply
Outlet = to the house cold water system

Step 7: Adjust Softness Blend (Bypass Setting)

The HV3 allows you to blend hard water with softened water to avoid a “slimy” feel. Use 22mm copper or plastic pipe with compression fittings

Use a hardness test kit on your raw water (e.g., 300ppm = very hard).
Start with the bypass blend valve at the factory setting (usually 3 on a 1-10 scale).
Test the water at a kitchen tap. If too soft (slippery), open the bypass slightly more. If scale forms, close bypass.
For most UK homes, setting 2–4 works well.

Step 2: Fit the Overflow Connection (Safety First)

Locate the overflow outlet on the back of the salt tank (near the top).
Screw in the provided plastic elbow.
Attach a 15mm hose (not included) and run it to a nearby floor drain or external gully.
The hose must fall continuously – no dips or kinks.
Do not connect this to the main drain – it’s only for overflow if the float valve jams.

2. Installation Features (from the manual)

Location requirements:
- Must be indoors (frost-free)
- Near an accessible drain (gravity discharge – no pump needed)
- Within 2m of a 230V socket
- Minimum clearance of 100mm on each side for servicing
Plumbing configuration:
- Upflow regeneration design (saves salt & water)
- Flexible or rigid pipework accepted
- Non-return valve required on incoming mains (if not already present)
Drain hose installation:
- 15mm internal diameter reinforced hose
- Air gap required at waste connection (to prevent back-siphonage)
- Maximum drain hose length: 6m with minimum 1:50 fall
Brine tank setup:
- Separate dry salt storage (no submerged salt)
- Initial fill with 50L water + salt (to saturation)

Step 2: Install the Bypass Loop

Most installers create a loop using the provided bypass kit or standard plumbing valves.

Turn off the main water supply at the stopcock.
Drain down: Open the lowest tap in the house to drain remaining water.
Cut the pipe: Cut a section out of the main supply pipe where the softener will sit.
Install the Bypass Valves: Fit three valves:
- One valve on the inlet side.
- One valve on the outlet side.
- A "bypass" valve connecting the inlet and outlet pipes.
- Why? This allows you to isolate the softener for maintenance while keeping hard water running to the house.

Step 3: Connect the Water Supply

The HV3 has a marked IN and OUT on the valve head.

Step 3: Connect the Water Lines

The Harvey HV3 typically has flexible hoses with 15mm compression fittings.

Connect the Inlet: Run a pipe from the main supply (after the stopcock) to the Inlet of the softener. Ensure the arrow on the softener head points in the direction of flow.
Connect the Outlet: Run a pipe from the Outlet of the softener to the house pipe system (that feeds the hot water cylinder and other taps).
Tighten: Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the compression nuts. Do not overtighten, but ensure they are snug.