Are water softeners required to be connected to lines serving a hose bibb?

Water softeners are typically not required to be connected to the lines serving a hose bibb. The primary purpose of a water softener is to treat water that will be used inside the home for plumbing, cooking, and bathing, particularly where hard water can cause scale buildup in fixtures and appliances. Hose bibbs, on the other hand, are often used for outdoor purposes like watering plants or washing cars, where the effects of hard water are less critical.

In many plumbing systems, it is common practice to provide untreated water to hose bibbs to conserve the life of both the softener and the plumbing. Additionally, local codes may outline specific requirements, but generally, there is no mandate that necessitates the connection of water softeners to hose bibb lines. This is why the choice indicating that they are not required is the correct answer.