Water Softener Systems

jackchips_2

Constantin, just pleased to see you back.

Seems you have been awol for a while-all OK?

:-)

Jack

Constantin

Hi Guys...

... mum lives in FL and says she has some pretty hard water. I'm going to have her send a sample to Rhomar for some expert advice, but wonder what kind of standard water softening equipment people here have liked? I'm thinking along the lines of maintainability, durability, etc...

The main beneficiary of this softening system would be the SETS instantaneous water heater, along with the shower valve. Thanks for any advice in advance, C.

Larry Weingarten

This doesn't exactly...

... answer your question, but I'd consider softening only the hot water. Also, leave 60 to 120 ppm TDS in the water so any copper isn't damaged. Leaving cold lines unsoftened gives water for drinking and cooking as well as for watering plants. Some units are using potassium now, which is a benefit at the water treatment plant. Look for a softener that regenerates based on demand, rather than just using a timer. And of course, check the water heater's anode at least every two years. (oops, no anode in tankless)

Constantin, do you have Wetstock plans? ;~)

Yours, Larry

Constantin

Hi Larry!

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it!

I wish I could attend a Wetstock... I'm going to send you an e-mail off-line. Cheers! C.

bob_100

water softener

If you can stay away from electrical timers the better. I've had a two tank Kinetico unit for six years now and it's been extremely trouble free.

Constantin

Interesting Product...

... no external power required. Do you have any idea how much your water pressure dropped as a result of using it? Also, did you or your installer install a sediment or similar filter "upstream" of the Kinetico to keep it sediment-free?

I appreciate the pointer! Cheers!

Unknown

waterright

I recommened Water Right water treatment unit... Depending on your water teat, this unit can remove hardness, mags, iron and sulfer all in one pass. Must NEVER use the iron remover or iron impregated remover salts in these units.
Yes, get the electronic meter unit to save on salt usage.

mtfallsmikey

I always sold

Lancaster water treatment equipment. This stuff is the decesendant of Myers/McCleen. Uses the Fleckenstien timers and heads. Demand timer good, Kinetico good, if you have a well-established dealer nearby. Tap upstream of the softner for drinking water and outside hydrants.

seabee570

softner

My experience is not to soften water for water heaters of any type...this accelerates corrosion process,andlead to lots of damage to tank,heater etc.soft water for steam ok,soft water for hot water,bad idea....

Constantin

All fine...

... just super busy at work, chasing the little one, and attempting to keep up with the other little chores in life. However, i hope to have something interesting for y'all in the near future if my demand recirc circuit works as expected. Thanks for the concern and hope you are well also.

BTW, DOE is gearing up for a rulemaking on water heaters (oil, gas, and electric), instantaneous water heaters (gas only), as well as pool heaters, and some direct heating equipment (room consoles and the like). Here is the opportunity for the installer/maintainer community to get involved...

Home Depot Employee

Seabee

That sounds opposite of what I have heard?

Steam shouldn't be softened and hot water, especially copper tube should?

seabee570

softened water

I am speaking mostly from commercial side.most low and high pressure steam boilers have softened water.I worked at a brand new building that had hot water boilers,low pressure steam boiler,and domestic water heaters with storage tank.engineer specified all water softened. within 3 months the lined storage tank had the lining eaten away,and was not covered by manufacturer due to softened water being fed on cold make-up into hot water heater,and into storage tank.I have been working the field for over 25 years,and this waproblem.Every steam plant I worked in had softened water.this facility was the only one that had soft water going to heaters and tank,and caused big problems.I am pretty sure heater manufacturer also said not to use soft water to water heaters.

seabee570

WATER CHEMISTRY-soft water

from manufacturers website"WATER CHEMISTRY.
THE required temperature rise and the standard pump sizing are based on the heating of potable water with a hardness of 5 to 25 grains per gallon and a total dissolved solids not exceeding 350 ppm.consult the appliance manufacturer when heating potable water exceeding these specifications.WATER WITH A HARDNESS OF LESS THAN 5 GRAINS PER GALLON WILL USUALLY HAVE A LOW PH,WHICH CAN BE AGRESSSIVE AND CORROSIVE CAUSING NON-WARANTABLE DAMAGE TO THE HEATER,PUMP, AND ASSOCIATED PIPING.CORROSION DUE TO WATER CHEMISTRY GENERALLY SHOWS UP FIRST IN THE HOT WATER SYSTEM BECAUSE HEATED WATER INCREASES THE RATE OF CORROSIVE CHEMICAL REACTIONS.This is from the manufacturers website.I think this is pretty much standard with all makers.